James Douglas McCartney

May 6, 1942 - April 2, 2025

In the early hours of April 2nd, 2025, James (Jim) Douglas McCartney passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him dearly. Jim is survived by his sister Donna (Andrechuk), his daughters Janine, Heather (Roy), and Karen (Derek), along with his grandsons Carlton, Wade, Jacob, Mayson, Brady and a great many nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in Wingham, Ontario in 1942. He was one of seven children. He moved to Ajax where he excelled at the sport that he loved the most: baseball. Jim was a talented pitcher, who was cited as an ace right hander in many newspaper articles. Jim helped lead his teams to multiple Championships in the 1950’s. It was also in Ajax that he met his wife, Carmel.

Jim began his career in General Motors in 1964. He began in Central Maintenance and then later spent most of his career in Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering. Jim loved GM and often spoke proudly of his career that spanned 30+ years. He retired in 1997.

Jim was spirited, and opinionated. You never had to guess where you stood with him. If he told you, you were “top of the drawer,” you knew you were one of his favourite people. Beneath the Scottish bluster, he led with a generous heart. Forever in our minds will be his mantra… “Things should be done with consistency, decency and for the right reasons.” He was generous to a fault and loved to laugh more than anything else. His smile lit up every room he walked into. Jim had many faithful friends in his final years, whom he spoke so highly of.

Jim lived honestly; he loved deeply; he laughed as loud as he “sometimes” yelled. He was one in a million, and we are so very proud to say he was ours. Dad, you did great. Rest with the angels now... Your work here is done.

As requested by Jim, no formal service will be held. Donations to any charity in Jim’s name are welcome and appreciated.

Larry Stach

April 7, 1957 – April 1, 2025

With deep and profound sadness, the family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Larry Stach, at the age of 67. Larry passed away peacefully at the Sunnybrook Hospital Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by family.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Teofil and Augusta Stach. He leaves behind his loving wife, Nami, and his cherished son, Kyle (Victoria). He is survived by his siblings, Loretta (John), Marlene (George), Ronald, and Donna. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in both Canada and Germany will forever hold Larry’s memory close to their hearts.

The greatest joy of Larry’s life was the birth of his son, Kyle. His love for Kyle knew no bounds, and he spoke with immense pride about the fine and accomplished young man Kyle had become. Larry and Nami shared a deep and unwavering love, and Nami’s devotion remained steadfast until his last heartbeat.

Larry was a fierce and loyal friend who treasured time spent celebrating holidays with his siblings. He found solace and tranquility in nature, exploring back roads with Nami, discovering special places where they sat quietly on the rocks, listening to the sounds of the world around them. He took great joy in planting vegetables and flowers in the backyard, while Nami lovingly captured the beauty of his work on film.

A lifelong seeker of knowledge, Larry was an “information voyageur,” always thinking outside the box and searching for the deeper truths about himself and the world.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, Larry’s Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM at Anishnawbe Health Toronto (AHT), 425 Cherry Street, Toronto, Ontario.

Stamate Iliescu

March 25, 1924 - March 30, 2025

At the grand age of 101, Stamate (Stammy) passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2025, with his beloved daughter Rowena, daughter-in-law Yuko, and grandson Arthur by his side at home in Toronto.

Born on March 25, 1924, in Berbesti, Romania, Stamate was predeceased by his brothers Ion Vasile (Basil) and Mihai, and sisters Theodorica, Annetta, and Paulina. He is fondly remembered by numerous nephews, nieces, and great-nephews, great-nieces, as well as longtime friends like Cornelia (Theodorescu) and Marion Rosculete, with whom he maintained close relationships well into his nineties.

Stamate immigrated to Toronto in 1957 to begin a new chapter in life. He started a family and founded Incorporated Building Services, Ltd., building a reputation as an honest businessman with high standards. He embraced cottage life, owned a farm for a time, but always felt drawn back to the city.

For the last 27 years of his life, Stamate was a resident at OWN Housing Co-op on The Esplanade in Toronto, where he cherished the sense of community and enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbours, whether having a coffee, chatting, or playing chess. His greatest joy was playing chess with his grandson Arthur and his daughter-in-law Yuko, and he also enjoyed the companionship of his boxer dog, Loki.

Stamate is survived by his daughter Rowena (from his second wife, Mary (Reeves)), and grandson Arthur (whose father, Michael (Yuko Murakami), predeceased him). He is also survived by his step-son Michael (from his third wife, Joanna) and daughter Caitlyn. From his first marriage to Joy, Stamate is survived by his children Annetta (Cooper), Angela (deceased), and Mandy (Jenkins), and his grandchildren Tara, Natalie, Chloe, and Jody, as well as his great-grandson George, who live in England and Wales.

Stamate was a lover of jokes, always quick with a punchline, and enjoyed discussing the world’s events, particularly sharing his admiration for Winston Churchill, whom he frequently quoted. He will be remembered for his strong will, caring nature, hard work, wit, intelligence, and his love of children, animals, good food, and nature. His appreciation for craftsmanship and antiquities was another trait that endeared him to all who knew him.

Rossanne Lorna Higgins

November 19, 1955 - March 23, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rossanne Lorna Higgins on March 23, 2025, at the age of 69. She loved her Grandma Lila, who was very significant in Rossanne’s life growing up.

Rossanne was born on November 19, 1955, to Ross and Lorna Higgins (nee Talbot). She was the middle sibling of five, with sisters Janet, Margaret, Sharron, and brother Ted. She was a single mother to her sons Talbot and Jason, and a proud grandmother of Brandon, Brooklyn, Brielle, and Brexton.

In 2012, Rossanne underwent a double lung transplant and regained her active lifestyle, becoming known for the many medical miracles she had experienced.

Rossanne is survived by her oldest son Jason and her grandchildren. She is at peace now, walking again with Talbot.

She was very active in her community, participating in her seniors group, darts, euchre, and volunteering at Pickering Village. She loved spending time with friends, socializing, and shopping. For many years, she cherished her time at Cedar Valley Trailer Park in the summer. Since her lung transplant, she developed a love for traveling, taking many trips.

Rossanne especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Brooklyn and Brielle were her motivation for undergoing the lung transplant, fighting to be with them. She called them her "two angels."

A celebration of life will be held in May. Details will be made available to all who want to celebrate her.

She will be missed by all who knew her. She is now reunited with her son Talbot, her Grandma Lila, her father and mother, and her sister Janet.

Margaret Macsween Smith (nee Finlayson)

May 11, 1931 - March 21, 2025

Margaret Macsween Smith (nee Finlayson) died peacefully on March 21, 2025 surrounded by family. Cherished wife of the late Rev. Dr. Donald C. Smith (2023) for over 65 years and loving mother of Fiona (Tom), Sheila, Neil (Jackie) and Laura (John). Dear grandma of Owen, Delaney, Neve, Sheridan and Mackenna. Predeceased by her parents, her sister Annabelle and brother Peter.

She was born May 11, 1931 in Toronto. She met and married Donald at Oakwood Presbyterian Church where they were active in the young people’s group. They lived in Edinburgh, Port Alberni, and Medicine Hat where she had a busy life as a minister’s wife and mother. They moved to Georgetown where they lived for more than 30 years and were active in Union Church.

She was a voracious reader, loved birds, travelling and spending time with friends. She was happiest being with her family.

A private service will be held later with interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Halton Hills.

Ralph Edward Norton

July 8, 1956 - March 13, 2025

It is with the deepest sadness that Ralph passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife Bernice, son Andrew (Dee), grandchildren Mackenzie, Kaylee, Paxton, Heaven-leigh, sisters Linda Osmond (Cal), Janet Macleod (Terry), brother Don Norton, mother-in-law Peggy Pacey, sister-in-law Christine Benedict (Doug), and many nephews and nieces.

Predeceased by his parents Howard and Annie Norton, sisters Judy and Shirley, sisters-in-law Royanne, Elaine, and father-in-law Roy Pacey.

Ralph enjoyed taking care of others and his family was his everything. He enjoyed golf, watching sports, especially curling and baseball.

Per Ralph’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to Marigold Hospice or Jury Lands Foundation.

Charles Faultless

August 25, 1949 - March 22, 2025

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Charles “Chuck” Faultless on March 22, 2025, at the age of 75 after a courageous 10-month battle with bladder cancer.

Chuck was born August 25, 1949, in Etobicoke to Charles and Edna Faultless (nee Thorp). He was a devoted husband to Mary Ann for 40 years, and a loving father to Angela. Beloved brother to Gary, Susan and brother-in-law to Bernice, Conrad, Frank and Mary Ruth Leone, and Nina and Michael Anderson. Pre-deceased by his parents, sister-in-law Evelyn, brother-in-law Joseph, and brother-in-law Lorne. Chuck (and his seemingly endless pockets of Smarties) will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Chuck was a floor trader for Burns Fry at the Toronto Stock Exchange. A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed a range of sports from hockey and skiing in the winter to swimming, sailing, and golf in the summer. Born into a hockey family, his father played but mainly coached Chuck and his brother Gary when they played at Queensway Lions Minor Hockey. Later on, Chuck decided that he preferred refereeing, and he continued refereeing for the rest of his life.

He was active in the community for his entire life, especially hockey and golf. Chuck was on the board of the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association for 15 years and Chairman of the Board for 5. He was a longtime organizer and referee in chief of the Wednesday Nite Old Timers Hockey League at Long Branch Arena, and refereed in countless other leagues around the GTHA, including elementary school ball hockey and the Woodbridge Oldtimers Hockey Association.

In the summer he spent his days on the golf course, either playing (including yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with friends) or working golf tournaments for “Hole-In-One” run by many of his Royal York high school buddies.

Chuck loved watching sports too. Sometimes it was going to the Rogers Centre for Father’s Day for a Blue Jays game; sometimes to a minor league hockey game to watch a nephew or niece. He loved to tell the story of skipping his classes for the day to attend the Maple Leafs’ last victory parade in 1967, and cheering them on the last time the Leafs swept the Senators in the playoffs.

As rewarding as all of the above was to him, what made him the happiest was spending time with his family and friends at the cottage. He was the barbeque master, and had perfected the timing of grilling meat for how long it takes to drink a Stella. Chuck loved sailing, boating, and being on or near the water. Summer boat trips to camp sites along Georgian Bay or Orillia were always looked forward to, and getting to stop by Picnic Island for a large ice cream was a beloved tradition.

Travelling was a big part of Chuck’s life too. Some of the traveling was for golf or hockey, including the CARHA Hockey Pacific Cup which he looked forward to every year. Getting to spend a few weeks in Europe or in the Caribbean was a highlight for him too, especially when joined by longtime friends and family.

Chuck liked to be active whenever he could. At home or the cottage, he often took long walks, bumping into the same people and taking the time to catch up with them. He had friends seemingly everywhere you looked.

He was always ready with a word of advice, a joking quip, or a fun fact. He will be greatly missed but forever loved.

In Chuck’s memory, watch a hockey game, give a small pack of Smarties to a child in your life, and cheer for the Maple Leafs.

Audrey Jolayne King

February 15, 1943 - March 16, 2025

In Loving Memory

Audrey Jolayne King, born February 15, 1943, passed peacefully on March 16, 2025, at the age of 82. Audrey had taken ill a few days earlier and was lovingly cared for in hospital by her family and personal attendants. Audrey was the daughter of the late Herbert and Maisie King (nee Ramsay) and sister-in-law of Louise King.

Her memory will live on in her nieces and their spouses: Lynda & David King, Carole Anne & Derek Zibin, Veronica & Dale Albers, Brandi & Andrew Pigou, Karen & Daniel Wheeler, and John Lee. As well, she will be missed by their children: Elyse & Lauren King; John, Niki & Jacob Zibin; Alex, Preston and Cyrus Albers; Ethan and Gracie Pigou; Tyler, Owen & Kaleb Lee. She was predeceased by her siblings, Errol King, Karen May King, Barbara & Sandy Wood, and her niece Chantell Wood-Lee.

In all aspects of life, Audrey was one to lead change. She had a wonderful 30-year career as a psychologist at Hugh MacMillan Rehabilitation Centre. During retirement, Audrey was dedicated to support different causes and organizations. Her impact was felt locally and abroad where she was invited to speak, teach, write, and advocate on issues related to independent living. Outside of work she was an accomplished artist, writer, mentor, world traveller, and lifelong student. She regularly attended the Donway Covenant Church and her spiritual connection with that community.

Audrey deeply appreciated her countless personal attendants who, over the years, have respected her independence while providing the personal care and support she needed in a dignified way. Their caring was instrumental to everything she accomplished.

Audrey will best be remembered for her fierce devotion and generosity towards family and friends. She was happiest when she was surrounded by those she cared about and never limited her definition of family to those tied by blood. She valued everyone and made it a priority to include close friends in every family celebration. She was always immensely grateful to those who reciprocated that friendship and love. As our Aunt, Audrey loved to dote on us and led us through many wonderful adventures. She was our greatest cheerleader and taught us to give life our all.

To quote Audrey, “Life is a gift. It is tough at times but…. stay on the roller coaster. The world needs the perspective and gifts that each of us have to offer.”

A celebration of life will be held in her honour. The date and location, to be confirmed. To honour Audrey’s wishes, those attending the Celebration of Life are asked to wear “their brightest and most optimistic clothes and/or jewelry which has some significant memory attached to it.”

Jose Murillo

June 19, 1940 – Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Jose Murillo passed away from heart failure with his devoted wife Gloria at his side. Jose and Gloria were married for 60 years and raised three children in a household filled with fun experiences, lots of garage tinkering and a hard work ethic.

Jose was born in Quintana de la Serena, Extremadura, Spain where his strong family values and love of the outdoors were formed. The oldest of five siblings, Jose was the ribbon which would keep everyone tied. He loved his sisters Santiaga, Josefa and Mari and his brother Pascual very much. They moved to Madrid when he was a teenager where he began work as an apprentice painter.

Jose came to Canada in 1965 with his brother Pascual. Every year after, they would have lunch together on that day to celebrate their immigration. Jose quickly found work in Toronto and soon invited Gloria to join him. She arrived on a snowy November day and toured the downtown area with highly inappropriate footwear for the conditions.

Jose and Gloria soon welcomed a son, Jose (Joe) and set up in east-Toronto. Jose also started his business - Tip Top Auto Collision - on Danforth Avenue which is still family run by Joe to this day. Five years later they would welcome their second son, Michael, and would purchase their first home in East York.

During these early years, Jose worked long days with few, if any, days off. But when he did have time off, he would spend it with his family camping, fishing, hunting, and finally, at their property outside of Orillia, Ontario.

The property would feature the affectionately known Gypsy Wagon, a bus converted into a camper, and Jose would go on to build the family cottage. Jose loved the cottage, and ensured he raised his family both in Toronto and on the north shore of Lake Simcoe.

In 1980, the family moved to a home in Highland Creek, Scarborough and welcomed their last child Diana.

The family quickly fell into a routine of hard work during the week and fun up north on the weekend. Jose and the family would also travel back to Spain regularly to visit their family.

Fast forward many years and Joe would marry Liane and welcome Zachary and Christopher, Mike would bring Inez, Noelia (Raz) and Benicio into the family, and Diana would marry Leo and have Jose-Manuel (Manolo) and Ana-Maria.

Jose’s absolute favorite thing was to have his whole family together at the cottage with far too much food for the number of people.

His family will miss his wise advice, his Spanish sayings, repeating jokes, his garage filled with tools which he used to fix and build everything, and his meticulously maintained lawn. We love you papa. We’ll miss you abuelo.

A private memorial is being planned for family and friends.