OPFFA Member Funeral Information

Attention All OPFFA Locals,

Former OPFFA # 3 DVP Brother Grant Bettke of the Waterloo Fire Department passed away on January 30, 2010 of a job related occupational disease. Brother Bettke was recognize with a Premier's Tribute to the Fallen aat the ceremony held at Queen's Park on April 7, 2010.

Brother Bettke joined the Waterloo Fire Dept. in 1959 and moved thru the ranks as a Lieutenant, Captain, Platoon Chief, Deputy Chief and was Acting Chief when he retired in 1993. He was very active with the Waterloo Professional Fire Fighters Association and served on the Executive for many years and was also President for a few years. He was Vice-President of District 3 from 1972-1977 and served the District and the O.P.F.F.A. with Pride and Loyalty. He was always the type of person who could bring laughter and excitement when he was in your presence. He will be sadly missed by his wife Barb and the rest of his family.

Brother Bettke's funeral is being held on May 1, 2010 in Bracebridge. Following is the information associated Grant's visitation and funeral.

FOR FRIENDS - DIGNITARIES - RELATIVES

Good Afternoon,

Here is the latest information for Brother Grant Bettke's LODD funeral. May 1st, 2010. Bracebridge, Ont. (Addresses at the bottom of this email.)

Non-Service Guests - Dignitaries, arriving for the funeral, are asked to drive to the church and park in the church or municipal lots around the building.
Visitation will be in progress but we ask that you arrive at approx. 1200hrs if wanting to visit with the family before the service. Barb and family will be in the church alter area for the visitation. The visitation continues until 1220hrs.

At 1225hrs Barb (his wife), Brad (his son) and Grant's remains will leave and join the fire department procession through the town and arrive back at the church, at 1255hrs, along with the fire fighter procession. The service will begin at 1300hrs.

If you are not in the procession, I would ask that you meet me (Chris Collins) in the vestibule at the right-hand side door of the church (if facing the church), at 1245hrs. You will be given information on the service and direction as to arriving at your seats.

The service will begin with the dignitary and fire fighter entrance, celebrant greeting and some prayers.

After that, the speakers will be asked to come up, as introduced. Singing of hymns may also take place between some speakers.
(Please consider the time needed for 6 speakers when preparing your notes)

The speakers at the church will be as follows.
Fire Marshall for the province of Ontario - Patrick Burke
Waterloo Mayor - Brenda Halloran
Waterloo Fire Chief - Larry Brassard
O.P.F.F.A. President - Fred LeBlanc
Doug Cassidy - Long time friend and colleague
Barb Roche - Grant's Wife

After the service ends the fire fighter procession will march to the fire hall area where they will line the street for the 3 bell toll (return to station) as the family proceed through.

A reception is to follow back at the Riverside Inn.

FOR THE FIRE SERVICE BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Fire Fighters are mustering at the Riverside Inn in Bracebridge at 1130hrs at the left hand side parking area. (if facing the entrance)
After we've assembled, the Waterloo bus will take you to the Fire Hall. Light refreshments will be provided there.

We will gather any other fire fighters that may have driven to the fire hall on their own and arrange for the procession to the church We will begin the march to the church about 1230hrs. Service is at 1300hrs
After the service ends the fire fighter procession will march to the fire hall area where they will line the street for the 3 bell toll (meaning return to station) as the family pass through.

The bus will return to take you all back to the Riverside Inn for a reception.

Riverside Inn
300 Ecclestone Drive
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1G4
(705) 645-8775
Approx. 1130hrs

Bracebridge Fire Department
16 Dominion St.
Bracebridge, Ontario
P1L 2A5

Bracebridge United Church
46 Dominion St.,
Bracebridge ON P1L 2A

Reception is to follow back at the Riverside Inn Approx. 1400hrs - 1600hrs.

If you have any questions please contact the Waterloo Local.