Riverside Funeral Home Inc.

08/09/2025

Bodie Craig Funeral Service

08/08/2025

Marinus Bakker funeral service

08/04/2025

Marinus Willem Bakker

Marinus Willem Bakker passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025 at Southbridge Care Home in Goderich at the age of 82.

Marinus Bakker will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years Margaret Bakker of Auburn. They raised an amazing family and together they built their family farm. Loving father of Karen (predeceased – June 2025) and Michael Stephens of Caledonia, Ruth Anne and Michael Brown of Ajax, and Michael and Courtney Bakker of Clarkson. Cherished grandfather to Neale and Connor Stephens, Mikayla and Travis Brown, and Reid and Morgan Bakker. He was a brother to Aantje and Tom Robinson, brother in law to Barb Bakker, Helen and Fred Gnuechtel, Janet and Ray Beldmen, as well as being an uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He will be welcomed to his heavenly home by his daughter Karen Bakker-Stephens, parents Rimmer and Gerritje Bakker, brother Teade Bakker, sister Eefje MacLean, nephew Steve MacLean and parents in law Albert and Gerda Postma.

In 1950, the Bakker family immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands. Marinus was a young boy of 7 with no English skills and attended the neighbourhood one room school. At the age of 9, his father tragically and suddenly passed away due to an accident leaving his Mother and four children under 12 to work the family farm. He had to grow up quickly and learned about drought and rain, feast and famine. He experienced the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, and the challenges that farming brings.

Marinus had a love of the land, he was a life time farmer and advocate for the agriculture industry by being involved in a number of agriculture organizations. He was a member of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, was president for two years and enjoyed attending many OFA conventions in Toronto. In 2017 he was presented the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture and the Community’ award by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture. He was also the president of the Ontario White Bean Growers and was instrumental in the merger between the dry bean and coloured bean boards. While he was a member of the white bean board, he had the opportunity to travel to England on a trade mission, promoting Canadian edible beans. He was the chair of the research committee, as well as bean board representative to Farm &Food Care Ontario. After his term with the edible bean board, Marinus became a director for Huron County Grain Farmers and a member of Huron County Soil and Crop committee. Outside of agriculture, he was a Charter member of the Auburn and District Lion Club and enjoyed making and serving pancakes at their monthly breakfasts. For a number of years he was a trustee for Knox United Church in Auburn, prior to its closing.

We invite you to visit with family and friends on August 8, at Londesborough United Church from 10am to 11am. Funeral Service to commence at 11am. Internment in the Balls Cemetery, Auburn. Please join us via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFuneralHomeInc.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Auburn and District Lions Club or Londesborough United Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Please send donation cheques to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Marinus Willem Bakker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/04/2025

Bodie Craig

David Bodie Craig, a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and lifelong farmer, passed away peacefully on August 2nd, 2025 at the age of 91.

Bodie was a devoted husband to Ollie (née Wilson) for 64 years. He was an adoring father to Paul and Kim, and doting grandfather to Emily Craig and Manda Craig. Sue Craig and Shannon Foster felt loved like daughters, and he had a close relationship with his brother-in-law Murray Kane.

Bodie is predeceased by his parents David and Anne Craig, Ollie’s parents Russell and Amanda Wilson, and his cherished siblings Joye Kane and Don (Marilyn) Craig. He will be missed by his cousins and his nieces and nephews.

Born and raised on the land he would come to cherish and care for his entire life, Bodie had farming in his blood and family in his heart. He was a man of quiet strength and steady hands, who found joy in early mornings, well-tended fields, and the rhythm of the seasons. Whether on his tractor or walking the land, Bodie was deeply connected to the earth and took great pride in the life he built from it.

Known for his soft heart and gentle spirit, Bodie was kind to everyone he met and had no enemies. Just like the people in his life, pets and animals sensed his calm tenderness and gladly gave him their trust and love. His warmth, patience, and unshakeable humility left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.

Above all, Bodie was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband to Ollie with whom he shared 64 years of partnership, laughter, and steadfast support. Together they built a home rooted in love, hard work, and tradition. He was a guiding light to his children and grandchildren, always ready with a story, a helping hand, or a lesson in compassion and perseverance. Bodie and Ollie danced beautifully for years and sang in the Blyth United Church Choir each and every Sunday. This love of music and dance they passed on to their family.

Bodie spent his last day doing what he loved most—caring for the land, where he took his last breath after a very happy day.

Bodie leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and deep love. His boots may now be empty, but his footsteps will remain forever in our hearts and across the fields he called home.

Friends and family are invited to the Blyth United Church on Friday, August 8th for visitation from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 9th for visitation one hour prior to the Funeral Service at 2 p.m.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneral home.ca.

Please join us via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFuneralHomeInc

Interment will follow at a later date in Blyth Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blyth United Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Please send donation cheques to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0.

View Bodie Craig's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/30/2025

Lillian Evelyn Appleby

Appleby: Lillian Evelyn nee Armstrong

Passed away peacefully at Huronview Home for the Aged in Clinton on June 29th in her 91st year.

Beloved wife to the late Lloyd (2010) for 57 years.

Loving mom of Larry & Deb Appleby of Wingham, and Lori & Kevin Masterson of London.

Adored Grandma to Alicia & David Pennal of Japan, Brittany & Brendan Thebeau of Wingham, and Trinity Masterson of London.

Great grandma to Braxton and Brooklynn Thebeau, and Sawyer and Oliver Pennal.

Sister to Della Veen of Kincardine, George & Lois Armstrong of Kitchener, Nelson & Terry Armstrong of London, Tom & Joyce Rooney of Wallaceburg, and sister-in-law to Don Appleby of Lucan.

Predeceased by sister Loreena & David Cunningham, Mary Lee Rooney, brother Steve Rooney, in-laws John Veen, Sharon Appleby, Bill Appleby, Marguerite & John Peckitt, and Thelma & Ken Johnston.

Special aunt and dear friend to many.

Lillian was a lifelong farmer who milked cows, ploughed fields, and could keep up to any of the guys. She loved playing cards and going out to dances. She was a kind and caring person. She could serve up a meal for 4 or 40 people and made it look easy. Her pies were legendary. She was always cooking for her neighbours and loved to entertain. Lil and Lloyd would spend many Saturday nights at the Rubber Boot. After her farming days were done, Lillian enjoyed walking around Blyth with her good friends. Mostly, she loved spending time with her family. We will miss her genuine kindness.

Friends and family are invited to Riverside Funeral Home Blyth Chapel on Friday July 4th for visitation from 10am-12pm with Funeral Service to follow.

Please join us via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/RiversideFuneralHomeInc

Interment in Blyth Union Cemetery.

Alex Jebson officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Activities Department at Huronview would be appreciated.

Donations may be sent to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Lillian Evelyn Appleby's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/27/2025

Dawna Marie White

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Alexandra & Marine Hospital in Goderich on June 25th in her 87th year.

Loving wife to Ken for 68 years.

Proud mom to Randy & Donna White, Danny & Allison White, Gail White & Mike Thomas, and Gloria & George Coulter.

Adoring grandma to Nicole & Mark Olson, Matt & Kim White, Natalie White, Meaghan & Tyler Hamilton, Morgan & Josh Buys, Crystal McCallum, Jodi & Darryl Houston, Rob & Steph Semple, Phillip Coulter & Frank Lee, and Whitney Coulter.

Great grandma to Lyla and Claira Olson, Alexander and Danika White, Noel Hamilton, Bryce and Avery Buys, Kaleigh and Bridget McCallum, Emmett Houston, and Harvey Semple.

Sister to Marsha Ahuja.

Sister-in-law to Mae Moffat and Jane White.

Missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by parents Harold & Ruby, in-laws Jack & Mary, sister June (Wilf) Haylow, brother John Moffat and in-laws Clarence White, Ross White, Fern & Dave Craven and Doris & Ken Fischer.

Dawna was passionate about her family; she loved to have them all together. She always made sure there was lots of food (cookies especially) and that no one ever went hungry. In fact, she made it her mission to deliver cookies to neighbours and kids just to see their smile. She was full of unconditional love and kindness which showed in her time at Wingham High school as a special needs EA helping kids navigate tough times. She loved her career as a Nurse paying special attention to the elderly, always lending an ear to make them feel heard. She enjoyed helping at the Brussels United Church, baking pies and chatting with the ladies. Dawn loved spending time with Ken going for drives and visiting. She taught anyone she met to be kind and met them with a warm hello and conversation. We will miss her big smile.

Friends and family are invited to Riverside Funeral Home Brussels Chapel on Wednesday, July 2nd for visitation from 6-9pm.

Funeral service will take place Thursday July 3rd at 12 noon with interment at Brussels Cemetery and reception following at the Brussels Legion.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Brussels United Church or Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 378 Brussels N0G 1H0.

Donations may be sent to Box 340 Brussels N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Dawna Marie White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/25/2025

Jonathan James Scott

Jon Scott passed away on June 21, 2025, in his 55th year. He was the beloved daddy of Leia Scott. He will be dearly missed by sisters Deb (Mark) Sholdice of Blyth and Kim (John) Hulley of Goderich, and his nieces Sarrah Sholdice, McKenna (Cori) White, Taylor Hulley (Drew), Ally Hulley (Kyle), nephew Sam (Gwen) Sholdice and great-nephews Carter and Asher White. He will be missed by his aunt, Judi Lava. He will be remembered by Leia’s mother, Lindsay Courtney. Jon was predeceased by his parents, Don and Brenda Scott, grandparents Laurie and Dorothy Scott and Louis and Pauline De Riviere.

Jon lived for his daughter Leia - she was his sun and moon. He was a man of few words but had a big heart and was generous with his time and energy for friends and family. He loved to fix things and would spend many hours restoring anything from dump finds to classic cars and trucks.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held.

Interment in Blyth Union Cemetery.

Donations to Adopt-A-Pet Rescue Lucknow would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Jonathan James Scott's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/23/2025

Joyce Marilyn Harman

Joyce Harman passed away suddenly on April 1, 2025, at the Seaforth Community Hospital. She was 82. Joyce had very recently moved into Huronlea in Brussels but spent most of her life on the family farm on the 3rd of Morris.

Joyce is survived and deeply missed by her niece Juanita Lamb. She was predeceased by her parents William and Irene Harman; her aunt, Edith Warwick; her sister Mary Lamb; and her nephew, Bradley Lamb. She is remembered by her brother-in-law Clifford Lamb, her niece-in-law Iris Lamb, her grandnieces Arwen and Arya and her grandnephew Théoden. She is also survived by an extended family including many cousins, several who along with her close friends, have been so generous and instrumental in supporting her care in recent years.

After attending Browntown school and F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham, Joyce trained at Mothercraft’s Well-Baby Nurse College in Toronto. This training and her early days in accepting referrals from Mothercraft’s registry launched her career as a private duty nanny. She independently established a practice offering recurring short and medium-term childcare support to many prestigious families in Toronto often travelling abroad with them to provide her services. She remained in touch with many of those families and children over the years; as well as, the friends she made during her Mothercraft training.

When she decided to return to Brussels, she become a full-time nanny locally until her retirement. Joyce loved to garden and quilt and was very active at Knox Presbyterian Church, Bluevale until her health began to deteriorate. The challenges she experienced in her mobility would eventually be diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Despite many serious health issues and lengthy hospitalizations over the years, Joyce continued to stubbornly battle back so she could return home to the farm.

For Juanita and Brad growing up, she was the quintessential “fun aunt”. She would often use the breaks between her nanny gigs to shepherd them around the greater Toronto area to various activities and attractions.

Honouring Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there was no service. Arrangements were handled by Riverside Funeral Home, Brussels.

All are welcome to join Juanita at the family farm (41566 Cardiff Road, Brussels) for a time of fellowship on August 9, 2025, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered through memorial donations to the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation or Parkinson Canada.

View Joyce Marilyn Harman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2025

Joann MacDonald

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at Wingham & District Hospital in her 87th year.

Mother to Todd (Christina) MacDonald, and Jamie MacDonald (Suzan Bell).

Grandma to Braeden & Kaeden MacDonald.

Sister- in-law-to Ross Hayden.

Predeceased by husband Carman (2000), daughter Judy MacDonald, sister Shirley (Peter) Harvey and Beverly Hayden.

Missed by nieces, nephews and many close friends.

Joann was an amazing woman, mother and grandma.

Joann faced the challenge of bringing up two boys almost singlehandedly. She was a grandmother to two grandsons, to whom she adored. She loved doing anything with them and you would always find her on the bleachers at their games. She passed on her love for cards and other games to her entire family.

Joann's house was always a welcoming home where people felt comfortable to spend time and knew that she would do anything for them. She was like a 'Mom' to many of Jamie, Todd & Judy’s friends.

Joann had a strong connection to her community and a close circle of friends who were a huge part of her life. She loved nothing more than to spend time, chat, laugh and tell stories for hours on end...especially to relive with her favourite partner, how the last big card game was won!

She was a active member of the Blyth United Church Community. She also held the distinction of being the longest crafter at the Blyth Thresher’s Reunion for 41 years selling her crocheting.

Family and friends are invited to Blyth United Church on Thursday June 12th from 6-8 pm for visitation with funeral service to follow on Friday June 13th at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Blyth United Church or Wingham & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 195 Blyth N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

Donations may be sent to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0.

View Joann MacDonald's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/11/2025

Betty Jean Shaw

Passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged in Brussels on Saturday, May 10th2025 at the age of 84.

Adoring wife to Harvey Shaw for 60 years.

Loving mother to Doug & Debbie Shaw of Brussels.

Predeceased by her daughter Lynda Shaw (2023).

Betty was born in Stratford Ontario and found her way to Brussels where she met Harvey while attending nursing school. She enjoyed being a nurse and caring for others even after her retirement.

Betty was a member of the Melville Presbyterian Church in Brussels and when able she loved to attend services and church social events.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, family, friends, neighbours and caretakers who have supported her over the years.

Friends and family are invited to Riverside Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13th for visitation starting at 1pm with funeral service to follow at 2pm.

Please join us via livestream on our page.

Rev Alex Jebson officiating.

Interment in Brussels Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Melville Presbyterian Church would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Betty Jean Shaw's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/10/2025

Evelyn Mae Demaray

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 9th, 2025, at Seaforth Community Hospital in her 90th year.

Proud mom to Debbie & Joe Seili, Rick Demaray, Rob & Sharon Demaray, and Dave Demaray.

Grandmother to 9 grandchildren.

Great grandmother to 17 grandchildren.

Great great grandmother to 1 grandchild.

Survived by sister-in-law to Gayle Campbell.

Predeceased by 2 husbands, brother Lorne Campbell (2017), sister Grace McGuffin (2021), and brother-in-law Joe McGuffin.

Evelyn was a farmer’s wife and raised 4 kids while driving bus. Evelyn loved to travel extensively, visiting 49 of the 50 United States. Her nursing career spanned 35 years working for several hospitals retiring with VON. She was a former member of the Brussels Legion and the Lambeth Legion. She also found time to ballroom dance and won an award from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. She also played the piano and organ in the Bluevale United Church. We will miss her wit and her homemade cooking especially her pies.

Family and friends are invited to Riverside Funeral Home on Friday May 16th for visitation at 12 o’clock with funeral service to follow at 1pm.

Interment in Dorchester Union Cemetery.

Revered Alex Jebson officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donation to Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch #218 or Brussels United Church would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 255 Brussels N0G 1H0

Donations may be sent to Box 340 Brussels N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Evelyn Mae Demaray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/06/2025

Shirley Irene Nicholson

Passed away peacefully on May 5th at Huronview Home for the Aged in Clinton in her 95th year.

Wife to the late Wallace Frank Nicholson (2001) for 48 years.

Loving mother to Dorothy (Wayne) McClinchey, Judy Nicholson (Steve Howard), Gary (Sandra) Nicholson, Don (Janet) Nicholson.

Proud grandmother to Ryan (Pam), Colleen, Brody (Aimee), Mathew (Carley), Christopher (Hannah), Ian, Lindsay (Kyle), Lisa (Jeff), Robyn (Adam), Emily (Colton), Lucas, Isaac (Peter).

Great grandmother to Lachlan, Rowan, Malcolm, Harrison, Chayton, Wells, Edyn, Bentley, Blake, Owen and Darcy.

Survived by siblings Blanche Drosdovech, Arlene Adams, Ralph (Susie) Adams, Heather (Peter) Simpson, Sheila Adams.

Sadly, missed by extended family and friends.

Predeceased by siblings Richard in infancy, Frank, Clare and Vern.

Shirley was an active member for over 50 years of the Trinity Anglican Church in Blyth. She was a long-time employee of The Old Mill for 30 years. She loved a good cup of tea, and a meal shared with friends or family. She enjoyed Tai Chi, gardening, quilting, knitting, catering and front porch visits. We will miss her quiet demeanor.

A private family service will take place.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Trinity Anglican Church Blyth or the Clinton Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199 Blyth N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Shirley Irene Nicholson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.