Ontario Provincial Police Veterans' Association

In Memoriam

A space to honour members who have recently passed, reflect on their service, and keep their stories alive within our community.

James Gilbert (Skid) Robinson

James Gilbert (Skid) Robinson

September 10, 1952 – November 14, 2025

Chapter 13 - Sudbury

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James Gilbert “Jim” Robinson, known to many as “Skid”, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Waterloo. He was 73.

In lieu of flowers

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Waterloo Region Health Network, to another charity of choice and/or by giving blood

Condolences

Mrs. Sandy Robinson, 1504-6 Willow St., Waterloo, ON

Family & loved ones

  • Jim is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Sandy Robinson (nee Jacobs); their twin daughters Heather Gronek (Tom) and Kimberley Koolen (Mike); and his four treasured grandchildren.

Timeline

  • Born

    September 10, 1952
  • Passed away

    November 14, 2025

    Age 73

  • Celebration of life

    In keeping with his wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Charles Robert (Bob) Gratton

Charles Robert (Bob) Gratton

April 4, 1938 – November 11, 2025

Chapter 1 - Chatham

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Life Member Brother Bob (Flea) Gratton, passed away at the age of 87 at Metropolitan Hospital in Windsor on November 11, 2025.

Visitation

Melady Funeral Home (572 Notre Dame St. Belle River 519-728-1500)

Sunday, November 16th, 2025 - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Celebration of life

November 17, 2025 • 12:00 pm @ St. Simon & St. Jude Parish 488 St. Charles St. Belle River, ON N8L 1K8

Cremation will follow. The inurnment of Bob’s cremated remains will take place at St. Williams Cemetery at a later date

Condolences

Mrs. Hazel Gratton, 399 Lenore St., Belle River, ON N0R 1A0

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • During Bob's career he served in Burk's Falls, Temagami, Precious Metals Branch in Red Lake and Kirkland Lake, his last posting at Windsor Intelligence Unit where he retired from on March 30, 1990.

Family & loved ones

  • Bob is survived by wife Hazel and their children Michele and Paul

Timeline

  • Born

    April 4, 1938
  • Passed away

    November 11, 2025

    Age 87

  • Visitation

    Melady Funeral Home (572 Notre Dame St. Belle River 519-728-1500)

    Melady Funeral Home (572 Notre Dame St. Belle River 519-728-1500) • Sunday, November 16th, 2025 - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Celebration of life

    November 17, 2025 • 12:00 pm @ St. Simon & St. Jude Parish 488 St. Charles St. Belle River, ON N8L 1K8

    St. Simon & St. Jude Parish 488 St. Charles St. Belle River, ON N8L 1K8 • Cremation will follow. The inurnment of Bob’s cremated remains will take place at St. Williams Cemetery at a later date

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Margaret (Jane) Allison

Margaret (Jane) Allison

July 23, 1946 – October 24, 2025

Chapter 8 - Peterborough

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Margaret "Jane" Allison passed away at Peterborough Regional Health Centre on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 79. She was the wife of Alexander "Craig" Allison, retired OPP and Life Member of OPPVA Chapter 8, Peterborough.

Visitation

October 30, 2025 • 12:00 pm @ Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

Celebration of life

October 30, 2025 • 1:00 pm @ Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario would be greatly appreciated

Condolences

Mr. Craig Allison and Family, 1043 Sharpe Line , Cavan, Ont. L0A 1C0

Send condolences

Family & loved ones

  • Jane is survived by their children Susan Judges (Mark) and Peter Allison (Julie). Grandmother of Macklan and Evangeline Allison.

Timeline

  • Born

    July 23, 1946
  • Passed away

    October 24, 2025

    Age 79

  • Visitation

    October 30, 2025 • 12:00 pm @ Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

    Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

  • Celebration of life

    October 30, 2025 • 1:00 pm @ Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

    Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Kalvin Carl (KC) Stewart

Kalvin Carl (KC) Stewart

March 29, 1936 – October 19, 2025

Chapter 3 - Simcoe-Brantford

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It is with sadness that we report the passing of Retired Staff Sergeant Kal Stewart, Life Member of Chapter #3 Simcoe-Brantford. Kal was 89 years old

In lieu of flowers

Childcan (www.childcan.com) or Stedman Community Hospice, 99 Wayne Gretzky Parkway, BRANTFORD, ON N3S 6T6

Condolences

Mrs. Anita STEWART, 83 Berkley Crescent, SIMCOE, ON N3Y 4N1

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • "KC" was a proud OPP officer, retiring as a Staff Sergeant after 35 years of service

Timeline

  • Born

    March 29, 1936
  • Passed away

    October 19, 2025

    Age 89

  • Celebration of life

    At Kalvin’s request cremation has taken place. There will be a private Family interment at Lions Head Cemetery.

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Eino Karl (Bud) Manty

Eino Karl (Bud) Manty

July 23, 1930 – October 13, 2025

Chapter 16 - Thunder Bay

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It is with sadness that we report the passing of Bud Manty. Bud was a long time member and Life member of 16 Chapter OPPVA and a member of the over 90 club (95 years old)

Celebration of life

October 23, 2025 • 11:00 am @ Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore St., Thunder Bay

Condolences

Hester Manty, 120 Cox Crescent, Thunder Bay ON P7A 7K8

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • Bud began his career with the OPP in October 1954 and served at Port Arthur DHQ, Nipigon and Beardmore Detachments, Special Investigation Division (Security Bureau) retiring from Thunder Bay Detachment as a Corporal in December 1987.

Family & loved ones

  • He is survived by Hester his wife of 71 years, his children Rod (Betty), Judith (Devin), Grandchildren Nolan (Michele) and Sarah and Great grandson Nicholas,

Timeline

  • Born

    July 23, 1930
  • Passed away

    October 13, 2025

    Age 95

  • Celebration of life

    October 23, 2025 • 11:00 am @ Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore St., Thunder Bay

    Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore St., Thunder Bay

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Alexander (Al) Reid

Alexander (Al) Reid

February 11, 1957 – October 8, 2025

Chapter 18 - Orillia

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It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Alexander (Al) Reid, Badge #5571, who passed away on October 8, 2025. Al was 68 years old.

Visitation

November 14, 2025 • 6:00 pm @ Coldwater Funeral Home 22 Sturgeon Bay Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

Celebration of life

November 15, 2025 • 1:00 pm @ Coldwater United Church, 14 Harriet Street, Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

In lieu of flowers

As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Alex may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and can be made through the Funeral Home

Condolences

Mrs. Paula Reid and Family, 50 Brick Pond Road, Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • Al served at Essex and Sombra Detachments and Traffic and Marine Branch before retiring as Sergeant from Provincial Counter Measures (Highway Safety Division) on May 30, 2008

Family & loved ones

  • Cherished and beloved husband of 47 years to Paula. Loved father of Michael (Katelyn), Colleen Brown (Andy), and the late Allison (March 2012). Loving grandfather of Nathan, Adriana, Josephine, Hannah, Emma, Eli and Owen. Dear son of Catherine and the late Alexander. Brother of Brian (Anne).

Timeline

  • Born

    February 11, 1957
  • Passed away

    October 8, 2025

    Age 68

  • Visitation

    November 14, 2025 • 6:00 pm @ Coldwater Funeral Home 22 Sturgeon Bay Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

    Coldwater Funeral Home 22 Sturgeon Bay Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

  • Celebration of life

    November 15, 2025 • 1:00 pm @ Coldwater United Church, 14 Harriet Street, Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

    Coldwater United Church, 14 Harriet Street, Coldwater ON L0K 1E0

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Robert James (Bob) Callaghan

Robert James (Bob) Callaghan

March 30, 1931 – October 7, 2025

Chapter 5 - Toronto

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It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Chapter 5 Life member Robert (Bob) Callaghan Badge #1523. Robert was 94. Bob drew Trevor the OPP Traffic Bug, bringing the character to life through his artistic skills.

In lieu of flowers

Should you wish to make a charitable donation, Canadian Cancer Society 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 300 Toronto ON M4V 2Y7

Condolences

Wendy Budisavljevic and Family, 1345 Cleaver Drive, Oakville ON L6J 1W5

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • Robert served at GHQ, Kingston, Traffic Safety Branch, Ontario Provincial Police College, Training Branch, and Special Field Units Branch before retiring as Staff Sergeant from Field Coordination Branch on December 31,1987.

Timeline

  • Born

    March 30, 1931
  • Passed away

    October 7, 2025

    Age 94

  • Celebration of life

    There will be no service

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Kenneth (Ken) Richard

Kenneth (Ken) Richard

March 6, 1949 – September 21, 2025

Chapter 1 - Chatham

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On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Bluewater Health, Retired Sergeant Kenneth Ernest Richard passed away suddenly at the age of 76

Celebration of life

September 25, 2025 • 10:00 am @ Smith Funeral Home - London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home - London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A livestream will be made available on his memorial page at the time of service. Family and friends are being received one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers

In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (cheques only at the funeral home please).

Condolences

Mrs. Penny Richard, 344 Brittoli Ave., Sarnia N7S 0C9

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • Ken joined the OPP on March 16, 1970. He began his career in Blind River, he also served in Kakabeka Falls. Ken proudly retired as a decorated Sergeant in Thunder Bay, Ontario on March 31, 2002.

Family & loved ones

  • Beloved husband of Penny Richard sharing 54 loving years together. Loving father of Christopher (Tahni) Richard and Heather (Darren) Kelly. Cherished grandfather of Hannah, Tanner, Hunter, Rilee-Rae Richard, and Kayden Kelly. Dear brother of Judy (the late David) Bak, Robert (the late Tracy) Richard, Jamie Richard and brothers-in-law of Robert (the late Gwen) Marshall, Fred (Linda) Backman, and the late Angus Backman. Treasured uncle of Sharon Bak, Andrew (Brandi) Bak, and Curtis (Layla) Richard, Karen (Joe) Dubois, Barb (Mike) Bouma, Maggie (Jason) Lovegrove, Barb (John) Baxter, Lisa Catran, Lisa (Sherri) Backman, and Jason Backman. Ken will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents James and Evelyn Richard

Timeline

  • Born

    March 6, 1949
  • Passed away

    September 21, 2025

    Age 76

  • Celebration of life

    September 25, 2025 • 10:00 am @ Smith Funeral Home - London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.

    Smith Funeral Home - London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. • Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home - London Line Chapel, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A livestream will be made available on his memorial page at the time of service. Family and friends are being received one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau

Florence Richardson

Florence Richardson

May 21, 1930 – September 16, 2025

Chapter 16 - Thunder Bay

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It is with sadness that we report the passing of Honourary Member Florence Richardson. She was 95 years old.

Celebration of life

Northwest Funeral Alternative, 428 Balmoral St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8.

There will be no Service

In lieu of flowers

St. Paul's United Church, 349 Waverly St., Thunder Bay P7B 1B7 or a Charity of your choice.

Condolences

Glenn Richardson, 211 Nelson St., Thunder Bay ON P7A 2L6

Send condolences

Policing Career Highlights

  • Following the passing of her husband Ralph, who was a member of the CN Railway Police and Associate member of 16 Chapter OPPVA, Florence joined as an Honourary member. Florence enjoyed the fellowship with the members at luncheons and events.

Family & loved ones

  • Florence is survived by her son Glenn (Evelyn) ( who is a member of 16 Chapter), daughter Susan (Ken) Umpherson, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Timeline

  • Born

    May 21, 1930
  • Passed away

    September 16, 2025

    Age 95

  • Celebration of life

    Northwest Funeral Alternative, 428 Balmoral St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8.

    Northwest Funeral Alternative, 428 Balmoral St, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8. • There will be no Service

  • Tribute shared

    March 1, 2026

    Submitted by Robert Cousineau