After 85 years of a full, adventurous, uncompromising and joyous life, Darryl Irwin Stutt passed away peacefully in his sleep June 7, 2025. He was a truly magnificent man and will be missed forever by his wife, Catherine.

Darryl was born in Killam, Alberta on November 4, 1939, to Vivian (McCune) and Percy Stutt. His mother told a story of Darryl disappearing one day when he was three years old; she found him at the corner, directing traffic in the small prairie town. That was a harbinger of a legendary 30-year career with the Ontario Provincial Police, where Darryl was honoured to work with so many officers whom he respected. He served at several detachments in southwestern Ontario before spending the last 15 years at Bracebridge.

After retirement, and a fun second career as a long-distance trucker, Darryl embraced his love of road trips, travelling extensively with Catherine throughout North America until they settled in Brighton, Ontario, where he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and volunteering. It is here he set down roots, enjoying many precious friendships.

Darryl leaves his wife and soulmate Catherine, and his adored kittens Mason and Max. Darryl is also survived by his brothers Darwyn (Jean) and Graydon (Bev) and his sister-in-law Joanne Glass. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Gary and Terry.

Per Darryl’s wishes, there will be no service. In his words, “I spent 30 years dispersing crowds. I’m not inclined to be part of one.”

Bill Downey Loved to tell Jokes and Stories. Whether it was to his family, his cousins, his friends, his children’s friends, or his many coffee group friends over the years. His greatest joy was making others laugh, no matter the subject, he could always have a joke ready to make you smile.

We are extremely saddened to announce that he told his last jokes and stories on Thursday June 5th, 2025. Even with pneumonia deeply affecting his breathing, he still held court in his hospital bed and entertained the staff that looked after him, those that visited him, and ultimately his family. It is bittersweet, but we were all so lucky to be able to hear those last few jokes and say our final goodbye’s. We are so happy and blessed that he was able still make others laugh, even with his final breaths. It is exactly what he wanted.

William Downey was the son of Bernice and William Downey. Born in Toronto and then moving up to North Bay for the remainder of his childhood and young adult life. Of his many accomplishments during his Ime in North Bay, he was a beloved Boy Scout troop master, as well as a volunteer with the NORAD Emergency Services. He also spent years as an Auxiliary Police Officer with the North Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

He studied and worked as a draftsman at Ontario Hydro where he met the love of his life Sylvia. They were inseparable after that. Their love only grew more and more each day. He then fell in love with Sylvia’s family and then extended family. They married and moved to Peterborough where he worked for General Electric as a Nuclear draftsman and raised his own family. He was an immensely proud grandfather of three amazing young men: Miller, Mitchell and Jacob.

Bill also loved immensely his “Sisters” Marlene “McGlynn” Brown and Joan Short. They were his partners in crime for his whole life. He then also fell in love with their spouses, as well as their families.

He retired and then volunteered at Civic Hospital, was a sides person at numerous Anglican churches. He was a trustee at the Peterborough naval club and continued to volunteer at the OPP, all while being an avid Ham radio enthusiast.

So, to everyone who bent an ear and shared a laugh, Thank you. You made his dark days brighter, and his great days even better. He will be sadly missed by his Family and friends. Hopefully he has gotten past Saint Peters gate and not still trying to tell one more joke before entering heaven.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Ben is now reunited with his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Lou (2024), his parents William and Georgette, as well as his sister Doris.

Ben is survived by his two children, Bill and Lesley Kareem (Wael). Beloved Papa of Ryan, Rose, Laith, Fadi, Zane and as well by his beloved sister-in-law, Ruth Anne Piette.

Ben was a proud member of the Ontario Provincial Police, serving Essex County and Pelee Island for over 30 years.

Ben was a member of the Essex Legion Branch 201 as well as being an active member of the Ontario Provincial Police Veterans Association.

Ben was an avid reader and a fan of the Tigers, Blue Jays, and Maple Leafs. He enjoyed relaxing on his patio, overseeing his lawn and garden, barbequing and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Ben will be missed by his family and his many friends.

A resident of Chatham, Brian Byatt passed away peacefully with family at his side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on May 5, 2025 at the age of 81.

Born in Victoria BC, Brian was the son of the late John and Bette (née Beeton) Byatt.

Beloved husband of 57 years to Elizabeth (née Fluvian) Byatt.

Loving father to Karyn (Jeffery) Byatt-Millington.

Adored pa to Ryan Millington.

Brother to Ann Shambleau (née Byatt).

Predeceased by siblings Robert Byatt and Patricia Byatt.

In keeping with Brian’s wishes a private family burial will take place at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Brian to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at  McKinlay Funeral Home

Adrian is reunited with his wife Vera. Adrian is survived by his stepchildren Mark (Danielle) Caskenette, and Benjamin (Christine) Caskenette, his step-grandchildren Seth, Kyra-Rose, Ella and Adisin. He will be missed by his dear friend of 14 years Lee-Anne Condi.

Adrian was a devoted member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and lived a life guided by faith, compassion, and service. He was a member of Serra Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, Waterloo Knights of Columbus, the 404 Wing Association, and the OPP Auxiliary Police and a friend to the Carmel of St. Joseph (St. Agatha, ON), the Monastery of the Carmel of St. Joseph (Armstrong, BC) and Lisaard House.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 75 Bluevale St. N., Waterloo, on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation will follow and a private family interment will be held at Parkview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to St. Agnes Catholic Church or to the Food Bank may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God took you home. It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Gerald Gilligan, who departed this life on April 28, 2025, at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. Son of the late Joseph and of the late Margaret (née Rimes). Gerry was the beloved husband of the late Aline (née Colbourne). Loving and proud father of Tania, Stacey (Andre), and Theresa (Lucas). Predeceased by his son Carey (Val). He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Matthew (Kayla), Cortney (Brittany), Shannon (Jean-Michel), Mackenzie (Ashley), John (Taylor), Brooke (Quintin), Leeland (Gem), Erika (Quinn), Jaxon (Carissa), Zach, Luca, his great-grandchildren Lawson, Emmit, Wyllow, Caspen, Melody, Raelyn, Olivia, Dexter, Noah, and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dear brother of Mark, and Lillian Jamieson (late Barry). Predeceased by his brothers James (Eleanor), Bernard, Bartley (Lynn) and friend Murielle Binette.

Gerry was born in Mattawa and loved his younger years on the family farm. He began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police on April 1st, 1958, in Ottawa, Ontario. He moved to Temagami in 1963 to continue with the OPP. Aline joined him in 1967 after their fairytale wedding. They started their married life in Temagami, where they enjoyed their days together, especially on the lake. The OPP brought them to Sturgeon Falls in 1971 where he settled and lived a long loving life. He enjoyed his last few years in his police career as a Staff Seargent with the Warren OPP. Once retired, Gerry spent many years working alongside his son, Carey, cutting trees and removing tree stumps. Gerry was a beloved and well-known member of the community, remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to helping others. He gave his time selflessly, delivering Meals on Wheels, coaching youth hockey for many years, and volunteering at his children’s and grandchildren’s elementary school — just a few examples of the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him. His legacy of service, warmth, and compassion lives on in the countless people whose lives he touched. He was a dedicated Catholic devoted to his faith and a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish for over 50 years.

Gerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. Above all, he loved to spend time with his family. He was incredibly proud and adored all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gerry was a patient, loving man who demonstrated caring, calmness and love every day of his life.

To our sweet Dad, thank you for being so much to so many of us and thank you especially for loving us for all of our lives. Your love will live on forever in our memories and hearts.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible supportive team from Ontario Health at Home, especially the wonderful PSWs and the team at Dr. Vandal’s office.

The family will receive friends at the Theoret-Bourgeois Funeral Home, Sturgeon Falls for visitation on Thursday May 1, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Chirstian burial will be held on Friday May 2, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Sturgeon Falls. A celebration of life will be held at the Golden Age Club following the funeral mass. Funeral arrangements in care of the Theoret-Bourgeois Funeral Home, Sturgeon Falls. Donations to the Canadian Chron’s and Colitis Society or the Canadian Heart and Stroke would be greatly appreciated.

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of a retired Senior Constable Simon John Payne (#3575) on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with his family at his side.

Simon started his OPP career on April 8, 1968, at the Kenora Detachment and then on April 6, 1981, Simon transferred to Atikokan, where he served as a Provincial Constable and many times as an Acting Detachment Commander until his retirement on April 30, 1997. After retiring, Simon continued service by travelling to other Detachments for In-Service training and as a firearms instructor. Simon was also a member of the Kenora Chapter of the OPP Veterans’ Association.

Simon is survived by his wife Janette, daughter Terri, son Gareth, along with his wife Leah and son Evan.
Simon was in his 79th year and retired for close to 28 years.

As per Simon’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.

It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Serge Sabourin on April 19, 2025, at Hawkesbury General Hospital at the age of 82. He was the son of the late Adrienne Madore and the late Rolland Sabourin. He was the beloved husband of Louise Comtois. He also leaves to mourn his daughter, Danièle (Herach) Aintablian; his grandson, Raffi (Annie) Aintablian; his partner’s children, Manon (Mario) Léveillé and Isabelle Comtois (Christian Lavoie-Le Bel); his partner’s grandchildren, Kim (Eric) Larochelle, Cédric (Myriam Allard), Gabriel (Catherine), and Camille (Benoît); his partner’s two great-grandsons, Samuel and Olivier; his sisters, Christiane (Réjean Léonard) and Louise Sabourin; as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint-Pierre-Apôtre Parish in Hawkesbury (470 Main Street East). The family will receive condolences at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hawkesbury food bank would be greatly appreciated.