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BEL o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-06-23 published
WALKER, Raymond C.
Died peacefully, Thursday, June 19, 2008 in the evening at Saint_Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, following complications from his battle with Parkinson's Disease. Ray would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on June 29th. He will be missed especially by Lorna, his life partner and loving wife of 51 years, his children Colin WALKER (Gloria) of Toronto and Janet LE BEL (Rene) of Dallas, and his grandchildren Zander, Bradley, Suzanne and Rachael. Ray was modest about his accomplishments but led a life of considerable achievement. In 1943, he volunteered for service in the Canadian Army and fought for his country in Italy and Holland (Carlton York, 1st Division, 3rd Brigade). Upon his return, he attended Sir George Williams University in Montreal and later attended Yale University where he obtained his Masters Degree (Public Health in Hospital Administration). Following a number of positions in hospital administration, he became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals. At McMaster, where he worked from 1967 through retirement in 1991, he played a leadership role in the development of many innovative programs and fresh approaches for which the hospital became acclaimed, both within Canada and abroad. Ray was an important leader within the Hamilton health care community as well as a significant ambassador and proponent for Hamilton. Ray will always be remembered by his family and Friends for his humour and wit, keen intellect and his sincere interest in other people. The family wishes to extend deep gratitude to the caring personnel at Alexander Place and the Emergency Room staff at Saint_Joseph's Hospital. Visitation at Smith's Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington (one block north of the Queen Elizabeth Way) 905-632-3333 on Tuesday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. where Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Society of Canada would be appreciated. www.smithsfh.com

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BELAMY o@ca.on.simcoe_county.nottawasaga.stayner.stayner_sun 2008-01-30 published
LANDER, Donald
Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday January 22, 2008 in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of Stella BAER- LANDER. Loving father of Dawn BELAMY (Jim) of Brantford and Dwight (Edith) of Paris. Stepfather of Lois TAMBURRINI (Zen,) Penny RICHMOND- PECK, Cecil BAER, Donna BROWN (Stu) and Allan BAER (Lynn.) Devoted grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Charles LANDER and Rebecca PARKINSON of Paris. Don was a quiet caring man who will be missed by all who knew him. Friends were received at the Carruthers and Davidson Funeral Home, 7313 Highway 26 (Main St.) Stayner, Ontario (705-428-2637) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday January 23, 2008. Funeral Service was held in the Carruthers and Davidson Funeral Chapel on Thursday January 24, 2008 at 10 o'clock followed by visitation at Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, 184 Grand River Street North, Paris, Ontario (519-442-3061) on Thursday January 24, 2008 from 3-4 p.m. Funeral Service followed in the Wm. Kipp Funeral Chapel at 4 o'clock. Cremation. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a Charity of your choice. For more information or to sign the online guest book, log on to www.carruthersdavidson.com.
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BELANGER o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2008-01-30 published
GROGAN, Emmett Francis
(Former Reeve of Albion Township, retired owner of Grogan Meats Ltd. and was also a farmer, realtor and returned to farming, the occupation he loved)
With sadness and love the family of Emmett Francis GROGAN wish to announce his passing on Sunday, January 27, 2008 in his 84th year. He was born February 11, 1924 in Lockton, Albion Township. Predeceased by his wife Nadine GROGAN (1997) and his son James GROGAN (1996.) Dear father of Mary and John VAN DYK, Waterloo John and Bruna GROGAN, Toronto; Barbara GROGAN, Waterloo, Harold and Kim GROGAN, Bolton; Roberta and Bill LINKLETTER, Bolton. Loved grandpa of Michelle VAN DYK and Jason BELANGER, Ottawa Paul and Sarah VAN DYK, London; Tom and Mikaela LINKLETTER, Caledon Kevin LINKLETTER and Jenn, Vernon, British Columbia; Erika GROGAN and Jeff Graham, Oshawa; Levi GROGAN and Sydney GROGAN, Bolton. Cherished great-grandpa of Henry VAN DYK. Dear brother to Marjorie and John GIBB, Louis (deceased) and Jean GROGAN, Priscilla and Clare JONES, Pauline and Vince (deceased) HENNEBURY, Jennifer CHAPMAN, Janet and Peter MARTIN. Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews. Emmett will be remembered by Friends and family around Bolton and Caledon and later by Friends in Tara, Port Elgin and Walkerton. He was an avid euchre and cribbage player, if you were fast enough and good enough to keep up! He was also a regular fixture at jamborees and Saturday night dances. According to Emmett's wishes, his body has been donated to McMaster University for medical research. The family will receive Friends at Saint_John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Albion, 16066 The Gore Road, Caledon on Tuesday morning, February 5 from 10 o'clock until time of Memorial Mass at 11 o'clock. Following the Mass, a reception will be held at the Caledon Community Complex, 6215 Old Church Road, Caledon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emmett's honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, or Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre - Owen Sound, 1400 - 8th Street East, P.O. Box 1400, Owen Sound N4K 6M9, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S., Bolton (905-857-2213). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.eganfuneralhome.com

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BELANGER o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2008-03-26 published
SCHARFF, Douglas Stanley
At the Grey-Bruce Health Services in Southampton on Friday, March 21st, 2008 after the fiercest fight of his life, at the age of 63 years, Doug SCHARFF of Port Elgin, beloved husband and best friend for forty years of the former Patricia POISSON, dear father of John of Port Elgin and Tracy and her partner Bo BELANGER of Chesley. Special Papa to Andrew McCAW and Victoria SCHARFF. Doug will be terribly missed by his special friend Buddy the dog. Brother of Dawn HAMILTON of Port Elgin, Carol and her husband Glen HOARE of Renfrew, Gib SCHARFF and his friend Loretta of Oshawa, Patti Lou and her husband Campbell McRAE of Renfrew, and Christine and her husband Brian COLE of Deep River. Surviving also are many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Tina in infancy, by his parents John and Irene SCHARFF, by his brother Richard, by his infant brother Robert and by his brother-in-law Bill HAMILTON. Friends called at the W. Kent Milroy Port Elgin Chapel, 510 Mill Street, Port Elgin (Town of Saugeen Shores) from 1: 00 to 2.45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008. Funeral mass was celebrated in Saint_Joseph's Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday afternoon at 3: 00 p.m., with Father Peter MEYER as celebrant. Interment St. Francis-Xavier Cemetery, Renfrew. Memorial contributions to the Live Strong Organization (the Lance Armstrong Foundation), or to Victoria Critical Care Trauma Centre at London Health Sciences Centre would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Portrait and memorial online at www.milroyfuneralhomes.com

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-01-04 published
Teen killed when snowmobile hits auger
Ryan MORRISON of Millbank was riding on a friend's farm and went off a trail.
By Joe BELANGER and Jenni DUNNING, Sun Media, Fri., January 4, An 18-year-old Perth County snowmobiler is dead after he ran into a piece of farm equipment, in the region's third serious snowmobile crash and second fatality in two weeks.
Perth County Ontario Provincial Police warn parents and young people to take more care snowmobiling.
Ryan MORRISON of Millbank was riding at a friend's farm on Line 67 of Mornington Ward Wednesday about 8: 35 p.m. when he went off a trail and struck a grain auger.
He was taken by ambulance to Stratford General Hospital where he died of head injuries.
"Definitely, in two or three incidents, speed has been a factor, as it is in most snowmobile crashes," Ontario Provincial Police Const. Glen Childerley said yesterday.
"People have to learn that you don't have to go full bore to enjoy a snowmobile. You can lose control very quickly.
"You can't stay on the trails. The speed of snowmobiles is outrageous and, combined with their light weight, it doesn't make for easily travelling at high speeds," he said.
Childerley said age and inexperience are also factors that lead to trouble for snowmobilers, pointing to the death of a 15-year-old boy December 19.
In that crash, Mitchell District high school student Perry OSBORN of Monkton was heading home from school when his snowmobile went off a trail, crossed Perth Line 36 and travelled into the path of a transport truck.
On December 8, a 19-year-old snowmobiler crashed into a tree near Listowel and was dropped off at a motel by another snowmobiler, who asked the operator to call 911.
The victim was taken to London Health Sciences Centre in critical condition with several fractures and released about a week ago.
On December 17, a 17-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man were thrown from a snowmobile when they struck a car while going the wrong way on a road in Malahide Township.
In rural areas, snowmobiles are a common fixture on many farms and it's not unusual for young people to take their machines to school.
To drive a snowmobile, the driver must be at least 12, have a snowmobile licence and take a safe snowmobiling course, Childerley said.
"It's part of their life on a farm," he said. "But there are groomed trails in the area that are patrolled by snowmobile clubs and police and you don't often encounter problems on those trails."

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-01-30 published
Frantic rescue bids fail
A mother of three and her teenage daughter perish in the blaze at a home on the Oneida Nation of the Thames.
By Joe BELANGER, Sun Media, Wed., January 30, 2008
Oneida firefighters prepare to leave the scene of a fatal house fire on Ball Park Road at Oneida Nation of the Thames. (Sue REEVE, Sun Media)
Frantic rescue bids failed to save two women -- one disabled from perishing in a fire that engulfed a home on the Oneida Nation of the Thames southwest of London yesterday.
The bodies of a 47-year-old mother of three and her 18-year-old daughter, identified by relatives last night as Wanda and Nyna ANTONE, were pulled from the wood-frame home after volunteer firefighters brought the blaze under control.
A neighbour and a passerby tried to rescue the disabled mother and her daughter, but were pushed back by flames and smoke. So were firefighters.
"We just couldn't get inside. It was too hot," said Oneida fire Chief Elliott CORNELIUS. "We tried to do our best. The boys are taking it hard. We knew two people were inside. We just couldn't get in there."
Oneida is a small community and everyone knows everyone, CORNELIUS said.
Sombre volunteer fire-fighters cleaning up at the scene declined comment. Some firefighters know the Antone family personally.
Wanda ANTONE's 46-year-old husband and a 17-year-old daughter escaped the flames and were in serious but stable condition in hospital, Middlesex Ontario Provincial Police say.
Their names could not be confirmed last night.
Cause of the blaze wasn't known. The Ontario fire marshal's office is investigating.
The fire department received the alarm at 4: 20 a.m.
When 16 firefighters arrived, they found the small house at 2029 Ball Park Rd., just north of Little Church Road, in flames and smoke pouring from the eaves. The home's roof soon collapsed.
Two people were outside and two people were inside, firefighters said.
Colin IRELAND Sr., 63, a neighbour, said his son, Colin IRELAND Jr., 33, was early on the scene and was met by Wanda ANTONE's 17-year-old daughter.
IRELAND Sr. said his son got part way inside a window at the rear of the home trying to rescue Wanda and Nyna ANTONE, but had to come out because of the heat and smoke.
"He did all that he could," said IRELAND Sr., adding his son returned covered in soot and his hair matted from sweat.
He had already talked to a trauma counsellor by mid-morning.
"When something like this happens, no matter who it is, it's devastating," said the elder IRELAND. " But when you think about a young girl losing her life, you think of all the opportunities she's lost in life."
When the smoke cleared, the roof of the home had collapsed and the interior appeared gutted by flames.
IRELAND Sr. described Wanda ANTONE as "a kind lady… She was just so loved by her family."
She was a volunteer with the local roads department and kept a small garden, IRELAND Sr. said.
Faye ANTONE, a distant cousin of the victims, is supervisor of the community youth centre, which is next door to the fire-ravaged home.
"It was an emotional day," she said.
CORNELIUS said other family members were being notified. Some live in different parts of the country.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-02-01 published
No smoke alarms evident
With the cold prompting a greater need to keep warm, police urge detector installation.
By Joe BELANGER, Sun Media, Fri., February 1, 2008
There weren't smoke detectors in the home of a woman killed in a fire Tuesday night near Goderich.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues into the fire at Oneida Nation of the Thames earlier that day that claimed the life of a 47-year-old disabled woman and her 18-year-old daughter.
Huron Ontario Provincial Police said Tamara HERMESTON, 46, was killed in the fire on Saint Michael's Road near Brussels, about 40 kilometres east of Goderich.
A post mortem concluded HERMESTON died of smoke inhalation.
Police said HERMESTON lived alone and foul play is not suspected.
"We were unable to find any evidence of smoke detectors," Const. Joanna VAN MIERLO said.
"With the extreme weather we have been experiencing and the need for us to keep warm, it is imperative that we each ensure we have working smoke detectors in our homes."
In Oneida, donations are being collected to aid two surviving family members, Stacey Wayne ANTONE, 46, and daughter, Leona ANTONE, 17, who escaped the blaze with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Wanda ANTONE, who is wheelchair bound, and daughter Nyna, 18, didn't get out of their home on Ball Park Road when fire broke out around 4 a.m.
A neighbour, a passerby and volunteer firefighters tried and failed to rescue the two women, pushed back by the heat and heavy smoke.
Donations of clothing, furniture or cash can be made at Mnaasged Child and Family Services, 238D Onieda Rd., in Southwold, between 8: 30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or at the Oneida Healing Lodge after 4: 30 p.m. Donors may call 519-652-1117.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-02-26 published
Two die in crash on Highway 401 crash
Their sport utility vehicle collides with a transport after crossing the median at Woodstock.
By Joe BELANGER, Sun Media, Tues., February 26, 2008
Two people were killed in a crash after their sport utility vehicle crossed the grass median on Highway 401 at Woodstock and hit a westbound transport carrying a load of fuel.
The crash Sunday night was the second fatal crash in the area in less than a week.
The identities of the victims weren't released. The truck driver was taken to Woodstock hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
"It was just horrible, really sad," said Terra CROWE, 25, of Peterborough, who was headed to Toronto at the time.
"When we were getting closer, we could see the fire and then it just got really big, really fast."
Oxford Ontario Provincial Police said the crash occurred just east of Oxford County Road 2 at 7: 38 p.m. when the eastbound sport utility vehicle went out of control, onto the median and rolled into the transport.
The tanker, full of a mixture of diesel and other fuel products, was travelling to Sarnia.
"Upon impact the passenger vehicle and the truck portion of the unit caught on fire," said Const. Dennis HARWOOD.
The tanker portion of the truck didn't catch fire.
Names of the victims won't be released until next of kin are contacted, Harwood said. [The victims were subsequently identified as Lisa DOWARD, 21, and Sarah Paige RYAN, 19.]
Both lanes of the highway were reopened early yesterday.
Last Wednesday, a Windsor truck driver was killed when his rig slammed into the rear of another transport stopped on the west merge lane from Highway 403 to Highway 401 about 3 a.m.
Muammer ACAR, 40, was killed, but the driver of the stopped truck, Gezim NDRIOLLARI, 52, of Toronto, wasn't injured.
Police continue to investigate that crash.
The provincial Tories added a political twist to the carnage yesterday.
Conservative member of provincial parliament Frank Klees, the public infrastructure critic, cited the crash while calling out the governing Liberals to invest more in improving Ontario roads and toughening laws "before more innocent lives are lost."

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-02-27 published
BELANGER, Dorothy A.
At Victoria Hospital on Monday, February 25, 2008, Dorothy A. BELANGER in her 86th year. Beloved wife of the late William "Bill" BELANGER (1989.) Dear mother of Brian W. BELANGER (Joyce) of London and Yvonne MERIAM (Wesley) of Markdale. Loving grandmother of Kimberley, Anne, Heather and Melissa. Great-grandmother of Brittany, Laura, Tyler, Ryan and William. Also survived by her sisters Margaret WALTON (John) and Joyce REEVES (Fred) and her brother Jim INGHAM (Rose.) Predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law Frank and Lily INGHAM. Visitors will be received in the O'Neil Funeral Home, 350 William Street on Wednesday evening from 7: 00-9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be conducted in the Chapel on Thursday at 10: 00 a.m. with Reverend Brian McKAY officiating. Private interment at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Arthritis Society.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-03-17 published
Missing teacher's body identified
Bill YATES had gone missing January 8 from his home that backs onto the Thames River.
By Joe BELANGER, Sun Media, Mon., March 17, 2008
Bill YATES was a teacher of children, a mentor of teachers and a volunteer who cared for strangers.
That's how YATES, 61, was remembered yesterday after London police confirmed it was his body found Saturday in the Thames River near the Richmond Street bridge.
YATES had been missing from his Hamilton Road home, which backs onto the Thames, since January 8, when the river was running fast and high.
"As a teacher, he was a loving and compassionate man, a real pro," said Bruce TRAVNICEK, who taught with YATES at C.C. Carrothers school for three years in the late 1990s and remained Friends after YATES retired.
"He had such a great way of showing us (young teachers) how to show the children we cared."
The cause of his death has not been determined, police said, although a post mortem was to be conducted yesterday.
London police and a firefighter marine unit pulled YATES' body from the river just east of the bridge where Richmond Street turns into Carfrae Crescent about 12: 30 p.m.
Friends searched the area for days after YATES disappeared and even posted a reward.
TRAVNICEK's wife, Wendy, said she's hoping to convert any money collected for the reward fund into a trust for a student bursary in YATES's memory.
YATES taught Wendy TRAVNICEK, 47, when she was a Grade 7 student at Woodland Heights school.
"He was an amazing, wonderful man," she said.
"And he was an amazing teacher. We all knew he cared about us."
Bruce TRAVNICEK said YATES knew which children were having trouble and how to help, even it meant bringing some extra food, handing it to them discreetly.
"If one of his students had trouble, he'd spend hours searching for the right book, going through row after row of books in the library, to find just the right book to help them read," Bruce TRAVNICEK said.
"As a teacher, he would look at the big picture."
YATES, a private man who lived alone, was discovered missing when he failed to show up for his regular shift delivering Meals on Wheels.
YATES was an animal enthusiast and spent a lot of his time training his own dogs and judging at shows.
It was a shared love of dogs and cats that led to a bond between YATES and Arthur SKINNER, 64, a registered practical nurse who met YATES soon after moving to London in the early 1980s.
"Bill was honest, you could trust him and I admired that. He was a kind, gentle spirit. And there was great depth to his mind. He was very intelligent. I'm going to miss him."

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-04-22 published
Farm deaths 'very sad'
Weekend accidents kill two in Perth County
By Joe BELANGER, Tues.,▼ April▼ 22, 2008
Perth County's farming community is reeling after two of its own were killed in weekend accidents.
The deaths have agriculture officials urging farmers to take fewer risks at a time when the pressure's on to get in their spring planting.
"It's very, very sad," said Andy DE VRIES, an Ontario Federation of Agriculture director for Perth North.
"It's just devastating for the whole community to have something like that happen."
Glen MILLS, 44, of Blanshard Ward, was killed Sunday when he fell into a liquid manure tank and drowned.
Russell KIPFER/KUEPFER, 40, of Milverton, was killed Saturday when he was crushed beneath a cultivator he was working on.
Perth Ontario Provincial Police said MILLS was doing chores on his dairy farm on Perth Line 6 about 6: 45 p.m. when there was a problem with the tank.
MILLS used a ladder to climb into the tank to try shutting off a valve and slipped off the ladder into the pit, which contained about 450,000 litres of manure, police said.
"Family members attempted to locate Mr. MILLS, and when they found him in the pit, they pulled him out of the pit and attempted to resuscitate him, but attempts were unsuccessful," said Const. Glen CHILDERLEY.
MILLS was transported to Saint Marys Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Saturday, police were called to a report of a man crushed under a cultivator at 3: 30 p.m. on Duke Street in Brunner.
Police said KIPFER/KUEPFER had rented a shop to work on the cultivator and was under it when the hydraulic bottle jack gave out, pinning KIPFER/KUEPFER.
A friend stopped by the shop, found KIPFER/KUEPFER and called emergency services.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene but were unable to revive KIPFER/KUEPFER, who was pronounced dead at the scene by a coroner.
DE VRIES said many farm-related injuries and deaths occur during the spring planting or fall harvest because of the workload.
"When the weather's nice and you've got a lot of work to do, it's go, go, go," said DE VRIES, who operates a poultry farm in Elma Ward in northern Perth.
"A lot of it comes down to maybe making short cuts. But you've still got to use common sense."

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-04-25 published
Body found behind school
By Joe BELANGER, Fri.,▼ April▲ 25, 2008
Sun Media -- Londoner Harry GERIS -- a three-time Olympian known as the Gentle Giant of Canadian wrestling -- died suddenly yesterday, his body found behind a high school.
His body was found by a construction worker at 7: 30 a.m. behind Saunders secondary school, where he was delivering wrestling mats for an elementary school tournament.
GERIS, 60, is survived by his wife, Jo-Anne, and three sons, Jason, Ryan and Shawn, who all became wrestlers.
Police said foul play isn't suspected. An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.
"He was known as the Gentle Giant," said Glynn LEYSHON, 78, a former University of Western Ontario wrestling coach who took GERIS to his first international match in 1964.
"He'll be sorely missed. He did an awful lot for the sport and, as a friend, he'd do anything for you. You only had to ask and he'd do it if he could."
The former insurance salesperson made a living supplying wrestling equipment for tournaments, but spent most of his time volunteering as a wrestling coach.
GERIS was born in the Netherlands. His family immigrated to Canada when he was a child.
He earned a scholarship to wrestle at Oklahoma State University, a powerhouse in the sport.
"Harry was a friend to me and one of the great Olympians," Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith said through a spokesperson.
"Not only did he represent Canada, he represented Oklahoma State. He was a great man… and he will be missed."
Just three weeks ago, a wrestler coached by GERIS, Katie PATROCH, 25, a teacher at Westminster secondary school in London, won her first national championship in the 59-kilogram category to earn a trip to Tokyo for the world championships in October.
"I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without Harry," said a tearful PATROCH.
"If anybody asked him for help, he was there. He was a member of the family to me and undoubtedly changed my life."
Accolades and condolences poured in from across Canada as word of GERIS's death spread.
"It's just so sad, a real shock," said Josip MRKOCI of London, chairperson of the Commonwealth Amateur Wrestling Association.
"I consider him one of my best Friends. He dedicated his life to wrestling. The wrestling world has lost a person who supported wrestling his entire life, never thinking about himself, always volunteering for everything."
MRKOCI lamented that he missed the deadline by five days to have GERIS nominated for induction into the London Sports Hall of Fame this year.
"Maybe I can convince them to consider Harry," he said.
Western wrestling coach Ray TAKAHASHI went to the 1976 Olympics as a junior with GERIS.
"He's a legend in the United States and Canada and wrestling has really lost a big friend," said TAKAHASHI.
"He was a friendly giant. He had a heck of a big voice, a heck of a temper, but a really big heart.
"We used to run together and, for such a large man, he was a really good runner."
GERIS, who stood six-foot-four and weighed in excess of 220 pounds, was U.S. junior college heavyweight champion in 1968 and runner-up in 1969
He finished fourth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in 1972, his final year.
LEYSHON said, despite his size, GERIS was a gentle spirit.
"Being involved in a contact sport was (an) antithesis to his character," said LEYSHON.
"I remember once at a meet he pinned a guy down in about 45 seconds, helped the guy up and apologized.
"He's going to be sorely missed."
Harry GERIS
Graduate of Beal secondary school in London he won the Ontario high school championship, the Ontario open and the Canadian championship.
Ten-time Canadian heavyweight champion, who first competed internationally for Canada in 1966 at the British Empire Games and worlds in Toledo, Ohio.
Earned a three-year scholarship to wrestling powerhouse Oklahoma State University and finished fourth in the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship in 1972. He finished fourth in the World Student Games in Moscow in 1973.
Competed for Canada at the Olympics in 1968 (Mexico), 1972 (Munich) and 1976 (Montreal), twice at the world championships, the Commonwealth Games, Pan-Am Games (winning bronze in 1975) and the World Student Games, winning two bronze medals.
Served as president of the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association, the Ontario Olympic Wrestling Federation, the London-Western Wrestling Association and the Southwest Optimist Club of London.
Volunteer coach anywhere he was asked, including the University of Western Ontario.
Inducted into the U.S. National Junior College Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980.
Inducted into the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1984.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-02 published
Suspect arrested
Police won't say if they've established a motive
By Joe BELANGER and Joe MATYAS, Fri.,▲▼ May▼ 2, 2008
Police search the area around an apartment building at 24 Gammage St. where the city's first homicide of the year took place early yesterday. (Susan BRADNAM, Sun Media)
Police arrested a suspect and seized a vehicle yesterday as they probed the killing of a Halifax man visiting the city.
The body of Wayne Fulton DAHR, 54, was found late Wednesday night in a walkup apartment at 24 Gammage Street, north of Oxford Street.
The Nova Scotia man had been visiting London for the past month, police said.
Yesterday afternoon, about 17 hours after police were first alerted to concerns about DAHR, an unidentified suspect was arrested.
Tight-lipped police weren't talking about the suspect, or who rents the apartment where the body was found.
But the building registry shows an occupant at unit 306, where the body was found, with the surname DAHR, suggesting the dead man had been visiting a relative.
Police had already found the victim's vehicle, a PT Cruiser, blocks away from the apartment building where his body was found, near a four-storey walkup at 1284 Gramercy Park Place, off Brydges Street.
The vehicle was seized for forensic examination, said Const. Amy Phillipo.
DAHR was found dead with "obvious trauma," police said, declining to be more specific.
Police wouldn't say if they've established a motive for the killing.
An autopsy is expected within two days, they said.
Residents of the Gammage Street apartment complex said they saw police knocking on doors early yesterday and asking questions.
Residents in the clutch of six, three-storey walkups were clearly taken by surprise.
"A homicide? Really? Here? Who?" asked one.
None of nearly 24 residents interviewed said they heard anything unusual before police arrived about 11 p.m. Wednesday to "check the welfare" of someone in the apartment.
"The police knocked on my door around 1 a.m. or 1: 30 a.m. and asked if I'd heard anything, but I'm in the basement with a floor between us, so I wouldn't have heard anything," said Darren EEDEN, EEDEN and other residents in the well-kept complex said the area is generally quiet, but for the occasional loud party.
"You'll see some sketchy characters around sometimes, but I haven't seen any violence," EEDEN said.
EEDEN and other residents said they suspect a few drug dealers live in the area.
Curious residents came and went, watching from windows and balconies as police and reporters worked the scene.
Officers searched on rooftops and through dumpsters and the grass around the apartment buildings for clues.
A lock to the building. smashed and broken, lay on the sidewalk. Police also removed an object from a clothing bin they searched.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-661-5670.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-22 published
BELANGER, Deborah (née PETERS)
Suddenly on Tuesday, May 20th, 2008, at London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Campus, Deborah BELANGER of Sarnia and formerly of London in her 54th year. Beloved wife of Tom Ward. Dear mother of Joe, Ben and Tess. Daughter of Mae DELEARY and predeceased by father Nelson PETERS. Sadly missed by Uncle Ron and Aunt Nina and survived by many other family and Friends. Friends may call at the Elliott-Madill Funeral Home, Mount Brydges on Friday, May 23rd from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to follow on Saturday from the funeral home commencing at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-05-27 published
Trucker killed in crash a Brampton resident
By Joe BELANGER, Tues.,▲ May▲ 27, 2008
Police have identified a trucker killed in a fiery crash last Friday that renewed calls for an end to garbage-packed transport trucks hauling trash across Southwestern Ontario.
Jagroop SINGH, 31 of Brampton, was killed when his truck, loaded with trash, slammed into another truck hauling garbage that had slowed for construction on the Highway 401 in London, between Highbury Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway.
The other trucker, 33, also from Brampton, wasn't named. He had minor injuries.
As many as 400 trucks, each loaded with up to of 35 tonnes of garbage, pass through Southwestern Ontario daily from the Greater Toronto Area, hauling waste to Michigan landfills.
Over the last six years, crashes involving trash haulers have been reported almost weekly.
Friday's crash closed the west lanes of the 401 for more than 12 hours, frustrating drivers, especially commuters headed to and from London, and clogging roadways across the city's south end.
Area politicians, including Sarnia's Mike BRADLEY, have called for provincial action to stop the "cavalcade" of trucks, suggesting cities such as Toronto should be forced to deal with their garbage woes within their own boundaries.
Last year, Toronto bought the Green Lane landfill just southwest of London, which will start taking all the mega-city's trash in 2010, although five to 10 truckloads a day are already headed there.
Toronto started trucking its trash to Michigan in 2002, after years of searching for a solution as its own landfills filled up and closed.
Other Toronto-area municipalities also truck waste to Michigan.
As more trash trucks hit the highways, Southwestern Ontario has had to cope with the road frustrations, including jack-knifings, flaming wrecks, rollovers and garbage spills -- on top of the pollution caused by hauling the waste hundreds of kilometres away.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-04 published
DANIEL, Jerry
My Final Broadcast Peacefully and prayerfully, in my 69th year, after a courageous battle at Alexandra Hospital surrounded by my family on June 2, 2008 our Lord welcomed me home. I leave behind my devoted and adoring wife of 47 years Diane (TREMBLAY,) and my 5 loving children and their spouses. Jerry Jr. and his wife Roxanne (ANTAYA,) Terry and his wife Terryanne (CARROLL,) Mark and his wife Sherri (SMITH,) Michelle and her husband Jim (MERRIFIELD,) Nicole and her husband Dany (JACQUES.) I will continue to watch over my beautiful grandchildren that gave me more joy than I ever thought possible - Jessica and John DANIEL, Kyle and Brittany DANIEL and Brandi and Daniel LEWIS, Tara and Mitchell DANIEL, Mark and Matthew MERRIFIELD and "Peanut" Jacques as well as my sister Pat PROUSE of Ingersoll. I have been reunited with those who went before including my mom Delia (GATES) 1989 and dad Naboth 1996. My life has been full and blessed. I was fortunate to love my chosen career in broadcasting which spanned over 40 years. Starting at CFCO in Chatham, CHOK in Sarnia, SJCS Stratford, CFPL London, and finally CKOT Tillsonburg where I forged many lifelong Friendships. I also derived joy from my many years of DJ work. It is hard to imagine the number of first dance songs I played for newlyweds over the years and the people who knew me by my unique speakers. I express special thanks to our family physician Doctor Kelly SHAUGHNESSEY who was a tremendous support throughout and the loving care given by the Alexandra Hospital staff. In regards to my illness I am indebted to Woodstock Urologist Doctor VOGALIN and excellent medical staff at the London Regional Cancer Centre including Doctor Mary McKENZIE and her assistants Grace and Paul. I appreciated the constant support of John LAMERS, Owner and General Manager of CKOT Easy 101.3, Elaine BELANGER, Kathy BEEMER, Peter BAUMAN/BOWMAN, Lorette CRUNDWELL, George MANTLER, Doug OLTSHER, Pat PROUSE, Dean and Cheryl SHEVALIER, Louie TREMBLAY and Luanne WATT. Community Care Access Centre and their dedicated caring staff allowed me to spend my final days at home with my family where I wanted to be. God Bless You. God Bless the seen and unseen Angels who kept me and my family in their prayers. I would be remiss not to mention the tremendous sacrifices that my family and extended family members have made while on my journey. Love heals. Friends will be received at the McBeath-Dynes Funeral Home, 246 Thames Street South, Ingersoll Wednesday 7-9 p.m. and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Knights of Columbus prayers Thursday @ 6: 30 p.m. Parish Prayers Thursday @ 8: 45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Ingersoll Friday June 6th, 2008 at 11: 00 a.m. Interment to follow Sacred Heart Cemetery. Charitable donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated or the charity of your choice.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-23 published
SHAND, Donna (née BEVERIDGE)
At the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Sydenham Campus, Wallaceburg, on Saturday, June 21, 2008 Donna SHAND (née BEVERIDGE,) 67 years, of Wallaceburg. Beloved wife of George. Dear mother of Grace SCOTT and Gary WATSON of Wallaceburg, George and Ann SHAND of North Carolina, Marilyn SHAND and Menno Harder of Reece's Corners and Juli SHAND of Cambridge. Loving grandmother of Shannan, Lisa, Chris and Mandy, Kyle and Cameron. Special great-grandmother to Alexandria and Bryson. Dear sister of Dorothy and George McMAHON and Don BEVERIDGE all of Petrolia, Sue MILNER of Forest, Violet OLIVER of Oil Springs, John BEVERIDGE and Myrt and Ray SHEPHERD all of British Columbia, Jim and Leona BEVERIDGE and Bill and Lucy BEVERIDGE of Sarnia, Florence SMITH of Wyoming, and the late Charlie BEVERIDGE and Margaret BELANGER. A funeral service will be held at the Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 12 noon. Visitors will be received from 10: 00 a.m. until the service time. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Sarnia and District Humane Society. Memories and condolences may be left online at www.needhamjay.com.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-25 published
Dad wants answers after son's death
By Joe BELANGER, Wed., June 25, 2008
The father of a Delhi man who died after being Tasered by Ontario Provincial Police wants to know "why they had to kill him."
Noël MARREEL said his son, Jeffrey, 36, "was a constant heartache," haunted by a drug addiction and in and out of jail, but never difficult with police.
"Why did they have to kill him?" MARREEL asked. "He's been arrested before and he's just walked out with police. He never gave them trouble."
Police used a Taser while arresting MARREEL in the hamlet of Fisher's Glen, south of Simcoe, at Front Street and Fisher's Glen Road, about 10: 30 a.m. Monday. MARREEL died two hours later and was pronounced dead at hospital.
Because MARREEL died in custody, the province's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is investigating.
MARREEL's father, 67, said he didn't know his son had been Tasered until Friends called after hearing it on a local radio station four hours later.
"What's going on?" MARREEL asked. "Are our police so poorly trained? If Tasers are that dangerous, what are they using them for? I know Jeffrey was no angel -- far from it -- but he never, to my knowledge, has ever hurt anyone.
"Why couldn't they just corner him and grab him?"
MARREEL said his son had struggled with drug addiction for about 20 years and had served time in jail.
His son had recently broken off with a girlfriend and lost a job, MARREEL said.
"He'd find work, get off drugs for five or six months, then something would happen and the spiral would start again," said MARREEL, who last saw his son Saturday when he stopped by to change clothes.
Police said MARREEL was transported to the Norfolk County provincial police station after being hit with the stun gun, where he collapsed.
Officers performed first aid until paramedics arrived.
MARREEL was pronounced dead in hospital about two hours after the initial incident.
In Toronto, Rick Bartolucci, minister of community safety and correctional services, said the province won't call for a moratorium on Taser use in the wake of the incident.
"Ontario has a very, very measured approach to the use of Tasers," said Bartolucci, who added a provincial report on the use of the guns is scheduled to be released in December.
Last week, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced it would restrict Taser firings following a report into what critics call "usage creep." Officers in the federal force will have a clearer direction on how and when a Taser should be used, chairperson Paul Kennedy said at the time.
He also said all people stunned with Tasers should receive medical attention, a point that is "particularly relevant for at-risk populations, such as people with mental-health issues, substance abuse problems, health and homelessness challenges."
Twenty-one people have died in Canada after being struck with Tasers.
Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski died in October after being repeatedly zapped by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers at Vancouver International Airport. A video of his final moments added to the debate about the use of Tasers.
Amnesty International Canada has repeatedly called for a temporary moratorium on the guns, pending an independent study of its possible risks.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-06-27 published
BELANGER, Annette (née VAILLANCOURT)
At the Dearness Home, on June 24th, 2008, Annette (née VAILLANCOURT) BELANGER of London in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late George E. BELANGER, formerly of Timmins (2004.) Loving mother of Roland and his wife Ginnette, Gerald and his wife Louise, all of Montreal, Lorraine and her husband Reg BYRNES of Capreol, Ontario, Pauline FOURNIER of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Marcel and his wife Lucie, Claudette BELANGER- PERRY and her husband John of Florida, Maurice and his wife Alice and Norman, all of London and the late Lilliane LEMAY. Also loved by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Monday, June 30th, 2008 at 1: 00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment of ashes to follow at Saint Peter's Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Annette are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences accepted at condolences@westviewfuneralchapel.com

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-07-03 published
Friends until the end
By Joe BELANGER, Fri.,▲ July▼ 4, 2008
Strathroy -- Dan MEDEIROS and Jon DESA did almost everything together, including graduating from high school last week.
Now, tragically, the two 17-year-olds -- best Friends -- will be buried on the same day.
Their joint funeral tomorrow will bring together family and Friends of the Strathroy teens killed in a two-car crash Wednesday night that sent two other people to hospital, including their 18-year-old pal Brian COSTA, who was driving the car in which the two youths died.
"They were just awesome young adults," said principal Dan HOWARD of Holy Cross Catholic secondary school, where a memorial service is scheduled today at 11 a.m. "Last week, I gave both of them their diplomas," HOWARD said. "This is a very good community and they were part of it."
Shock and sadness ripped through the heart of the tight-knit town of 12,000, as news of the tragedy spread.
The young men were killed instantly in a two-car crash on Hickory Drive near McEvoy Road about 10: 30 p.m.
COSTA, also of Strathroy, was in serious but stable condition at London Health Sciences Centre.
The other car driver, a woman whose name wasn't released, was taken to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and kept for observation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Strathroy-Caradoc police said alcohol was not a factor.
It was raining heavily at the time, police said, when the east-bound COSTA car went out of control near a curve and collided with the other car, which was travelling west.
"You couldn't ask for two better guys," said Brad LALICH, who went to school with MEDEIROS and DESA and worked with MEDEIROS at a construction recycling company.
He described both his Friends as "very hard-working guys" who had after-school and summer jobs.
"Both were happy, happy guys," said LALICH. " Dan was always smiling, and if you ever needed to be picked up because you were having a bad day, Dan could do it."
Earlier, the three Friends had been at the home of Jonathan MONIZ, 15, and were on their way home when the crash occurred. "They were great guys -- amazing guys -- who lived life to the fullest," said a saddened MONIZ, 15.
HOWARD said counsellors were to be at the school today at 9 a.m. to help any students or staff.
"I can't say enough about those boys," he said. "They contributed to the school and the community. This is a very close community and everyone knows everyone and everyone knew these boys. They will be missed very much."
Teacher and athletics director Pat Moran, who taught both students in Grades 9 and 10, said they loved soccer and shop classes, such is auto mechanics and construction.
"It's a big shock to this community," said MORAN. " They got along with everybody."
DESA is survived by his parents, John and Lisa, and two sisters, Monique and Mackenzie.
MEDEIROS is survived by his parents, John and Darlene, and sister Amanda.
Visitation is at Denning Brothers Funeral Home, 32 Metcalfe St. W., today from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a funeral tomorrow at All Saints Roman Catholic Church, 124 Front St. E., in Strathroy at 11 a.m.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-07-10 published
Boy dies of injuries in all-terrain vehicle crash
By Joe BELANGER, Thurs., July▲▼ 10, 2008
A 13-year-old boy has died in a London hospital from injuries in an all-terrain vehicle crash last week.
Perth County Ontario Provincial Police said Trent STREICHER, of North Perth, died Tuesday from injuries suffered in the June 30 crash that also sent his 11-year-old sister to hospital.
Police said the boy was operating the all-terrain vehicle on Perth Line 71 and Perth Road 140 was headed home to get gas for a lawn mower.
The boy lost control and both children were thrown off the all-terrain vehicle as it rolled into a field. A passing motorist called police and ambulance.
Both were taken to Listowel Memorial Hospital, but the boy was transferred to London Health Sciences Centre where he died late Tuesday.
Police say speed and inexperience are factors in the crash.
There have been three all-terrain vehicle-related deaths and several people seriously injuries over the last month in Southern Ontario, including a 15-year-old Jarvis youth and a 52-year-old Dunnville man.
The spate of of crashes has prompted police across the district to issue warnings about safe operation of all-terrain vehicles, especially to parents about allowing children to operate the machines that can be driven at speeds similar to a car.

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BELANGER o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2008-07-26 published
U.S. man killed, two hurt on 401
By Joe BELANGER, Sat., July▲ 26, 2008
An early-morning crash on Highway 401, east of Woodstock, sent two people to hospital yesterday, just hours after a Michigan man was killed in a single-car crash on the 401 west of the city.
Police said quick action by road crews laying asphalt along the south shoulder of the centre barrier of Highway 401 east of Oxford County Road 3 may have saved the life of a trucker whose rig slammed into dump truck that was delivering asphalt to the worksite.
The transport truck was carrying a load of wooden pallets.
A fire erupted but workers pulled the driver clear of the wreckage before both trucks were engulfed in flames.
The transport driver was taken to Kitchener hospital with serious injuries, not considered life-threatening.
The dump truck driver was taken to Woodstock hospital with minor injuries.
The pavement, damaged by fire, will have to be replaced.
Five hours earlier, Chandrakanthan NAVARATNAM, 45, of Michigan, died after his eastbound car swerved across several lanes and crashed into a guardrail about 8: 30 p.m. Thursday just west of Culloden Line near Ingersoll, Oxford Ontario Provincial Police said.
Police said the car crashed through the guardrail into a ditch and across the on-ramp of Culloden Line.
NAVARATNAM was taken to Alexandria Hospital in Ingersoll where he died of his injuries.

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BÉLANGER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-06-10 published
BÉLANGER, Glorianna Evangeline
Daughter, teacher, wife, maman extraordinaire. Born October 8, 1917, in Chatham, Ontario Died April 11 in Chatham of bladder cancer, aged 90.
By Jean-Maurice BÉLANGER; Pat BÉLANGER, Page L6
According to the memory book she left behind for her family, Glorianna GAGNER and her two sisters, Jeanne and Julienne, led an idyllic childhood.
The Thames River provided a natural skating rink and swimming hole. The river flats were a perfect venue for horseback riding. Her large extended family gathered often for impromptu dinners and picnics.
Born into a Franco-Ontarian family, Glorianna was perfectly bilingual. After high-school graduation, she attended Normal School in Ottawa and taught in Grande Pointe and Belle River, Ontario, for three years.
A new chapter in her life began when she married a Dover farm boy, Norman BÉLANGER, in September, 1939. They had 10 children the eldest, Laura, suffered damage at birth and passed away at the age of 7.
Home life consisted of well-packed lunches and banquet-style dinners. All the siblings were involved in school activities, sports and music.
In 1962, Glorianna lost her husband to a heart attack at 46. We never knew the despair and grief she endured - she was a private person.
Over the years she managed to keep the family together, especially at her annual Easter reunion. When asked, "Why don't you have the potluck the week before or after Easter because some of us have to visit in-laws once in a while." it didn't take her long to say, "No, it's definitely on Easter Sunday." She did not waver once she had made up her mind.
Glorianna led by example and her children's choices in life were always backed by the thought, "What would Mom think?"
In 1975, International Women's Year, wedding plans were in progress in the Bélanger household. The question of who would give away her daughter Yvette posed a dilemma, since traditionally it was the father's role. Glorianna, being an independent woman who kept up with the times, came up with a solution: She would give her daughter away.
She had about her an air of tranquillity that came from her strong Christian faith. Her patience with her children and grandchildren was a sight to behold - never a raised voice and no spankings allowed. No wonder she was so loved by all of them.
At 80 years old, Glorianna moved from the farm into an apartment in Chatham. She drove her car until age 90, when failing health forced her off the road.
Glorianna was a great lady and as close to a saint as you could find on Earth. She has gone to fly with the angels, but in our hearts she is still very much here.
Jean-Maurice and Pat BÉLANGER are Glorianna's son and daughter-in-law.

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