Thoughts from his loving Wife Susan:

He was in my life for 43 years. He taught me so much, and made me a better person. Stuck with me through ups and downs, he had honesty, integrity and loyalty. He had compassion, morals and stood by his decisions. He had an abundance of common sense, he was overwhelmingly particular, intelligent and resilient. He worked hard to overcome all that we went through. He was respected by everyone he met. Our girls became our life, he was "Mister Mom" not only to them but half the neighbourhood. He would drive them, make them food, and comfort them through his own pain. He did too many acts of kindness to mention for the family, children, friends and people around us. He dealt with many medical problems, always falling through the cracks in the system to get help. The pain and hurt from situations, losing his parents, his brother in law and conflicts with institutions that were made to help us. Made our last few years together as a family hard due to the stress on our lives. Life dealt us a handful but we never forgot to be grateful for what we did have. He was a proud lottery winner, from the "lucky store", he made friends from the superstore and water store and pretty much everywhere he went. He had a huge Coca-Cola collection, with his prized possession being a Diet Coke Hockey Stick and matching card, signed by Wayne Gretzkey. We are sorry he couldn't fulfill his only dream of having a Shelby or an Old Car. He deserved so much more for the smiles and love he gave us. Our lives have changed forever and our hearts are broken, there will always be a piece missing. However we will hold on to his teachings, love, memories and recipes for his spectacular food. The family knew we were eating well when music was playing in the kitchen and memories like that will keep us strong. God, give us strength to remember the good times, his sense of humour, his cooking and his passion for everyone he loved. He deserved so much more, more time to be with us and to meet his grandchild, Amelia. Thank you to the staff at Guelph and Grand River Hospital that treated him so well. Thanks to the ILC program and his loyal workers over the years, and to the many people that called him a friend. He will live on in all our hearts.
~ Sue