You are here

Home » Local

Obituaries

WESLEY MILLER

Wednesday, Jul 4, 2018

Wesley George Miller, 62, of Thunder Bay, Ont. and formerly of Fort Frances, Ont., passed away at home, with his family by his side, on Monday, June 25, 2018 after a short battle with cancer.

A private interment will take place in Fort Frances.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Wes' family requests that in memoriam donations be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation—Northern Cancer Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at everestofthunderbay.com

SYLVIA MYRTLE McKELVIE

Wednesday, Jul 4, 2018

The family of Sylvia Myrtle McKelvie sadly announces her passing, at the age of 87, on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home in Fort Frances, Ont.

She leaves behind her son, Jason; daughter, Adrian and her children, Joshua and Jade (Curtis), and grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, and Jaylyn; daughter, Janace; daughter, Kim (Dave) and her children, Aaron (Sarah) and Justin, and grandchildren, Farren, Jacob, Aaron, and Suzannah; grandson, Jeromy Wensley; brother, Howie (Arlene) Duponte; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as a large family in Ozland, Norway.

SANDRA LOUISE NEILSON

Wednesday, Jul 4, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Sandra Louise Neilson announces her passing on June 27, 2018 at the Riverside Health Care Facility in Fort Frances, Ont., due to cervical cancer, at the young age of 63.

Ebony Stilborn was at her side when she peacefully passed.

Born Janice Ruth on Jan. 15, 1955 in Fort Frances, Sandy was adopted to Moie and Marjorie Neilson at five months old. She and brother, Kurt Neilson, grew up on the farm north of Stratton.

ARMANDO AZEVEDO

Wednesday, Jul 4, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Armando Azevedo, 65, of Fort Frances Ont., on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Emo, Ont.

A complete obituary will follow.

BARNEY MAHER

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018

On June 15, 2018, Barney Maher passed away in his sleep.

He is survived by Ellen, John, John Eric (Eloise, Nicholas, and Aurora), Neil, Britta, MaryBeth, Young Jeff, Stephanie, Ron, Heather, Cameron, Motes, Kathleen, and Claude.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lois.

GUY MEILLEUR

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Guy Edward Meilleur announces his passing on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Guy was born on Nov. 15, 1965 in Calgary, Alta. to Edward and Lynn Meilleur.

JOYCE SMITH

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018

It is with deepest sympathy that the family announces the passing of Joyce Smith (nee Wolden), at the age of 92, on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Roseview Manor in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Joyce was born on May 6, 1926 in Fort Frances, Ont. and excelled at school, attending college at a young age.

She was devoted to her large extended family of aunts and cousins, always willing to help out. Her kindness was evident throughout her life.

BLANCHE OLGA BERNIER

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018

Sadly, the family announces the passing of Blanche Olga Bernier (nee Olinyk), 98, of Rainy River, Ont., on Thursday, June 21, 2018.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at our Lady of Good Counsel in Rainy River, with Fr. Thomas officiating.

Parish prayers will be offered one hour prior to mass.

Interment to follow immediately at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River.

SAMANTHA JOLENE CALDER (Bear Clan)

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018

She began her journey to the spirit world on Friday, June 22, 2018 in Fort Frances, Ont. Samantha will join her family who have travelled on before her.

Samantha was born on Nov. 3, 1983 in Winnipeg, Man.

She is survived by her mother, Charlene Joanna Calder (nee Tom) of Winnipeg, Man.; father, Terry Atikinson of Roseau River, Man.; special Daddio, Carlton Howard of Montreal, Que.; and her children, Bryce Kabatay and Aara Kabatay (and their father, Ricky Kabatay) and Raiina Calder-Levasseur (and her father, Clinton Levasseur).

CYNTHIA HARNETT

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Cynthia Harnett announces her peacefully passing on Sunday, June 17, 2018 in the Ottawa hospital with her family by her side.

A private service will be held at a future date in Thunder Bay, Ont.

DENNIS (BUZZ) LaFRANCE

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

Dennis (Buzz) LaFrance passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Northland Village in Hoyt Lakes, Mn.

Buzz was born in Fort Frances, Ont. on Aug. 1, 1933 to Arthur and Madorra LaFrance.

After high school, he became an American citizen and went to work at the papermill in International Falls, Mn. prior to being drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War from 1952-54.

JEAN ANN BAKER

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

Jean Ann Baker, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home in Fort Frances, Ont.

Jean was born in Wayzata, Mn. on June 29, 1931.

She is survived by her children, Shane and Chris; and her grandchildren, Kirsten and Megan.

As per Jean's request, there will be no service and interment will take place at a later date.

If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.

CHASE TANNER COPENACE

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

It is with profound sorrow that the family of Chase Tanner Copenace announces his passing on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.

Chase was born on May 20, 2000 in Fort Frances to Darryl Johnson and Janine Copenace. He was raised in Fort Frances and enjoyed playing hockey and spending time with his siblings.

RACHEL HILL

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

Rachel Frances Hill, devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to so many, ended her journey with breast cancer on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

She rode through her illness as she lived her life—with grace, dignity, and courage; meeting every challenge head on. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Rachel was born on Dec. 15, 1963 in Hastings, England. Her family later immigrated to Canada in 1966.

BESSIE VIVIAN ATATISE (Niigaanigabawiik)

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Bessie Atatise announces her passing on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care Home in Fort Frances, Ont.

She was born on Nov. 23, 1933 in Lac La Croix First Nation to George and Elizabeth Ottertail. She grew up in Lac La Croix and lived there most of her life.

She was united in marriage to Bob Atatise on March 14, 1956 and together they raised 11 children. Her family was her life; nothing gave her more joy than being with them. She always said that her “best” job was raising her family.

BARNEY MAHER

Wednesday, Jun 20, 2018

If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.

WILL ROGERS

On June 15, 2018

BARNEY MAHER

left us to be among the waves of Swell Bay with man’s best friends.

A longer obituary, with celebration of life details, will follow.

BARNEY MAHER

Monday, Jun 18, 2018

Barney Maher passed away peacefully on Friday, June 15, 2018 at his residence in Deer Lodge in Winnipeg, Man. at the age of 95.

A complete obituary will follow.

ORVAL GRANT JOSEPH KELLY (Oozaii magakii-gaa niigaa nabit)

Thursday, Jun 14, 2018

Orval peacefully passed on to the spirit world early at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

He was predeceased by great-grandmother, Rosie Madden; mother, Virgina Kelly (nee Blackburde); father, Patrick Kelly Sr.; grandparents, Gilbert and Charlotte Blackburde (nee Mainville), and Alex and Marjorie Kelly (nee Madden); sister, Janice Blackburde and brothers, Murray and Rocky Kelly; niece, Jocelyn Kelly Duck; and great-uncle, John Madden, who raised Orval.

We, as his family, will greatly miss his presence but we all know he is in a far better place, with no more suffering.

BELLA MAE NOBLE

Wednesday, Jun 13, 2018

Bella Mae Noble, born on July 28, 1932, passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

She was predeceased by her son, Kenneth Stubbs, and daughter, Karen Stubbs; and brother, Harold Harvey.

She is survived by her husband, J. Bruce Noble; daughter, Laurie Alps (Quadra Island, B.C.); grandchildren, Katheleen Stubbs, Randy Stubbs, Dylan Alps, and Jared Alps; great-grandchildren, Desiree Stubbs-Legault, Coen Stubbs, Jaxen Evers, and Riley Evers; brothers, Walter Anderson, Jerry Anderson (Ont.), and Roger Anderson; and half-sister, Valerie (Ray) Calder (Ont.)

JOANNE HELEN LUCYK

Wednesday, Jun 13, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Joanne Helen Lucyk (nee Lawler) on Monday, May 28, 2018.

Joanne was born on March 22, 1947 in Fort Frances, Ont.

After graduating high school, she moved to Winnipeg. In 1972, she married her husband, Ken. Together they made their home in Winnipeg and raised a family.

She was predeceased by her mother, Nora; father, William (Bud); and sister, Marlene.

ED JEWETT

Wednesday, Jun 13, 2018

In loving memory of Ed Jewett, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at home with his loved ones by his side.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Linda, of 55 years; two daughters, Bonnie (Pete) Hatfield and Tammie (Carey) Basaraba; three grandchildren, Tina (Adrian) Piche, Kevin Basaraba, and Peter (Dawn) Hatfield; seven great-grandchildren who were his everything, Zachary and Brennan Piche, Joshawa and Kaydance Hatfield, and Zayne, Hudson, and Hendrix Basaraba; as well as many nieces nephews and extended family.