Police Pensioners' Association of Niagara

In his 89th year, Dad peacefully passed away at Tabor Manor surrounded with love on Wednesday, May 24. 2023 He continued to mourn the loss of his beloved Joyce (Mahaney) since her passing on June 17, 2021. Left to mourn are his children Lenora Monteith (David), Clint (Lynn Upper), Tim (Vikki DeCaire), and Michelle Chapman (Dave); grandchildren Melissa Monteith (Jason Lusby), Kristen Baillie (Brent), Joshua Sears. Caleb Sears (d.), Kadesh Sears, Tanya Sears (Andrew Porter), Elizabeth Kennedy, Brandon Sears, Elyssia Fedyck (Trevor), Cain Chapman and eleven great-grandchildren.

Dad was born August 30, 1934 in the small fishing village of Woods Harbour, Nova Scotia to the late Fred and Lenora (Malone) Sears, brother to Effie Sears (d. Bryant), brother-in-law to June Smith (d. Jim), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. After the birth of their first two children, our parents moved to Liverpool, Nova Scotia where Dad became a constable with the Liverpool Police. He went on to become Chief of Police and Mom was Matron of the jail that was connected to our house.

In February 1969, we moved to St. Catharines, Ontario because our parents wanted to give us opportunities for a better life. Dad was hired by the then St. Catharines City Police, now Niagara Regional Police (NRP), where he retired as a Sergeant.

Throughout his career, he obtained numerous awards for his dedication and work ethic, such as highest marks in his class and Medal of Merit. The most important recognition to him was respect and companionship from his fellow officers. It has been brought to our attention by several co-workers that our dad is a known ‘legend’ with NRP and would never ask anything of his fellow officers that he wouldn’t do himself.

After several years of health issues, Dad is now at peace and reunited with Mom. We will never forget the unconditional love you gave us and will continue to smile and laugh when sharing memories with our family and friends. You are our legend too!

We wish to thank Dr. Greenway and the amazing staff at Tabor Manor for the care Dad received over the past 23 months. You met his physical, mental and spiritual needs 24/7; we thank all departments involved in making this excellent care possible. A special thanks to the Fourth floor staff, Pastor Don, and Stephen for your compassion, visits, music and prayers, which meant so much to not only Dad but to our family as well.

As per Dad’s wishes cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest beside Mom in Nova Scotia at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Passfield Mortuary Services Inc. St. Catharines.

If desired, donations to Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Society or MS Society would be appreciated by the family.

Robert Austin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Brantford General Hospital in his 88th year. Loving husband of 64 years to Miriam. Caring dad to Shelley (Frank), Cindy (Chaz), Robert (Heather). Grandpa to Cassie, Peter, Shaina, Jakob, Markas. Brother to Alan, Doreen, Karen. He is predeceased by his parents, Victor and Marie, his daughter Shelley, and his brother Tom. He will be lovingly remembered by many friends and extended family. Cremation has taken place with a private family service to follow. A special thank you to the staff at Brantford General Hospital for all their care and support. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Pleasantview Funeral Home.

May 26, 1955 – February 16, 2023
It is with extreme sadness our family announces the passing of Brian Charles Hay after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving husband, Scott Sauder, of 23 years, a marriage full of adventures and smiles. He was a loving son of Kenneth Hay (2000) and Irene Hay (2008), father to Colin Hay (Francesca), Daniel Hay (Rena), an incredible uncle to Shelby and Ian Blackley and a dear brother-in-law to Stacey and Terry Blackley. Brian leaves behind his loving cat Stanley, who loves and misses him dearly.
Brian was an altruistic, compassionate and dedicated man who was always there when you needed him. He was a role model for the next generation and volunteered his time to better his community. Brian’s unique, dry sense of humour and love for everything crafty kept you entertained for hours.
Brian was many things to many people – a 40-year police officer with the Niagara Region (retired 2017), active in Proud To Be Your Friend, World LGBTIQ+ Criminal Justice Professionals, Ham Radio enthusiast with ONTARS, an active member of CanWarn, a Mason (Lodge #616), a Scoutmaster, a member of the Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club (Sarg), a carpenter, an electrician, an honest friend, and animal lover.
Special thanks to the nurses and staff of HGH, WCGH, and GNGH for their exemplary care of Brian during his final fight. Your compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Davidson Funeral Home, 135 Clarence Street, Port Colborne, between 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. A private interment will occur at a later date. A celebration of life will be held on what would have been Brian’s 68th birthday, with more details to follow. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Online guest register and condolences are available at www.davidsonfuneralhome.com

LETFORD, Joseph “Gerry” – left us in the arms of the love of his life on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the age of 78.  Beloved and devoted husband to Karen Sneath for 18 years.  Loving step dad to Sierra Sneath and devoted dad to Aaron (Jen), Vince (Brenda), and Charles “Chas” (Leah).  Grandpa to Mikey, Valerie, Shailey, Grant, Russell, Clark and Great Grandpa to 4.

Gerry will forever be missed by his in laws Michael (Julie) Sneath, Jim (Bev) Sneath, Anna-Marie Sneath, and Colleen Sneath.

He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Predeceased by his parents Charlie and Marjorie Letford.

Gerry was retired from the Niagara Regional Police after serving over 30 years on the force. Gerry was a dog lover and you could always find him with his bloodhound “Reba” in the backyard smoking up a storm on his smoker. He was never short of a story (or opinion!) which was always embellished by his sense of humour. Wherever Gerry went – near or far – there was always someone he knew and those he didn’t he got to know. He was an avid HAM radio operator which gave him the opportunity to connect with people worldwide.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society would be greatly appreciated by Gerry’s family as Gerry never went anywhere without a dog treat in his pocket.

According to Gerry’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to PLEASANTVIEW FUNERAL HOME. Please share your condolences, memories, and photos online at http://www.pleasantviewcemetery.ca.

Stevens, Jack – Passed peacefully, on Christmas Eve, with family at his side after suffering a stroke in his 92nd year.

Born to Albert and Lucy Stevens on February 13, 1931; Jack was one of seven siblings, all of whom have predeceased him.

He married the love of his life, Gertrude (nee Grottick) in 1950, going on to have four children, Kim (Sandra Kroeker), Kathy Mason (Don), Mark (deceased 2016) and Laura Anzik (John Brown) and was unofficial ‘Dad’ to many more. Family meant more to Jack than anything else in the world. His children and in particular grandsons: Zachary, Alex and James Mason were the light of his life.
Together Jack and Gertie built the family home in 1954 which became the gathering place for all celebrations and welcomed many visitors. He was a ‘Jack of all trades’ who could fix anything and could often be found puttering in his garage. Anyone who met him knew that he was a kind and gentle soul always willing to help anyone.

A lifelong resident of St. Catharines, Jack worked in the family concrete business after high school before a career in law enforcement called. First joining Grantham Township police in 1958; he later retired from Niagara Regional Police as Inspector after 33 years service.

In honouring Jack’s wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive. Memorial donations made to a Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated.

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

With family at his side Richard Harold Ruthven peacefully passed away at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington on October 25, 2022, in his 74th year. Rick was predeceased by his wife Susan (March 2, 2022) and his parents Norma (Cox) Ruthven (1980) and William Ruthven (1983). Rick is survived by his daughter Tanya Ruthven (Brandyn), sons Kevin Ruthven (Kirsten) and Jonathan Ruthven, and his grandchildren Ethan, Kennedy, Griffin, and Phoenix. Rick was born in Huntsville, Ontario, on February 27, 1949. He grew up in Huntsville and several cities where his military father was posted, including in Germany, Virginia USA, and North Bay, ON. He met and married his first wife Nancy (Brown) in 1972 and he became a Niagara Regional Police Officer in St. Catharines. He joined the Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band when it formed, and he enjoyed touring with them for some years. Later, Rick relocated to Burlington where he and Susan raised their daughter. Rick worked in the fashion industry for many years and later for Rondo Canada, and ATM Canada. He also maintained a rural paper delivery service for many years. Rick was one of the founding members of an online gaming group in the late 90’s with members throughout the US and Canada which continues to meet online most mornings. A special thank you to Dave and Karen Webb for their care and assistance in recent months. As per Rick’s wishes there will be no service, but a private interment will see Rick and Susan laid to rest in the Burlington Memorial Gardens at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home. If desired, a memorial donation to a local Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.