HOME > NEWS
NEWS
Passing of Frederick Alan Johnson
August 21, 2010
FREDERICK ALAN JOHNSON 'MR. FRED' King Scout - Gone Home On Eagles' Wings It is with deep sadness that our family announces the unexpected passing of our hero Fred on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 in his 77th year. Cherished husband of Aileen for 52 years. Devoted dad to Laurie, Cathy, F. Gerard, Carol and sons-in-law Roger Gonsalves and Dave Brazeau. Proud Papa of Tracey and Derek Lavoie, Sean Geddes, Brendan, Vanessa and Patricia Oldman and Trevor Gonsalves.
Fred lived his Scout Promise every day of his life. He devoted his life to his family, friends and community. Scarborough Citizen of the Year 1978, Scarborough Ward 7 Councillor 1988-1997. Retired from Giffels & Associates. Drummer, HMCS York Navy Reserve Trumpet Band and ASM Toronto Region Scout Band. Despite critically injuring both legs in 1955 and instantly losing his left leg, Fred gave his all to his city.
Founder: The Toronto Optimist Bantam Drum and Bugle Corps, Guildwood Indians Football Team, 1st Youth Drop-In/East Scarborough, and Scarborough Girls' Hockey League. Recipient Silver Thanks Award Girl Guides of Canada and Co-Founder of The Toronto Optimist Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. The Guildwood Village Community Association (GVCA) presented him with the title of Mr. Guildwood and an honorary life membership for 20 years of volunteering on the executive as Chair/Vice Chair/Sports Director/Guildwood Day Chair/Membership Chair and Treasurer and coining the term 'Guildwood Day'. Fred spent countless midnight hours flooding community outdoor rinks, even though he could no longer skate. Fred learned only recently, to his delight that Councillor Brian Ashton spearheaded a drive to name a new park in his honour. To the paramedics, firefighters and fantastic staff of Centenary Hospital, thank you all for treating our beloved samurai as family. The Toronto Maple Leafs have another fan in Heaven; praying for a Stanley Cup.
Honouring Fred's wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Fred's honour to The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation (Centenary Hospital) or Scouts Canada Foundation - Chief Scout Association. E-mail condolences to king.scout@hotmail.com From a memorial tablet in a Medieval Church in Lincolnshire, U.K. JOHNSON: IN MEMORY OF A LOVING AND BENEVOLENT HUSBAND
Visitation & Funeral
- Honouring Fred's wishes, there will be no funeral.
Memorial
- A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Passing of Stan Biggs
July 16, 2010
Stanley BIGGS BIGGS, Stanley 'Mr. Royalaire' Passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 15, at Guelph General Hospital in his 91st year. Stan will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 68 years, Lil, son Dave and spouse Judy, his treasured grandchildren, Bruce Norton (Isabelle Gaulin), Beth Norton (JP Federico), Joanna Tamilarasan (Maghin) and Pte. Julie McFadden (Matt Birosh) as well as great-grandchildren, Felix, Dante, Kaya, Seneca and Carys, his brother, Lionel Biggs and sister, Katie Firth and his furry friend Indy. Stan's love of marching and music began as a 13 year old when he joined the Guelph Veterans' Band and continued for the rest of his life. After serving in the RCAF during WWII, he joined the 11th Field Regiment Trumpet Band and as the drum major led them to Canadian Championships in 1953 and 1954. In 1955, Stan helped found the Guelph Royalaires Drum Corps whom he would lead as corps director and drum major for many years carrying the name of Guelph proudly throughout North America. Under his leadership, the Royalaires won 16 Canadian championships in 22 years, an unprecedented string of 6 in a row from 1959 - 1964. The corps became widely famed for their entertaining shows and became one of the most successful and popular drum corps of the era. During this time, Stan helped found the Canadian Drum Corps Association and served as its president for 5 years. In 1980, his accomplishments led to his induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. In 1963, Stan's love of parades and children resulted in his taking over the Guelph Santa Claus Parade. For 25 years many Guelphites were delighted by this yearly parade that kicked off the holiday season and which Stan and his wife, Lil, directed from their own home. Today the Santa Claus Parade continues as a Christmas tradition in Guelph. In 1974, Stan was recognized for 'his contributions to enriching the city and bringing honour to Guelph' by being among those who received the inaugural Mayor's Award of Merit. Stan enriched the lives of many people during his 90 years and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL - McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home , One Delhi Street, Guelph (from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday). Service will be held at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL on Monday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. with The Reverend Canon B. Jean Mitchell officiating. A reception will follow in the Trillium Room of the Funeral Home. Cremation with inurnment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions to the Guelph Wish Fund for Children or Guelph Humane Society would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com
Visitation
- from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday July 18
- at GILCHRIST CHAPEL - McIntyre &
Wilkie Funeral Home
One Delhi Street, Guelph N1E 4J3
(519)-824-0031 - Google Map for McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home
Funeral Service
- Monday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m
- at GILCHRIST CHAPEL - McIntyre &
Wilkie Funeral Home
One Delhi Street, Guelph N1E 4J3
(519)-824-0031 - A reception will follow in the Trillium Room of the Funeral Home
- Google Map for McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home
Passing of Stan Biggs
July 15, 2010
'We regret to advise that Stan Biggs, founding member, Drum Major, & Bus Manager of the Guelph Royalaires, passed away early this morning. Stan was an icon in the world of Senior Drum & Bugle Corps for many years. He was an innovative leader and under his direction the Guelph Royalaires soared to great heights in the Senior Drum Corps world. Stan was well known and respected by all who knew him and was a Member of the Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Many of you either marched at some point under Stan's direction or were well acquainted with Stan and his beloved Royalaires - 'the Corps with a heart'
At this early stage, no arrangements have been announced but will be forthcoming soon in the Guelph Mercury for those wishing to send personal condolences.'
Passing of Wayne Dean
May 12, 2010
I'm sad to report that Wayne Dean passed away on Tuesday, May 11th. Wayne marched in the Toronto Optimists from 1965 to 1969. He had also been a member of the Optimists Alumni Corps. He will be missed by all who knew him.
'DEAN, Wayne Anthony - Peacefully in his 62nd year, Wayne lost his long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was a model of strength, dignity, courage and determination, always staying true to his motto, 'Never give up.' Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, his children Christian (Jenni) and Alexis, who brought so much joy and pride to his life, and by his beloved sister Vivian Smith, whose love and kindness will always be remembered. Sadly missed by his many sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. Friends and family may call at the Turner & Porter 'Yorke' Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of Jane subway, Toronto on Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Chapel on Friday, May 14, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. followed by a reception at the funeral home. If desired, donations to the Parkinson Society would be appreciated by the family. '
Visitation and Service
- The visitation and service will be at the
Turner and Porter Funeral Home
Yorke Chapel (near Bloor & Jane Subway)
2357 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6S 1P4
(416) 767-3153
www.turnerporter.ca
Google Map to funeral home - Visitation
Thursday from 3 to 5.00 pm
Thursday from 7 to 9.00 pm - The Service will take place at the funeral home on
Friday, May 14th at 3:30 pm
A reception will follow the service.
Passing of Wayne Dean
April 7, 2010
I'm sad to report that Bob Cook passed away on Monday, April 5th. Bob goes back to the very beginnings of the Optimists. He was a member of the Boy Scout band, Opti-Corps and the Toronto Optimists. Bob marched in the Colour Guard and, in 1961, he was Guard captain.
'COOK, Robert Gordon - September 22, 1941 - April 5, 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Bob of Aurora. Beloved husband and best friend of Margaret. Devoted father of Lynn (Rob) and Michelle Christie (Iain). Brother of the late Ron (Rosemary). Son of Violet and the late Robert. Uncle of Phil, Amanda and Jeremy. Bob was very personable and acquired many friends. Employed in his earlier years at Ontario Hydro H.L. Hearn Generating Station for 18 years was also employed with York Central Hospital as Stationery Engineer. Bob had a great love of his garden, pool and loved to travel. Friends may call at the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Pkwy. S. (northeast corner of Industrial Pkwy. S. and Yonge), Aurora, 905-727-5421, from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of the Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11 a.m. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online tributes may be left at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com'
Visitation and Service will be at
- The funeral will take place on Friday, April 9 at 11:00 am
www.thompsonfh-aurora.com
530 Industrial Pkwy. S. (northeast corner of Industrial Pkwy. S. and Yonge)
Aurora, ON
905-727-5421 - Visitation: 10 - 11 am Friday (just before the funeral)
TOTAL ITEMS:
150
On This Page:
All Headlines: