Current Funeral Information *

LODD NOTIFICATION

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Fire Fighter Bill Wilson, Local 1957, Richmond Hill.

Last November, Bill was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Brother Wilson fought valiantly against this disease and his fight was a testament to his strength as a person.

Brother Wilson was a friend and inspiration to many and his passing comes with great grief.

Please continue to keep the entire Wilson family in your thoughts and prayers.

Visitation:

Friday September 6th 2019

Thompson Funeral Home
530 Industrial Parkway South Aurora ON

2:00pm to 4:00pm & 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Funeral Service:

Saturday September 7th 2019

Thompson Funeral Home
530 Industrial Parkway South Aurora ON

11:00am

Internment:

Saturday September 7th 2019

Aurora Cemetery
14253 Yonge Street Aurora ON

Fire Fighters please wear dress uniforms.

Our thoughts are with Local 1957 and Bill’s family at this difficult time.

Recently Lost:

Brother Richard Stoparczyk, Ottawa Local 162

STOPARCZYK, Richard - December 22, 1968 – July 4, 2019After a prolonged and difficult battle with heart disease, Richard succumbed in hospital Thursday morning, at the age of 50. Richard was a devoted father to Ashwin, his pride and joy. He also leaves behind his loving spouse, Ewa Tomaszewska, parents Ella & George (Kingston, ON), brother Derek (Lori-Ann), sister Rachel (John Williams), and cherished niece and nephew, Amy & Ryan. Special thanks to Dr. Chan and the transplant team at the Ottawa Heart Institute. And to Deputy Chief Sean Tracey and all of Richard’s brothers and sisters at Ottawa Fire Services. Family and friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel 580 Eagleson Rd., Kanata K2M 1H4, 613-591-6580 on Tuesday, July 9th, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Followed by a Celebration of Life in the Chapel at 2 p.m. Reception to follow (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) in the Arbor Lounge of Kelly Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel. For those wishing, In Memoriam donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Trillium Gift of Life Association or a charity of choice are greatly appreciated. Sharing memories and online condolences at www.kellyfh.ca

Brother Lindsay Meilleur, Deep River Local 1276

Suddenly, at his residence on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the age of 58 years.

Son of the late Irving “Tut” and Theresa Meilleur ( nee: Blank). Loving father of Devyn Meilleur and Morgan Meilleur both of London. Loving partner of Michele Carlin of Deep River and her children TJ, Sierra and Aaron. Dear brother of Jackie DeHaan and her husband Tinus of Pembroke, Glen Meilleur and his wife Vicky of Chatham, Carol Ann Madore and her husband Daniel of Thunder Bay and Darcy Meilleur (Mary Adams) of Rapides des Joachims.

Respecting Lindsay’s request cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Deep River Arena on Sunday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. Following the Celebration of Life, friends are invited to join Lindsay’s family at the Royal Canadian Legion, Deep River for a light lunch and to celebrate Lindsay’s life.

In memoriam, donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute or the charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River.

District Chief Charles Douglas "Topper" Topliffe, Ret.

August 26th 1943 - August 13th 2018

Doug, Dad, Grandpa “Topper” passed away peacefully on August 13, 2018 surrounded by his devoted wife of 38 years, Annette, his children, Jeff (Eileen), Tim (Jeanette) and Jesse (Andrea), and his precious grandchildren; Nicole, Mitch, Jake, Shaelyn, Pierson, Hudson and Riley. Much loved by sisters Illah (Albert) Bryan, Fran (late Arnold) Hawkins, and Marilyn (Dr. Carlos) Villarreal, brother in law Ernest (Uncle Looney) St. Denis and sister in law Lucille (John) Whitehead.  He will be sadly missed by his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his loving parents Delos and Sylvia Topliffe, siblings Harry (Yvonne), Shirley (Richard) Chittim, Herb Topliffe, Marcia Topliffe and was the son in law to the late Ernest and Anne St. Denis.

Grandpa Topper loved to spend as much time with his 7 grandchildren.  He was always attending recitals, plays, hockey games, graduations, bike rides, birthday parties or just stopping in when he was in town.  He was so proud of his grandchildren and loved making memories with them.  Grandpa Toppers letters and “GAMBONIS” will always be special in their hearts!! Doug proudly spent 36 years as a Windsor Firefighter and retired as a District Chief in 2002. Doug spent a majority of his career as a Firefighter not only serving and protecting the Citizens of Windsor but also the men and women in the Fire Service.  He was involved with the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association as the Vice President of the Executive Board, Chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, Inaugural Chair of the Critical Incident Stress Team and as Chair of the Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund.  Doug had a passion for every aspect of the Fire Service.  He was involved with the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association as the Chair of the OPFFA’s Health and Safety Committee, Member of the Ministry of Labour’s Section 21 Committee and as a Member of the Canadian Standards Committee for Firefighter protective equipment.

Doug was a tireless supporter and advocate for Firefighter protection and recognition of the dangers Firefighters face.  He was especially proud after several years of advocating for recognition, when the Ontario Government enacted legislation providing coverage for several Firefighter related cancers; not knowing, that he would ultimately be diagnosed and succumb to one of these cancers. After retirement Doug was the Canadian Customer Service Manager for the Total Fire Group, Honeywell First Responder Products and finally Commercial Solutions Inc. traveling North America providing expertise and equipment to help keep Firefighters safe.

His love for sports, children, compassion for others and commitment to his community is evident by the many organizations that he was involved with throughout his life. His love of sports started in his youth while growing up in Riverside.  He loved playing football at Corpus Christi, Riverside High Schools and for the AKO Fratmen and hockey with several leagues.  He coached Hockey and Baseball in Riverside, was a founding member and Coach of Windsor Minor Football Association and was a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics.

A passionate supporter and participant with the MS bike rides, Bike rides for Cancer and any children's organization the Firefighters supported. He was actively involved with many community organizations that shared his passion for helping people in need and in attempting to make our community a better place to live. He loved his work with the Multicultural Council of Windsor/Essex where he was the Vice President on the Board of Directors, as well as Hospice Windsor, where he was a board member. As well as aboard member of Sandwich Teen Action Group.

Always an eager volunteer for the Chili Fest and Muscular Dystrophy Telethon.  Doug was willing to help out a good cause from: using his house as collateral to buy the new football equipment for Windsor Minor Football Association, to shaving his head to raise money for cancer or collecting door to door for support with his annual MS bike ride. A special thank you to the many friends that visited Doug, made him laugh, gave him comfort and offered support to the family during this difficult journey and fight.

The care and support Dad received from the staff at Hospice, Malden Park, Metropolitan and Hotel Dieu Hospital was greatly appreciated by our family. If you so desire, donations to The Hospice Giving Tree Windsor Essex would be appreciated by the family.

      “Peace is the hand of God touching our aching souls.”