NEWS

With great sadness we have to tell you that another former Optimist is no longer with us. We have just learned that John Kernahan has passed away. John was a member of the Toronto Optimists' horn line in 1969.

A Celebration of John's Life

• A celebration of John's life will be held at St. George's Anglican Church, 83 Church St. in St. Catharines on Saturday August 24th at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the Celtic Club, 14 Secord Dr.

Thank you from Maxine Layton, Mark and Marshall and family to all of those who attended the service for Mike or sent condolences. Dad always talked about the Optimist Corps and the good times he had while being involved with it. I fondly remember being dragged to shows in Syracuse or Rochester to see a show or to go to a Optimist practice downtown Toronto. He really cherished the time with the corps and I believe he wishes his health was better to be more involved with the Alumni corps.

It is with much sadness the we have to tell you that another former Optimist is no longer with us. We have just learned that Mike Layton passed away on Thursday, July 25th. In 1957 Mike played tenor drum with Opti-Corps then, when Opti-Corps became the Toronto Optimists, Mike marched with them. He was Guard Captain from 1958 through 1960 then instructed the guard in 1961.

Obituary

Passed away at the age of 73 at Niagara General Hospital on July 25, 2013. Loving husband of Maxine. Beloved father of Mark Bentley (Marilyn) and Marshall Lee Andrew. Devoted Papa of Kayleigh, Tyler and Michelle. Cherished by brother Donald of Georgetown and sister Francine Patchett of Burlington. Will be missed greatly by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Retired employee of Ford Motor Company and Long-time member of the Toronto Optimists Drum and Bugle Corps.

Visitation and Funeral

• Both the visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday Aug 3rd 2013
• Location: Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens
  3164 Ninth Line (corner of Ninth line and Dundas street)
  Oakville, ON L6H 7A8
  (905) 257-1100
• Visitation: from 10:00 am until 11:00 am
• Service: From 11:00 am until noon
• Reception: noon until 2:00 pm
• Google map to Glen Oaks Memorial Gardens

With great sadness we have to tell you that another former Optimist is no longer with us. We have just learned that Colin Hedworth has passed away. Colin began his drum corps career with the Danforth Crusdaders. Together with Lorne & Barry & Joe and many others Colin moved to the newly formed Toronto Optimists. Colin stayed with the Optimists until he aged out in 1962. Many years later Colin was still helping the corps, this time by driving the equipment truck for the Seneca Optimists.

Service and Cremation

• Thursday, July 25th at 11:00 am
• at Pine Hills Chapel & Cemetery
  625 Birchmount Rd
  Scarborough, ON M1K 1R1
  416) 267-8229
• Google map to Pine Hills

Sadly another former Optimist is no longer with us. We have just learned that Bill Jay passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013. Bill marched with the Toronto Optimists, was Drum Major for the Optimist Bantams and marched with the Jesters.

Obituary

At Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, April 21, 2013, Bill Jay, Palgrave, at the age of 75 years, beloved husband of almost 54 years of Marie Elford. Loving father of Brian, Christine, Scott and his wife Ruby. Adored grandfather of Cecilia, Tysen, William, Charlotte, Ryan, and Bryce. Dear brother of Betty Murray. Fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Wednesday evening 7 - 9pm. The service will be held in the chapel on Thursday morning, April 25 at 11:30am, followed by cremation.

Visitation and Funeral

• Visitation: Wednesday, April 24th from 7 - 9 pm
• Service: Thursday, April 25th at 11:30 am
• at Egan Funeral Home
  203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50)
  Bolton, ON L7E 2C6
  (905) 857-2213
• Google map to Egan Funeral Home