John Jeffrey "Jeff" Lappin
November 22, 1961 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Jeffrey "Jeff" Lappin. Born on November 22, 1961, Jeff was a devoted father, grandfather, and brother, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew him.

Jeff is survived by his two beloved children, Shayne (Courtney) and Chelsea, and his treasured grandchild, Chase. He is also mourned by his siblings Kerry, Peter, Tracy, and Patricia, as well as their families, and many dear friends who will forever hold his spirit close to their hearts.

Known for his warmth, laughter, and love of a good game of golf, Jeff enjoyed spending time with friends at his favorite spot, the Duke of Wellington. His friendship and presence touched many lives and he will be remembered for his kindness and unwavering support.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Fireside Reception Room.

Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Lee Mark Vincent
1963 - October 24, 2024

Lee Mark Vincent passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Lee will be deeply missed and was dearly loved by his many friends and his beloved dog, Joey.

In memory of Lee, donations to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated, honoring his legacy and support for the cause.

Alice Huras (née Besler)
December 25, 1930 - October 24, 2024

Alice Huras left Winston Park Long Term Care peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour on October 24, 2024, at the age of 93. Born to Julius and Elsie (née Schumann) Besler on December 25, 1930, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, James Stanley Huras, sister Margaret McLellan (Gary), and her granddaughter in infancy.

Alice was a devoted mother to Brenda Hagedorn (Stephen) of Waterloo, Thomas Huras (Lorraine) of Toronto, and Jonathan Huras (Laura) of Kitchener. She was a beloved Nanny to David (Shannon), Michael (Alison), Sarah Yim (Jonathan), Peter, Alexander (Iris), Abigail, Daniel, and Gregory (Rachel) and a proud Great Nanny to Zachary, Penelope, Walter, and Hannah. She is survived by her siblings Heidi Freure (Harold) and Walter Besler (Rose).

Alice’s life was marked by service. She was active at Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Red Bay Community Church, and volunteered for over 40 years at Pinehaven Nursing Home. She enjoyed cooking, playing bridge, and was an accomplished seamstress. Alice cherished family gatherings, especially at their Red Bay cottage.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Historic St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 137 Queen Street South, Kitchener, followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. with refreshments afterward. Interment will take place at Memory Gardens, Breslau. The family would like to thank the staff at Winston Park for their compassionate care. A livestream of the service will be available soon.

Eric Dennis Forster
March 1, 1941 - October 22, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, uncle, and friend, Eric Forster. Eric passed away peacefully at Chartwell Westmount Retirement Home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the age of 83.

Eric is predeceased by his parents, Alice and Otto Forster, and sister Sharon McLean of Calgary. He is survived by his sisters Arlene Burrows of Melbourne, Australia, and Gail Burton (Rachel Ballantyne) of Edinburgh, Scotland. He was a cherished uncle to nieces Wendy Rusheleau (Mike) of Markham, Ontario; Sherry Burgess (Rick) of Calgary; Kaylie Burrows (Anthony Bodin) of Melbourne; Karen Deane (Darrel) and Kristin Albrecht (Vaclav) of Calgary, and nephews Ken McLean of Blaine, Washington; Dean Burrows (Karen) and Steve Burrows of Melbourne; and Chad Calverley of Munich, Germany. Eric will be fondly remembered by his many great-nieces and nephews.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, on March 1, 1941, Eric grew up on a farm outside the city and cherished his early years there. A graduate of the University of Calgary with a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Eric found his professional home in Kitchener-Waterloo, working in the Computer department at the University of Waterloo. He was known for his musical talents on the piano and accordion, as well as his love of sports, particularly baseball, golf, and hockey.

The family extends special thanks to Wendy Rusheleau and her family for their dedicated care over the years, along with his caregiving team. Cremation has taken place. In memory of Eric, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington would be appreciated.

James “Jimmy” Will Ironside
1945 - 2024

James “Jimmy” Will Ironside passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2024, with family by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Linda, his sons Ryan (Mandy) and Scott (Julia), and his adored grandchildren Maddie, Ella, Jack, and Will. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Isabel, and his brother David.

Known affectionately as Jimmy, he was cherished by family and friends for his blunt honesty, compassion, and incredible sense of humor. He lived a remarkable life, celebrating 61 years with his love Linda and playing a lead role in the lives of his sons. Jimmy was a proud mechanical engineer, successful business owner, avid hockey player and fan, and the self-proclaimed world’s best average golfer. His love for the Montreal Canadiens was a source of humor to those who knew him.

Jimmy’s celebration of life in August drew friends from far and wide, a testament to how deeply loved and respected he was. He was truly touched by everyone who attended and shared kind words.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Jimmy’s oncology and palliative care teams and the staff at Hospice Waterloo Region, as well as to Gary and Kathy Gaiser for their incredible support during his care.

A private family interment will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Waterloo Region in Jimmy’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at www.erbgood.com.

Joan Maxine Mitchell
1944 - 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Maxine Mitchell on the morning of Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in Waterloo, Ontario. Joan is survived by her loving husband Bruce, her sister Donna, and her nephew Kevin and his family—wife Aimee, and children Hudson, Bennett, Emma, and Cate. She was predeceased by her parents, Malcom and Grace, her brother Hugh, and her brother-in-law Bob.

Born in Saskatchewan, Joan excelled as an athlete during her high school years in Saskatoon, where she was recognized as the top athlete among both girls and boys. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Saskatchewan, and her career took her to libraries in Vancouver and Liverpool, England. Joan later moved to Waterloo, Ontario, where Bruce began his career as a faculty member at the University of Waterloo, while Joan earned her Librarian’s degree at the University of Toronto. She went on to become the first Librarian of Archives and Special Collections at Waterloo Lutheran University (now Wilfrid Laurier University), where she worked until her retirement.

Joan and Bruce shared a love of travel, visiting many countries in Europe together. Joan was also known for building strong friendships with her neighbours and offering support to them in their later years. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, especially her husband Bruce, nephew Kevin, and his family.

Joan’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the health team at Grand River Hospital for the care and support provided in her final days.

Cremation has taken place, and there will not be a formal burial ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Parkinson Canada.