COMPER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-08-23 published
COMPER, Gabrielle▼ Noelle▼ (DUBÉ) R.N.
Peacefully, with dignity and grace and surrounded by her family, on Sunday, August 21, 2005, in Chippawa, Ontario. Gabrielle ("Geb") COMPER was born January 26, 1913 in Marengo, Saskatchewan of pioneering parents. She was a graduate of St. Paul's Nursing School and after moving to Toronto in 1937, worked as a Registered Nurse▼ at St. Michael's Hospital. Gabrielle married Frank COMPER in 1941. A long-term resident of Leaside, Gabrielle was an outspoken community activist and was deeply committed to local causes. She had a passion for the arts and returned to Ontario College of Art in the 1970's where she obtained a degree in Fine Arts, at the sprightly age of 70. Even in her declining years, Geb will be remembered by her intellect, her generosity and her tremendous sense of humour. Gabrielle was the last surviving member of the original DUBÉ family of Marengo and is predeceased by her brother Marc DUBÉ, Jacqueline (WHITBURN), Alice DUBÉ and Jeanette (BOUTIN). Her beloved Frank died in 1994. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mary Elizabeth (Betty) and Garth HUTCHEON, Tony and Elizabeth, Michael, Paul and Marion; her grandchildren Marie, Ann, Peter, Christopher, Reilly and Kathryn and her great-grandchildren Claire, Noelle and William. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Bella Senior Centre, in Chippawa, who cared for Gabrielle with kindness and compassion. A Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Gabrielle's life will take place on Friday, August 26 at 10: 30 a.m. at St. Anselm's Church, 1 MacNaughton Road in Leaside. Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the Mass. If desired, donations to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, would be appreciated.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-08-23 published
COMPER, Gabrielle▲ Noelle▲ (DUBÉ) R.N.
Peacefully, with dignity and grace and surrounded by her family, on Sunday, August 21, 2005, in Chippawa, Ontario. Gabrielle "Geb" COMPER was born January 26, 1913 in Marengo, Saskatchewan of pioneering parents. She was a graduate of St. Paul's Nursing School and after moving to Toronto in 1937, worked as a Registered Nurse▲ at St. Michael's Hospital. Gabrielle married Frank COMPER in 1941. A long-term resident of Leaside, Gabrielle was an outspoken community activist and was deeply committed to local causes. She had a passion for the arts and returned to Ontario College of Art in the 1970s where she obtained a degree in Fine Arts, at the sprightly age of 70. Even in her declining years, Geb will be remembered by her intellect, her generosity and her tremendous sense of humour. Gabrielle was the last surviving member of the original DUBÉ family of Marengo and is predeceased by her brother Marc DUBÉ, Jacqueline (WHITBURN), Alice DUBÉ and Jeanette (BOUTIN). Her beloved Frank died in 1994. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mary Elizabeth (Betty) and Garth HUTCHEON, Tony and Elizabeth, Michael, Paul and Marion; her grandchildren Marie, Ann, Peter, Christopher, Reilly and Kathryn and her great-grandchildren Claire, Noelle and William. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Bella Senior Centre, in Chippawa, who cared for Gabrielle with kindness and compassion. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Gabrielle's life will take place on Friday, August 26 at 10: 30 a.m. at St. Anselm's Church, 1 MacNaughton Road in Leaside. Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the Mass. If desired, donations to St. Michael's Hospital Foundation, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, would be appreciated.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-09-22 published
COMPER, Alice C.
Peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 in her 99th year. Alice, wife of the late Colin. Dear mother of Joanne, Judy (Peter) YOUNG and the late John (Sandy.) Loving grandmother of Brian, Michelle (James), Chris, Adam, Courtney and Lindsey. Great-grandmother of Oliver and Kaylei. Lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Shirley, Mabel and Murray. Resting at the Paul O'Conner Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. (between Warden and Pharmacy) from 12 noon Friday until the time of the service in our chapel at 1 p.m. Interment Saint John's Norway Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia Research Fund would be appreciated.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPER - All Categories in OGSPI

COMPLIN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-08-20 published
MILLAR, Marjorie▼ " Marda▼" Ward▼ (née COMPLIN) (1914-2005)
Left us peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia on August 19, 2005, in her 92nd year, with her husband, Perry, by her side. Much loved mother to Penny BUCHANAN (Norman,) Hayes JACKSON (Catherine▼ BARLOW) and Siren Betty WALKER. Adored grandmother to Stephanie, Bart, Million, Colleen, Robyn, William and Johnathan. Marda will be remembered for her sunny outlook on life, her adventurous spirit, and her marvellous story-telling. She touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held in Honey Harbour, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1920 Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto M4S 3E2.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPLIN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-08-23 published
MILLAR, Marjorie▲ " Marda▲" Ward▲ (née COMPLIN) (1914-2005)
Left us peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia on August 19, 2005, in her 92nd year, with her husband, Perry, by her side. Much loved mother to Penny BUCHANAN (Norman,) Hayes JACKSON (Catherine▲ BARLOW) and Siren Betty WALKER. Adored grandmother to Stephanie, Bart, Million, Colleen, Robyn, William and Johnathan. Marda will be remembered for her sunny outlook on life, her adventurous spirit, and her marvellous story-telling. She touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held in Honey Harbour, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1920 Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto M4S 3E2.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPLIN - All Categories in OGSPI

COMPORT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-11-13 published
NIEWIADOMEY, Stanley Edward
After a brief battle with cancer, on Friday November 11, 2005, at Toronto East General Hospital. Beloved husband of the late Ruth TAILOR/TAYLOR (1998) and Sally BATEMAN (1998.) Loving father of Frank, Madeline (Michael KOTSOPOULOS), Candy (Ken MASON), Penny (Gord COMPORT,) and the late Stanley Edward Jr. Stepfather of Jimmy and Ricky SOMMERVILLE. Dear grandad of Candace, Alyssa, Andrea, Stephanie, Brittany and great-grandfather of Taylor and Jordyn. Dear brother of Gertie KALASKA and the late Arnold (Nicky.) Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and his loyal dog and companion Missy. Friends may visit at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Road, Scarborough (between Eglinton and St. Clair Aves. E.) on Monday November 14 from 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home at 7 p.m. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family as your expression of sympathy. "Together again forever"

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPORT - All Categories in OGSPI

COMPTON o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-01-23 published
LINDSAY, Robert Paul
(Veteran World War 2, Member of R.A.F.E.S. - Royal Air Force Escaping Society, Retired from Holophane Company, Bramalea) Peacefully, on Friday, January 21, 2005, at the Picton Manor Nursing Home in Picton, at age 81. Bob LINDSAY, dearly loved husband of Elinor "Lynne" (née INGRAM.) Loved father of Paul LINDSAY, and Jan and her husband Mike LONGO. Loving grandfather of Dave and Michelle LINDSAY, Carly and Cindy HOWARD and Jennifer and Michelle LONGO. Survived by his sisters Thelma ROURKE and Mildred WOOLLEY, and predeceased by his sister Adeline COMPTON and his brothers Jack, Fred and Morley LINDSAY. The family of Bob LINDSAY will receive Friends at the Wagg Funeral Home, "McDermott-Panabaker Chapel", 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985-2171) on Sunday, January 23rd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Service to celebrate his life will be held in the Chapel on Monday, January 24th at 11 a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be left at www.waggfuneralhome.com.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPTON o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-08-10 published
ROBERTS, Gladstone " Stoney" (1923-2005)
The family of Gladstone ROBERTS are saddened to announce his passing after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at St. Michael's Hospital. The son of the late Isaac and Anniebelle ROBERTS of Twillingate, Newfoundland, predeceased by long time companion May MacKLIN, son Gregory and daughter Carol Ann. He will be greatly missed by his sons David (Joanne) and Brian (Sandra), his twin sister Gladys NOSEWORTHY (Fred), St. Anthony, Newfoundland, brother Douglas (Evelyn,) sisters Joan JENKINS, Twillingate, Newfoundland, and Stella COMPTON, Durrell, Newfoundland, and his six grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and Friends. He will be especially missed by granddaughter Kayla BUDGELL, Grand Falls, Newfoundland and grandpuppy Willie, Toronto. Stoney's cheerful humour and willingness for a good chat will be missed by all he knew. He was a proud Newfoundlander to the end. The family will receive Friends at Bates and Dodds Funeral Home, 931 Queen Street West, Toronto on Saturday, August 13, 2005, viewing from 11: 00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., service at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPTON o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-11-15 published
COMPTON, Fenella
Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Health Centre on Saturday, November 12, 2005 in her 87th year. Beloved mother of Marie (Marjorie) COMPTON. Much loved Grandmother of Beverley (Tony,) dearest Great-Grandmother of Jamall and Kadeem. Loving Aunt of eleven nieces and nephews. Over the years Fenella was known for her commitment to the St. Lucian community in Canada and Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Catholic Church soup kitchen. She was blessed with many Friends who will all miss her presence, interest and enthusiasm. Visitation will take place at the Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst Street (north of Dundas St. West), Toronto, on Tuesday, November 15 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and Wednesday, November 16 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10: 00 a.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Caribbean Church.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPTON o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-12-03 published
PARNELL, Irene W. (BEATTY)
Passed away at St. Joseph's Health Centre on Friday December 2nd, 2005. Irene BEATTY beloved wife of the late Frederick PARNELL (former residents of Vanevery Street, Mimico) Dearly loved mother of Gordon, Jack and Paul all in Etobicoke. Dear sister of Mildred FINGARD, Vincent and Earl BEATTY and Margaret COMPTON. Also lovingly remembered by 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Visitation for Mrs. PARNELL will take place at the G.H. Hogle Funeral Homes "Mimico Chapel", 63 Mimico Ave., Etobicoke on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Prayers in the chapel Monday 1 p.m. Cremation to follow. Online condolences may be made at www.hoglefuneralhomes.com

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMPTON - All Categories in OGSPI

COMRIE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-06-25 published
CAMPBELL, Iris Margaret
Passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 23, 2005 at the age of 80 years. Beloved wife of the late William CAMPBELL. Loving mother of Cathi COMRIE and her husband Lyall of Oakville and predeceased by her daughter Nancy MULDER. Dear grandmother of Melodie, Brooke and Brad COMRIE and Laura and Jeffrey MULDER. Survived by her dear sisters Muriel LAMBERT and Dorothy CLEMENTS. Friends may call at the Turner and Porter "Peel" Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga (Hwy. 10 North of Queen Elizabeth Way) from 7-9 p.m. Monday, June 27th. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2005 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 921 Flagship Drive, Mississauga. Private interment Glendale Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMRIE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-07-14 published
JOYCE, William Kenneth
(Retired, Toronto Dominion Bank) It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Ken, Father, Joycey, Grampy, age 91 on July 4, 2005 at Leisureworld Retirement Home in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Beloved husband and best friend for 64 years of Margaret Marion (née COMRIE,) loving father of Catharine and her husband Eric of Toronto, and Terrence and his wife Jennifer of Birmingham, Alabama. Proud grandfather of Kimberly and her husband Kenneth, Victoria and her husband Vincent, Heather and her husband Nick, Colleen and Sheelagh. A memorial service was held on Sunday, July 10, 2005 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Gravenhurst. Interment at Keene Cemetery in August. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Ken's honour be made to Knox Presbyterian Church, 315 Muskoka Road North, Gravenhurst, Ontario, P1P 1P3.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMRIE - All Categories in OGSPI

COMSTIVE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-03 published
SEATON, Marlene▼ Charlotte▼ (née WHITE/WHYTE)
Suddenly, on Monday, January 31, 2005, while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico.▼ Marlene▼ (née WHITE/WHYTE,) in her 59th year, was the devoted wife of Ralph of Little Britain. Loving mother of Ken, Sean and his wife Christine,▼ Leslie▼ and her husband Ron WALKER, and Brenda and her husband Roger PIERS. Cherished grandmother of Brandon, Tyler, Aidan, Madyson and MacKenzie. Much loved daughter of Constance (John) COMSTIVE and Lorne (Ruth) WHITE/WHYTE, and granddaughter of Lottie THOMPSON/THOMSON/TOMPSON/TOMSON. Treasured▼ sister of Karen and Calvin. Marlene will be forever missed by Mark and many other extended family members and Friends. Visitation at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay (705-328-2721) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service from Little Britain United Church, 1022 Little Britain Road, on Saturday, February 5th at 11: 00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMSTIVE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-05 published
SEATON, Marlene▲ Charlotte▲ (née WHITE/WHYTE)
Suddenly, on Monday, January 31, 2005, while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico.▲ Marlene▲ (née WHITE/WHYTE,) in her 59th year, was the devoted wife of Ralph of Little Britain. Loving mother of Ken, Sean and his wife Christine,▲ Leslie▲ and her husband Ron WALKER, and Brenda and her husband Roger PIERS. Cherished grandmother of Brandon, Tyler, Aidan, Madyson and MacKenzie. Much loved daughter of Constance (John) COMSTIVE and Lorne (Ruth) WHITE/WHYTE, and granddaughter of Lottie THOMPSON/THOMSON/TOMPSON/TOMSON. Treasured▲ sister of Karen and Calvin. Marlene will be forever missed by Mark and many other extended family members and Friends. Visitation was held at the Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay (705-328-2721) on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service from Little Britain United Church, 1022 Little Britain Road, on Saturday, February 5th at 11: 00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMSTIVE o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-05-13 published
COMSTIVE, John " Jack"
At home on Thursday, May 12, 2005, John (Jack) COMSTIVE of Oak Shores, Bobcaygeon. Loving husband of Connie COMSTIVE. Father of Dawn KOTLAN of Belleville, Keith COMSTIVE of Toronto, Gail GOULD of Belleville and Karen MICHEAU (Edward MORGAN) of Omemee. Grandfather of Jessica CONAHAN, Sean SEATON and Mark URQUHART. Great-grandfather of Christian. Brother-in-law of Marrion (Tony) SAMS. Brother of the late Dolly, Betty and Ronnie. Loving uncle of Bill (Barb) COMSTIVE. Family and Friends will be received at Monk Funeral Home, 6 Helen Street, Bobcaygeon (1-866-393-0063) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday. Funeral service in the Monk Chapel on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 2 p.m. Memorial donations to the Peterborough Humane Society would be appreciated. The COMSTIVE family would like to thank the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Dialysis Unit, Dr. CHUNG and family physician Dr. James FAGAN. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.monkfuneralhome.com.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMSTIVE - All Categories in OGSPI

COMSTOCK o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-07-25 published
COMSTOCK, William Maxwell " Max"
Peacefully at his cottage on Saturday, July 23, 2005, in his 91st year. Max COMSTOCK was the former owner of Comstock Funeral Home, Past Chair of the Board of Funeral Services of Ontario and involved with many clubs like Peterborough Rotary (recipient of Paul Harris Award), Masonic Lodge, Peterborough Sales and Ad and had a passion for Camp Kawartha. Beloved husband of Gertrude HAMILTON for 64 years. Loving father of Beverley OFFIERSKI and her husband Christopher of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Christine FORTIN and her husband Mike of Lindsay and the late Lynn (1989). Proud grandpa of his 5 grandchildren's accomplishments; Andrew, David and Jennifer OFFIERSKI, Nicole and Marc FORTIN. Brother of the late Mary MERVIN and Arleigh RISHOR. son of the late William COMSTOCK and Eva COWIE. He will be fondly remembered by sister-in-law Marjorie McMILLAN (McNEILL,) brother-in-law George (Bubs) RISHOR, nieces, nephews and their families. Friends will be received at the Comstock Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 26. The service will be held at Saint John's Anglican Church, 99 Brock Street, on Wednesday July 27 at 2: 00 p.m. The Venerable Gordon FINNEY and the Reverend Canon Ronald DAVIDSON will be officiating. Interment Little Lake Cemetery. In memory of Mr. COMSTOCK donations to Camp Kawartha, 5 Counties Children's Centre Foundation, or Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMSTOCK o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-12-13 published
KNOX, Margaret
Peacefully at Utterson, Ontario on Sunday, December 11, 2005. Marg KNOX of Utterson in her 71st year. Beloved wife of Duke. Dear mother of Bill KNOX and his wife Lynn of Utterson, Ontario, Debbie and her husband Ken FLEMING/FLEMMING of Bradford, Ontario, Kim and her husband Stan ARCHER of Utterson, Ontario, and Kevin KNOX and his wife Jocelyn of Huntsville, Ontario. Loving grandmother of eight. Dear sister of Madeline DOYLE of Haliburton and Sharon COMSTOCK and her husband Michael of Toronto. Resting at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday and 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday. Reception at Billingsley Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 14. Donations to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMSTOCK - All Categories in OGSPI

COMUNALE o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-01-01 published
SCHACHOW, Erna Johanna
Erna Johanna SCHACHOW at Babcock Community Care Centre, peacefully passed away on December 30th, 2004. Predeceased by her husband Alex SCHACHOW, son Richard SCHACHOW and daughter-in-law Margaret SCHACHOW. Survived by her sister Meta of Lithuania. Dear mother to Bill SCHACHOW and his wife Louise of Pickering, Helmut SCHACHOW and his wife Betty of Cochrane and Albert SCHACHOW and his late wife Margaret SCHACHOW of Glencoe. Oma (grandmother) to David SCHACHOW and his wife Michelle, Mark and his fianceé Leanne, Katherine COMUNALE and her husband Leo, Christopher SCHACHOW and his wife Joanne, Janet SMOK and her husband Bogie, Erna CORR, Wilhelmina CORR and her husband Paul, Margaret Ellen SCHACHOW and her fiancé Dave. Great Oma to Michael, Tasha, James, Albert, Chad, Brandon, Kelsey, Stephanie, Rachel, Devan, Donato and Ryan. Friends may call at the Rodney Chapel on Saturday, January 1st, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be conducted at the Grace Lutheran Church, 108 Graham Road, West Lorne on Sunday at 2 p.m. Pastor E. BETSCH officiating. Interment Rodney Cemetery. If desired memorial contributions to the Grace Lutheran Church or Babcock Community Care Centre would be appreciated as your expression of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to Padfield Funeral Homes, (519-785-0810).

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMUNALE - All Categories in OGSPI

COMUZZI o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-08-19 published
Carmen PROVENZANO, Lawyer And Politician 1942-2005
The former member of Parliament from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and son of a steelmaker fought to save Algoma Steel when others thought it a lost cause
By Allison LAWLOR, Special to The Globe and Mail, Friday, August 19, 2005, Page S7
He was a hard-working Liberal member of Parliament from Northern Ontario who listened to his electorate. He openly opposed gay marriage long before it became a hot-button issue and, as the son of a steelmaker, struggled mightily to save Algoma Steel from financial oblivion. "I'm going to reflect the wishes of my community," Carmen PROVENZANO once told a reporter. "I'm obligated to handle it that way."
The native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was one of the minority Liberal members of Parliament who voted against his party's same-sex-marriage bill. In 1999, he presented a petition to the House of Commons signed by 250 constituents who opposed the initiative.
"I have people expressing their opinions to me in quite forceful ways," he said. "They're telling me they're never going to vote for me again because of what my government is doing."
At the time, a neighbour and long-time party member had told the member of Parliament that "your government is ruining society" and warned that he wouldn't put up a Liberal lawn sign in the next election.
Despite taking a minority stance within his party, Mr. PROVENZANO always believed he had done the right thing. "He often said he would vote the same way again," said Liberal member of Parliament Joe COMUZZI.
Mr. PROVENZANO served as Sault Ste. Marie's member of Parliament from 1997 to 2004, when he lost his seat in a close race to New Democrat Tony MARTIN. It would have been a third term for the popular parliamentarian, whose loss may have been explained by his opponent's name. In fact, during last year's campaign, he chose not to hammer Team Martin signs into the front lawns of his supporters. It's not that he wanted to distance himself from Prime Minister Paul Martin, but rather from Tony MARTIN, a former member of provincial parliament who had lost his seat in the 2003 Ontario election.
"You know I would be papering the city with my opponent's name," Mr. PROVENZANO said, if he were to put up Team Martin signs. "I want to get my own name out there."
In the end, Sault Ste. Marie remained true to character as a swing riding, and Mr. PROVENZANO was defeated. But he didn't allow himself to wallow in misery; he set his sights on running for the Liberal Party again in the next federal election.
"He had a great respect for Sault Ste. Marie and its people," said Mr. COMUZZI, who represents the Northern Ontario riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North.
Described as modest and unassuming, Mr. PROVENZANO was also known for his tenacity.
"We argued a lot," said Mr. COMUZZI, who, as minister of state responsible for the federal economic development initiative for Northern Ontario, received daily calls from his colleague. "He was incessant with his requests."
Mr. COMUZZI recalled Mr. PROVENZANO saying: 'Look, if you get this done for me, I won't ask you for anything else.' " Despite the promise, he'd come knocking again a couple of weeks later. "He was so persistent. If he didn't get a good ear, he would eventually end up in the Prime Minister's office."
Paul MARTIN called Mr. PROVENZANO a man who upheld the best in parliamentary tradition.
"His aim was to serve the best he could the needs of his community and constituents," he said in a statement. "Mr. PROVENZANO was proud to be a member of Parliament, serving on a number of parliamentary committees and as parliamentary secretary to the minister of veterans affairs. He was proud, too, to be the son of a steelworker and a native of Sault Ste. Marie, and immensely proud of his family."
Carmen PROVENZANO was the son of Frank and Norma PROVENZANO. A second-generation Italian Canadian, his grandparents had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, which was once seen as a haven for Italian immigrants. Proud of his cultural heritage, he was also proud to say he was the son of a steelmaker. His father worked for Algoma Steel and, as a student, Mr. PROVENZANO would join him during the summers to work at the plant.
Having grown up in Sault Ste. Marie, he appreciated the company's economic importance. When Algoma teetered on collapse in April of 2001 and sought protection from its creditors, he understood the devastation that would ensue in the city and worked hard to get Algoma back on its feet. He is credited with playing a major role in the steel plant's restructuring and in securing $50-million in loan guarantees from the federal government to ensure its viability. He badgered Jean CHRÉTIEN until he got the loan secured, said Ron IRWIN, former Indian affairs minister. "At that time, no one had any hopes for Algoma."
Algoma weathered the storms, emerged from creditor protection in early 2002 and today employs 3,000 people.
As it happens, it was Mr. IRWIN, former member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, who encouraged Mr. PROVENZANO to run for office. In 1997, he decided to retire from federal politics and saw in Mr. PROVENZANO a "solid family man" who would represent the city well. While politics had been a lifelong dream, Mr. PROVENZANO delayed his entry because he didn't want to be far away from his family and four young children.
"His family came first," said Mr. IRWIN. "And his Friends were a close second."
At the heart and soul of Mr. PROVENZANO's family was his wife, Ada. Chance had brought them together. It was at a community parade in Sault Ste. Marie that Mr. PROVENZANO had first spotted her and later said he knew immediately that she would be his wife. "It was love at first sight," said son Lucas PROVENZANO.
After a courtship of two years, the couple married in 1966 and, over the years, filled their home with children, extended family and Friends. It wasn't uncommon to find Mr. PROVENZANO sitting down at 11 p.m. to a meal with a dozen people. "His family was an extended family. It was the community," said son Frank PROVENZANO.
One of the ways he helped others in the community was by often opting out of flying home from Ottawa on weekends and making the 10-hour drive, instead. There always seemed to be someone who needed a ride; his driving companions were often university students on their way home.
Mr. PROVENZANO attended the University of Windsor, followed by law school at Queen's University in Kingston. He spent the early years of his career, from 1972 to 1980, as an assistant solicitor for the city of Sault Ste. Marie. Later, he had a private practice with his brother Frank and was an owner of Maplewood Golf Course. Over the years, he also served on a number of local charities and boards and as a school board trustee. Attend any sporting event in the city and you were likely to see him there, too. "My father was involved in every aspect of this community," said Lucas PROVENZANO.
His pride in his ancestry was never more evident than when he took part in a federal trade mission to Italy in the late 1990s. Having the opportunity to travel as an member of Parliament to the country his grandparents had left as poor immigrants and to meet the Pope and Italian parliamentarians struck a deep cord within him. "He was very proud of how far his family had come in three generations," Mr. IRWIN said.
Carmen PROVENZANO was born on February 3, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario He died at home in Sault Ste. Marie on July 27, 2005, after suffering a heart attack. He is survived by his siblings Frank, Marlene and Nancy and by his wife, Ada, and children Frank, Lucas, Jana and Mark. Tomorrow, in Hockley Valley, Ontario, Mark is to marry Paula AMAEIO, of Tottingham, Ontario, just as his father would have wanted.

  C... Names     CO... Names     COM... Names     Welcome Home

COMUZZI - All Categories in OGSPI