It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brent Peter Mikstas at the age of 73. He passed away on January 22nd at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. Brent had been vacationing in Cuba when he fell ill and was admitted to a local hospital. He was later medically transported back to Canada on January 18th, where he spent his final moments surrounded by his daughter and close friends.

Brent was a devoted father to Laurie (Blake) Crawford of Cornwall and a cherished grandfather to Grace and Presley. He was also a hero to his grandson Phoenix and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his dear sister, Dale (Lloyd) Sturge of Kamloops, B.C. Brent was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lynn Mikstas (née Prior) in 2011, his brother Paul Mikstas in 2021, and his parents, Mary and Antanas Mikstas.

Born and raised in Sudbury, Brent earned his B.A. from Laurentian University, where he also played varsity football. Following university, he briefly worked in Sudbury’s mining industry before embarking on a distinguished 33-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police. Brent rose through the ranks to become an Inspector and served as Commander of the Downsview/Toronto OPP Detachment. Known for his strong leadership, he was a respected and admired figure—always leading from the front in challenging times and supporting his team from behind the scenes during smooth sailing.

Beyond his career, Brent embraced life with passion. In his later years, he developed a love for boating, spending summers on the Toronto waterfront with his wife, Mary Lynn, and their two dogs. He found joy in sailing across Lake Ontario, often toasting a glass of wine on the American side.

In accordance with his wishes, Brent has been privately cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced.

To honor his memory, donations to a local SPCA or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

At the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital on Wednesday January 15, 2025 at the age of 93. Maurice Seymour of Orillia, beloved husband of the late Mary Seymour. Loving father of Sandy and husband Marty Davis and the late Douglas Seymour. Loving grandfather of Rebecca Davis and Andrew Seymour. Cherished great grandfather of Chase and Bristol. Predeceased by brothers Jack, Charles and twin sister Margaret. Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes – L. Doolittle Chapel 54 Coldwater St. E Orillia (705) 326-3595.

In addition to the loss of Jack and Bill, she was predeceased by her parents, Webb and Irene Gill; and her brothers Darrell, Wayne (sister-in-law Coreen) and Lyle. Being almost 91, she had experienced the loss of many people she loved.

She is survived by her children, Jody (Calvin), Garry (Susan), and Kim and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Nonie had many interests and talents and was a gifted artist and crafter. She had a varied work life and was a working wife and mother ahead of her time. She worked as a bank teller and as a town clerk in Rainy River. She worked in retail, was an accountant, and sold real estate in Atikokan, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg. When she moved to Kenora, she owned and operated a ceramic shop and also worked at Abundance, a local gift shop, until she retired.

She loved to travel and spent many happy holidays with family and friends in Western Canada and numerous states in the USA. One of her favourite places to visit with Bill was Puerto Rico. In later life, Nonie travelled to B.C., Ont., Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida visiting her family who she adored.

Nonie will live on in the hearts of her family and all those who knew and loved her. She felt truly blessed to have lived a long and full life and to have experienced the many wonders life had to offer.

Memorial donations may be made in Winona McKie’s name to the Rainy River Hospital, Box 236, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0.

It is with great sadness that the family of Pat Maule announces his death on January 5, 2025. Pat was in his 90th year and was the last of his generation; he was predeceased by his siblings Kay, Maggie and Robert. Pat died at home, as he wished, after a short illness and was surrounded by his loving family who he cherished.

Pat is survived by the love of his life, S’ine to whom he was married for 67 of his happiest years, his three children, Ian Maule(Wendy), Alison Clarke(Dan) and Sylvia Vermeulen, seven grandchildren, Ryan(Caitlyn), David, Jessica(Jeremy), Jason(Carissa), Kayla(Kyle), Lauren(Maddie), Paul(Eva) and five great grandchildren, Sonny(his mother Jennifer), Jacob, Miles, Olivia and Adelaide.

Pat was born in Watford, England in 1935. He was a member of the Royal Navy where he trained as a metal machinist from 1952-1956. Upon leaving the navy, Pat worked at Scottish Aviation and met S’ine at a Christmas dance where it was love at first sight. His plans to immigrate to Canada were already set. Pat sailed to Canada on the Empress of France, January 1956 and was joined by S’ine a year later.

Pat worked at de Havilland Aircraft and Avro but seeking more consistent work, joined the OPP in 1960. He retired in 1988 having spent his entire career serving Elgin County.

Pat was both athletic and creative! He was a welterweight boxing champion, long distance runner and played rugby but more than anything else loved to play golf and never missed a single Blue Jays game. On the creative side Pat crafted original stained-glass windows and lamps, refurbished antiques and created beautiful gardens to attract the native birds he loved to watch. Pat was a master philatelist (stamp collector) and genealogist, creating a family history going back centuries. He loved to travel with S’ine and read countless detective novels.

Above every other accomplishment, Pat counted his happy marriage and his loving family as his greatest achievements. Pat will be remembered by his many dear friends and extended family who will miss his beautiful smile, charm and wit.

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, 2-4 pm at the Columbus Club, 265 Wellington St., St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of Elgin, www.elginhospice.com. Condolences can be made through www.ontariocremation.com.

Passed away peacefully at VON Sakura House with his family by his side, after a long battle with cancer, on Wednesday January 1, 2025 in his 79th year.

Loving Dad of Jackson (Kim), Lisa (Brett), and Brad (Julie). Cherished grandpa and Papa Bill to Jordan, Colin, Brayden (Shaylyn), Courtney, Austin (Brittany), Alex, and great grandchildren Ciara, Weston, and Russell. Predeceased by his parents Leslie and Marjorie Harlow, brother Bob, sister Donna, and grandson Ty.

Friends will be received at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 11-1 with the Memorial Service at 1pm.

Memorial donations to VON Sakura House or Alexandra Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.