The W Ross MacDonald Alumni Association

Note, Also applies to the former school named, Ontario School For The Blind.

Attention all former Staff and Students.

Below is the list of former Staff and Students that have passed away since the 2010 reunion.

This list is by no means complete and if there are errors and I believe that there are please let me know as soon as possible so that they can be corrected.

Specifically I am looking for,

We appreciate any assistance in this endeavor as we wish to recognize all former Staff and Students.

Please report any verified new updates by following this link

June 2010: June 2012.

John, Christine, Staff, April 2012

Goslin, Jane, Student, Jan. 2012

BERRY, Frances, Student, October 29 2011

BERRY, Frances - Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Franklin Fanson, died October 29, 2011 at the Dearness Home. Fran was the beloved wife of the late Robert Berry. Her surviving sisters are Muriel Ritchie, June Nelson and Jean Brighton. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Owen and Bob Fanson. All of Fran's nieces, nephews and families will miss her very much. Fran's friend Cathy Harding was with her at the time of her death. The family would like to thank Cathy for all she did for Fran for many years. We would also like to thank all of Fran's friends and the people at the Dearness Home. At Fran's request there will be no service.

Chu Lynn, Student, August 24 2011

Storey Robert, Student, August 20th 2011

Storey, Robert (Bob) - At Richmond Woods Retirement Residence, on Saturday, August 20th, 2011, R.L. (Bob) Storey of London passed away in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Miriam (2008) for over fifty years. Loving father and grandfather of the late Miriam Ann (2009) (Harry Moffat) and their children Andrew and Nicola; and Pat (Neil O'Brien) and their children Maureen and Anna Rose. Born in Toronto in 1926, Bob attended Public School and Ontario School for the Blind. He graduated from McMaster University in 1949 and was employed by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind as a Case Worker in Toronto, Field Worker in Peterborough and Hamilton, and Executive Director for Newfoundland division 1953-1966, Manitoba to 1977, Ontario to 1980, and Director of International Services until his retirement in 1987. Bob was a member of the St. John's Kiwanis Club, the Winnipeg and Toronto Lions Clubs as well as a member of various Untied Church committees in those cities. Bob was an inspiration to family and friends and touched the lives of many individuals throughout Canada and the world. He maintained his love of life and interest in everything around him despite adversity. The family wishes to thank his friends and caregivers at Richmond Woods Retirement Residence. A memorial service will be conducted at the Westview Funeral Chapel 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday, September 2nd, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Keith Rameshwar officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider the CNIB . Online condolences available at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com

Baker Bill, Student, August 6th 2011

BAKER, William "Bill" May 13, 1963 - August 6, 2011 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Father, Son, and Brother, Bill. He passed away peacefully, at Columbia Forest Long Term Care Centre, in his 48th year. Survived by his son Bryce Baker, parents Doug and Wendy Baker, brother John Baker, sister Tanya and husband Jeff Posliff all of Kitchener, and his sister Lisa Bailey and partner Gary MacKinnon of Woodstock. He will also be missed by his nieces Heather Bailey, Jennifer and Kaylyn Posliff and nephews Kyle, Keaton, and Kristopher Bailey and Jackson Baker. Friends are invited to share their memories of Bill with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home , 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday, August 9th from 7-9 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 10th from 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The funeral service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo will be followed by a reception at the funeral home. Condolences for the family and donations to the CNIB would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. He will be sadly missed.

Fitzgerald Frank, Student August 5 2011

Frank Fitzgerald passes away from cancer at the age of 48

FITZGERALD, Francis Sean "Frank Jr." Peacefully at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, on Thursday, August 4, 2011, at the age of 48. Best friend and love of Laurie Heil and her children Michelle, Khris, Colby and Mackenzie. Devoted father of Ryan Fitzgerald. Cherished son of Frank and Marie Fitzgerald. Frank will also be sadly missed by his brother Brian Fitzgerald and his sister Helen Fitzgerald and her children Nicole, Melissa and Hannah. Frank also leaves behind his beloved companion and sidekick Tanner (aka Mr. Poo). Resting at Corbett Funeral Home , 95 Dundas Street, Cambridge, where the family will receive friends on Friday, August 5, 2011, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be recited at 8:30 p.m. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Clements R.C. Church, 745 Duke St., Cambridge, on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 10 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Sick Kids' Hospital, Toronto.

Rowena Victoria Canete, Staff, July 18, 2011

Rowena Victoria Canete of Anaheim, Calif. died Monday, July 18, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at home. She fought a valiant fight against cancer for seven years.
Born in Cebu, Philippines, April 12, 1944 to Segundino and Emilia Emnace. From an early age she possessed a gift of high intellect and her penchant for education continued as she began teacher training at Cebu Normal College in the Philippines at the young age of 16. She embarked on a career in special education that spanned 47 years in the Philippines (Cebu), Canada (Brantford, Ont. and Richmond, BC) and the US (Los Angeles).
She made a difference in the lives of the seeing impaired and worked tirelessly to make sure that all her students, from toddlers to high school, had a fighting chance to succeed despite their disability. She was a role model among her peers and mentored other educators to reach their potential. The extent of her influence in the field of special education reaches far and wide and spans across generations.
When not teaching, she enjoyed travelling with her husband on cruises and to casinos, tending her flower garden and hosting family and friends visiting California. Rowena was the centre of family celebrations as she put all her effort into providing us with the most wonderful birthday, Christmas and Thanksgiving memories. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, taking them to the library, parks and community fairs.
Rowena is survived by her husband, Hernando, her three sons, Ivan and his partner Michael, Shawn and Derek and his wife, Jennie, her grandchildren, Alexi, Zoe and Jasper and her siblings, Rebecca, Segundino Jr., Rhodora, Josephine, Aurelita and Rosenietta.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church in Buena Park with the burial following immediately after at Forest Lawn in Cypress. Flower delivery from your own vendor or Forest Lawn's florist can be arranged with Forest Lawn. In the spirit of Rowena always thinking about others, the family requests dressing for comfort. A reception will follow the burial at the Canete residence in Anaheim where friends and family can share their stories to celebrate her life.

Serge Richard, Student, July 2011

Lloyd Joe, Staff Night watchman, April 20th 2011

Lloyd, Joe - Suddenly on Wednesday April 20th, 2011 in his 74th year. Beloved husband of Janet. Joe will be missed by many family members, extended family and friends. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service at Joe's request. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hill and Robinson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (519) 752-2543. Online condolences and donations will be available at www.hillandrobinson.com

Wellwood, Alice dining room Staff, March 29 2011

Wellwood, Alice (Fern) - Passed away at the Brantford General Hospital with her loving daughter by her side on Tuesday March 29, 2011, at the age of 89 years. Loving wife of the late Allan Milfred Wellwood (1972). Much loved mother of Allan (Linda), Betty (Bill), Jack (Peggy), Don (Maryse). Special mother in law to Laurie and Sandy Wellwood. Beloved grandmother of Michael (Kim). Adam (Marcia) Wellwood, Sara (David) Bauer, Michelle (Mark) Camp, Bill (Kellie) Colling, Miranda (Regan) Rowntree, Becky (Trevor), Danielle, Tiffany and Karly (Mowando) Wellwood. Fern is the great grandmother of Emily and Gabriel Wellwood, Amelia and Isaac Bauer, Amber and Aaron Camp, Ryan and Matthew Rowntree, Tristan and Hunter Van Dyk, Kallie and Shaila Von Dungern and Nevaeh Wellwood-Ashton. She is survived by her sister Isabel and predeceased by her siblings, Lloyd, Lorenzo Tom, Charles, Gwen and Jim. Fern will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The family will receive friends at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross Street Brantford on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 10 am. Interment to follow, Mount Hope Cemetery. Donations may be made in Fern's memory to the Christian Bible Society. www.dennistoll.ca

Spychaj Gerry, staff Dining room, March 19th 2011

Spychaj, Geraldine Leulla (Gerry) -- At Tranquility Place Apartments on Saturday, March 19, 2011 in her 85th year Geraldine Luella "Gerry" Spychaj. Beloved wife of the late Paul Spychaj (1994). Dear mother of Brian and his wife Helen (Downham), Brantford, and Mark, Mt. Pleasant. Loving grandma to Miranda, Taylor, Britney and Jordan. Predeceased by her parents William and Erma Howard, and sister Carole Howard. Gerry will also be sadly missed by her dear friends Margaret Burtch and Lori Spychaj. Gerry was a longtime employee of W. Ross Macdonald School during the 1960's and 1970's. The family will receive friends at McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Rd. N. on Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held in the chapel on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Rev. Stephen Scheidt of Faith Lutheran Church will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully appreciated. McCleister 519-758-1553 www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca

Hannah Kimberley Elizabeth, Student, Staff, Monday, March 7th, 2011

HANNAH, Kimberley Elizabeth - Passed away suddenly on Monday, March 7th, 2011, at her home, in her 46th year. Loving mother of Joshua. Soulmate of Danny, and beloved daughter of Beverley and the late Ralph Hannah. Dear sister of Scott (Sheila) and much loved aunt of Shaya and Evan. Best friend of Melanie and sons Eric, Adam and Graham. She will also be dearly missed by her aunts and cousins as well as many other family members and friends. Family and friends will be received at the HILL & ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 30 Nelson Street, on Saturday March 19th, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow in the Chapel at 3:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Donations to the Sick Kids Foundation (Sick Children's Hospital in Toronto), or the Make a Wish Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, tributes and service details will be available at www.hillandrobinson.com

SHKOLNY John, Student, February 3rd 2011

SHKOLNY, John Passed away peacefully on February 3, 2011 at the age of 70 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. John is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Lorna; his two children Jaylyne (Curtis) and Greg (Jen); as well as his five grandchildren Jasmine, Austin, Hannah, Aaron and Grace. Services will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calgary East Church of the Nazarene at 5420 - 8 Avenue S.E. (Telephone 403-273-3120).

Riewe Ursula, Staff Laundry, December 10th 2010

Riewe, Ursula - It is with great sadness that the family of Ursula Riewe announce her peaceful passing on Friday December 10, 2010, at the Hardy Terrace Long Term Care Facility. In her 83rd years. Loving wife of Richard Riewe for over 61 years. Beloved mother of Ingrid McGratten (Rick) and Renate Gilpin (Robert). Much loved grandma of Rick Jr. and Derek McGrattan (Emily), Kelly Snyder (Derek) and Carrie Gilpin. Great grandmother of 8 great grandchildren. Ursula retried after many years of service with the W. Ross Macdonald School. A heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Hardy Terrace for the love and compassion shown to Ursula, Richard and the entire family. Friends will be received at the Dennis Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross Street on Thursday December 16, 2010 from 10-11 am. A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 11 am. Interment, Mount Hope Cemetery. Donations my be made in Ursula's memory to the charity of your choice.

Vujovich Nikola, student December 8th 2010

Nikola Vujovich Passed away suddenly on December 8, 2010 at 59 years of age. Dear brother of Mike and wife Bev. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers. Predeceased by his parents Jovan and Ivka. Nick graduated from the Institute for the Blind in Brantford. Worked for Kodak in Toronto and Participation Industries in Windsor. Nick never considered his blindness a handicap and enjoyed life to the fullest. He attended craft shows in the Windsor area selling his woven stools. He was an avid sports fan. While in Toronto Nick was the goaltender of the National Blind Hockey Team. Loved to attend live sporting events with his radio plugged in his ear. Huge Maple Leaf's fan, always an optimist, "Wait till next year." Nick touched the lives of everyone he met. If you so desire, donations to the Windsor Goodfellows would be appreciated by the family. At Nick's request there will be no funeral, cremation has taken place. A grave side service will be held on Monday at 12 noon at Windsor Memorial Gardens (1100 Division Road Windsor, ON). Funeral arrangements entrusted to Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.

Taylor Harry, Staff, November 12th 2010

TAYLOR, Harry Ernest (Bunji) Passed away peacefully at The Meadows in Ancaster on Friday, November 12, 2010 in his 89th year. Dearly loved and missed by his wife Ann (nee Logan) married since June 15, 1946. Always remembered by his daughters Denise-Ann Raposo, Edith Poxon (Les), Susan Veale (Gary), Karen Dunnam, Sherry Taylor; as well as his grandchildren Michelle-Ann (David), Melanie (Jason), Adam, Jessica, Jeff, Sean (Laura), Chris and Mike; great grandchildren Brandon, Alexa, Justin, Mikayla and Crayton; brother Roy G. Taylor, sisters-in-law Marion and Joan Logan and Mamie Taylor; predeceased by his parents, sister Edith and brothers Wilfred and John. Harry joined the Royal Canadian Navy in early 1940 as a Boy Seaman. During the next 26 years he served on many aircraft carriers and ships. He served during WWII, participating on D-Day in the English Channel, and the Korean War. He saw action in many places before retiring as Lieutenant Commander. After retiring from the Navy, Harry became a teacher and taught at the Ontario School for the Blind in Brantford, teaching the blind and deaf for 22 years. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday, November 17th, at 1 p.m. at H.M.C.S. STAR WARD ROOM, Catherine Street N., Hamilton, where a celebration of Harry's life will take place. In keeping with Harry's wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of H.M.C.S. Haida would be appreciated.

Margaret Chandler, Stafff, July 2010

Margaret Ross (nee Masters) Chandler

CHANDLER, Margaret Ross (nee Masters) - Passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010, at Charlotte Villa, in her 97th year. Loving wife of the late Edwin Chandler. Beloved mother of Bruce (Kit) Brown and step-mother of Leonard (Lois) Chandler. Cherished grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of too many to mention. Margaret taught at the W. Ross MacDonald School for the blind from 1946 to the mid '80's; where she initiated the renovations of the historical house. It was later named in her honour as the “Margaret Chandler Heritage House“. A notable author, Margaret wrote and was published for numerous books including “A Century of Challenge“, which chronicled the history and efforts of the W. Ross MacDonald School. Friends will be received at the BECKETT - GLAVES FAMILY FUNERAL CENTRE, 88 Brant Avenue, on Wednesday, July 7th, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Interment Farringdon Burial Ground. Donations in lieu of flowers to the March of Dimes or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, tributes and service details will be available at www.beckettglaves.com A tree will be planted in memory of Margaret in the Beckett - Glaves Memorial Forest. 9237601

Ronald Adams, Student/Staff, June 23rd 2010

ADAMS, Ronald (Ron) - Passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2010, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth, his two daughters Marney Curran (Gary) and Sharon Dean (Terry), and his grandchildren Stefanie and Trevor Curran. Ron was a graduate of the Ontario School for the Blind in Brantford, Ontario, attended McMaster University briefly, and then transferred to U.W.O., graduating in 1953. He was employed by Heintzman and Co. before embarking on a private piano tuning business. In 1957 he was appointed as Instructor of Piano Tuning at the OSB (now W. Ross Macdonald School) in Brantford, retiring in 1987. Visitation will take place at the Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main St. S., Newmarket, on Saturday June 26th from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A memorial service will be held at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge Street, Toronto, on Sunday August 22, 2010, at 2:30 pm. Visitation will occur for one hour preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.grid-nea.org , or the charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be made at www.roadhouseandrose.com

To contact the Association by Mail or Phone please use the information below.

The WRMS/OSB Alumni Association,
PO Box 43231,
RPO Sheppard Centre
North York, Ontario,
M2N 6N1

Phone: 1-647-317-1916

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Last updated April 28 2012