Gino Bertoldo
With great sadness, the family announce the passing of Gino Luigi Bertoldo, 76, on April 18, 2013 at the Atikokan GeneralHospital. Gino was born July 11, 1936 in Chinto, Casamaggiore in the Province of Umbria in Italy, the second of six children to ...The post Gino Bertoldo appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Betty Anne Coulter
Elizabeth Anne ‘Betty Anne’ Coulter, 49, of Bear Pass, Ontario, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2013 at LaVerendrye General Hospital. Betty Anne was born on May 20, 1963 in Brantford, Ontario. She was a respected art teacher at both Atikokan ...The post Betty Anne Coulter appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Alvina Zuke (née Strom)
Alvina Etta Gladys (Strom) Zuke passed away peacefully April 16, 2013 in Penticton, BC, with her loving family by her side. Alvina was born March 18, 1935 in Dearlock, Ontario, and lived in Atikokan from the early 1950s until about 1966, ...The post Alvina Zuke (née Strom) appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Alan Grennier
Alan Kieth Grennier, 80, passed away May 14, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. He passed quietly in his sleep at the La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario. Left to celebrate his life is his wife Irene, who has been by his side ...The post Alan Grenier appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Anne Humphrey
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Anne Humphrey, 85, of 131 Elm Crescent, Atikokan, Ontario, on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Anne was born December 27, 1927 in ...The post Anne Humphrey appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Patricia Triskle
With great sadness the family announce the passing of Patricia (Pat) Triskle, 79, May 20, 2013 at the Atikokan GeneralHospital (Extended Care), As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.The post Patricia Triskle appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Charles Kivari
With sorrow, his family announces Charles Kivari, 78, passed away peacefully at Lakehead Manor on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, with his family by his side. Charlie was born in Rainy River, Ontario to Ely and Tynne Kivari and was raised in the community ...The post Charles Kivari appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Barbara Ehelebe
With heavy hearts, the family of Barbara Elizabeth Ehelebe, 79, announces her passing at the Atikokan GeneralHospital on Friday, June 5, 2013. Barb was born on October 14, 1933 in Darmstadt, Germany. She was united in marriage on April 4, 1953 ...The post Barbara Ehelebe appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
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John Krishka
The family of John Krishka, 92, of 507 MacKenzie Ave. East of Atikokan, Ontario, announce his passing onto a better place. Per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. If family or friends wish, donations may be made to ...The post John Krishka appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Bernice Heglund
Bernice M. Heglund, 74, of Cook, Minnesota, passed away at the VirginiaConvalescentCenter on June 6, 2013. She was born in Orillia, Ontario, May 18, 1939, daughter of John ‘Pat’ and Elva O’Beirn. The family moved north when she was a child, as Pat ...The post Bernice Heglund appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
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Peter Gordon Garvie
Peter Gordon Garvie, 65, of Atikokan passed away in the Atikokan General Hospital Monday, June 10, 2013. He was born in Owen Sound, Ontario, November 20, 1947. A celebration of Peter's life was held June 18 in Geraldton, followed with interment ...The post Peter Gordon Garvie appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
William (Bill) Jaculak
William (Bill) Jaculak, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at the Atikokan GeneralHospital. He was born on October 4, 1935 in Stuartburn, Manitoba. He came to Atikokan in 1952, working for the Steep Rock Iron Mine. ...The post William (Bill) Jaculak appeared first on Atikokan Progress and Printing.
Nita Kehler
Nita Kehler, age 87, of Atikokan, ON passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at the Atikokan GeneralHospital.
She was born on November 1, 1925 in RosenortVillage in Manitoba to Henry and Agnes Hildebrandt. She met and married Richard Kehler on November 6, 1945. In 1954 they moved the family to Atikokan. As the children got older she joined the workforce, first a Supervising Tree Planter, then she returned to school earning her Nurse’s Aid certificate and joining the staff at the Atikokan GeneralHospital for over 10 years. She enjoyed being at home; spending time with family, working on puzzles, crocheting, doing needlework and tending to the flowers. Nita also enjoyed her weekly card games with friends.
She leaves behind her children Marlene Clarke of Dartmouth, NS, Henry (Marilyn) Kehler of Sarnia, ON, John (Nancy) Kehler of Bear’s Pass, ON, Sharon Mah of Moncton, NB, Tim (Twyla) Kehler, Colleen Kehler, Glenn Kehler all of Atikokan, ON, Janice (Vince) McEvoy of White River, ON and Raymond (Marie) Kehler of Atikokan; 17 Grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; sisters Mary Sawatzky, Anne (Abe) Reimer, Manda (Don) Mannis; brother Albert (Anastasia) Hildebrandt as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Nita was predeceased by her husband Richard; sons Richard and David; grandson Timothy; brother Dick Hildebrandt, and sister Helen Janz.
A private family service was held on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan. Mr. Brad Ricci officiated. Cremation has taken place with interment in Little Falls Cemetery.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital or the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
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Jennifer Garrett
Jennifer Garrett, 71, passed away in Split, Croatia, on July 4, 2013.
She was the daughter of Kate and Frederick Garrett, was born in Sudbury on May 10, 1942, and grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
In 1960, she married Joseph Marohnic, and they raised four children together, Alanna, Joseph Fredrich, Marcey Neganigijig, and James, in Atikokan, Toronto and Croatia. Jennifer pursued parenthood (and later, grand-parenthood) with the same passion and commitment she brought to her work in the arts.
That work in art, music, and drama brought her international acclaim, but for Jennifer it was always about “uniting people in joy”.
As a visual artist, the recognition of her talent began in the early 1970s, and in 1975 her work earned her the first of many one-artist shows, this one at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Although it was husband Joseph who had the Croatian roots, Jennifer (despite the initial language issues) made a place for herself in that country, and became an artist-in-residence at the ArtAcademy in Zagreb (1978-79). Her Croatian work captures the richness of life there – from haunting city scenes to lively countryside – in a way that is appreciated well beyond that nation. (She also served an artistic residency at an art academy in Khartoum, Sudan.)
Today, her artwork hangs in galleries and homes across North America, Europe and Northern Africa.
Jennifer’s father was a musician, and music was every bit as central to her life as visual art. She had a beautiful voice, seemed to know thousands of songs, and always had a guitar close at hand. Her sparkling personality could enliven just about any group imaginable to share in song. To those who ‘couldn’t sing’, she invariably harrumphed, and would immediately set to teaching…
As she grew more familiar with Croatia and comfortable with the language, she brought her musical sensibility to the folk music of that culture. As she did with her visual art, she was able to find a unique perspective on the familiar, in the process creating something new, vibrant, and delightful. Her work the past decade with Vladimir Georgev, a long-time favourite on the Croatian folk music scene, earned her many new fans.
In Atikokan, Jennifer was best known for her work in drama (she was the driving force behind Atikokan Creations Theatre) and with the Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Art and Alternatives, which she helped found. She was also extensively involved in the artistic scene in Thunder Bay (one of her final projects there was a film with Eleanor Albanese, with whom she had collaborated many times over the decades).
Jennifer is survived by her children Alanna (Ivan), Joseph Fredrich (Ika), and James (Lana), former husband Joseph (Gabrielle), grandchildren Reisha, Kelyn, Soleil, Julian (Vos), and Johnny Neganigijig, sisters Kathy and Erica, and brothers Jimmy and Jonathan and their families.
She was pre-deceased by daughter Marcey Neganigijig and by her parents.
Alanna, Joseph Fredrich, Ivan, and Ika were with Jennifer when she passed away in Croatia, where she has been interred. Several celebrations of her life were held there during July. An Atikokan celebration is planned for this evening (beginning at 6:30 pm at 43 Rawn Rd.), and a Thunder Bay event is planned for September 28 (7-9 pm, Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship, 129 Algoma St. S.).
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Ernest Toffan
Ernest Roy Toffan, 87, a resident of Thunder Bay, and formerly of Atikokan, passed away peacefully at his home on August 21, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
Ernie was born March 3, 1926 in Rainy River, Ontario. He was an honourable, kind and generous gentleman whose family meant the world to him. Growing up in FortFrances he met and married his first wife Madeleine. As a young man he enlisted in the armed services. He raised his family in Atikokan while working mainly in the mining industry and ultimately retired from Atikokan Hydro.
In 1985, he married Evelyn Ann Lapointe and they enjoyed many years together at NiobeLake in the summer and LakeWales, Florida in the winter. In later years, he spent his leisure time maintaining a meticulous yard and gathering his family and friends around him and splendid times were had by all. Ernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 68 years and a long time member and supporter of St. Patrick’s Parish in Atikokan. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 67 years.
He was predeceased by his first wife Madeleine Therese, his son Roy, his parents William and Mildred Toffan, his brother Allan and stepdaughter Rajanne Russow.
Ernie will always be lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn, his beloved daughters Susan (Murray) Soderberg, Margaret (Geoff) Pattyson, Nancy (Bruce) McCarty, step-daughter Monique Robinson (Jim Adams), and stepson-in-law Jack Russow. He is also survived by his grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Eric (Kara) Soderberg, Sarah (Nathan) DeGagne, Mark Soderberg, Scott (Sarah) Pattyson, Tim (Kim) Pattyson, Ryan (Paula) Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Ernie Johnson (Amber Dolan), Courtney (Matt) Hartnett and great-grandchildren Jace, Luca and Madeleine Soderberg, Keifer and Daisy DeGagne, Owen and Claire Pattyson, and James and Michael Johnson, as well as numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister Loretta (Ernie) Brunetta.
The funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm Tuesday, August 27, at St. Margaret’s Church (88 Clayte St., Thunder Bay) where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Ciaran Donnelly. Interment will take place at a later date in Atikokan, where he will join Madeleine.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made at the TD bank in FortFrances to the trust fund for his grandson-in-law Nathan DeGagne, who is urgently awaiting a heart transplant, or to the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca
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Beth Coulas
Beth Coulas was a special blessing as the first child born to Fern (nee Shine) and Bob Moffatt on February 10, 1961 in Atikokan, Ontario, She had a childhood full of love and family and all the goodness that life in a small town brings – she nurtured her artistic talents, built lifelong friendships, and established solid moral foundations.
A gifted artist, Beth spent her entire life exploring ways to express her passion for art, colour and design. She trained as a fine artist at Sault College where she met her future husband Frank. After graduation, Beth and Frank moved to Alberta to start their lives together.
Beth worked as a floral designer, and soon discovered that she had a talent for turning silk into works of art. She established her own business, Beth Coulas Silks, and created scarves, jewelry, fairies and a vast collection of silk paintings proudly displayed in homes across North America. Through brilliant colour and whimsical settings of angels, children and flowers, Beth’s pieces are a reflection of how she lived her life; purely, simply and honestly.
Beth was naturally personable and always unpretentious. Her down-to-earth style endeared her to anyone she met because you always knew she was the real deal. Beth loved people and their stories. A conversation with Beth was sure to be entertaining and memorable. And somehow, you always walked away with a little life lesson – a new perspective of the world from Beth’s point-of-view.
Beth didn’t need to travel far or gather possessions to find the things that gave her life meaning. Her home was warm, inviting – filled with love and laughter. For Beth, that was always more than enough.
Together, Beth and Frank raised two wonderful children, Jillian and Robert in Devon, Alberta. Drawing on their small town roots, they immersed themselves in community life. They made true “salt-of-the-earth” friends. Beth loved music and she was still singing with the United Sound Group up until a few short weeks ago.
After a brave two-year battle with an inoperable brain tumour, Beth left us in the same way she led her life: on her own terms. She died peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by the comfort of her devoted family on Friday, August 23, 2013.
Beth is survived by: the love of her life and husband of 31 years, Frank: their daughter Jillian; their son Robert; Jillian’s husband Kyle Orum and their sweet daughter Natalie; father Bob Moffatt; sister Nancy and her husband Cris Myers and their family Andrea, Karen, Richard Pfeifer, and Paul Dziedziejko; sister-in-law Paula and her husband Riccardo Verin and their children Allison and Terry Golding; aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Moffatt and Shine families; Frank’s family, Lyle, Earl, Fran and her husband Barry Evans, Walt, and Greg and his partner Lucie Hardy, and many nieces and nephews. Beth will be reunited with those who have predeceased her; her mother Fern, her grandmas and grandpas Shine and Moffatt, her mother and father-in-law Catherine and Walter, and Frank’s brother Tony.
We lost a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. But thanks to her beautiful legacy and the artwork she has so generously bestowed upon us, Beth’s colourful spirit and joy of life will always be with us.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Beth, please support the United Church nearest you, The Brain Tumour Foundation, The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation or the charity that is closest to your heart.
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Carl Sander
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Carl Oscar Sander, 86, our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, September 1, 2013, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. He was surrounded by his family.
Carl was born December 23, 1926 in Stratton, Ontario, married his sweetheart Elsie Dalberg, and together they lived, worked, and raised their family in Atikokan. Carl was a mechanic all of his life, first on the family farm and continued on to West End Motor’s, Steep Rock Iron Mines, and finally Proboard. Following retirement, Carl enjoyed travelling, carpentry, and puttering with motors.
Carl loved the outdoors; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He felt most at home at the cabin on Niobe Lake. Most of all, he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carl enjoyed people and easily made many lifelong friends. His storytelling and joke repertoire were famous among those who knew him. He also volunteered with the Conservation Club, the Pioneer Centre, and the Fix-it Club in Atikokan. Carl was a man of deep faith and strong conviction and as such, was a leader and tireless worker in Faith and Calvary Lutheran Churches.
Carl will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by his daughters, Linda (Roger), Karen (Les), Judy (Bruce), son-in-law Mike, grandchildren Robert, Sarah (Matthew), Teresa, Carly, Jennine, Allison, Isaac, and great-grandchildren Michael and Alice. He is remembered fondly by his brothers-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews from both the Sander and Dalberg families.
He was predeceased by his parents Victor and Anna, his beloved wife Elsie, brothers Alvin and Alfred, and sisters Carrie, Esther, and Ruth.
A service to celebrate Carl’s life was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Atikokan on September 6; interment at Little Falls Cemetery followed the service.
If friends desire, memorial gifts can be made to the Memorial Fund of Faith Lutheran Church, Atikokan General Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
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