Stories

Beachey, Dianne # 1031 *

In Memory of Dianne Beachey
1960 – 2008

Dianne Beachey was a great influence on family and friends, as well as anyone who knew her. One of the nicest things about the special memories I’ve gathered through the years, she was a part of so many.

Someone once said Dianne was so many things to so many people. If needed she could be your lawyer, nurse, mother, friend, counsellor, match-maker and great hairdresser; and if anything came up, you would want her on your side.

There was nothing in this world that she wouldn’t do for her only child ‘Mysty’ and husband ‘Champ’ of 29 years. She was there for family and influenced her nieces and nephews to always leave them with great impact of fond memories; and in return was loved beyond belief. She was Number One.

She had two sisters – Laurie and Belva-Jo and one brother, Terry, who looked up to her as well. She was a shining example in time of sickness, never showing her pain, always up beat and looking healthier than most. Dianne never gave up. What an impact and example she left on all who knew her. She has left such a mark and none of our lives will ever be the same without her!

Thanking God that he gave us 47 years of knowing her beauty, wisdom and honour of her shining light, that is still the brightest star in the sky.

Honoured by her mother – Ella Beachey, and family.

Ross, Ernest Walker (EW) & Louise (Carruthers) #2496*

Honoured by Beth Snyder

Ernest Walker Ross, my grandfather, was one of the early settlers of North Bay.  He was a watchmaker and serviced the watches for the three railways.  He owned a jewellery store on the corner of Ferguson Street and Main Street.  They lived in the large house still standing on the corner of Wyld and Worthington Streets.

 

Palmer, TM & Edith Ross #2495 *

Honoured by Beth Snyder

TM Palmer, my father, was very active in North Bay.  He owned TM Palmer jewellery story and was involved with the Hospital Board, the Scottish Rite 33rd degree, the Red Cross and was Rotary Club President.  He was also an alderman and then Mayor of North Bay.  He married Edith Ross whose father was one of the early settlers of North Bay.  He also owned a jewellery store and was the watchmaker for three railways.

 

 

Corbeil, Rene (Eli) #75

#1 Welder/Fabricator

Thank you Rene (Eli) for the firsts:

My first home.

My first child.

My first car.

My first farm.

My first horse.

Challenging me.

Lessons learned.

Teaching me.

Thank you for being that strong, determined, hardworking, loving man you’ve always been
in my life.  Sometimes testing, sometimes stubborn but always strong and never giving up the fight.

 

Layman, Max E. #829

Honoured by Verna Layman-Feindel and Kathryn St. George.

Thank you for purchasing a leaf of inspiration to honour Max and for supporting your Waterfront Park project.  Story to follow.

 

McKinnon, Angus Vernon #831 *

Honoured by his wife June and children Elizabeth, Catherine, Martha and Gregory.

The brightest star in the sky is my Vern who continues to lead me, our four children and our wonderful grandchildren, Angus James (2004) and Ainsley Skye Margaret (2006) (Gregory’s children). We continue to follow the family traditions of loving, learning, sharing and supporting each other along life’s path.  With all my love yours always, June (nee Soule)

When I think of Dad, I think of talking – about the day, history, books, family, faith, love.  Dad always had time to talk to us, but also to listen to us.  I learned so much from him.  I also think of music – whether he played the piano or stereo, the music flowed.  And he was never afraid to sing along!  Dad was a strong, gentle, loyal man and I’m blessed he was my Dad and my friend, since I was lucky enough to know him when I was a child, a teen and an adult.   With deep love, Elizabeth

When I think of my Dad, I think of him not only as my father, but as my friend.  I recall the many long conversations I had with my Dad over the years.  He was always ready to listen and encouraged me to think of different ways of looking at a situation.  My Dad taught me to always treat others with respect and assume the best in everyone. My Dad always had just the right words for every situation.  I recall many of these words and apply them to my daily life, which means my Dad is with me daily. Love you forever, Catherine

A day does not go by that I do not think of Dad . He was a kind , gentle man who cared very deeply about his family.  He had a wonderful sense of humour and I often smile quietly remembering one of his stories . Dad loved to read and would read at least a dozen books in the span of a week .He passed that passion on to his children. He encouraged us to follow our dreams and his unwavering belief in us gave us the courage to pursue them. With all my love and the deepest respect, Martha

He was here and then gone; too soon, but that’s not our call.

We answer to a Higher Source, and he has now.

I miss him dearly, but he set me up to succeed, each of us ready for life.

Always moving to greater light, he took us with him as far as he could, except on that voyage from which no traveller returns.

I love him still.

His lessons still teach.

He lives on in us.

Love Greg

Tanner, Reta #27 *

Honoured by Colin and Joan Vickers.

Reta Tanner was born in 1918 in Riverfield which is located in the Chateauguay Valley region of Quebec.   Reta was involved in the choir, CGIT and Sunday School of Riverfield Presbyterian Church.   After graduating from Howick High School Reta attended The Mother House Secretarial College.   Reta then served in the RCAF #3 Training Command Headquarters in Montreal where she met her husband Richard (Dick) Tanner who was attached to the 401 Fighter Squadron and they married in 1942.  During this time Reta knit, sewed and joined the others in entertaining our soldiers. After Lorne and Lorraine were born they moved to Toronto in 1954 as Dick continued his career with the Canadian Pacific Railway.  Like many parents time was spent with Cub, Scouts, Guides, hockey, dance lessons, etc.  As well, Reta showed leadership and dedication as she became involved in the Thornhill Presbyterian Church … Sunday School, pot luck suppers, picnics and skating parties.

In 1956 she began her career as a Secretary with the North York Board of Education retiring in 1976 to enjoy her grandchildren.  Along the way she was a guide, friend and inspiration to many including Joan Vickers who resides in North Bay.

Outside of work she helped organize the Kind Hearts Club in Willowdale.  The members reached out to seniors in the community providing games, concerts, suppers, sales and bazaars.  In addition, Reta and Dick welcomed several teenage members of the Toronto Marlies to their home with some eventually joining the NHL including Bob Dailey, Frank Hamill, Fred Barrett and Mark and Marty Howe.

Reta and Dick moved to the Barrie area where Reta continued to serve and lead including her work with the Women’s Missionary Society.  Dick and Reta travelled extensively enjoying 57 years of marriage until Dick’s passing in 2000.  In 2002 Reta chose to live in Tollendale Village, an innovative seniors’ complex in Barrie where she served three years as secretary of the Tenants Committee.

She organized a knitters group which has knit thousand of little Izzy Dolls.  These dolls are carried by our soldiers today as they serve overseas.  They are given to children in war torn countries … many of whom have only a stick and stones to play with.  Also, they have knit baby clothes, pneumonia vests and blankets that are provided to “Canadian Food for Children” to be sent to orphanages and children’s hospitals in Asia and Africa.   A visit to Reta’s suite often reveals a “room full” of these special gifts!

For several years Reta has been co-leader for the Tollendale Fitness Group.
A faithful servant, Reta continues with a Bible Study group.

Reta is the deserved matriarch of her family.  She has loved and guided her children,  grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and young hockey players.  At work, Reta was an exemplary employee, role model and friend to teachers, support staff, students and
administration.  In the community and overseas, Reta has reached out to children, youth, seniors, members of her church and soldiers. In retirement she has been called to support her peers
where she resides and continues her outreach activities.

While Reta shies away from well-deserved praise, she is someone who is making a difference.