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The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of James Everett Walker, OLS 1334 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Jim Walker on March 15, 2024 only two hours shy of his 83rd birthday. The family described him as a quiet, strong, and determined man who could achieve anything he set his mind to. An Ontario and Canada Land Surveyor, Jim thrived in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, enjoying expeditions in the mountains of British Columbia, the savannas of Africa, and closer to home. He instilled valuable life lessons in his family, teaching them survival skills, the importance of hard work, and how to embrace life to the fullest. Jim was exceptionally proud of his family and was never happier than when the kids were at home. He will be forever loved by Burnie, his wife of 62 years, children Jane, Laura, John and Peter and their partners, four beautiful granddaughters, six handsome grandsons, two amazing little great-grandsons, along with eight step-grandchildren and an adorable little step great-granddaughter. Jim will be sadly missed by his eight brothers and sisters and their families, including many nieces and nephews who were so proud of their Uncle Jim, and many great-nieces and -nephews. He was so very loved and will be sorely missed. Cremation has taken place at Lakeview Crematorium, Haileybury, and Jim's ashes will be spread in a number of places that were especially meaningful to him. A gathering of family and close friends will be held later this summer. Arrangements entrusted to Buffam Leveille Funeral Home-Englehart Location 705-672-3122. Donations to the charity of your choice will be gratefully appreciated
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The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Anthony (Tony) Frederick Roberts, OLS 1001 Anthony Frederick Roberts, affectionately known as Tony, was born on March 13, 1938, in Nether Whitacre, England. He peacefully passed away on February 16, 2024. Tony was predeceased by his loving parents, Dorothy and Joseph James Roberts. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ivy Campbell (nee Ovens), his sister Hazel (Ron) Barton, brother Michael (Sandy) Roberts, niece Robyn (Al) Buonomo, and nephew Andrew (Michelle) Barton. Tony dedicated his professional life as a retired Ontario Land Surveyor, leaving a legacy of excellence in his field. He was a cherished member of the Scouts Canada community for over 60 years, where his commitment and passion were recognized with the prestigious Silver Acorn Award for especially distinguished service to scouting. Tony was also a member of Holy Trinity Church, where his faith and kindness touched many lives. In keeping with Tony's wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A service to honour Tony will be held on Saturday, March 2 at Holy Trinity Church 7820 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls at 11 am with reception to follow at Betty's Restaurant. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of David Robert Watt, OLS CR152 David Robert Watt passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, January 26th 2023 at the Greater Niagara General Hospital at 55 years of age. Beloved husband and best friend of 30 years to Karen and loving Dad of Fiona and Erin (Drew). He was predeceased by his father Robert and leaves behind his loving mother Patricia, siblings Michael (Christine) and Pauline (Jim). Cherished son-in-law of Maureen and Bill Starrs and brother-in-law to Cheryl Starrs (Susie). Special uncle to Meghan, Clare and Frances. David’s family would like to thank the ICU team at GNGH for the care provided to David prior to his passing. 55 years doesn’t seem long enough…but David packed a huge life into those years. He travelled all over the world and journeyed through life with a great sense of humour. He especially enjoyed mentoring and supporting his staff at GM BluePlan and took great joy in their successes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the NHS-Foundation, Walker Family Cancer Centre or a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Laurence G. Smith, OLS #1080 It is with great sadness that we have to share the passing of Laurence George Smith on January 2nd, 2024, after a short illness. Born in Norfolk General Hospital in 1934, he was raised in Bloomsburg, Ontario in the rolling flatness of Ontario's tobacco country. Being a rural boy, his activities extended to lots of horseplay and a bit of mischief, concentrating mainly on lots of fresh air and adventure with his siblings and friends from school, whom he still talked of fondly even into his late eighties. Attending Simcoe Composite High School, he shone in his final year, winning the "Best Boy" commendation of the school in 1953. After graduating in 1953, he secured a place at Queen's University where he began his studies in Civil Engineering, but focused primarily on land surveying, culminating in his graduation in 1958. Looking for summer work in 1955, Laurence wound up taking employment with L.P. Stidwill in Cornwall, Ontario during the construction of the Seaway, and wound up meeting the love of his life, Kathryn, whom he married in 1957. Blessing himself with four children and all the work, sweat, and exhaustion that entails, Laurence still had time for various hobbies like membership in the Cornwall Olde Car Club, becoming a piper for the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders, learning that he could be a devoted darts and euchre player at the local Legion, and taking up cactus growing as a passion. Sadly in 1988, Laurence's first wife passed away and he was very fortunate to find Joyce as his new partner to enter his new chapter of life, until she sadly too passed away in 2008. Calling it quits at age 62, Laurence found that retirement agreed eminently with him, and wound up spending the remainder of his days pottering about in the garden, doing all the puzzles in the local newspaper, finding out that he had a knack for gourmet cooking, foraging for morels in the springtime, surfing the internet with great gusto, watching the Toronto Blue Jays with great frustration, and being a doting grandfather to all his grandchildren. He will be missed. The family would like to extend their warmest thanks to the wonderful staff at Cornwall Community Hospital, especially Sandy, Christian, Christina, Emily, Leila, Dr. Westergaard, and Dr. Givari for the exceptional care and comfort as he prepared for his next journey. There will be a small service in the springtime for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations to either Cornwall Community Hospital or Springhill Cemetery in Vernon, Ontario would be appreciated The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Ralph Smith, OLS #898 Ralph Angus Smith passed away peacefully on December 25, 2023 at Fairhaven at the age of 91 years. Beloved husband of Doris (nee McCluskey) for 70 years. Loving father of Debbie Fournier (Mark), Ron Smith (Chris Biggar), Barb Smith-Perrin (Layton) and the late Don Smith. Proud Granddad of Andrew Smith and Lucas Smith-Perrin. Predeceased by his parents Angus and Dorothy Smith, his sister Catherine Juno and brother Doug Smith. Special thanks to the staff and management at Fairhaven and Peterborough Regional Health Centre for their care of Ralph over the past five months. A private service exclusive to family was held, however, another service may take place at a later time. If so desired, donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Fred Petrich, OLS #1536 After a brave battle with a brief illness, it is with heavy hearts that the family of Manfred “Fred” Petrich announce his peaceful passing on November 19, 2023. Predeceased by his parents, Edmund and Alma, Fred is survived by his loving sons: Ryan (Renee), and Drew (Katie); brother: Werner/Pepe; nephews Robert and Michael, and countless friends. Fred was born in Germany, arriving to Canada with his family not long after that. Once here, he excelled in school and developed a knack for hockey. Hockey would remain a lifelong passion, hobby, and – oft – reason to make “comments” at the television. Later in life, his focus turned to golf. During the spring, summer, and fall, Fred could be found spending many leisurely hours at various golf tournaments and more specifically, the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club where he remained a passionate and dedicated member. Fred graduated from the University of Toronto in 1976, ultimately becoming a licensed Ontario Land Surveyor, a designation that was complemented by his entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout his life, Fred built, developed, and purchased a number of businesses. He expertly balanced being outdoors, managing his businesses, and pursuing his passions over the course of his lifelong career. However happy Fred was at the business, he was happiest spending time up at his cottage in Haliburton. If he was missing, he could likely be found dropping a line in the lake, attempting poorly considered cottage renovations on his own, and enjoying a beer on the dock. We'll miss seeing his smiling face by the campfire on cool evenings, celebrating a job well done and sharing many laughs. Imparting his love for the outdoors, hockey, music and hard work on his children, his family will honour his legacy by cultivating those passions in much the same ways. The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff on the Medicine/Nephrology and Palliative floors at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for caring so diligently for Fred in his final days. Fred’s sons hosted a celebration of life on November 29, 2023 between 1-4pm at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club. All are welcome to come, share stories and toast a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you please consider a donation to The Kidney Foundation ( https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a- Gift/In-Memory-Tribute-Donations ) or Ontario Fishing and Wildlife Fund ( https://www.ofah.org/fwfund/ ) And consider supporting being an organ donor. For more information, please see: beadonor.ca and giftoflife.on.ca , or confirm your donation status with services.gov.on.ca . The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Martin Kupferschmidt, OLS 1368. Martin Kupferschmidt, loving husband, father, opa, uropa, uncle, sibling and friend, left this world on the day of his 85th birthday, November 11, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge, Ontario. Martin was born on November 11, 1938, in Filipowo, Austria. During the 2nd World War Martin’s family was forced into a concentration camp where he learned to snare birds in order to help save his family from starvation. Incredibly, at the young age of five, he escaped this camp under the folds of his aunt's skirt, learned to speak Hungarian and miraculously avoided capture from Serbian soldiers. Through incredible determination and fortitude Martin and his family were reunited after five years in Austria. Martin immigrated alone to Canada at a young age arriving with $2 dollars left in his pocket yet he managed to create a life filled with success and happiness. Martin had an incredible ability to make something out of nothing. His Canadian life began with a short stint at Pillar Meats and BF Goodrich in Kitchener. He met Gerarda Maria Petronella (Helmond) the love of his life in Kitchener, Ontario. She first caught his eye while outside the Bell telephone building while he was surveying and then again when he saw her dancing beautifully at the Alpine Club. They were engaged shortly after and married in 1962. Following the building of his first home, they moved their young family north to Muskoka in 1968, trading that new home for a gas station on Hwy 11, Gravenhurst. He graduated with a degree in Land Surveying (Engineering) from University of Toronto in 1974. After which, he started his own company in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Martin and Gerarda's romance lasted 40 years and was blessed with three wonderful children. With remarkable determination and grit, he built a number of homes for his family (including one off the grid). His resilience and resourcefulness were truly commendable. An entrepreneurial visionary with a brilliant mind and an aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving, Martin possessed a unique talent for tackling any challenge that came his way. Whether it was figuring out how to rebuild a 70-foot long 1903 ship, purchasing a snowmobile dealership, teaching himself how to use the new trendy windsurfer, honing true hunting skills using compound bow & blackpowder, wine making, golf, curling or being a member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, he approached every task he set his mind too with unwavering determination and a unique ability to succeed. Following a 20-year career as a land surveyor and property investor, he retired at 50 years of age to utilize his talents in commercial and home renovations, building their final forever home on Lake Muskoka and supporting his wife in her fashion business. He tragically lost the late Gerarda much too soon but while continuing to visit their beloved 2nd home in Ozello, Florida, he met Normajean Fahey a few years later to share time together until her recent passing. Martin will be dearly missed by his children: Paul (Sandy), Richard (Sandra), and Barbara (Chrigel). His love and guidance will forever remain in their hearts as they honour his memory through the values he instilled in them, including you can do anything you put your mind to. His grandchildren Cody (Kristina), Jordan (Jesse), Wyatt (Chloe), Alex, Griffin, Korina, and Niko have wonderful memories of adventures and life lessons learned from their opa. Martin was fortunate to have great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to his life. Lawrence, Sasha, and Agnes provided a great source of entertainment for their uropa. Martin is predeceased by his parents Anna (Keller) and Paul Kupferschmidt and survived by his siblings Jakob (Irena), Annemarie, Erna (Enrique) and Paul Jr. In his 85 adventurous years Martin earned the love, respect and admiration not only from immediate family but his many nieces, nephews and friends alike. He will be missed greatly but never forgotten. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. at Cavill Funeral Home located at 215 Bay Street in Gravenhurst, Ontario.The Celebration of Life service for Martin Kupferschmidt will follow at noon. Following the service will be a lunch to to honour Martin's remarkable life and share cherished memories at 375 Loudon Point Road. Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital or the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre. Please click the link below to make a donation: Canadian Diabetes Association: https://www.diabetes.ca/contact-us/contact-us South Muskoka Memorial Hospital: https://www.mahc.ca/en/index.aspx Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre: https://realmuskoka.com/donations/ TO ORDER FLOWERS FOR MARTIN'S SERVICE, PLEASE CALL THE LOCAL FLORIST, BLOOMING MUSKOKA AT (705) 687-6622 The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of William Joseph Probert, OLS 1405. William Joseph “Bill” Probert, age 92, passed away on on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the Northside Community Guest Home. Born in Middle River, November 28, 1930, Bill was the son of the late William and Rachel (MacQuarrie) Probert. He was employed as a civil servant with the federal government and later as a land surveyor with the City of Toronto until his retirement in 1995. Throughout his time in Ontario, Bill was also employed part time at the Maple Leaf Gardens, a job which fostered his love of hockey and made him a lifelong Toronto Maple Leaf fan. Bill loved animals and always had fury members of his family. There were many lucky animals that found their way to his doorstep and found a forever home. Bill was very musically inclined and played many instruments, self-taught. He loved Cape Breton fiddle music and always made sure to attend summer concerts during his visits to Cape Breton. Upon his retirement Bill returned to Nova Scotia, first to Dartmouth and later to North Sydney to be close to his brother and sisters. Bill was a member of St. Matthew Wesley United Church. Bill is survived by his daughters Christine Probert and Linda Scoville, both of Calgary, and Cindy (Gilbert) Rose, Yarmouth; a number of grandchildren; nieces Donna Kalyn and Pat Wild of Ontario, Louise Smith, Sydney Mines; nephew Brian Probert, of Ontario; several great grandchildren and many grand nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Bill was predeceased by his wife Thelma “Pat” Probert, brothers Alexander and Donald, sisters Janet Probert and Laura (Gordon) Smith, nephew Paul Smith. Bill was blessed by the care and support of his sister Laura and niece Louise. The family would like to thank the staff of Theresa Terrace for their kindness and care. A very special and heartfelt thank you to Jacqueline. Your compassion, kindness and care will never be forgotten. Bill always knew it would be a good day when he saw the "red shoes". No visitation by request. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 11:00 am, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney with Rev Stephen Mills officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton SPCA or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.wjdooley.com . The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of Wayne Wollerman, OLS #1409 Wayne went home to Jesus at Quinte Hospice peacefully after a long battle with cancer on September 13, 2023. Wayne is dearly missed by Colleen, his wife of 51 years, his children Beth & Colin Lake, Greg & Christine Wollerman & Geo Wollerman Moffatt. He loved being a Grandad to 10 grandchildren & one great granddaughter. Wayne had retired from being an Ontario Land Surveyor in 2013. He had a passion for motorcycles, his Harley was his favourite! A special thank you to Quinte Hospice. The family would appreciate donations be given to the Hospice. The Association of Ontario Land Surveyors is sad to notify you of the death of John Crowther Blackburn, OLS #909 John died on September 2, 2023, at Copper Terrace Long Term Care Facility in Chatham, Ontario, in his 99th year. He was born in North Yorkshire, the second child of Joseph and Winifred Blackburn. Predeceased by his sister Margaret in England and brother David (Barbara) in Australia. Survived by sister Helen (Herb) of B.C. John emigrated to Canada as a young man, became a land surveyor and worked in the Hamilton area for many years. He was married to Frances McIlwain (1977) for 27 years and Madelynne Pringle (2020) for 40 years. He is survived by his children Susan (Terry Tippin) and Joseph Blackburn, and by his stepchildren Melanie Hill (Bill) and Paul Sheppard (Darlene 2015). Always kind and patient, he will be missed as well by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As he wished, John's body has been donated to Western University for medical research and education. A private family gathering was held. Arrangements entrusted to Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, N7M 1J9, 519-352-2710. |
If you have information on a fellow AOLS member who has recently passed away please let us know by sending us an email to [email protected]. Archives
February 2024
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