SAWATZKY, Margaret Sawatzky - 4-Dec-1930 - 7-Sep-2024

Margaret (Greta) Sawatzky (Mundt) was born on Dec 4th 1930 in Golas Poland and died peacefully at home at the age of 93. Her Father, Edward, died during WW2 in Siberia. In the spring of 1948 her Mother Berta along with sons Ted and Hans and daughters Alma, Margaret and Freida immigrated to Canada.

Margaret married John Sawatzky on June 20th 1953 in Winnipeg Manitoba. They moved to Toronto in 1955 where their daughter Jane was born. Margaret was a gifted seamstress and an excellent cook and loved to share these talents with her family.

Margaret and John were members of Bramalea Baptist Church for many years and were actively involved in many programs. They moved to Ajax in 2010 to be closer to Jane and her family and joined the Ajax Baptist Church. Family and faith have always been the centre of Margaret’s life and kept her strong and happy. She was predeceased by her cherished Husband John along with her Mother Bertha, Father Edward and Step Father Philip, Sister Alma Spenst (Jack), Sister Freida Goertz (Rudy), Brother Ted Mundt (Hilda), Brother in law’s Bill Tasker and Bob Sawatzky (Rob), Nephews Gary Mundt, John Goertz, Dean Sutherland and Gordon Tasker and Niece RoseMarie Caldwell. She will be sadly missed by daughter Jane Mensour and her Husband Brian, Granddaughter Cheryl Robertson and Steve, Grandson Sean Mensour and Megan and Great-grandchildren Ella, Tenley and Blake, Brothers Hans Mundt and Claire and Eddie Mundt and Marilyn, Sister in law Anne Tasker along with many loving Nieces and Nephews. A special thanks to the Ajax Pickering Palliative Care Team, Nurse Kristine and Doctor Pedretti and the VHA PSW’s for their amazing support during the last two months she spent surrounded by her loved ones at home with us.

Visit at McEachnie Funeral Home

LIVESTREAM LINK

If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. as we livestream the funeral service from our Chapel. Please click the following link: https://v2.forever.link/arbormemorial-mceachnie/margaret-sawatzky

DIRSTEIN, Donald "Don" Carl Dirstein - 29-Jan-1934 - 6-Sep-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Dirstein, peacefully, with his family by his side on September 6, 2024 at the age of 90. Devoted husband to beloved wife, Janet (nee Gaunt), his “sweetheart” of 63 years. Loving father to Richard Dirstein (Karen), and Carolyn Kubbinga (Chris), and proud grandpa to his three cherished grandchildren, Russell Dirstein, and Camden and Cole Kubbinga.

He was predeceased by his parents, John L. and Florence Dirstein; his sister, Marie Beckberger (Dennis); and his brothers, Glen and Reginald. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Schwartz (Jim) and Jaqueline Penfold (Allan), as well as his sister-in-law Ellen (Reginald), along with many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Elmwood, Ontario, and grew up in the town of Hanover, which he proudly called home. Hanover was a musical town, and Don was an active member of the town band, the Musical Society Concert Orchestra, and the Choral Society. He was also the lead saxophonist with the Frankie Banks Dance Band. In his early years, he was a member of the Hanover Kinsmen, the Scarborough Rotary Club, and fifty years a Freemason, Doric Lodge No. 424 (2022) in Pickering.

He began his career with the Royal Bank in Hanover and was transferred to branches throughout Ontario, spending most of his career in the Toronto area. Loved for his humour and zest for life, Don was well respected by all who knew him. He retired from the Royal Bank in 1994 and enjoyed 30 wonderful years of retirement with Janet. He enjoyed a good single malt scotch, cigars on the front of the veranda, and listening to his favourite jazz and the big band sounds of Artie Shaw, Ray Anthony, Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Bob DeAngelis.

The family deeply appreciates the staff at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital and Lakeridge Gardens Long Term Care for their exceptional care and kindness to Don. As a beloved resident of the long-term care facility before his hospitalization in August 2024, Don was touched by the compassion, care, laughter, and friendship shared with him during his time there.

Don (Grandpa) will be sorely missed, a warm, kind-hearted gentleman who had a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel valued and loved. To know him was to love him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, countless cherished memories, and a life lived to the fullest, with family and friends at the heart of his joy.

Friends and family are invited to visit at McEachnie Funeral Home (28 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, Ontario, L1T 2Z7) on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church (65 King’s Crescent, Ajax) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeridge Health Ajax/Pickering Hospital (580 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax, Ontario, L1S 2J4)
or to St. Paul’s United Church (65 King's Crescent, Ajax, Ontario, L1S 2M4) .

NATION, Brian John Nation - 19-Jul-1961 - 6-Sep-2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Brian, John Nation, 63, share the news of his sudden passing.

Loved and missed by his family and friends. Wonderful son of Marjorie Nation and the late Ernest Nation. Sister Carolyn (Randy), brother Robert (Michelle), niece Jacqueline, nephew Malcolm (Tori). Very close with cousins and extended family.

Touched by all that knew him. Many note his infectious smile and kind heart. Brian always made time for others and had genuine concern for them. His happy upbeat personality and witty sense of humour will be sadly missed.

Farewell El Capitán.

Funeral service is on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Saint Martin’s Anglican Church 1203 Saint Martin’s Drive Pickering Ontario L1W 1M9. Family and friends are invited to join. Viewing 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Service and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers , donations The Canadian Mental Health Association CMHA  at https://cmha.ca would be appreciated by the family.

Visit at McEachnie Funeral Home

 LIVESTREAM LINK
If you are not able to attend in person, please join the family on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. as the funeral service is livestreamed from St. Martin's Anglican Church. Please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@stmartinsanglicanchurchpic8505

"Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night til it be morrow.."

WAUGH, Ann Laura Waugh - 22-Nov-1942 - 3-Sep-2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Ann Laura Waugh (nee Kennedy) announces her passing after a battle with cancer, on Tuesday September 3, 2024 at the age of 81 years. Ann was predeceased by her loving husband Leonard (2019). Loving Mother to Deborah, Heather (Wendy), Leonard (Julie) and Lorelei (Scott). Ann will also be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Troy, Brandi-Lee, Holly, Jennifer, Viktoria, Amanda, Dale, Matthew and Dylan, and by 8 Great grandchildren. Dear sister to Donald (Linda) Kennedy, predeceased by sisters Loretta, Rita, Joanne, Dora and brothers John and Leonard. Ann will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

💞We love you Mom, Grandma and Gigi/Nana xoxo

MEADUS, Darrin Raymond Meadus - 22-May-1968 - 6-Sep-2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Darrin Raymond Meadus, who left us far too soon. Darrin was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew him with his warmth, kindness, and infectious sense of humor. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Darrin was predeceased by his cherished mother, Sandra Meadus (née Davis), with whom he shared a close bond, and his great uncle Dan Davis and predeceased by his aunt Susan Davis Jehle.  He is survived by his wife Julette Meadus.

Darrin is also survived by his loving sister Claudette Meadus and her daughters Ashley-Lynn Dunford (and her children Riley, Kiera, and Tobias) and Britney Ellis (née Dunford) and her husband Donovan Ellis. His dear brother Christopher Meadus and his wife Christina Meadus will forever cherish their memories with Darrin, along with their children Cole Meadus (and his fiancée Dakota and their children Emery and Rory), Taylor Meadus, and Hayden Meadus.

In addition to his immediate family, Darrin leaves behind his aunt Sally Mccarron (and her husband Wayne), his uncle Jamie Davis (and his wife Debbie), his aunt Kathy Davis, wife of his late great uncle Dan, and his aunt Peggy (and her husband Theo), His extended family of cousins and friends will miss him dearly.

Darrin had a special and enduring relationship with his siblings, Claudette and Christopher, and his nieces and nephews, whom he adored and always treated with great love and care. He was deeply family-oriented, always making time for those closest to him, sharing laughter, support, and countless treasured memories.

A lifelong lover of sports, Darrin was a die-hard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, remaining loyal to his team through every season, win or lose. He lived for the game and found joy in cheering for his favorite players, a passion that stayed with him until the very end. His love for sports was only matched by his love for his family and his gentle, thoughtful nature.

Darrin worked hard for many years, taking pride in his work until he was no longer able to continue. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained an incredibly kind, funny, and loving man. He had an effortless way of making those around him feel appreciated and cared for, always offering a smile, a joke, or a helping hand.

Though we mourn the loss of Darrin, we celebrate the life of a man who brought so much light into the world. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his wit, and his unwavering love for his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Darrin Raymond Meadus. You will be forever missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known you.

Visit at McEachnie Funeral Home

Rest in peace, Darrin Raymond Meadus. You will be forever missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known you.

STOREY, Ernest Andrew Storey - 1929-2024

A casual, informal gathering in honour of Ernest Andrew Storey

Ernest Andrew Storey passed away at 95 years of age on Monday, September 2, 2024 in his family home.  He was a kind, compassionate man; he was witty, opinionated and outspoken and loved to laugh.  He was likeable and charming in many ways.  The word "enigma" is a fitting description of his character. He is deeply missed by his son Ernest John and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, granddaughter Megan and her husband Eli Gergolas.

Ernest was born May 27, 1929 in Northern Ireland and came to Canada as an infant with his parents Maggie and Tom Storey and brothers Adam and Thomas James. The depression of the 1930's made their new life difficult; work was scarce but they always had food on the table.  Ernest and Mildred Louise Brooke were married in 1954.  Their daughter, Pamela Louise predeceased them and the death of their infant daughter was a tragic loss for Ernest.  He called her his little rosebud.  When his granddaughter Megan was born, poppy and granny cared for her with love and affection during the day.

Ernest had a genuine, living experience in his life with Christ and is in heaven now praising God for the death, burial and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ, as his passport to glory.

KING, John Henry King - 21-Oct-1944 - 5-Sep-2024

It is with great sadness to share the passing of John King, who left our physical world last Thursday September 5th in Toronto Ontario.

John was born in Montreal in October 1944 to Harry and Mae King. He is the eldest of three and is survived by his brother Leonard (Maureen) and his sister Elizabeth (Bill). John was an incredible father to Angela (Michael) and Deborah, and a very dedicated Papa to Nihil, Summer and Madison. He was a devoted stepfather to Mark Romanelli (Devon) and their daughter Lilah Mae who lovingly called him Papa King. He had dedicated friends – Kyle Matthews, Shaun Rickard and Fred Koroll who always supported John with whatever he needed.

John was an incredible man to so many – from the friends in Bay Ridges Pickering where he lived for most of his life to the fishing community across Lake Ontario. He was nothing short of an icon in the North American construction equipment rental business. John started his own business – Total Equipment Sales - in the early 1990’s after a long career with Polyquip. He utilized his extensive network and built a very successful Manufacture Sales Agency that distributed products across the construction industry. John brought the family into the business later in life, and the family will continue to support John’s legacy going forward.

John will be known forever as a straight shooter and a man of his word. As much as he loved boating, fishing and his work, he loved helping people more than anything. If anyone needed a place to stay, or an odd job to earn extra cash, John was the man who stood up first to lend a hand – and it truly made him happy.
John was a warrior until the end – he had conquered illness so many times and kept getting up swinging. When he knew it was time, he was calm and happy and surrounded by love.

On Sunday September 15th, there will be a Celebration of Life held at The Lake House, 600 Liverpool Road in Pickering, from 1-4pm. In memory of John, please do something to help someone else or donate to a charity of your choice, John would have liked that.

Visit at McEachnie Funeral Home

CAMPBELL, Philip Campbell - 12-Apr-1968 - 4-Sep-2024

Philip Martin Campbell, was born in Kingston Jamaica on April 12th 1968. His physical body left us on September 4th 2024 at the age of 56, but his spirit and his memories will never leave us.

Philip was also known as Pops, Granddad, Big brother, Ropa, Joe and of course Big Joe to his family and friends. If you knew Phil, you knew his love of his Jamaican culture. He grew up in Kingston with his Mom and three siblings. He attended Campion college and became a champion himself while playing soccer. He was known throughout the neighborhood for his cartwheel size dumplings and his love for running boat (cooking outside with friends from the neighborhood). He loved everything that embodied Jamaica, from the music, to the food, to the people.

Philip emigrated to Canada in 1989 to live with his Dad and later became a Dad himself. He met a beautiful young lady in 1994 named Simone Blackson, they would go on to have a relationship that spans 2 decades. Collectively their greatest accomplishments were their sons Ezekiel and Israel Blackson-Campbell who were born in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Philip grew up alongside his boys, often telling us how happy he was to watch them grow up and become men themselves.

Philip loved his mother Joan Hudson, otherwise known as Momma Joe; he took care of her to his very end. Often omitting a haircut from his weekly routine because he couldn’t get his head right until Mom was secure. His friends all knew Momma Joe because she attended many functions along with him and his circle of friends would help to look out and care for her.

He was a man that loved to be impeccable dressed when going out with friends or family. You all remember, he was serious about his shoe game. I can hear the stories of how he would wipe his shoes off and then put them back in the box. Phil enjoyed a good party, a few drinks and countless hours on the dance floor. As he said “I love people, and people love me!”.

Philip became a grandfather in 2019 when his son Israel had a daughter named Nylah and then in 2023 his son Ezekiel made him a Grandfather for the second time when he had a son named Ezekiel Strength. Philip as a Dad was completely different as a grandfather, he turned into a playful, silly and loving Granddad to his two grandkids. He personified greatness as a big brother to his siblings in Canada and the States. Philip was also lovingly known as Uncle Philly to his 12 nieces and nephews.

Philip Martin Campbell will be missed by so many families, friends and co- workers. Big Joe took up a lot of space in our world, he was just “A big deal”.

Philip is survived by
His first love, friend and mother to his children Simone Blackson.
His 2 sons, Ezekiel and Israel Blackson-Campbell.
His 2 grandkids Nylah Blackson-Dwyer and Ezekiel Edward-Campbell (Philip’s 3rd grandchild will be born in the spring of 2025).
His 8 siblings, Rasheed Campbell, Carwin Campbell, Fatimah Campbell & Husain Campbell
Carlos Hudson, Delroy Hudson, Racquel Hudson-Donald & Suzanne Hudson-Benn.
His mother Joan Rosemarie Hudson.
His father Neville Lloyd Campbell.
His Sister and Brother in-laws Gayle Hudson, Ritchie Donald, Dwight Benn.
His 5 nieces and 7 nephews, Nicholas, Justin, Michael, Ashley, Kassidy, Matthu, Mya, Fedelis Tasia, Aleema, Nathan and Zane
His close friends Justin Blackson, Robert Blackson, Wayne Bailey, Metalic, Bunny, Clive, Heather, Scout, Jasho, Filbert, Chuney, David and many more.

Friends and family are invited to visit at McEachnie Funeral Home

Those we love we never lose,
 For always they will be,
Loved, remembered, treasured,
Always in our memory.

VALIQUETTE, Gwendolyn "Gwen" Irene Valiquette: 11-Mar-1940 - 30-Aug-2024

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down
in green pastures:
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul:
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.

Even, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for You are with me; Your rod and
Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house
of the LORD forever.

VAGOPOULOS, Paraskevi "Voula" Vagopoulos - 1969 - 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Voula Vagopoulos on Aug 30, who peacefully left us, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Voula was the beloved daughter of Alexandros and Vasaliki, who preceded her in death. She was a devoted and loving sister to Tony Vagopoulos and Effie Vagopoulos, and a cherished sister-in-law to Val.

Voula’s love knew no bounds, especially when it came to her role as an amazing aunt to Victoria, AJ, and Mackenzie, who were the light of her life.

Voula’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family and friends will forever hold her memory in their hearts, cherishing the love and joy she brought into their lives.

In lieu of flowers, Voula’s wish was for donations to be made to Hearth Place, an organization close to her heart, in honor of her legacy.

A service will be held to celebrate her life.