Anastasia Karen (Stambulski) Takeda

October 8, 1961 ~ April 9, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Anastasia Karen Takeda (née Stambulski) on April 9, 2025, at the age of 63. After a short and courageous battle with cancer, Anastasia passed away peacefully with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of Robert and the devoted mother of Joshua.

Anastasia is survived by her siblings Douglas, Robert, Anne-Marie, Michael, Louise, Terry, and Christina. She was predeceased by her parents Stanislaw and Sheila (Duncan) Stambulski and brothers Gerard, Marc, and Raymond. She will be deeply missed by her extended family, including many loving nieces and nephews.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Anastasia will be remembered as a beautiful, kind soul filled with love, laughter, and enthusiasm. Her outgoing personality helped her build a wide circle of cherished friendships over the years. She proudly served with the Toronto Police Service for 26 years as a Communications Dispatcher, and later worked with the South Simcoe Police Service in their Communications and Dispatch Centre.

Following her retirement, Anastasia continued to share her light with others through part-time roles at Winner's and Today's Natural Solutions Health Store, where she found great joy and fulfillment.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Anastasia’s honour.

Harry Cornelius Swartout

March 30, 1942 - March 29, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Harry Swartout. He was battling an unexpected illness at the Ross Memorial Hospital and passed away peacefully on March 29th. He is now in the presence of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Michelle, his parents Cornelius and Myrtle Swartout, and brothers Tom and Dick. He will be missed by sister-in-law Peggy, and was a special uncle to Sherry and Tammy (Chris). He was also a much-loved cousin of Sharon, Suzanne (Neil), Kelli, Brian (Birgit), and their families.

Harry will be missed by many friends in the deaf communities of Peterborough and St. Catharine’s. His friendly and playful nature made him a familiar and welcome presence at local restaurants in Lindsay.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Ross Memorial Hospital for their compassion and great care of Harry over the past month.

A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00am, with visitation beginning at 10:00am at Low and Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf in Harry's memory.

Ruth Jeanette (Balson) Hooker

May 18, 1931 - April 8, 2025

Ruth Jeanette Hooker lived a long, healthy, and happy life. She was the beloved wife of John (Jack) Hooker for over 65 years. They lived in Kinsale, Balsam Lake, Lindsay and Port Perry, Ontario.

Ruth was born in Bowmanville, Ontario as the fourth of five Balson girls. Throughout her youth and adult life, these sisters — Velma, Doreen, Elizabeth (Betty), and Doris Balson — formed a very close-knit circle and provided the foundation of Ruth’s belief that family meant everything to her.

In retirement, beside her dear husband Jack, Ruth had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Canada and the United States. These precious years expanded her horizons, and she often marvelled at just how many places she had been and seen in real life. Ruth and Jack had many friends, old and new, in many places.

Ruth was extremely devoted to both her immediate and extended family. Her son Wayne Townsend predeceased her. Loving children are Nancy Morden (Lloyd), Roy Hooker (Linda) (Dorothy predeceased), Gordon Hooker (Dianne), Shirley Hooker (Frank), and Diane Jones (Brian).

Loving grandchildren are Bonnie Davidson (Todd), Jeffrey Townsend (Tonya), Jennifer Morden (Cameron), Michael Morden (Carrie), Dana Johnston (Kent), Melissa Bly (Dave), Laura Heasman (Michael), Grant Hooker (Yianna), Emily Billings (Dylan), and Lauren Jones.

Ruth was blessed with nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Ruth loved life, all of the lush natural world around her in the birds and flowers and the sweet sounds of music.

Visitation will be held at Low and Low Limited, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 10:00am–12:00pm. A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will follow at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation to any charity of choice be made in Ruth’s name.

Myles Donnell Costin

August 31, 1958 – April 6, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Myles Donnell Costin on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 66.

He will be dearly missed by his father, Bruce; his brothers Neal (Dawn) and James (Franca); his uncle Richard Simpson (Janice); and cousin Christopher Newland. Myles was also a loving uncle to Matthew, Rhett (Jo), Liane (Jeremy), Sara (Kurtis), and a proud great-uncle to Chase, Wesley, and Logan. He is predeceased by his mother, Merle.

Myles was a private person with a strong personality who appreciated time outdoors, especially biking and snowmobiling. He had a keen eye for the past and was proud of his antique collection. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and those who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at Uxbridge Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Service Details

Visitation
When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Low & Low Funeral Home – Uxbridge Chapel
23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1M8

Graveside Service
When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | 2:30 p.m.
Where: Uxbridge Cemetery
270 Toronto Street, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1A0

Ron Pollard

February 21, 1941 - April 5, 2025

Ron Pollard passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on April 5, 2025 at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital after a brief illness. He was 84 years old.

From humble beginnings in Bowmanville, Ron lived out the Canadian dream. He overcame incredible adversity early on, losing his father at the age of 12. Ron set aside his own ambitions and took on the role of the main breadwinner of his family. You'd think that's the beginning of a biography of a self-made billionaire, entrepreneur or politician. Rather, it's the story of an ordinary man, who lived a life full of riches—not the monetary kind, but in all other ways that matter. To take a true measure of a man is to see his goodness, his loyalty, his honour—so it is without doubt that here was a man of greatness. Ron was a hardworking, decent gentleman whose word meant something. He earned the respect of his peers whether working at GM or managing the local Beer Store.

Anyone who knew him, from the Blackhawks hockey team or volunteering at the Uxbridge Fair to residents at Testa Heights, recognized his strength of character, generosity of spirit and love for his community. Ron received a citation from Durham Regional Police for his help identifying and arresting three men charged with assault and robbery. He co-founded the return of minor league softball in Uxbridge. In 1984, as part of the Uxbridge Black Hawk Oldtimers Hockey Club, he was among the team that ran from Uxbridge to the Meeting House in Catawissa, PA.

Of course, knowing Ron was to also know Marlene, his partner and love of his life for over 63 years. Together they built a life beyond imagination and were able to retire to their beloved Steenburg Lake for 20 years. Ron was an artist at heart who expressed himself not with words, but through gestures (and if you were naughty, you'd get one of his legendary stares!) He sketched and carved, even played the spoons. But what gave him the most joy was his incredible legacy: two sons Dan (Jodi) and Michael (Wei), grandchildren Matthew (Ashley), Dylan and Jensen, and great-grandchildren Hudson and Bentley. We will miss you forever, Gigi.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170, 109 Franklin St, Uxbridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Memories will be shared at 2:30 PM.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Stephanie, Marilyn and the entire care team at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Harold Samuel Hoover

August 11, 1946 – March 30, 2025

With sadness we share the peaceful passing of Harold Samuel Hoover on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with loved ones at his side.

Loving father to Karen (Dean Wood) and proud Grandpa to Zachary, Julia, and Rosalie. Devoted friend to Marg May. Lifelong friend to Dave Hathaway and Carl Michell. Caring uncle to Mark. Predeceased by parents Earl and Lola, brother David, niece Leanne, and dear friends Chris Brophy and Frank Busato.

Throughout his life, Harold persevered through challenges with a determination to find joy in the simpler pleasures of life—a lunch with a friend, cruising in his antique truck, a good book, a funny joke, or a smile for those who served his favourite ice cream.

When injury and heartache took away his ability to continue working in the family welding shop, Harold forged onward in a new direction with a career in massage therapy. He took great joy in helping countless others with his gift of strong hands and personal knowledge of pain. His openness to chatting and sharing as he worked led to many of those he helped becoming good friends for years to come.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, with a time of sharing at 7:15 PM.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Margaret (Jordan) Steadman

January 5, 1931 ~ March 26, 2025 (Age 94)

With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Margaret Steadman on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Born on January 5, 1931, Margaret received her crown in Heaven at the age of 94. She was the dear sister of John Jordan (Gerry), the beloved mother of Dawn Ferguson (Bob), and predeceased by her son, David Steadman (Jo). Margaret will be forever cherished by her grandchildren Cassandra Yousph (Jeremy), Julie Fitz-Gerald (Sean), Clayton Steadman (Lacey), and Jessica Phoenix (Joel), as well as her eight great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Margaret was an avid gardener and bowler, with a special flair for crafting. She adored her family and never missed a celebration, always ready for a dance. Margaret showered her love on everyone she met and will be deeply missed by her many friends. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Wong, the nurses, and PSWs at Reachview LTC for their loving care and support as Margaret battled Alzheimer’s Disease. Her love for all will remain her lasting legacy.

The service will be held at Low and Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street S., Uxbridge (905-852-3073) on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with visitation beginning one hour prior. A livestream of the service will be available. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held on the lower level of the funeral home. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Durham.

Service Details:

• Visitation: Low & Low Funeral Home - Uxbridge Chapel, Friday, May 2, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Funeral Service: Low & Low Funeral Home - Uxbridge Chapel, Friday, May 2, 2025, 2:00 PM
• Reception: Low & Low Funeral Home - Uxbridge Chapel, immediately following the service

Location: Low & Low Funeral Home - Uxbridge Chapel, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1M8

Rick Richards

February 8, 1959 ~ March 24, 2025 (age 66)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Rick Richards on Monday, March 24, 2025. Loving husband and life partner of Beverley, and devoted father of Spencer (Masha) and Hunter (Jessica).

Rick was fiercely loyal to those he loved and to that which he loved to do. More inclined to listen than talk, he was always prepared to offer carefully chosen words that gave support, advice, and a sense of calmness. He met life’s hardships with indomitable strength and forgiveness. Rick wore a suit or a pair of work boots with style and impeccable attention to detail.

He played competitive hockey and lacrosse in his youth. While still in his teens, he joined the Toronto Police Service and proudly served his community for over 31 years. His dedication was marked by commendation for bravery, investigative initiative, and long-standing service. He was a training officer known to be patient and knowledgeable.

Over time, Rick traded in his police motorcycles and cruisers for tractors and tools. He built a house for his family and lovingly ensured it was a home and safe refuge. There was nothing he could not fix, and he was always willing to provide advice and a helping hand to his neighbors. Rick was a well-recognized sight in the neighborhood riding his John Deere and grooming his acres of lawn to an enviable carpet of green. When a tornado leveled dozens of towering trees, he stoically cleared, replanted, and started again.

Rick was the husband who loved and supported his wife with unwavering commitment. Rick was a front-row fan in any and all moments with his sons. He learned to scuba dive, and embraced the smell of the horse barn and martial arts gym, the early morning hours of swimming practices, every out-of-tune note on the guitar, and the cold at the bottom of the snowboarding hill, all to be with and support his boys. He loved dogs and the outdoors. Every year, he cut and brought home the perfect Christmas tree. He was a connoisseur of tiramisu, and an accomplished chef of waffles, pancakes, and cheese omelets.

Rick loved deeply and was deeply loved by his family. He will be missed beyond words and remembered with many tears and aching smiles. He will rest in peace, life’s work well done.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Uxbridge on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held on a date to be announced.