Police Pensioners' Association of Niagara

Passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones, after several months of declining health. Born April 3, 1934 and died peacefully at his home on March 7, 2022. Henry is leaving behind the love of his life Carmel after 66 years of marriage. Loving father of Doug, Donna (Allan), Glen ( Carolyn) and Mark who passed away on February 19, 2020.  Predeceased by his parents George P. Cookson and Edith Cookson. He is also predeceased by his siblings George, William, Cecil, Edward, Hugh, Peggy, Pam and Dorothy. Poppa will be missed by his 4 lovely grandchildren; Carly, Briar, Trey and Caleb. Henry adored his grandchildren immensely. Henry started working on the Railroad before entering into a career as a Police Officer. He started on the Grantham Township Police and retired a Niagara Reginal Police Officer after 35 years of faithful service. Henry often reminisced about his time with fellow officers, Danny Stones, Tom Yablonski and Cor Vandermeer. Henry was a long time hockey fan and was a diehard Chicago Black Hawks fan. He also enjoyed his Hamilton Ti-Cat Football team. Henry coached the St. Catharines Novice All Star team alongside his good friend, the late Bill German Sr. His proudest moment was the Silver Stick Hockey Tournament in Sarnia, Ontario where his son Mark won the award for the most outstanding goalie in the tournament. This was a very proud moment for him. Henry also enjoyed going to St Catharines Falcons games to see his son Glen play. He also loved doing his yard work with his wife making sure his yard was immaculate with his music playing. Special thanks to the Ridgeview Gang who Henry had many fond memories with. Thanks to the staff of Paramed, P.SW.’s Ziggy, Lovelin, Clayton, Sarah and all. Thank you to Shannon, his nurse; for her compassion and kindness. Also thanks to his nephew Bill Bartle for his visits and caring and his niece Nancy for her visits and kindness that always put a smile on his face.  Henry loved the movie Brian’s Song and the theme to the movie. Quote from Brian’s Song: ” He also left a great many loving friends who miss and think of him often. But, when they think of him, its not how he died that they remember, rather how he lived.” Henry was a loving and generous man. Henry will be missed as husband, father, grandfather and a friend. God Bless him. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Hanks’ Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society and would be appreciated by the family.

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of James Berg on Thursday December 23rd, 2021, at the age of 53. Gone too soon, James was called into the arms of his Lord. James was a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, and great friend to everyone he met. James will be forever loved and dearly missed by his wife of 29 years Carolyn and his three children Mackenzie, Madison, and Mitchell; his father Henry and his mother, the late Irene Berg (1984); his siblings Judy (Don) Bateman, Sharon Berg, Carolyn (Darryl) Mathieson, and Brian Berg; his sister-in-law Linda (Karl) Friesen, brothers-in-law Harry (Carolyn) Loewen and Greg (Jennifer) Loewen, his nieces and nephews, family, friends, and everyone in the community.

James truly was a man of many hats. He was a handyman, fixing and building his dreams into reality, a commercial painter, real estate agent, purchaser at Bosch Rexroth and finally a Quartermaster for the Niagara Regional Police. James was selfless with his time and spent countless hours volunteering and contributing to his community.

James cherished every aspect of life from work to friends, sports and most importantly his family. He enjoyed spending time and making memories with his family and friends. He loved to be at his family’s cottage, where his greatest talent was water skiing or using the board. James loved to plan family vacations where spending time together was his utmost priority. James was very supportive of his children in every passion they had. Whether sports, school, or extra curricular clubs, he was always there. James knew someone everywhere he went, was best at the name game, and made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

James was a man of faith and knew that when his time would come the Lord had a place in his home for him. Until we meet again in his arms, may we always remember him.

For all those attending either the visitation or funeral a self screening form needs to be filled out and brought with you to the service.

Please click HERE to access it.

A personal viewing and cremation have taken place. The family invites everyone for visitation at Niagara United Mennonite Church (1775 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake) on Thursday January 6th, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Pre-registration is required follow this link to register. Visitation – James Berg

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday January 7th, 2022, at 11:00 am. Pre-registration is required through this link. Funeral Service – James Berg  For those wishing to view the livestream please follow this link.  Livestream – James Berg

Due to COVID, mask and social distancing must be followed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Red Roof Retreat or Hospice Niagara.

Erville Charles Amos passed away peacefully, on December 27, 2021, in his 89th year at the United Mennonite Home, Vineland, Ontario. He was the dear husband of the late Laura Pearl (2010). He is lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Heather (Ron) Franklin, Karen (Norm) Vandenberg and Jennifer Amos (Greg Brown); his eight grandchildren, Adam, Martha, Rachel and Susannah Franklin, Alexander and Andrew Vandenberg, Laura and Michael Andreychuk and great grandson, Levi Franklin. He will be missed by his extended family and friends in Grimsby, Sudbury and New Brunswick. In 1955 Erville began his policing career in Copper Cliff, Ontario continuing in Grimsby until his retirement in 1997. He actively participated in the Niagara Region Police Association, the Police Association of Ontario and the Police Pensioners Association of Niagara and Ontario until 2015. His dedication and commitment to his fellow officers was clearly demonstrated in the committees he chaired and served. A special thank you to all the staff at United Mennonite Home for their ongoing tender love and care.
Cremation has taken place with arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. Donations to United Mennonite Home, Vineland, Ontario, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.  www.smithsfh.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Barrie’s passing on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in his 73rd year with his angel, Szu-Ying, by his side. Predeceased by his loving parents Roy and Esther (Hettie) McDowell. Cherished father to Jason and Justin (Kimberly) McDowell. Special Poppa to Meghan, Alexandra and Ashley. Barrie will be deeply missed by his sister Trish (Terry) Riva and brothers Robert (Maryanne) and David (Heather) McDowell. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues. Barrie had a distinguished career with the Niagara Regional Police for over 30 years. In his retirement he enjoyed buying vehicles (“GM only, goddammit”), golfing, and running his fingers over his goatee. In keeping with Barrie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and private family burial will be held at VICTORIA LAWN CEMETERY. Memorial donations to the Lincoln County Humane Society in St.Catharines will be appreciated by his family. You are invited to share memories and condolences at the Royal Canadian Legion, where Barrie was a member, at 2 Chestnut St E, in Merritton on Sunday, December 12th between 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.. The Royal Canadian Legion requires all guests to provide proof of vaccination and identification upon arrival.

Bill was born on March 22, 1945 in Motherwell, Scotland and he died on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 76 years of age in St. Catharines. He immigrated to Canada in 1953. He leaves behind his children; Cynthia (Andrew), Peter (Leesa) and Andrea (John Paul). Proud grandfather of Jacob (Rebecca), Lucas, Matthew, William, David, Shelby and very proud great-grandfather of Theodore. He is predeceased by his parents, Jack, Margaret, as well as his sisters; Jeannie and Heather Gill. Bill will be missed by the many friends he has made throughout his life. Bill had retired in 1996 after 30 years of service with Niagara Regional Police Service. He was dedicated to the Martial Arts being an instructor holding an 8th Degree in Ju-Jitsu, 1st dan Chinese Kenpo Karate and 1st dan Japanese Kendo. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and International Budo Federation. In honouring Bill’s wishes a private family service has taken place. Memorial donations to Hotel Dieu Shaver – Parkinson Program 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 heavy hearts we announce Edward’s passing on Friday November 19, 2021 in his 81st year. Beloved husband and best friend to Bonnie for 59 years. Cherished father to Shawn (Elana) Felstead, Penny (Jim) McClean, Kerry Felstead, and Holly (Mike) Pietrangelo. Special Grandpa to Brittany, Alyssa, Emily, Palmer, Marcus, Emma, Rachael, Rory, Elijah and Dante. Edd will be sadly missed by his sister Joanne (Norman) Jefferys, as well as his sister-in-law Judy (Keith) and his brothers-in-law Tim (Debbie) and Kerry (and the late Elaine). He will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, many friends and colleagues. Edward had a distinguished career with the Niagara Regional Police for over 25 years. In his retirement he enjoyed fishing, he was an avid reader of military history and volunteered for GNBA Ladies Auxiliary. Prior to his police career he was the voice of the Niagara Falls Flyers in the 1960’s with CHVC and CJRN radio stations. In keeping with Edward’s wishes cremation will take place. A private family inurnment will be held at PLEASANTVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association will be appreciated by his family. You are invited to share valued memories and condolences on-line at www.pleasantviewcemetery.ca

With his loving wife by his side, Jack died peacefully on November 18th, 2021 at the age of 91. Devoted husband to Pat for nearly 60 years. Jack is survived by his sisters; Irmy Woelk, Helen Unrau, Anne Letkeman, his brother John Braun, and brother-in-law John Giesbrecht. He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Sara Braun, as well as his sisters Hilda (Charles) Handziuk, Agnes Giesbrecht, Irene (Dave) Rempel, Mary (Frank) Letkeman, Katie (Cornie) Friesen, and Herta (Orlin) Anderson, and his brothers-in-law Daniel Woelk, and Eddie Unrau.

Born in Manitoba, Jack was raised on a farm and as a 22-year-old, travelled and enjoyed many motorcycle adventures in Vancouver with his cousin Henry. He returned to Ontario in 1954. Ever the hardworking man, he took a factory job until he began his passionate career in policework with the Niagara Regional Police.

Jack was most proud of his 30 years of service with the NRP, swiftly moving up through the ranks from Constable to Superintendent. He most enjoyed his work as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit. Jack was active in several types of sports including baseball, skiing, and as a longstanding member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club he won many tournaments. He played bridge to please his wife and could be found spending many hours in his garden.

Jack was a hero to many, to his family, friends and members of the community in which he so proudly served.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Guests will be received on Friday, November 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A Celebration of Life will take place in the Ceremony Room at 11am with a reception to follow. In keeping with current Covid guidelines, proof of double vaccination is required for all guests who wish to attend the ceremony. Masks must be worn while in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospital (Chest Program/Thoracic Surgery) or the Niagara Health System would be appreciated by the family.