NEWS

It's hard to believe that we have tell you about the passing of yet another Optimist. We have just learned that Glenn Copp passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Glenn played Cymbals with the Toronto Optimists from about 1959 through 1962. He also played Cymbals in the Alumni Corps from its inception until about 2008. We'll miss you.

Celebration of Life

Glenn's family has planned a Memorial Tribute to allow Glenn's friends to gather and celebrate his life. Unfortunately it has been planned for Sunday, March 18, the same day as our rehearsal and the Tribute to Andy.

The Celebration of Glenn's life will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 13, 1577 Kingston Road (Four blocks east of Warden Avenue) Scarborough, Ontario M1N 1S3. Click on the link for a Google Map to the Legion.

Obituary

COPP, Glenn Warren — Aged 69 years of Toronto, ON, passed away in his home March 1, 2012. Born October 18, 1942 he was the first of two children to the late Warren and Dorothy Copp. He will be forever remembered by his wife Irene. His three sons Colin, Peter and David. He leaves behind three grandchildren Darcy, Reese and Zephyr. He will also be remembered by his younger sister Gale Bourjot and her family. Glenn will always be known for his: 'do it himself' attitude, love of jazz radio and classic cars, mechanical aptitude, his willfulness to help others, the yellow cottage on Lake Couchiching, an extensive career at The Toronto Dominion Bank and being a strong provider for his family. An informal get together to celebrate his life will take place on Sunday, March 18th, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion. 1577 Kingston Rd., Scarborough.

Sadly I must tell you about the passing of yet another former Optimist. Andy Henderson passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2012. Andy marched with Optimists in the early 1960s. He started off on rifle then moved to Guard Captain. In 1964 Andy and Vern Johansson were our Drum Majors and in 1965 Andy was our Drum Major. After the 1965 season Andy moved to Commanders.

Andrew had been living in California since about the mid-1980s. About five years ago he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Andrew reacted well to the treatments and recovered very well; however, as sometimes happens, the cancer returned.

At this time we do not have any information regarding funeral arrangements. Hopefully a memorial service will be held in Toronto so that his many friends can gather and celebrate his life. We'll keep you informed.

Memorial Tribute

A Memorial Tribute has been planned to allow Andy's friends to gather and celebrate his life. It will be held Sunday, March 18 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 344, on Lakeshore Road in Toronto. It will begin around 4:30pm, after the Alumni Corps' rehearsal. Click on the link for a Google map to the Legion.

Obituary

ANDREW J. CAVANAGH HENDERSON — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew J. Cavanagh Henderson this past Monday, February 27, 2012. Andrew died suddenly of pneumonia at the early age of 68 in Walnut Creek, California. Andrew was born on September 24, 1943 in Brighton, England and proudly described himself as a war baby since his mother Toni Andrews and father Edward Cavanagh met while fighting in Italy during World War II. Raised in Toronto from the age of 3, Andrew went on to become a distinguished commercial film editor and director. Pursuing his dreams Andrew picked up and moved to Walnut Creek, California in 1984. Andrew will be remembered by many for his loving heart, playful loving nature, charm, wit and wicked sense of humour. He described his greatest moments as being spent at family gatherings. Andrew will be greatly missed by his 2 sons, Griff and Tim Henderson and daughters-in- law Sarah Henderson, Teresa Crarer and Sharyn Bradley and his devoted mother Toni, his dear sister Glennis, his loving partner Kate Harling, his step- children Greg and Brad Crarer, Tracy Radcliffe and Julie Clarke and his lifetime friend Jackie. Andrew's greatest impressions will be left on his 13 grandchildren. The emptiness his passing has left with those of us who loved him can never be filled. He was an original and will be forever missed and loved.

Sadly I must tell you about the passing of another friend and corps member. Bogo Avsec passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Bogo was a former member of both the Optimists Alumni and the Toronto Signals. After he gave up marching Bogo continued his love of playing by joining the trumpet section of the Burlington Concert Band.

Obituary

AVSEC, Bogo — 1945-2012 Peacefully on February 16th after a long, tough battle with cancer with his dear wife, Marijana at his side. Cherished father of Michelle (Misa), Bogo Martin, Bernadine (Bernie) and husband Zack and Jennifer (Jenny) and fianc? Glenn and beloved Dedek to Dylan. Bogo will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humour and positive outlook on life right until the very end. Bogo always wanted to attend university and was finally given that chance now that he has donated his body for medical research at University of Toronto. Friends are invited to attend Mass at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church at 739 Browns Line on Monday, February 20 at 11 a.m.

Funeral

• Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:00 am
• Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church
  739 Brown's Line
  Etobicoke
• Google map to Church

Congratulations to parents Shannon and Tina Sweeney and to grandpa Terry. On January 8, 2012, Shannon and Tina, once again, became parents. This time Tina presented Shannon with a 9lb 11oz boy. Tina and their new son are doing great.

Sadly I must tell you about another fallen comrade. Gene Chepswick passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Gene was a member of the Toronto Optimists from about 1962 through 1965. In 1964 and 1965 he was our Guard Captain.

Obituary

Chepswick, Gene: Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Health Centre on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the age of 67. Beloved husband of Karin. Cherished son of Mary Chepsesuik, dear brother of Lynne Chepsesuik and beloved son-in-law of Wally Frost. Gene will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter 'Yorke' Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere east of Jane subway, on Saturday January 7, 2012 for a Service of Remembrance to be held in the Chapel at 3 p.m. For those who wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Memorial Service

• Saturday, January 7, 2012
• 3:00 pm
• Turner and Porter Funeral Home
  Yorke Chapel (near Bloor & Jane Subway)
  2357 Bloor Street West
  Toronto, ON M6S 1P4
  (416) 767-3153
  Turner & Porter 'Yorke' Chapel
  Google Map to funeral home