Current Funeral Information *

Captain, Ret. Brother Dave Judge

London, Local 142

It is with deep sadness that we inform the membership of the passing of Retired Fire Captain Dave Judge, after a courageous battle with cancer. Captain Judge retired in 1999 after a prestigious 30-year career proudly serving the citizens of London.

Our Brother Dave will be recognized as a "Line Of Duty Death" with the flags at all stations at half mast until he has been laid to rest. Dave will be added to the IAFF Colorado Springs, Ontario Provincial, Canadian Federal and LPFFA Memorial Monuments in 2020 in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice. For those of us that had the privilege of working with Captain Judge, we remember him fondly as a mountain of a man who was a dedicated father, husband and fire fighter.

Memorial Services:

Sunday Nov 17th 2019

1:00pm to 4:00pm and ‪6:00pm to 9:00pm

Westview Funeral Chapel
‪709 Wonderland Rd N.
London, Ontario

The service will be a celebration of life, and we invite all members to join the Judge family to honour and reflect on Dave's career and life. All fire service personnel are asked to wear full dress uniform with white shirts and gloves.

Charitable donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program

Our deepest condolences go out the Judge Family during this difficult time.

Obituary

- In the Line of Duty -

Fire Fighter, Ret. Brother Walter Bosak

St. Catharines, Local 485

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Retired Fire Fighter Walter Bosak, Local 485 - St. Catharines.

Brother Bosak passed away November 6th 2019 from an Occupational Illness.

Visitation:

Thursday November 14th 2019

2:00pm to 4:00pm & 7:00pm to 9:00pm

George Darte Funeral Home
585 Carlton St., St. Catharines

Funeral Service:

Friday November 15th 2019

11:00am

George Darte Funeral Home
585 Carlton St., St. Catharines

Reception to follow:

Polish Legion
294 Vine St.
St. Catharines.

Any members from other locals who can assist with honor guard duties, please contact St. Catharines Secretary Fraser at secretaryiaff485@gmail.com.

Our thoughts are with Local 485 and Walter’s family at this difficult time.

https://dartefuneralhome.com/tribute/details/7104/Walter-Bosak/obituary.html

Recently Lost:

Brother John "Herb" Stephenson

Belleville, Local 497

Peacefully entered into rest on Monday, October 28th, 2019 at the Heart of Hastings Hospice, Madoc. John Stephenson died at the age of 64. He was the son of Rita (nee McIntyre) and the late Paul Stephenson of Belleville. John was the loving husband for 43 years to Pierrette (nee Lacombe) and the cherished father of Melissa Livingstone (John) of Madoc. He was the loving grandfather of Justin and Zoë. John was the dearest brother of Gail Stephenson of Belleville, Michael (Pat) of Toronto, Susan (Wayne) of Wellington, Paul (Shirley) of Belleville and Denise (Martin) of Brantford. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, Katie, Mike, Tracy, Melissa, Jade, Noah, Master Cpl. Paul Stephenson, Lily, Katherine, Ashley, Paul, Nathan, Nicholas, Olivia, Benjamin, and Caleb. John will be sadly missed by Pierrette’s family and his many friends.

John is resting at the John R. Bush Funeral Home, 80 Highland Avenue, Belleville (613-968-5588) for visitation on Thursday, October 31st from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Memorial Service in the Chapel on Friday, November 1st, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Hal Wilson & Rev. Father Brad Beale officiating. Interment to follow at St. James’ Cemetery. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart of Hastings Hospice, or the Belleville Fire Fighters Toy Drive would be appreciated by the family. To share memories of John, please visit:

www.rushnellfamilyservices.com

- ACTIVE -

Brother Don Leis

Oakville, Local 1582

Gone home to be with his Lord & Saviour, suddenly on October 19, 2019, at the age of 52. Best friend and beloved husband of Julie (nee Scott), together they have been blessed to share 27 years of marriage. Proud and devoted Dad to Noah, Caitlin (boyfriend Justin Gutthardt) and Gabriel Leis. Adored son of Lydiann & the late Edmund Leis. Loving Brother of Doug & Cheryl Leis, Judy & Tim Yantzi, Rob & Brenda Leis, Val & Rob Bender and Sherry & Metaxas Makedos. Dear Son-in-law of Raymond & Catherine Scott. Loved Brother-in-law of Marty & Susan Scott, Cheryl & Norm Penney, Christine & Greg Fries, Jeff & Sue Scott and Jamie & Sherri Scott. Don will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends, as a kind and humble man who loved his family and appreciated a sense of humour. He felt honoured to serve on the Oakville Fire Department (Platoon 2B Station 4) and will be deeply missed by his crew Mike Coyne, Mark Dickinson, Nick Castellan and Jody Walker.

Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Thursday, October 24th from 1 - 3 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday morning, October 25th at 11 a.m. at Fair Havens Ministries, Irwin Chapel located at B2215 Durham 48, Beaverton. Interment: St. Andrew's - St. James' Cemetery, Orillia, located adjacent to Emmanuel Orillia where parking is also available. A luncheon reception will be served at Emmanuel Orillia following the interment. In Memory of Don, memorial donations to Fair Havens Ministries or Emmanuel Baptist Church - Orillia would be most appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com

Brother Bill Wilson

Local 1957, Richmond Hill

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Stuart Wilson of Havelock, ON (formerly Uxbridge, ON) on August 26th, 2019. Bill was born in Newmarket, Ontario, on August 13th, 1959 to Stuart and Beverly (Doyle) Wilson. He was the loving big brother to Michael (Kim) and Cynthia (Trine). Bill grew up in Aurora, Ontario, where he attended school, played sports, and met the love of his life, best friend, and high school sweetheart Teresa Ann (Smart) Wilson. Bill and Terry were married on April 19th, 1980. Bill was a devoted family man and hockey Dad. His three children William “Billy” (Laura), Lyndsay (grand-pup Opie), and Catherine (Robert) were his pride and joy. He was also thrilled to be “Papa” to his grandchildren Lydia and Maxwell Wilson. Son-in-law to Larry Smart and brother-in-law to Kelly (Andrew) Drummond, Larry (Kristy) Smart. Bill was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill joined the Aurora Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1977. On April 2, 1979, Bill became a full-time firefighter with the town of Richmond Hill. Bill continued to move up the ranks, becoming a Captain and then later a Platoon Chief. Bill was well respected by those he worked with and enjoyed his career serving the public. After 36.5 years with RHFD, Bill and Terry retired to Havelock, ON where they built their dream timber frame home. Bill’s passion was designing and building his family’s homes through the years. Bill is preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Doyle, grandparents James and Ella Wilson, Uncle Fred and Aunt Doreen Bolsby, mother-in-law Mary Smart, sister-in-laws Heather Wilson, and Lori Alcorn A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6th, 2019 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON. A funeral service for Bill will be on Saturday, September 7th, 2019 at 11:00am at Thompson Funeral Home in Aurora, ON. Interment at Aurora Cemetery with reception to follow. On-line condolences and further information can be found at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Toronto Rehab Foundation (Lyndhurst Centre) where Bill’s daughter Lyndsay received life-altering care Or Canadian Legacy Project in support of our veterans.

Brother Richard Stoparczyk

Ottawa, Local 162

STOPARCZYK, Richard - December 22, 1968 – July 4, 2019

After 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.

Brother Douglas "Topper" Topliffe

Windsor, Local 455

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.”