Teachers & Staff

Mr. Mahabir

 

Mr. Mahabir was a home room teacher who also taught English and MRI in both CHS and HSB.  Mr. Mahabir was offered his first teaching post at CHS in 1962 and taught there briefly before transferring to Mary Gardner. He taught at several other local schools prior to joining CHS full time in 1966. Mr. Mahabir stayed with HSB until his  retirement in 1996.

 

 

 

REVEREND RONALD MAHABIR
1930-2021

It is with cherished memories and broken hearts that we mourn the loss of our beloved Ronald Mahabir, loving husband of Gemma Eccles-Mahabir, father of Sherry Mahabir-St. Pierre (Tom), Lisa Mahabir-McAllister (Terry), and Lynda Mahabir (Frank); grandfather of Chris and Daniela St. Pierre, Aidan and Liam Perreault, and Jack McAllister; brother of Manick (Babsie) and Salick (Sumintra) (all deceased); brother-in-law of Marjorie Mullahoo (Errol, deceased), Barbara Tackoor (Angus, deceased), Knolly, Marilyn, Keith, Andy (Judy) and Vitra Eccles (deceased); treasured by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, and a devoted friend to all who knew him.

Born in Trinidad, West Indies, Ron came to Canada and settled in Chateauguay, Quebec where he quickly became a respected member of the community, and of the whole Chateauguay mosaic. He lived a blessed life, surrounded by his family and friends, his books and music, and his bountiful garden. Ron was an avid reader and scholar, never ceasing to expand his knowledge on a variety of topics throughout his life. He was an inspiring figure to all who knew him through his work as a dedicated minister, author and much-loved teacher at Howard S. Billings High School. He touched the lives of so many with his brilliant mind, kind and generous spirit and loving heart. Our memories of his beautiful existence and his bright smile will live on in our hearts forever.

Memorial Service was held at Maplewood Presbyterian Church on August 7. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Maplewood Presbyterian Church, 215 McLeod, Chateauguay, Quebec, J6J 2H5 Phone: 450-691-4560 / Email: maplewoodchurch@bellnet.ca OR St. Andrew’s United Church, 46 Rue Dupont Ouest, Chateauguay, Quebec, J6J-1G3 Phone: 450-698-1050 /  Email: info@saintandrewsunitedchurch.org

https://www.urgelbourgie.com/en/necrology-obituaries/63271-ronald-mahabir

Used with the permission of his daughter Sherry


Walter KIRKWOOD Atkins

Mr. Atkins was a  respected teacher at CHS and HSB beginning in the mid 1960s. By the early 1970s he was head of the English Department. The 1974 HSB Yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Atkins in recognition of his “exceptional teaching ability, concern for his students’ welfare, and the time and interest for the carrying out of this unselfish concern.”

 

ATKINS, Walter Kirkwood

https://ottawa.citynews.ca/obituaries/atkins-walter-kirkwood-4538268

Posted Oct 21, 2021 2:56 PM

 

Date of death: October 19, 2021

Date of birth: June 21, 1940

Age: 81

Location: Manotick

Family

  • Spouse: Annabelle Dryden; ex-wife, Marjorie
  • Children: Mike (Marlene) and Shawna (Craig)
  • Grandchildren: Dominic, Mackenzie, Shayne, and Jillian
  • Parents: Chauncey and Charlotte
  • Siblings: Shirley

Service: By request, there will be no service. Private burial will be held by the family in Saint John.

Arrangements under the care of Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery, Ottawa.


Bill Howes

Mr. Howes was a much admired teacher beginning in the 1960s.

William Thomas Howes went to be with the Lord at the age of 83, on November 8th, 2021, in Black Diamond, Alberta. Bill was born on December 27th, 1937, in Montreal. The son of Leslie and Elizabeth Jean Howes and the eldest of three brothers.

As a child Bill found that on some days school was not particularly enjoyable. This prompted him to aspire to become a teacher; he wanted other children to appreciate their school years more than he had. Bill went on to enjoy a teaching career that spanned nearly 50 years. He worked initially in Quebec including some time spent in remote northern communities, before moving to Bentley, Alberta in 1982, he continued teaching in central Alberta until his retirement in 2003.

Bill was a devoted husband and father, deeply thankful for his wife and children. He was a loving participant in the raising of his four daughters. Quick to play a game, sing a song, or take time to offer prayers and encouragement. Saturday morning breakfasts could involve conversation, prayer and Bible reading that lasted until almost lunch time.

Bill’s faith in Jesus was central to his life. He was an elder at Rimbey New Life Fellowship, he spent time most weeks visiting those in hospital, and he was always quick to share a word of friendship and encouragement, to share the love of Jesus in word and action with those around him.

Bill is survived by his wife Gisela, daughters and sons in law, Marcia and Brandon, Jessica and Andrae, Karen and Holger and Christina and John, and grandchildren, William, Charis, Thai, Phoebe, Nicholas, Winter, Ezra, Jonas, and Max.

Arrangements for William are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes, Okotoks , AB. To email condolences please go to www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Reprinted with permission of Bill’s wife Gisela


Brian Powell
Teacher Brian Powell

Brian has the distinction of appearing in two places on our memorial web site. The first as a student in the Class of 63, the first graduating class of CHS, and then again as a Teacher since he returned to HSB to take up teaching duties.

BRIAN WHITMORE POWELL
August 20, 1945 –  January 10, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Brian Whitmore Powell on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 75 in Montreal. Predeceased by his beloved wife Ann. He leaves to mourn his spouse Lee Leng, his daughters Christine (Murray), Kim (Ashfaq), and cherished grandchildren Tru, Belle and Zachary. He also leaves behind his brother Arnie (JoAnn), nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to being a loving partner and father, Brian enjoyed a distinguished career at the Iron Ore Company and at Lafarge. He was our family, our friend and our mentor.

Due to the pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Brian’s widow, Lee Leng, has asked that his classmates be asked to visit https://mountroyalcem.permavita.com/site/BrianWhitmorePowell.html and sign the guest book. Lee will then be in touch regarding plans for a Celebration of Life which may be organized as a Zoom event.

Used with permission from his wife.


Royston Lall

 

Teacher Dr. Lall

Dr. Lall taught science at HSB from the late 1960s until his retirement in 1982.

LALL, MSc, PhD, ROYSTON MONTGOMERY Peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90, on January 30, 2020, at Trilogy Long Term Care. Predeceased by his wife Sunita. Loving father to Nigel, Bryan, Rosemarie Nadira (Leo), Nadia (Joe) and Sonyalisa (Michel). Wonderful Grandpa to Michaela, Rohan, Sanjay, Christian, Selina, Damiana, Jacqueline, Kaamila, Rachel, Sébastien and Stéphane. Royston will be lovingly remembered by his extended family and friends. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the care and love that the staff at Trilogy Home gave to our father and family. Memorial Visitation was held at McDougall & Brown Funeral Home in Scarborough, on February 9.

Published in Toronto Star on February 1, 2020


John Elias

John Elias 1968

Mr. Elias was a Phys-Ed teacher in the late 1960s.

https://www.thesuburban.com/sports/remembering-john-elias-a-life-well-led/article_110fea8c-2774-572b-a833-23102cd3d89a.html

John Elias obit


Bruce Paterson

Teacher Bruce Paterson

Bruce PATERSON
1940 – 2020

With great sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Bruce Paterson, on the January 22, 2020, at the age of 79. Cherished father of Tim (Joan), Geoff (Alejandra) and Cindy (Mark), devoted grandfather of Bailey, Jordan and Liam, beloved husband of late Claire Walsh, and loving brother of Dick, Malcolm, Patty and Jane and many relatives and friends. Bruce served with distinction as an Educator with the Chateauguay Valley School Board for over 30 years. He was highly respected among his colleagues and students.
The family will receive condolences on Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 10:00 to 4:00 at Yves Légaré, 123, boul. Maple, Châteauguay J6J 3P9. Deep gratitude to the staff at the Anna-Laberge Hospital for their wonderful support and care. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Diabetes Quebec or Alzheimer Society of Montreal would be appreciated.

Published in the Montreal Gazette on January 25, 2020


Miss Green /  Mrs. Simpkin

Joanne GreenJoanne Green Simpkin

Jo-Anne Simpkin               February 23, 1948 – March 12, 2019-03-24

ItJo-Anne Simpkin old is with great sadness that the family of Jo-Anne Simpkin announces her sudden passing, while vacationing in Spain, on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the age of 71. Jo-Anne will be lovingly remembered by her husband/best friend of 45 years, Howard and their children David (Patricia) and Andrea (Chris). Jo-Anne will also be fondly remembered by her four beloved grandchildren Connor, Ella, Abigail and Bradley.

Jo-Anne spent spend of her life in Chateauguay, Quebec where she will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held in Chateauguay, on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Howard S. Billings High School.

For the past 6 years, Jo-Anne has enjoyed living in Kingston, Ontario. There she has built new friendships and will be remembered by many. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kingston on Saturday, April 6 at 151 Barrett Court, K71 5H6 from 2-5 pm.

As expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Published in the Montreal Gazette on March 23, 2019


Mr. Duff

Jack Duff Tribute photo

A TRIBUTE TO MR. JACK DUFF
    The Yearbook Editors have decided to dedicate the 1993/1994 yearbook to Mr. Jack R. Duff, Cycle II Vice-Principal. Since he is retiring this year, we have decided to bid him farewell with a tribute.
Mr. Duff was born on September 26 in Montreal, which is also where he was raised. He graduated from the University of Mount Allison on a football scholarship. He then married Mrs. Duff and lived in New Brunswick for one year but moved back to Chateauguay to teach until 1974. Following this time he became a Vice Principal of Howard S. Billings and continued working alongside his wife for 33 years. During his time at our school he was the head of the History Department.
To show you another side of him, it is appropriate to mention his private life. Mr. Duff’s son, Jim graduated from this school in 1976. Like any father and son, they are great buddies and Jim also had the pleasure of giving him another aspect of life to be joyous upon, a grandson.
The greatest event of Mr. Duff’s life is the day his son won the Quebec Men’s Amateur Golf Championship. Among his activities he likes to cross-country ski and curl but his most enjoyed activity, as you might have guessed by now, is golf. He is the Honourary Director of the Quebec Golf Association and his president of his own Golf Club. Like any other great individual, Mr. Duff is an outdoor’s man who enjoys a nice afternoon out in the sun and with nature.
We. the students of Howard S. Billings present and past, wish to thank you for playing such an important role in our school and the time you have contributed to making our school an exceptional environment for learning. By giving us such a great example to follow, you have given us the inspiration to be the best we can be. Your life has many successful events and efforts that we can look upon.
Wish you the most prosperous retired life with your family and friends, speaking for all students of H.S. Billings: The 1993/1994 Yearbook Editors, Joyce Donohue / Carlene Fragnito / Tracey Gleeson / Pamela Lyness

John Robert Duff (Jack) 
(1937 – 2019)
Teacher Jack Duff oldSuddenly in Lachute, on February 2, 2019 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of the late Judith Lynne Estabrooks his wife of 59 years. Loving father of Jim (Danièle Pettigrew). Cherished grandfather of John (Jenn). Jack was a teacher and administrator at HS Billings High School in Chateauguay, He was Director and President for five years, at the Beauchateau Country Club, and elected Honorary Director in 1986 of the Director Quebec Golf Association. At his request, a private ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted at Mozart Desforges Inc Funeral Complex, Lachute.

https://www.lenecrologue.com/canada/quebec/laurentides/argenteuil/lachute/complexe-mozart-desforges/RNBF/john-jack-robert/obituaries/


Mrs. Janice Watt
Female Silhouette

Mrs. Watt taught part time at HSB in the 1970s

WATT (NEE CARON), Janice Anne
30 October 1936-3 March 2013

Daughter of Edgar Adelard Caron and Catherine Cecelia Caron, nee Emo, passed away at her home in Chateauguay, Quebec, at age 76. She is survived by her brother, Jean (John) Michel Caron, and his wife, Darlene, her sons, Stephen, Garth and Murray, their wives and partners, Lila Kari, Archana Luke and Mary Margaret Feagin, and their children Ian, Isaac, Althea and Lori, Sukanya, Andrew and Megan, and Katheryn, Sean and Michael. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Donald Eardley Watt, and her brother, Roger Christopher Caron. Janice was born in Montreal and educated at Chambly County High School and at Mount Allison University. She taught at St Steven’s School of Chambly in the 1950s and part time at H.S. Billings High School of Chateauguay in the 1970s and in its continuing education program in the 1980s. In retirement, Janice and Donald enjoyed many winters in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Throughout her life, Janice enjoyed making, restoring and collecting modern, vintage and antique dolls. Service on Saturday, 23 March from at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White, St Lambert. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Montreal Gazette, March 11, 2013


Vince Ranellucci

Vince Ranalucci

RANELLUCCI, Vincent. At his residence on Sunday, November 20, 1994 in his forty-eighth year. Beloved husband of Heather Simpson. Dear father of Laura, Christina and John. Also survived by his parents, Gioconda and Paolo Ranellucci, his grandmother, Maria Veloce, his brother, William, his sister, Angela and his parents-in-law, parents-in-law, parents-in-law, parents-in-law, parents-in-law, Maurine and James Simpson. Visitation at the Kane & Fetterly Funeral Home, 5301 Decarie Blvd., Montreal. Funeral Mass from St. Monica’s Church on Wednesday, November 23, thence to Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

The Montreal Gazette, November 20, 1994


Ken Freeman

Teacher Ken Freeman

FREEMAN, Kenneth Ralph. At the Montreal General Hospital January 21, 1995. Beloved husband of Jean Johanne Finlavson. Son of the late Ralph and Margaret Freeman of Saint John, New Brunswick. Dear brother-in-law and uncle of Paul, Wendy, Erika and Stuart Zsombor-Murrav. A private funeral was held at Alfred Dallaire Funeral home, Chateauguay, Quebec. Burial will take place in Saint John, New Brunswick at a later date.

The Montreal Gazette, January 30, 1995


Martha Strike

Teacher Martha Strike

Mrs. Strike was a teacher in the 1970s

Strike, Martha McGrath. At Anna Laberge Hospital on May 17, 1996 at the age of sixty-five years. Teacher, Hilroy Fellow, Distinguished Teaching Performance award. Mother to Janet (Graham Schurman) and Christy Anne. Stepmother to Bruce and Donald (Linda). Grandmother to John, Andrew, Catherine and Heather. Step grandmother to Stephanie, Cindy and Aaron. Sister to Anne (Bob McKean). Aunt to Catherine (Boyd Greene) and Susan (Phillip Higgs). Funeral from the chapel at Dallaire Wilson Funeral Home, Chateauguay on May 20. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Martha McGrath Strike Memorial Scholarship Fund, Howard S. Billings High School.

The Montreal Gazette May 18, 1996


Jacqueline Arseneault

Teacher Jackie Arsenault

Mrs. Arseneault was  the school nurse from 1987 through 2004

ARSENEAULT, Jacqueline (née Laplante)
1943 – 2013

Staff Jackie ArsenaultIn Chateauguay, on May 3, 2013, at the age of 70 years, Jacqueline Laplante, beloved wife of the late Roger Arseneault, passed away. She is survived by her daughter Suzanne (Daniel Durand), her son Marc, her five grandchildren and her brother Roger. She will be sadly missed also by nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. The family will receive condolences, in the presence of the ashes, at Yves Légaré, Chateauguay on May 9. Funeral service on the same day at Ste-Marguerite d’Youville Church, Chateauguay. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Anna Laberge Foundation would be appreciated.

Published in Montreal Gazette on May 8, 2013


John Lou
Teacher John Lou

Mr. Lou taught math at HSB in the 70s and 80s.

LOU, JohnTeacher John Lou old - Copy

John Lou’s essence left his body on October 12, 2017. John was born August 26, 1947 in Beijing, China. He is survived by: his wife Nada Petrovic Lou, son Goran (and Anik) Petrovic grandsons Dwight and Finn Petrovic, step-grandchildren Kevin, Steven and Katherine Brodeur. Brothers Tony (and Janita), residing in Chicago and Fred (and Lily), residing in NJ, cousin Andre (and Sandrine) Lou, Montreal, niece Tiffany Lou nephews Steven, Eric and Richard Lou John attended Bishop’s College School, McGill University, B. Ed and McGill University, MBA. John was a teacher with New Frontiers School Board, from 1974 through to 2012, beginning his career at Howard S Billings High School in Chateauguay, QC. In 1985, he was transferred to Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown, QC where he taught mathematics until his retirement in 2012. John, an avid fly tyer and fisherman, travelled far and wide for the perfect spot. John also enjoyed bridge weekends spent with fellow teachers. He also referred to himself a foodie; preparing meals, partaking in food gatherings both large and small, teaching evening cooking classes, and advising friends and colleagues on the best choice in restaurants for their particular tastes. John enjoyed travelling with family to many parts of the world. He will be remembered for his sense of humour which was both subtle and sharp. In lieu of flowers, John requested that individuals consider making a donation to the John Lou Memorial prize for the highest standing in enriched secondary 5 mathematics, with the CVR Educational Foundation. John, himself a long-time supporter of the foundation, believed in celebrating academic excellence. http://www.cvrhighschool.com/scholarships-and-bursaries.html John’s wish: He would like to have people light a candle and think of the good times together.

Published in Montreal Gazette on Oct. 14, 2017


Barbara Anne Courville

Teacher Barbara Ann Courville

Mrs. Courville was a secretary at HSB for 25 years.

Barbara Anne (Rozon) Courville
April 16, 1937 – July 25, 2017
Daughter of the late Marion (Morris) and the late Leo Rozon. Teacher Barbara Ann Courville old

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Barbara after a courageous and dignified battle with ALS. She will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 61 years, Bruno, her loving children Suzanne (Stephen Parry), Lynn (Peter O’Reilly), Ron, Dan (Lisa Mossman), her cherished grandchildren Nicholas Parry, Erin & Tara O’Reilly, Celia & Tony Courville and their mother Ann Courville, Nathan & Jacob Courville and their mother Kim Velloza, along with Karen, Kathy, and Brian Samuel. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brothers Ron Rozon (Linda) and Philip Rozon (Susan), her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Barbara grew up in Mile-End (Montreal) and met the love of her life while working at CNR. They raised their family in Chateauguay, becoming immersed in many social and community activities. Barbara was secretary at Howard S. Billings High School for over 25 years and, after her retirement, spent many winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Barbara was very devoted to her Catholic faith and her family was the centre of her life. Nothing brought a smile to her face more than welcoming friends and family into her home with open arms. She was kind and thoughtful and could talk for hours with anyone she met. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Anna Laberge Hospital as well as the staff at the CLSC Chateauguay. Visitation will be held at Alexandre Nicole Complexe Funeraire Chateauguay, on Sunday, July 30, and on Monday morning starting at 9:30 am, July 31, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Chateauguay, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (www.olph-chateauguay.org) or to the ALS Society of Quebec (www.als-quebec.ca)


Lorraine Garnett
Teacher Lorraine Garnett

Taught at HSB 1973-1978     Lorrine Garnett from Jen

Lorraine H. (Garnett) Ward
1949 – 2017

Ward, Lorraine H. (Garnett) of Concord, formerly of Wakefield, died peacefully surrounded by her family on March 9th. Beloved wife of Gerard J.G. Ward. Loving mother of John Ward and wife Bianca, James Ward and wife Sophia, and Matthew Ward and wife Courtney.Lorraine Garnett old Sister of John Garnett, Steven Garnett and Julie Garnett. Grandmother of James Peter, Jack, and Matthew Julian. Funeral procession from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield Saturday, March 18th at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass for close friends and family in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield at 9:30 a.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home Friday, March 17th from 4-8 p.m. A celebration of life memorial service will occur in Ward Hall at The Fenn School, Concord, MA on a date in early May soon to be posted on The Fenn School website. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Mount Holyoke College, The Lorraine Garnett Ward Scholarship Fund c/o Gwyneth Merner, Office of Advancement, 50 College St. South Hadley, MA 01075.

Published in The Boston Globe on Mar. 14, 2017


Marilyn Little

Teacher Marilyn Little

Mrs. Little was a secretary at HSB for many years.

 

 

 

 Marilyn Little
August 24, 1931- December 25, 2016

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of our awesome Mom, Marilyn (Dawe) Little. She courageously battled COPD for many years and succumbed Christmas Day. Waiting for their date, her loving Robbie Little. Missing her spark, her four children: Kathy (Dave), Andrew (Arlene), Ron (Eva) and Jamie (Barb). Loving grandchildren: Jessica, Chris, Corey, Shane, Tristan and Kami; beloved brother Harry Dawe, brother-in-law Jim Malarky, best friend, Jo Gaston. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Lung Association. (www.lung.ca). Celebration Of Life for Marilyn to be held at Saint George’s Anglican Church, Chateauguay, January 03 at 2pm. When you look up in the sky, see that brightest star? That’s Marilyn!

Published in The Gazette from Dec. 30 to Dec. 31, 2016


Mary McNamee

Teacher Mary McNamee

McNAMEE, Mary (nee Brown)
July 27, 1927- July 8, 2016
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary McNamee, in Ottawa, on July 8, 2016. Mom passed away peacefully at the age of 88 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Gerry McNamee. Mom leaves behind her beloved sister Rita and her cherished children, Kevin (Kathleen), Gerry (Wendy), Vince (Debbie), Mary Louise (Bill), Maureen (Kim) and Patricia (Shawn), her eighteen grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren who meant the world to her. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 15 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Châteauguay.  Memorial donations to Chalice or the Covenant House would be greatly appreciated.

Published in The Gazette on July 13, 2016


Eileen Lawson

Teacher Eileen Lawson

LAWSON, Eileen (nee Kirk)

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our mother Eileen Lawson at the age of 86. Teacher Eileen Lawson oldSurvived by her three children: Kirk (Debbie), Susan Lawson-Plover, Iain (Barbara) and five grandchildren: Robert (Alana), Mark, James, Jean and Janet. She will be interred back home in Scotland with her husband Alexander, parents and sister. Thank you to all her caregivers at Three Links Manor for your wonderful care. No Service at her request. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

http://www.castanet.net/obituaries/


Adriana (Jean) Vroomen

Teacher Mrs. Vroomen

Mrs. Vroomen taught Special Ed in the 1970s.

Mrs. Vroomen died on April 6, 2016 at Anna Laberge Hospital in Chateauguay.
Info provided by her daughter Marijke Vroomen


Sister Barbara O’Reilly
Teacher B O'Reilly

Sister Barbara taught Humanities at HSB in the 1970s

O’REILLY, Sister Barbara Mary CND
(Sister St. Barbara of the Eucharist)
Peacefully at Providence Motherhouse, Kingston, ON, Sister Barbara Mary O’Reilly of the Congregation of Notre Dame died on August 31, 2015 in her eighty-third year. She was predeceased by her parents Michael O’Reilly and Margaret Stewart and her brothers Patrick, John and Michael and her sister Margaret. She is survived by her sister Rita of Martintown, ON, her brother Lawrence of Kingston, ON plus several nieces and nephews. She is fondly remembered by the members of her religious community, her former students and her collaborators in ministry. Sister Barbara was born in Montreal, QC and entered the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1954 making her Religious Profession in 1956. In the following years she responded to teaching assignments in Montreal, Verdun, Granby, Westport, and Chateauguay, PQ, finishing her educational career as Pastoral Animator at Villa Maria Secondary School in Montreal. Retiring from teaching Sister Barbara contributed to several community ministries including the Coordination of Associate Relationship, serving on Pastoral Team at Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum and as a member of the staff at St. Joseph Spirituality Centre in Mabou, NS. In 2013 she moved to the Notre Dame Community at the Providence Motherhouse in Kingston, ON. Friends will be received at the TOWNSHIP CHAPEL OF GORDON F. TOMPKINS FUNERAL HOME, 435 Davis Drive, (Taylor Kidd Blvd and Centennial Drive) on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. with Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Church, 392 Palace Road on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. followed by the Rite of Committal in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kingston, ON. Sharing Memories at www.gftompkins-township.ca
Published in The Gazette on Sept. 1, 2015


Harley Bye

Teacher H Bye

BYE, Harley Ernest
1930 – January 13, 2016

Teacher H Bye oldWith deep sadness we announce the death of Harley Bye, beloved husband of 61 years to Carol Oulton and father of Dorothea (Gary Gilmore), Mark (Tina Tucker), Daphne (Mark Fraser), Natasha and Thomas (predeceased). Wise and loving Grandpa to Frances (Eric), Esther (Christine), Sarah, Mary, Sullivan, Caleb, Calli, Chris (Barb), Graham, Greg, Kyra (Chris), Lia and Marie (Pascal), all of whom respect him highly for his ongoing curiosity about the details of their respective lives; his love of nature, travel and ideas; his practical skills and philosophical perspectives; his active community spirit and his welcoming acceptance of all. He will also be remembered by former students of Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, by patrons of his Franklin roadside apple orchard retirement business and by members of the Franklin Ensemble as well as several Valley churches, most recently and especially those connected to the Rockburn Presbyterian Church where Harley was instrumental in establishing a vibrant model of congregational harmony which will continue as his legacy. A Memorial Service will be held at the Rockburn Church on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. Condolences will be received at the reception immediately following. Interment at a future date in Annan, Ontario near his childhood farm home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, http://foodgrainsbank.ca/. Arrangements entrusted to McGerrigle Funeral Home Inc., Ormstown, QC,

Published in The Gazette on January 16, 2016


George Wells

Teacher George Wells

WELLS, George Kenneth 1922 – 2010 George passed away peacefully on February 20, 2010 at the age of eighty-seven, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s valiantly fought with his wife of fifty-seven years, Louise, by his side. He leaves to mourn his children Anne (Kevin), Jacqueline (Luc), Norman (Theresa) and Elizabeth (Mark). He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Lissa, Daniel, Michael, Jennifer, Anthony, Scott and Kate. Predeceased by his sister Madeleine, he also leaves to mourn his sisters Bertha, Millie, Margaret and Patricia as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. George fought in WWII and was a 25-year career soldier who retired as a captain and went on to teach mathematics for fifteen years at Howard S. Billings High School. He was an active member and past President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 108. He and Louise had a very active retirement spending many winters in Florida with friends and family. The family would like to thank all of the staff at the residence des Boulevards for their care and attention. A service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Wednesday, February 24 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.

Published in The Gazette from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2010


John Charles “JR” Roberts

 Teacher Mr Roberts

John Charles Roberts
1923 – 2014

John Charles Roberts beloved teacher at Howard S. Billing high school and  a U.S. Army veteran of WWII who served in the 9th & 10th Cavalry passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Anna Laberge Hospital on Thursday, May 15, 2014.

John C. Roberts is survived by his children Brian, Bruce, John and Ms. Lucy Wilmot. He is predeceased by his parents John Roberts Sr. and Ms. Archie Bills. A short gathering will be held on Sunday May 25, 2014 in Yves Légaré Funeral Home, Chateauguay, QC.

Published in Le Soleil, May 24, 2014


 M.C. Tyler

Teacher Mr Tyler

Mr. Tyler was the first principal at both CHS and HSB

TYLER, Merton Cecil
(1923 – 2015)

Passed away suddenly at the age of 92 on Tuesday, the 15th day of September 2015 in palliative care at Magog Hospital, Quebec.  Predeceased by his wife Barbara (Cunningham) last October. Merton is survived by his two sons, James and Robin (Debby); his grandchildren Jon and Jen (Dan) Tyler; and will also be remembered by his sisters Beverley Robinson and Lois Jones and their children, and brother Robert (Vonnie) Tyler as well as their children Kim (Nancy), Mark (Kathy), and David (Anita) Tyler and their children. Interment and a graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Beulah United Church Cemetery in Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec. After a brief ceremony, light refreshments will be offered at the Café du Lac restaurant in North Hatley (the old Hob Nob). Please join us in our celebration of Mert’s life by bringing any stories, photos, etc., that you may wish to share. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be most welcome. Arrangements entrusted to Cass Funeral Homes:www.casshomes.ca

Published in The Gazette on Sept. 19, 2015


Judy Duff

Teacher Judy Duff

Mrs. Duff was the Commerce teacher and department head for many years.

DUFF, Judith Lynn (nee Estabrooks)

Judith Duff passed away peacefully on September 4, 2015 at the Lachute Residence after a lengthy illness at the age of seventy-five. Born in Sackville, New Brunswick to the late Vaughan Estabrooks and the late Alice Smith. She is survived by her husband Jack of fifty-six years, her son Jim (Danièle), her grandson John (Jenn), her brother Doug (Marie) and her sisters Pat (the late Matt), Arlene (Lynn) and Sue (Terry). Predeceased by her brother Bev (Judy). Prior to her retirement Judy was an outstanding teacher at Chateauguay High School and H.S. Billings High School. An excellent athlete she was an avid golfer, curler and bowler and for many years was an active member of the Beauchateau Country Club. As per her request cremation has taken place. Special thanks to Bob and Louise Luck, John and Barb Hill for their support. A special thank you to the staff at the Lachute Residence for their compassion and care during her stay at the Residence. Arrangements entrusted to the J.P. MacKimmie Funeral Home, 660 rue Principale, Lachute, QC.
Published in The Gazette on Sept. 19, 2015


Kenneth Hodge

Teacher Kenneth Hodge

Mr. Hodge taught at HSB in the 1970s and 1980s.

Kenneth Charles Thierry Hodge
1933 – 2012

Husband. Dad. Grandpa. Teacher. Proud Canadian. Passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 10th, 2012 in his 80th year. Ken was a man of integrity and good humour. He lived a fTeacher Kenneth Hodge oldull and active life with interests that ranged from woodworking, photography, genealogy, beekeeping, history, sailing, canoeing and above all spending time at Craig Lake with his family. Ken was the beloved husband of Margaret for 51 years of marriage. Loving father of Tony (Roxanne), Nancy (Chris) and Cindy (Fran). Cherished grandfather to Rachel, Peter, Michael and Neil. Special thanks to the Kemptville District Hospital and the Emergency Response teams for their excellent care and compassion. If desired, a donation in memory of Kenneth Hodge may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada (www.parkinson.ca) A Memorial Service will be held at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Chateauguay, QC, Saturday, June 23rd, 2012.

http://mcgarryfh.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/1244669/Kenneth-Hodge/obituary.php


Marvin Rafuse

Teacher Marvin Rafuse


Marlin and Gray

Teachers Marlin and Gray


Claire Walsh Brown

Teacher Claire Walsh Brown
WALSH BROWN, Claire 1939 – 2013

Peacefully on December 26th, 2013 at the Centre d’Hébergement Champlain Châteauguay. Predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Gordon Brown. She leaves to mourn her devoted partner Bruce Paterson, her daughters Lianne (Howard Singer) and Cynthia (Serge Thibeault) and her five grandchildren, Chelsea, Noah, Sarah, Myriam and Philippe. She was predeceased by her sister Fleurette and will be deeply missed by her brother John, and sisters Gwen (Leo Lamoureux) and Rose (Brian Kennedy) as well as her many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all of the nursing care staff for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Montreal.


Sally Deschenes

Sally Deschenes replacement

Sally worked in the office in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

 

DESCHENES, Sally (nee Seraphina Mangione). Accidentally at St-Antoine Abbé on February 8, 2007 aged eighty-eight, wife of Bernard Deschenes. She is survived by her sisters and brothers: Rose Mangione, Helen Mangione Toomey, Lucy Mangione Champ, Bunny Mangione, Anne Mangione Archibald, Sr Mary Margaret (Mary Mangione), Teresa Mangione O’Connor, Carmel Mangione Lacroix, Nicholas Mangione, John Mangione and Joseph Mangione; her brothers-in-law Rene L. Deschenes, J. Paul Deschenes, Jean-Leon Deschenes and many nieces and nephews. Funeral mass and celebration will be held at St-Malachy Church, Ormstown on February 24 at 11 a.m. Friends can meet the family at the church as of 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the Legion Hall in Ormstown immediately after the ceremony. Arrangements entrusted to McGerrigle Funeral Home Inc., Ormstown.

Published in The Gazette on Feb. 17, 2007


Sarah Lyle

Sarah Lyle
Mrs. Lyle, aka “the Scottish lady” worked in the HSB Library for over a dozen years beginning in 1969

 

My mother was born in Motherwell, Scotland on August 11, 1923. Although she grew up during the Depression, most of her memories were of good times with her sister and two brothers. She also remembered people coming together to help each other. Her happiest memories were of her teen years when her father managed a farm that boarded horses. She developed her lifelong love of horses while helping out by exercising the horses.

During the war, my mother went to work in a war plant. She learned to operate a metal turning lathe and was always proud of doing a “man’s job”. She operated one of the largest lathes making artillery gun breech blocks. Years later she surprised the boys taking machine shop by setting up a lathe at the request of the teacher.

She met my father when she was 18 and married at 20. After the war, they emigrated to Canada and eventually settled in Chateauguay where she raised two sons, John (aka Iain) and Douglas.

When a library opened at Julius Richardson School she volunteered once a week; later she did the same thing at the Billings Library. In 1969 she was offered a temporary position as assistant librarian and this turned into a 15 year career as a library clerk at HSB. She got to know all the teachers’ projects, like Mr. Munro’s Characterization of Macbeth, and could tell students where the reference books were. After retirement she did a lot of traveling before moving to Chester, Nova Scotia to be near her son John and his wife, Jackie. She passed away on July 23, 2014 at the Shoreham Village nursing home, less than a month before her 91st birthday.

Submitted by John (Iain) Lyle


Lincoln Springer

Lincoln Springer
Lincoln Springer
April 23, 1934 – May 26, 2014
in Montreal, Quebec at the age of 80.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lincoln Springer.

 

Lincoln will be dearly missed by his loving wife Verene and children (Hallam and Sharon), and the many relatiLincoln Springer oldves, friends and former students whose lives he has touched. Lincoln will be remembered for his dedicated service as an educator with the Chateauguay Valley School Board, his active involvement in his church, his community service activities and his love of music.
The visitation will take place Friday, June 6 at Yves Légaré Funeral Home, 123, boul Maple, Chateauguay, QC from 2-5 and 7-9 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7 at St. George’s Anglican Church, 162 Saint-Francis Boul, Chateauguay, QC at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Christ-Roi Cemetery (Elm Street, Chateauguay, QC). In lieu of flowers, donations to St. George’s Anglican Church would be greatly appreciated.

Published in the Gazette on June 4, 2014


Francine Fortier

Francine Fortier
Francine was a member of the Guidance Department

 

At the CHUS Fleurimont Hospital, February 20, 2003, Francine Fortier died at the age of 46 years, daughter of Lauréat Fortier and Pauline Parent, residing at Ste-Catherine (Montreal). Ms. Fortier rests at Dupuis Funeral Centre in St-Élie d’Orford (Quebec). Funeral Saturday, February 22, 2003, thereafter, there will be cremation. Besides her parents, Mrs. Francine Fortier is survived by his brothers and sisters: Rene, New York; Serge (Christiane Bossé), Rock Forest; Lucia, St-Élie d’Orford; Annie Léveillée, Sherbrooke; Francis and Claudine Grant; her nephews: Patrick, Maxime, Michael Fortier; Charles Dubreuil; and several aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to the CHUS Foundation for Research BRAIN CANCER would be appreciated.

Published in the Sherbrooke Tribune, February 21, 2003


Jean Smith

Teacher Jean Smith
Miss Smith was a Special Ed teacher

 

Smith. Isabel (Jean). Peacefully at the Anna Laberge Hospital on October 14,1989. Dearly beloved daughter of the late Eileen Doris and the late Louis Alexander. Dear sister of David. “Come ye blessed of my Father and receive the inheritance prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” A memorial service will be held at Maplewood Presbyterian Church, Chateauguay on October 17. If desired, donations may be made to the Anna Laberge Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Sincere thanks for the professionals at the Anna Laberge Hospital for loving care received.

Published in the Montreal Gazette


Gwen Doucet

Teacher Gwen Doucet
DOUCET, Gwenyth
Gwenyth passed away peacefully On June 8, 2014 at the age of 95 in Chateauguay. Born in Bathurst, NB, one of six children of Napoleon and Loretta (Meahan) Doucet. Gwenyth maintained a positive and indomitable spirit throughout her lifetime. Much loved and cared for by her siblings, extended family and friends, she is survived by her sister, Paula Campbell of Bathurst, NB, several nieces and nephews and their families, and was predeceased by her sisters Claire and Joan (Callaghan), and brothers Wayne and Rupert. A Mass Celebrating her Life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 295 McLeod, Chateauguay, on June 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Gwenyth’s memory can be made to the SPCA and The Alzheimer Society

Published in The Gazette on June 21, 2014


Herbert Goold

Teacher H Goold

Teacher H Goold old
GOOLD, Herbert Murray, B.A., B. Div., – Born in Sussex, NB on August 5, 1932, passed away May 2, 2014 at Kingston General Hospital. Predeceased by his father George, mother Edith (Murray) and sister Dorothy (Cock). After careers in ministry and teaching, he retired to Kingston, ON where he became involved in many activities including tutoring immigrant students and faithful weekly volunteering at Martha’s Table. His life was lived in service to those around him. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 55 years, Ruby, children Ruth (Greg) Judd of Amherstview, ON, Barry of North Hollywood, CA, and Marsha of Stratford, ON, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and many friends. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be at Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, Kingston. Donations may be made to Martha’s Table(www.marthastable.ca), Edith Rankin Memorial or a charity of your choice.

Published in The Kingston Whig-Standard


Eugene Rossitor

Gene Rossiter

Rossitor, Eugene
A gentle man and a gentleman to the end, Gene endured his illness bravely and without complaint. He died peacefully at Anna Laberge Hospital, in Chateauguay, on Sunday November 4, 2001, at the age of sixty-two. Much loved husband of Lynda Gendreau, son of the late Eugene and Mary (Lewis) Rossiter, cherished nephew of Hilda Lewis
and Harold (deceased), brother of Mary (deceased), Hilda, Frank and his wife Aletha, Robert, and his wife Mary. As well he will be missed by his mother-in-law Georgina Gendreau, sister-in-law Anne, his nephews, niece and many cousins. Rested at Dallaire & Wilson Funeral Home, 123 Maple, Chateauguay. Funeral Mass held at “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” Church, Chateauguay, thence to St-Joachim Cemetery in Chateauguay. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Oncology Department and the nursing staff of 1er Est at Anna Laberge Hospital. Donations to the Anna Laberge Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated

Published in The Montreal Gazette, Nov. 5, 2001


Arne Petersen

Teacher Arne Petersen

Teacher Arne Petersen old
Arne Petersen April 21, 1924 to January 12, 2014

Arne Petersen, passed away in Ottawa on Sunday, January 12. He was predeceased by his wife, Elza and cherished grandson Ford. Arne is survived by his loving partner Josie.

 

He will be fondlyremembered by his children Sandra, Ron (Teresa Bermingham) and Brian(Betty Bakin). He was a wonderful grandpa to Kelsey, Mackenzie, Jordan, Ty and Dack. Arne was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1924. In his youth, he was a gifted athlete and competitor. During WWII he was an active member of the Danish resistance movement saving countless lives by transporting them to Sweden. He immigrated to Canada and graduated from McGill University. He had a distinguished teaching career in Lachute and Chateauguay, Québec that provided him with much satisfaction. Arne enjoyed traveling with Josie, golfing, making wine with his grandkids, creating his Danish sandwiches and initiating endless discussions on various topics with a great sense of humor. At Arne’s request, a celebration of his life will occur in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass, say SKOAL, and cherish the memories.

Published in The Ottawa Citizen on Jan. 15, 2014

Teacher Arne Petersen story
Arne Petersen, left, receives an award during his time on Denmark’s Olympic gymnastic team. An injury prevented him from competing in the 1948 games.

Arne Petersen, 1924-2014

 

OTTAWA — By the time he died in January, at the age of 89, Arne Petersen had garnered a host of descriptors: Danish resistance fighter, gymnastics champion, honorary Cree Indian, wine maker and sandwich entrepreneur. Petersen, a longtime high school teacher, was also a father and grandfather.
“He was a very caring man but he taught us to be independent,” says his son, Ron Petersen, an Ottawa lawyer. “He always used to say, ‘You don’t know when I’m going to be here or not here.’”
Arne Petersen’s fatalism was likely the product of his turbulent youth.
Born in April 1924 into a large and prominent Danish family — his father was a socialist Parliamentarian — Petersen grew up in comfort in Copenhagen until the family lost much of its wealth during the Depression.
When the Second World War broke out in September 1939, Denmark was a neutral country, having signed a non-aggression pact with its large and bellicose neighbour. But in early 1940, the Germans decided Denmark was an essential launching pad for its invasion of Norway. The Danish government surrendered two hours after Germans forces crossed the border on April 9, 1940.
Sixteen-year-old Arne Petersen joined the fledgling Danish resistance movement even though the Nazis then dominated western Europe. By the end of June, they had conquered France, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Norway and Poland.
Resistance fighters wanted to harass the Germans enough to ensure an occupation force stayed in Denmark and that soldiers couldn’t be sent to fight elsewhere.
Petersen’s son, Ron, says his father didn’t like to talk about the war, but described his role in the resistance as “blowing up railway lines and shipyards.”
As the Danish resistance intensified its efforts, the Nazis imposed a strict rule of retribution: five Danes would be shot for every German soldier killed. The Nazis often chose doctors and other prominent Danes for execution in order to maximize the terrorizing effect. The beloved playwright, Kaj Munk, was among those murdered by the Germans.
Petersen was troubled by the idea that Danes would die due to his actions so he turned his attention to helping Jews and other refugees escape to Sweden.
The Danish government refused to enforce Germany’s anti-Semitic laws, but in 1943 the Nazis declared martial law in Denmark and planned for the deportation of the country’s Jews. When word of the deportations leaked, resistance fighters and ordinary Danes joined to shelter Jews and spirit more than 7,000 of them out of the country. Arne Petersen and his brother, Bent, sailed across the strait to Sweden with their human cargo on dark nights when the winds were right.
Petersen finished the war in Norway; he was dispatched there to sabotage supply trains headed for the coastal city of Bergen, where the Germans maintained a U-boat bunker.
After the war, he returned to Copenhagen to complete a physical education degree and train for the Olympics. A talented gymnast, Petersen had been named to Denmark’s 1948 Olympic team, but suffered a devastating injury weeks before the London Games when a high bar broke during a practice routine. He didn’t make the trip.
That same year, however, while having coffee with friends at the Hotel D’Angleterre in Copenhagen, he met a waitress named Elza, a war refugee from Latvia. They were married in January 1949 and emigrated to Canada the following year in an effort to escape the Cold War and the threat of another military conflict in Europe.
Petersen, who could speak five languages, graduated from McGill University with a physical education degree and continued to pursue his Olympic dreams. He won the Canadian gymnastics championship in 1951, but was told he’d have to pay his own way to the next year’s Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Petersen couldn’t afford it.
He went to work as a high school teacher in Lachute and coached every sport at the school, including hockey, even though he didn’t know how to skate.
In the summers, he worked at the Boy Scouts’ Tamaracouta Scout Reserve, where he boasted that he could teach anyone to swim in one week. Among his successful students was a Cree boy, whose grateful father — a chief — made Petersen an honorary tribe member.
In 1961, the Petersens and their three children, Sandra, Ron and Brian, moved to Chateauguay, south of Montreal. Arne Petersen taught at the Howard S. Billings Regional High School; his gymnastics teams dominated provincial competitions for years.
He retired from teaching in 1983, moved to Ottawa and helped open a Rideau Centre restaurant, Danwich of Copenhagen, that specialized in open-faced sandwiches.
In his retirement, he enjoyed golf, travel and wine making. His wife, Elza, died of cancer in 1988.
A celebration of Arne Petersen’s life will take place this spring.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen


Sister Annette Walker

Sister Annette Walker

WALKER, Annette CND
(Sister St. Arthur Maria)
Passed away at the Infirmerie Notre-Dame- de-Bon-Secours on May 14, 2012. She was the daughter of Arthur Walker and Mary Sarah MacEachern. Besides her CND family, she leaves to mourn her sisters Marion (Frank) Suter and Pat (William) Barkovitch, her brother Michael (Sally) from Ottawa, several cherished nieces and nephews. Sister taught in several schools in the Montreal area, in Chateauguay and was involved in Parish ministry in Kamloops, B.C. After spending 10 years in Guatamala, Sister returned to Montreal and was co-ordinator of the Villa Marguerite Retreat Center in Pierrefonds. In 2009 she was transferred to the Infirmerie Notre-Dame-de-Bon- Secours. The wake will be held at the Salle Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal on May 16, Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at St. Monica’s Church in Montreal. Burial to take place in Cote-des-Neiges Cemetery.

Published in The Gazette on May 17, 2012


Farid Guindi

1932 – 2013

Farid Guindi
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Farid Guindi on August 11 at the age of 80, predeceased by his late wife Arleen.

 

He will be greatly missed by his son Nashed, and his sisters and brothers Adeena, Karam (Odette), Nadia (Sam), Shukry (Suzanne) and Amir, as well as his in- laws, the Hovington family: Normand, Gilbert (Thérèse), Dorthey (Audette), Paulin (Lise), Noella (Luke), Esther, Denise (André), Françoise and Leo Marquis. Visitation will take place at La Maison Darche, Brossard, on Friday, August 16, followed by a religious service on the premises.

Published in The Gazette on August 15, 2013


Donald E. Watt

Don Watt1
Don, a St. Lambertan through and through, was a keen hockey player, playing on both municipal teams as well as the Senior high school team, also served the school and his classmates as their Student Council President, graduating in the Class of 1949. He then enrolled at McGill University and later at the University of New Brunswick where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Education.

 

Knowing and loving the South Shore communities where we grew up, Don went to work within the region right away and moved among the school system becoming principal of St. Stephen’s School in Chambly, then a little closer to home, became principal of Royal George School in Greenfield Park. He then moved from there to become vice-principal and then principal of Howard S. Billings High School in Chateauguay, where we spent the rest of our lives together.

Like so many people in the 1950’s Don and I married quite young and as a result spent 50 wonderful years together, raising our own family and thoroughly enjoying the 10 grandchildren they produced. Following Don’s retirement, we started spending most of our winters in Florida, returning to Chateauguay for the summers, but with plenty of travelling whenever and wherever we could. Those who got to know and appreciate Don well recognized him as a man to whom fairness and reason were highly important. We all think about him a lot and miss him very much.

Janice (Caron) Watt C-’53
http://www.chamblycounty.com/post.html

The Chateauguay English community is mourning retired school principal Donnie Watt who passed away recently.

Watt passed away, after several years of struggling with pulmonary disease, at Anna Laberge Hospital on Feb. 17, less than a month short of his 78th birthday. He is survived by Janice, his wife of 50 years; his sister Doreen; his sons Stephen, Garth and Murray; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services were held Feb. 23 in St. Lambert.

“Donald Watt was many things to many people,” his son Stephen said in his funeral eulogy. “Each one of us knew him in a different way. Everyone who met him would know him as a man of intelligence, focus and determination. But those who knew him a little better would recognize him as a man to whom fairness and reason were highly important. Those closest to him knew his warm heart.

“While he may have sometimes had a gruff exterior, our father had the best interests of others at heart. He cared and worked for the benefit of the students, the staff and their well-being, more than they knew. He always looked for the best, and often creative, solution to help the most people, rather than curry favour or make his life easy. The man we knew was one to embrace functional, but not frivolous, change. He was always up to mastering a new challenge.”

Dan Rosenburg, St. Lawrence Sun


FULLERTON, Roderick

Rod Fullerton1
Windsor (Retired Teacher, Carleton Board of Education) (VE3 MHD) Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 25, 2005, age 67 years. Rod Fullerton, beloved husband of Sheila (Davison).

 

Dear father of Iain (Deborah), Kyle and Craig (Karen). Brother-in-law of Shirley McLennan (Lex). Friends may call at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, (between Bayshore and Baseline Road), Nepean on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until time of memorial service in the chapel at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Salvation Army. Condolences, tributes or donations may be made at
ww.tubmanfuneralhomes.com

Published in The Ottawa Citizen from July 26 to July 27, 2005


Father Victor

Father Victor young
Father Victor was an HSB Pastoral Advisor for many years.Father vic

DIONNE, Father Victor  In Montreal, on November 2, 2011, at the age of seventy-five years, after fifty-two years of religious life and forty-eight of Priesthood, Father Victor Dionne, Franciscan, passed away. He was Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, in Chateauguay, for more than fifteen years. As well as the members of his Franciscan fraternity, he leaves in mourning his sister Cecile (John MacKenzie), his brothers Leo (Mina), Albert (Ginette) and Omer (Ruth), nieces and nephews, and numerous relatives and friends.

The Franciscans and the family will receive relatives and friends at the Franciscan Church, 5750 Rosemont Blvd., in Montreal, on Monday, November 7, 2011. The Funeral service will be held the same day at the same Church, at 11 a.m. Burial at Le repos Saint-Francois D’Assise Cemetery, 6893 Sherbrooke East, Montreal.

Montreal Gazette, November 5, 2011


Joseph Robert Burke

Mr Burke
BURKE, Joseph Robert July 22, 1928 – November 7, 2010 Passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Anna-Laberge Hospital in Chateauguay, QC. Son of Harry Burke and Mary Delima (nee Landry). He now joins his precious wife Edith (nee Roy) and is survived by his devoted and loving daughters Kathryn, Debra (Lachaine), son-in-law Gilles (Lachaine) and the apple of his eye and only grandchild, Julie Anne (Lachaine).

 

He is also survived by his brother Reg Doucet (Marjory; deceased), nephew Chris (Helen) and grand-nephews Benjamin & Jeremy, as well as many friends. At his own request, there will be no viewing, however, a funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 295 McLeod Street in Chateauguay on Thursday, November 11 at 11 a.m. The family will be receiving condolences from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to all of the hospital staff and caregivers who took care of Robert in his final days, specifically, Sylvie Parent at oncology, Linda, Richard, Suzanne, Christina, Marie-Josee and Francine, in the palliative care unit. Alexandre Nicole, Complexe Funeraire Chateauguay, 96 boul. St-Jean Baptiste, Chateauguay
Published in the Montreal Gazette on 11/9/2010

St. Lawrence Sun, November 13, 2010

I was deeply saddened this week when I noticed the passing of Bob Burke, a retired vice-principal of Howard S. Billings Regional High School. Nicknamed Barney by fellow v.p. Jack Duff (after cartoon character Barney Rubble from The Flintstones), I knew Burke as a congenial fellow with an extraordinary dry sense of humour.

After his retirement in 1992, I would often bump into him in the mall and he would always have an interesting yarn to spin. And most of them had an uproarious punch-line!

Ill with cancer, Barney passed away last Sunday night. Funeral services were held on Thursday at OLPH Church. He is survived by daughters Kathy and Debra and was predeceased by his wife Edith, a caring kindergarten teacher. In fact, he and Edith were a prominent husband-and-wife duo in the Chateauguay English education system, along with Jack and Judy Duff; Brian and Lin Visser; Gene and Linda Rossiter; Jim and Rhonda Ross; Ron and Karin Graham; Gerry and Maria Gudzio, and Ross and Lynn Marlin.

Burke was raised in Bathurst, NB by his grandparents and great-aunts who wanted him to be a priest. Unknown to many of his Chateauguay friends, he actually spent time as a missionary in Northern Africa before moving to Quebec in 1960. His first Chateauguay job was as principal of the now-defunct Chateauguay Catholic High.

An avid angler, Burke taught himself to tie his own flies. Then he rediscovered a passion for wood-carving and could be seen on most Monday mornings carving ducks with the guys at the 55+ Centre.

Besides fishing and the Great Outdoors, Burke was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his only grandchild Julie Anne, the apple of his eye.

“Whenever I meet someone in town who went to Billings, I can’t help asking them, ‘Who was your principal?’ his daughter Kathy confided. “Most who had my father always mention how fair he was. And when I went to select flowers for his funeral, florist Joanne Vincelli – a Billings graduate – said that each year as a student she would pray to have him as her vice-principal, saying ‘Please, please, let it be Mr. Burke.’ I can’t think of a nicer compliment.”

Dan Rosenburg


Janet Proulx

Janet Proulx
Janet was returning home after attending negotiation sessions on behalf of the Chateauguay Valley Protestant Teachers Union.

17 DIE, 7 INJURED IN PLANE CRASH, March 29, 1979
St. Foy, Que. (UPI) — Seventeen people died and seven were seriously injured Thursday night in the fiery crash of a Quebec Air turboprop that plunged into a field and shattered into three pieces minutes after taking off. The dead included all three crew members and 14 passengers, a Quebec Air spokesman said today. The seven injured were reported out of danger but in serious condition with burns and fractures.


Wesselow, Eric

Eric Wesselow
Canada’s acknowledged pioneer in stained glass technologies, Eric Wesselow (1911-1998) was an accomplished watercolourist, portraitist and acrylic painter. He was also a longtime friend and fellow explorer of Marshall McLuhan’s, and gained recognition in media studies for introducing ‘visual literacy’ to Canadian schools.

 

Bev Barclay

Bev Barclay Memorial

 

Green, H. Gordon

Veteran journalist and broadcaster H. Gordon Green, 79, who wrote about farm and rural life for the Sunday Gazette and other publications, died Sunday, (November 3, 1991) at the Montreal General Hospital following complications from bone marrow disease.
H Gordon Green1
Mr. Green, born in Anderson, Indiana, worked a 202-hectare cattle farm in Ormstown outside Montreal. He was also a seasoned radio broadcaster and had begun doing a weekly commentary on CJAD radio less than a month ago.

 

Mr. Green was a barnyard philosopher, a down-home writer whose earthiness and old-fashioned opinions delighted and sometimes enraged his readers and listeners. “He wrote an earthy column that brought some of the country values into the city,” said Michael Cooke, Associate Managing Editor of The Gazette. Many of Mr. Green’s columns and commentaries were nostalgic recollections of life in small-town Ontario, where he was raised. In one short period, his subjects included cock fighting, reflections on the use of chamber pots, the decline of big bosoms in beauty contests and wife-swapping.

“Gordon Green was much loved by many readers, who liked to remember along with him what life was like in the province in the 1920s and ‘30s,” said Linwood Barclay, Editor of the Toronto Star’s Life section. After format changes to the Toronto Star saw his column cancelled, the newspaper received more than 200 letters of protest, demanding Mr. Green’s weekly column be reinstated. And it was. His last column appeared last Saturday.

Mr. Green had been the Features Editor of the Family Herald magazine from 1948 until it folded in 1968. He was also the author of 17 novels. He had a parallel career teaching English and the humanities. He started in a one-room school-house in Stratford, Ontario and held teaching posts at Chateauguay High School (later Howard S. Billings High School), Dawson College and the Kahnawake Survival School at Kahnawake.

“Starting in his university days in Michigan, back in the 1940s, Gordon never held down less than two or three jobs, at any one time in his life,” said his wife of 20-years Cheryl Johnstone.

Mr. Green was also an acknowledged livestock breeder and collector of rare poultry breeds. He was credited with the importation into Canada of Belted Galloway beef cattle, which he raised on his farm, and Landrace swine, now one of the most popular pig breeds in Canada. “He also imported the Landrace swine into Russia and was later awarded a medal by the Russian department of agriculture for it,” Johnstone said.

Mr. Green is survived by his wife Cheryl, their daughter Laura and five other children from two previous marriages: Marielle, Joy, Phyllis, Barry and Lowell.

Though Mr. Green was seen more as an academic than a farmer by some townsfolk in Ormstown, he never missed a country fair where he’d either show or judge chickens and cattle said longtime friend Art Coulombe. “You’d often see him in town wearing big rubber boots. He was very happy with the country way of life,” Coulombe said. “I think Gordon Green was a man who had a great spirit for life.”


McKesey, Lloyd George

March 30, 1933 – January 1, 2008

Lloyd McKesey
Lloyd courageously fought the battle with Multiple Myeloma for fifteen years. During his lengthy illness, he continued to serve in leadership through a number of organizations and peacefully passed away in the presence of his loving wife Winnefred and a few close friends in his home in Miramar, Florida. His body was laid to rest in Florida.

 

Montreal Gazette, January 20, 2008


MOSHER, Russell Dean “Russ”

RCNVR 1943-1945; A.B. Seaman Torpedoman Corvette – Convoy Service; Director General Education, Chateauguay Valley Regional School Board, Quebec; Deputy Secretary General Canadian Teachers’

R D Mosher
Federation, Ottawa, Retired March 1984 Peacefully in Ottawa after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, June 17, 2007. Russ Mosher of Kemptville at the age of eighty-three. Loving husband and best friend of Marjorie Mosher (nee Curtis). Loving father of Jim (Carole) of Embrun, Kathy (Barry Laing) of Beamsville, Ontario and Peter (Noreen Hill) of Vernon, Ontario. Proud grandpa of Chris, Eric, Jack and Denise. Russ is predeceased by his four brothers and one sister: Kenneth (Enid), Clarence (the late Ruth), Gordon (Phyllis), Gerald (the late June) and Doris McClay (the late Clarence). Russ will be remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

 

Montreal Gazette, June 19, 2007


Reynolds, George

George Reynolds
We remember with affection a quiet, dedicated teacher, Mr. George Reynolds, who passed away suddenly September 1978.
Unity ’79 HSB Yearbook

 

Lin Visser

Lin Visser
VISSER, Linda Lee. Tragically in a car accident on March 5, 2003. Dear daughter of Mary Walker (Bob of Miramichi). Survived by her husband, Brian Visser, son Shaun (Marie Pierre) and daughter Lisa. Also survived by her uncle, Clayton McTavish (Jean), great-uncle Fred Flynn and her mother-in-law, Florence Visser. The family service will be held in Miramichi, New Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, hug someone dear to you.

 

Montreal Gazette, March 10, 2003


Woodhouse, Mabel

Woodhouse
WOODHOUSE, Mabel Anna nee Baillie – Monday, April 20, 2009: Mabel, wife of George Alfred Woodhouse, mother to Jack, Nancy, Jim, Maureen, and Geoff, and grandmother to Shayne, Lisa, Brendan, Rebekah, Jessica, and Adrian, passed away in her sleep in the early morning. A memorial service will be held at St.

 

Andrew’s United Church in Halifax. Mabel was born on March 24, 1924 in River John, Nova Scotia. She is remembered by many as a high school nurse in Chateauguay, Quebec and a public health nurse in Owen Sound, Ontario.

Montreal Gazette, April 23, 2009