Death of Retired NRPS Officer – (Cst) Hugh Dempsie

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Dempsie, a devoted husband, father and brother, who left us on Saturday January 18, 2025. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Hugh retired after 36yrs with the Niagara Regional Police. He loved the outdoors and playing hockey was a life long passion, as well as golfing and biking and cherished his many RVing trips to Florida and around Ontario—experiences that brought him great joy. In accordance with Hugh’s wishes cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to Hospice Niagara

Posted in Obituaries 2025 | Leave a comment

Death of PPAN Member – (S/Sgt) Ray Crown

CROWN, Raymond James – It is with heavy hearts and warm memories that we announce the passing of Raymond James Crown, surrounded by the love of his family, on January 16, 2025 in his 84th year.  Raymond was the loving husband to Joan (Matthews) for 41 years and the proud and supportive father to daughters Rae-Ann (Eric) Mills and Michelle Godzisz (and their mother Edna Crown).  Raymond was the cherished grandfather to Tyler, Matthew and Lauren Mills and Joshua and Stephanie Godzisz, all of whom he was so proud.

Predeceased and raised by his grandparents John and Anna Crown and loving son to Ilene Crown (2000).  Also preceded in death by siblings Eula Crown, Alberta (Charlie) Forbes, James Crown and George Crown.

Raymond was brother-in-law to Maureen (d.) (Paul d) Bator, Linda McKaig, Michael (d.) (Judy) Matthews, Paul (Trudy) Matthews, Tricia (Brian) Marchese, Mary Wilkes (d.), Tim Matthews (Judy Dakers), Joe (Annalea) Matthews, Brian (Debbie) Matthews, Tom (Linda) Matthews and Margaret Matthews.  Uncle and great-uncle to a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Raymond retired from the Niagara Regional Police Services at the rank of staff sergeant after 29 years of service.  In his retirement, Raymond revelled in spending time with his family and one of his greatest joys was talking about his grandchildren and their many endeavours at every opportunity possible. He and Joan loved to travel, both internationally and domestically, especially in their camper. When asked to reflect on his life, Raymond responded that he was happy being so well taken care of.  He was loved and will be missed. According to Raymond’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Friends are invited to join the family at the Patterson Funeral Home, 6062 Main St. with visitation Monday, January 20th, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  A service in celebration of his life will be held at Patterson Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.  In memory of Raymond, donations to Project Share or the Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences at pattersonfuneralhome.com

 

 

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Death of PPAN Member – (Cst) Fred Hanam

HANAM, Frederic – It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the sudden passing of Frederic Hanam on January 10, 2025 at the age of 83. Born March 30, 1941 to Wilfred Hanam and Florence (Graham), he leaves behind his cherished family: wife Sheila (Thompstone) of 59 years, children Darryl and Michelle (Mark) Magdic, grandsons Ryan and Kyle. He also leaves behind brothers-in-law David (Kathy) Thompstone and Peter (Peter) Thompstone and many cousins.

Constable Fred Hanam was a proud police officer beginning his career with the OPP for 2 years and then joining the St. Catharines City Police (later Niagara Regional) where he served his community for 31 years. He took pride in helping people and maintaining their safety. In 1973 he completed a degree in Criminology at The University of Toronto.

Nothing brought Fred more joy than spending time with his grandsons and he devoted a good part of his retirement to them. Fred was passionate about genealogy and spent years researching his family’s history. He was a 50 year member of the Mason’s Maple Leaf Lodge 103 and life time member of St. Georges Anglican Church.

In keeping with Fred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church Street, St. Catharines on Monday January 20, 2025 at 2pm and a celebration of life to follow at Cat’s Caboose, 224 Glenridge Avenue, 3:30-6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. George’s Anglican Church. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/25209

Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca

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Death of Retired NRPS Officer – (Sgt) Abby Webb

It is with heavy hearts the family of Abby Webb announce his peaceful passing at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Abby is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia (nee Patterson), his three children of whom he was immensely proud and loved dearly, Cynthia Webb, Oakville ON, Michael Webb (Deb) and Jennifer Ioanidis (Seb) all of Fort Erie. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, who loved grampa to the moon and back, Jacob (Brittani) Whitehouse of Fort St. John BC, Luke Whitehouse, Noah Whitehouse, Caroline Whitehouse, all of Oakville, ON and Rebecca Whitehouse (Joel) in Brisbane Australia. Brittany Cooper (Ray), Aiden Webb and Avery Webb of Fort Erie, Patrick Ioanidis (Sarah), Liam Ioanidis and Scarlett Ioanidis of Fort Erie. Abby will also be missed by his sister Cecily Seebach (Gerry), sister-in-law Shirley Webb and brother-in-law Robert Patterson (Suzanne), all of Fort Erie and brother-in-law Peter Hogan (Barbara) in Cheshire, England and his former son-in-law Robert Ioanidis of Fort Erie. Albert was predeceased by his parents Leroy (Spike) and Wanda (Laura) Webb, his brother and best friend, Harry Webb, in-laws Fred and Mae Patterson and niece Marsha Hawrylenko (Bob). He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Ab’s quick wit and jokes.

Abby was born in Fort Erie in 1940. He was proud to serve in the US Navy stationed in Jacksonville Florida, on the USS Franklin D Roosevelt CVA42 aircraft carrier. He travelled extensively through the Mediterranean and Africa. He continued his involvement in the Navy as a docent at the Buffalo Naval Park along with his good friends Don Polinski and Dan Candella (deceased).

He was a police officer with the Bertie Township Police from 1965 and then the Niagara Regional Police Department. He started his policing career as a constable and quickly moved up the ranks to Sergeant, working in Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St. Catharines and Fort Erie, where he retired in 1994. He was also a founding member of the Police Dive Unit and a former member of the Underwater Recovery Unit in Fort Erie. He would frequently amaze his children with his “finds” of old bottles, ceramic pieces and old knives from his diving excursions. Abby was a board member of the Fort Erie Conservation Club, former board member of COPE and involved with the Fort Erie Friendship Festival for many years.

He loved to cook and always had first dibs on the hambone at Christmas and Easter for his famous pea soup. His grandchildren loved his chicken soup.

Abby was an avid traveller. He and Pat, along with their best friends of 62 years, Larry and Gale (Fisher) Zylstra, travelled extensively. He had a love of the outdoors, animals and fishing. He would regularly cast his line in the Niagara River with his friend Jack Nicks.

The Family wishes to thank Dr. Levesque at the Walker Cancer Clinic in St. Catharines, Dr. Zechetto at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, and a very special thank you to Dr. Scher for his dedication, compassion and support. We would also like to thank Abby’s nephew and niece, Scott and Theresa Webb for their support, driving Abby and Patricia to his doctor appointments. Thank you to everyone that reached out with their condolences and gifts of food.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happy Days Sanctuary in Stevensville, ON, Fort Erie Palliative Care, or the Fort Erie Conservation Club. Abby died as he lived, on his own terms, with dignity and grace and he will be forever in our hearts. There will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Benner Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements, 1105 Benner Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario.

To send flowers to the family of Albert (Abby) WEBB, please visit Tribute Store.

Published online January 6, 2025 in the St Catharines Standard

Visit Benner Funeral Services for more details.

Posted in Obituaries 2024 | Leave a comment

Death of Retired NRPS Officer – Michael Miljus

MILJUS, Michael, ‘Mike’ –  Passed away peacefully at the Greater Niagara General Hospital on Friday December 6, 2024, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of 67 years to Ihma (nee Pollard). Cherished father of Tammy (David) Jastrubecki, Michael Miljus, Tracy (Jay) Ross and David Miljus. Loving grandfather of Dianne Jastrubecki (Jason Hofstede), Stephanie (Bill) Beattie, David (Bailey) Jastrubecki, Alexia Miljus (Dan), Jacob Miljus, Chantal Ross (Nick) and Zachary Ross. Devoted great grandfather of Reece, Avery, Logan, Madison and Quinn. He is survived by his brother Roly (Muriell) Miljus. Predeceased by his parents Mike and Mary Miljus, sister Mitzie (Alex) Romanick and brother Bob (Marlene) Miljus. He will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews in Ontario and Florida.

Mike was born on March 14, 1931 in Port Colborne, Ontario, and grew up in South Porcupine, where he attended school. In 1949 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and was shipped to Esqmalt, British Columbia for training, then transferred and posted to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he served on the Magnificent and was discharged. In 1953, Mike moved to Niagara Falls, and in September 1954, he joined the O.P.P., stationed in Toronto in the Anti Gambling Squad. He later joined the Stamford Police Department, which became the Niagara Regional Police, where he served 35 years until his retirement in 1990.

Hockey was his passion, from morning until night. He enjoyed coaching, starting with the Legion Hockey and teams from Adam to Junior ‘B’.

Mike met his wife Ihma in 1954, married on October 5, 1957, and started a family, whom they are very proud.

Friends are invited to join the family at PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St., Niagara Falls, visiting Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service will be celebrated Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1 pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart Niagara, and would be appreciated. Online condolences at pattersonfuneralhome.com

 

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“GoFundMe” Request

Message from Dave Weeks, requesting donations to GoFundMe in honour of Bill Stockill’s son Daniel who passed away suddenly on November 1st.  

My friend of 45 years has experienced a sudden loss that I can barely put in to words. His 28 year old son Daniel passed away suddenly on November 1st leaving his loving family grasping for comfort. Although it is impossible for us as a wide community of friends, family and colleagues to provide nearly enough, we hope we can eliminate one challenge collectively. This endeavour is designed to cover all the funeral expenses involved with such a tragedy. Anything that accumulates in excess of expenses will be directed to a scholarship in memory of Daniel. Join us in encircling Bill, Tracey, Linda and Kyle with support and condolences. Dave Weeks and Tim Vince.

Link to GoFundMe:  https://gofund.me/0cbd7d81

Condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Stockill

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Death of NRPS Officer – (Insp.) John Sawicki

Passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Cherished partner to wife Kristal Doyle for almost 22 years. Predeceased by his mother, Arlene (nee Alldred), John leaves behind his father Edward (Dianne), mother-in-law Julie Bayza, and brother-in-law Bert Doyle. Devoted father to Jessica and her husband Danny Cvetanovic, and Kyle and his wife Amanda. Beloved brother and best friend of Todd (Jodi), and Alison Hillier (Bryan). Doting grandfather to Brooklyn, Rebecca, Aleksa and Aria. John also leaves behind three nieces who miss him dearly. John remained friends with his first wife and mother to his children, Tracey Coles, throughout the years.

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, John was a distinguished and decorated member of the Niagara Regional Police Services for 33 years, achieving the rank of Inspector. Nobody was as devoted a Steelers fan as John, and he was fortunate enough to own his Z-06 Corvette dream car. In his younger years he was also an avid cyclist and runner, participating in the Big Move Cancer Ride as well as the Around the Bay Running Race several times. John has now been set free from his courageous battle with cancer, and will be deeply missed by countless family, friends, and colleagues.

In honouring John’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life in the spring where all family and friends will be invited. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines, 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at ccbscares.ca

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.

Posted in Obituaries 2024 | Leave a comment

Death of Active NRPS Officer – Steven Phillips

Steven Bruce Phillips

July 17, 1980 – October 19, 2024
Steven Bruce Phillips
PHILLIPS, Steven Bruce ‘Steve’ – Passed away suddenly, at his residence, on Saturday October 19, 2024 at the age of 44. Beloved husband of 15 years to Jessica (nee Clapp) and devoted father of Zander, Marley and the late Isaac (2012). Cherished son of Bruce and Anna (nee Anania) Phillips and son-in-law of Tim Clapp. Dear grandson of Rosina (the late Lorenzo) Anania, Ellen Phillips, and loving brother of Jennifer Phillips, Michael Phillips (Margeaux Levesque) and brother-in-law of Jason (Jacquline) Clapp, Jodi (Frazer) Koch, Michael Choiniere (Daria) and Caleb Clapp. He will be forever remembered by his nieces and nephews, Rowan, Hudson, Taylor, Jayden, Remi and Austin. He leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and great friends. Predeceased by his cousin Matthew Daniele. Steve began his career as a Special Constable, graduating from the Ontario Police College in March 2008. He served the Niagara Regional Police for over 15 years in various units, earning recognition from his fellow officers as an honorable, honest, and passionate professional who genuinely looked out for others. At home, he was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and brother-in-law. Steve had a deep love for the outdoors, finding joy in hiking, camping, and exploring nature. His adventurous spirit drew him to breathtaking landscapes, where he felt most alive. He reveled in the tranquility of the wilderness and was always eager to share his passion for nature with those around him. His enthusiasm for the outdoors inspired many to appreciate nature’s wonders. Whether teaching his nieces and nephews how to fish or sharing stories around a campfire, Steve created lasting memories that brought the family closer together. His infectious laughter and ability to find joy in simple moments-like a sunrise hike or a quiet evening by the lake-made every outing special. He had a unique talent for making everyone feel included, turning even the most mundane trips into unforgettable adventures. Friends are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls, visiting Thursday October 24, 2024 from 1 to 4pm and 6 to 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of The Scapular Church, Friday October 25, 2024 at 10:30 with the Rite of Entombment to follow at Fairview Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to an educational fund which will be set up for his children Zander and Marley. Online condolences at pattersonfuneralhome.com
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Death of Retired NRPS Officer (S/Sgt.) Neil Klop

Cornelis (Neil) Jacobus Klop passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on October 6, 2024 at the age of 70. He was the beloved husband of 50 years to Linda Klop. Cherished father of Josh (Leanne) and the late Karen Wells (2019). Loving Grampy to Austin, Grayson and Kahlea. Fondly remembered by his sisters Anja, Marieke (France) and Carla (Bill) and brother-in-law Ron (Shannon). Neil will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Cornelis and Harmina Klop.

Born in the Netherlands, Neil and his family immigrated to Canada when he was 3. Neil retired from a long career with the Niagara Regional Police, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, a position he was immensely proud of. An avid outdoorsman, Neil found joy in fishing and camping, especially in Ontario’s Provincial Parks. He was an active member of the St. Catharines Cribbage League and also enjoyed playing golf. Known affectionately by his friends as “One More Neil,” he always loved to visit friends and have a few beers. When it was time to go, he would say “I’ll just have one more.” It became a running joke, but he always made sure he claimed his “One More.”

Neil will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp one-liners, and a sense of humour that stayed with him, even through his final days. Neil was a kind, loving man who will be truly missed by those fortunate to have known him.

In keeping with Neil’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 350), 57 Lakeport Dr., St. Catharines on Saturday, November 2 between 1 and 5 p.m. Words of remembrance will be shared beginning at 1:30 p.m. *Casual dress only*

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benevolent Fund Committee of the Niagara Regional Police, where 100% of funds raised are given to members of the NRP and their families during times of unexpected life-altering illness or injury (e-Transfers to benevolentfund@niagarapolice.ca). Donations to the Walker Family Cancer Centre are also welcomed in Neil’s honour and can be made at Niagara Health Foundation via an in-memory donation dedicated to Neil Klop.

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