Newspaper Clippings - Book # 1 - Section 7
Keith Thompson, Clayton, Ontario - 8 March, 2001
The sudden death of Clare T. (Pete) Syme of R.R. 1, Almonte occurred a, the Almonte General Hospital at 12.30 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 1974, following but a few hours' illness. He was 61. Clare farmed on the home farm at Bennie's Corners, and also operated a milk truck route for several years, and for the fast two years was employed with Lindsay Farm Equipment in Almonte. Born in Ramsay Township on May 15, 1912, he was a son of Mrs. Mabel (Snedden) Syme, and the late, Peter T. Syme. He was a member of the United Church. He is survived by his wife, the former lone Boal, whom he married at Pakenham on June 10, 1942; his aged mother, Mrs. Peter T. Syme; a daughter Marilyn (Mrs. James Naismith) of Pakenham; a grandson, Matthew; and one sister, Myrtle (Mrs. Tom Nugent) of South March. Clare attended school at Bennie's Corners on the 8th line of Ramsay and continued on in high school in Almonte. He was always ready to participate in sports during these years. He loved the game of ball and always found time to play the game. He used to practice at home on the farm by getting his younger sister, Myrtle, to throw the ball as hard as she could either at him or to either side and he would field it and fire it back at her, and through time Myrtle also became a most capable player and used to give Clare some tough hard throws to handle. As years went by, and particularly after the 1939-45 war when the different softball leagues got organized again, Clare helped organize and coach the "Almonte Garage" team which was sponsored by Gordon Hill in 1945, until 1948, and was then sponsored by George Gomme as "Gomme's Lumber Kings," which continued until about 1952, during which time they were North Lanark League champions on different occasions. Clare continued playing with other teams, some in Almonte and others in Pakenham until his early 50's, and was always ready and willing to teach the younger players the many aspects of the game and fair play. He was a most capable umpire and performed this duty for many years. His personal contribution to the game of ball in this area has been unmeasurable, and he always did it most willingly. As a curler, Clare started with the old irons and continued on with the granites, and was President of the Almonte Curling Club on two different occasions. He was later presented with an honourary life membership pin by J. C. Smithson, the then president, for his contribution to the Almonte Curling Club in particular and curling in the valley in general. Clare represented Centre 24 in the Ottawa Valley as Centre Convenor for many years, which was a large responsibility and was most capably handled by him as he understood the many problems and pitfalls involved in scheduling the many competitions and events throughout the Centre. One competition that Clare was responsible for founding was the 10-pointer Mixed Bonspiel and was restricted to the Almonte curlers, except during the few years that Pakenham had ice problems, at which time they were included. All area curlers will understand and remember the great success this particular event became and the fellowship it created at the club level. In curling as in other sports, Clare always played to win, but in the event of a loss he took it gracefully and as a good sport but be would be ready for the return match. Clare really liked people and always had time to say "hello," have a chat about last night's hockey game or bet on tomorrow night's game, and even give odds on certain occasions. Our community will miss this great sportsman and his contributions. The funeral was held from the Kerry Funeral Home, 154 Elgin street, Almonte, on Wednesday, May 15th, at 2.30 p.m., with burial at Auld Kirk Cemetery. Rev. A. C. Dodds of Pakenham United Church conducted the funeral services. Pallbearers were Arthur Munro, Percy Timmins, Wilfred Lindsay, Jack C. Smithson, Donald Lockhart and Bill Boal.
The death of Thomas Simpson Fulton of 39 Euphemia Street, Almonte, occurred at his home on the evening of Friday, May 20, 1977, after a month's illness. He was in his 74th year. Mr. Fulton was born in Pakenham Township on October 25th, 1903, the son of Robert J. Fulton and his wife, Margaret Reed, both deceased. He received his education in Cedar Hill. Mr. Fulton worked with the Ontario Department of Highways on the Almonte Patrol. He attended the United Church. He married the former Jennie Melanson, who survives her husband, in Pakenham on June 1st, 1934. Also surviving is one son, Carl Murray Fulton, Canadian Forces Station, Gypsumville, Manitoba; granddaughter Barbara Darlene and grandson Ian Thomas. He is also survived by sisters Edith (Mrs. Grant Mc Dougall), Effie (Mrs. Tom Graham) and Edna (Mrs. Donald Snedden). The funeral was held from the Kerry Funeral Home on Monday, May 23rd, 1977, at 11 a.m. to interment in Pakenham Union Cemetery. Rev. Robert McCrea officiated. Pallbearers were Doug Deugo, George Deugo, Lynden Somerton, Allan Giles, John Morton and Arthur Fulton.
The death of Mr. Herbert Giles Stanley occurred at the Perley Hospital, Ottawa, on December 9, 1976, after a lengthy illness. He was in his 82nd year. He had resided at 2133 Navaho Drive, Ottawa. Mr. Stanley was born in Pakenham Township May 10, 1895, the son of Henry Stanley and his wife, the former Jane Watchorn. Mr. Stanley farmed at Cedar Hill and Carleton Place, and worked as a moulder in his youth. He attended St. James' Anglican Church, Carleton Place.
He was a veteran of the First World War. Mr. Stanley was married to the late Margaret Smithson, and then to the former Annie Lillian James, who died in 1967. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Ellen Chesney of London; (Hannah) Mrs. Mel Gilmour, Ottawa; and (Lillian) Mrs. R. W. Mohr, Ottawa; also by his sons, Henry James Stanley, R.R.2, Rockwood, and Herbert McDowell Stanley, Loughrea, Ireland. A brother Melville of Almonte, and a sister Mrs. Louella Coe of Almonte also survive. He was predeceased by brothers Arthur, Isaac, William, George, Percy and Alfred and sisters Florence, Adeline and Susan. His grandchildren are Steven David and Richard Stanley, Rockwood; Lillian and Avril Stanley, Loughrea, Ireland, Kim and Kathy Gilmour, Ottawa; Jennifer and Peter Mohr, Ottawa. The body rested at the Alan Barker Funeral Home, Carleton Place, where the funeral service was conducted in the chapel, Dec. 11th with Rev. Harry Brown officiating. Interment was in St. George's cemetery, Clayton. The pallbearers were Stephen and David Stanley, grandsons; Harold James, Massey Reid, Benjamin James and Ross Stanley.The sudden death of Walter Welland McMunn occurred at his home, 84 Arthur street, Arnprior, on Thursday, August 22, 1974. He was 58. Born at Clayton on March 12, 1916, he was a son of the late Welland McMunn and his wife, Edna Scott. On March 23, 1946, he was married at Toronto, Ontario, to the former Dorothy Murphy, who survives. Also surviving are one son, David, of Arnprior; two daughters, Mrs. Judy Clouthier, Arnprior, and Susan, of Toronto. One brother Edward (Ted) McMunn is predeceased. Mr. McMunn was a veteran of the Second World War, serving overseas from 1940 to 1945 with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa. He was employed as a plant mechanic with the National Research Council for 28 years. He was a member of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Arnprior, and was an ardent bowler, playing in the town mixed bowling league for 25 years. The funeral was held from the Comba Funeral Home, Church street, Almonte, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 26, with burial at Pakenham Union Cemetery. Rev. J. Allan D. Meakin of Emmanuel Church, conducted the services. Pallbearers were Brent Price, Felix Borutski, Clifford Lebrun, Roy McCooye, Harold Authors and Ron McMunn.
Elmer Lloyd Giles died June 10 , the Almonte General Hospital, after a long illness at the age of 79. Born January 2, 1901, Mr. Giles grew up and lived in Lanark Township, where he operated a farm. He was the son of the late Enoch Giles and Annie Moulton. A member of St. George's Anglican Church, Clayton, Mr. Giles also belonged to LOL. Twice married, Mr. Giles first wife, Maybelle Byron, died in 1958. Mr. Giles was married again in 1967 to Helen Pretty; she died in 1970. Mr. Giles is survived by his step daughter Marjorie (Mrs. Fred) Miller, Glen Cairn, and three step granddaughters, Janet, Karen, and Shirley Miller. Also surviving are his two brothers, Orville, of Almonte, and Milton, of Carleton Place. Mr. Giles was brother of the late Ressford and Leslie Giles. He is survived by his sisters Lillian (Mrs. Earl Sweeney), of Lanark Township; and Dorothy, of Perth. He was predeceased by his sister Edna (Mrs. William Code), of Scotch Corners. A public funeral was held June 12 from Gamble & Comba Funeral Home. The service was conducted by Reverend Roger Young. Burial took place at Auld Kirk Cemetery. The pallbearers were six nephews; Desmond, Raymond, Leslie, and Elmer Giles, and Allan Code and Ervin Sweeney. Flower bearers were three nephews, Gerald Giles, and Clarence and Bryan Sweeney.
Eileen Edith (Dowdall) Towey, 53 George St, Carleton Place, died at her residence Jan 20 after a long illness. She was 64. The daughter of the late Wilbert and Edith Dowdall was born Dec 26, 1916 in Pakenham township, where she grew up and went to school. On May 8, 1940, she was married in St Paul's Anglican Church, Almonte, to John A Towey, who survives her, along with a son, Ken and daughter-in-law, Marilyn, of Almonte. Mrs. Towey also leaves two grandchildren, Rodney and Stacey Towey. She was a member of St. James Anglican Church, Carleton Place. A public funeral was held Jan 21 at St. James Anglican Church, Carleton Place. Rev. L. Reaume and archdeacon J. A. Salter conducted the service. Burial took place at St. Mark's Cemetery, Pakenham. The pallbearers were Raymond Fulton, Ollie Timmins, Edward Wood, George Clifford, William Sample, and Clifford Gardiner.
Merville Sherman Goodfellow, 200 Gore St, Almonte, died Feb 27 at the Almonte General Hospital at the age of 63. Born April 15, 1917 in Waba, Goodfellow was the son of the late Jack and Ethel (Spinks) Goodfellow. He lived in this district all his life. A veteran of World War II with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, Goodfellow had been a member of branch 240 of the Royal Canadian Legion for 36 years. He is survived by his wife, Doreen Eva (Barrie), two daughters, Ethel (Mrs. Ronald McDonald), Kincardine, and Beryl, of Almonte; and by two sons, Karl and John, of Almonte. He also leaves a brother, Victor, of Almonte. He was predeceased by a brother Harvey, and two sisters, Fern and Hectorine. A public funeral took place March 2, the service being conducted by Rev. Jack Lougheed of the United Church. Burial took place at the White Lake cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Gamble & Comba funeral home. Pallbearers were Eric Julian (sr.), Earl Barr, Ollie Barr, Alvin Logan, John Spinks, and Ron McCongey. At the end of the committal service, Pipe Major Doug Stephenson (former pipe major of the Camerons) piped the lament.
Citizen staff writer
A 21-year-old Kanata man died Sunday of injuries sustained in a car accident while on his way to pick up a date for Saturday night dance. Danny Keniston, of Seabrooke Drive, was driving on Perth Street in Richmond about 6:40 p.m.. when he lost control of his car as he was passing another vehicle, said an Ontario Provincial Police spokesman in Ottawa. The second car wasn't involved in the accident, the spokesman said. A friend of Keniston, Larry MacGregor, said Keniston was on his way to pick up a date in Richmond for a dance in Almonte. Keniston, who was alone in the car, died in Ottawa Civic Hospital Sunday afternoon. His mother, Flora Roy, 44, said her son's internal organs and eyes were donated for transplants. "The doctor told us five people would benefit from the organs," she said. "Danny was always a helpful boy and I know he would be glad to know he was still helping. Keniston attended South Carleton District High School in Richmond and spent most of his life in the village. He had moved to Kanata, only five months before and shared a house with two friends, Roy said.
Danny Keniston On his way to date
Keniston had worked as a truck driver for Beaver Lumber in Bells Corners for about 18 months. He had previously worked as a blacksmith in Richmond. Keniston also is survived by a brother, Randy, 24, and step-father, Jim Roy, 51, a constable with Kanata OPP.
Hal B. Kirkland, a lifelong resident of this Town, died on July 2nd, 1974. Mr. Kirkland was born in Almonte, a son of Dr. J. T. Kirkland and his wife, Margaret Johnston, and attended Primary and Secondary Schools in this town before enlisting with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in 1915 He served with this Regiment for over three year in Europe during the First World War. He saw active duty in the battles of Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Sanctuary Wood and Ypres and was wounded on three occasions. Mr. Kirkland was the Postmaster in Almonte for twenty-six years. During this time he served on the Almonte Board of Education and Library Board and was past-president of the Almonte Branch of the Canadian Legion. He was also a life member of this organization. He was a Charter Member of the North Lanark Historical Society. On March 16 of this year, Mr. Kirkland and his father, were honored for the service they had rendered the community, when the park at the Post Office was dedicated as "Kirkland" Park. The two Messrs. Kirkland had served as postmaster of Almonte for 55 continuous years, Dr. Kirkland from 1906 to 1934, and Hal from 1934 to 1961. Hal Kirkland, like his father, was a writer of note. Over the years he contributed many fine stories of historical interest of Almonte and the area, and its peoples, to the columns of the Gazette. A book of selected stories published a couple of years ago entitled "Joe Baye . . . a Genuine Canadian, and Other Stories," is a lasting memorial to him, and a tribute to the sharing of his knowledge of the many historical events that have transpired in this community from its earliest days. Mr. Kirkland leaves surviving him, his wife, Beth (nee Steele) and two sons, James of Toronto and John of Smiths Falls. He also leaves one sister, Mary, Mrs. Arthur Cotton of Windsor, and seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, James Kirkland, who was killed in the First World War, a brother John, Kirkland, and a brother Maurice Kirkland. Funeral services were held on July 3rd at the Kerry Funeral Home, with burial in the family plot at Auld Kirk Cemetery. Rev. G. F. Bickley, rector of St. Paul's Church, Almonte, conducted the funeral services. The pallbearers were James Kirkland and John, Kirkland, sons of Mr. Kirkland, and John Kirkland, Roger Todhunter, Fred Cedarberg and John Steele, nephews. Members of the Almonte Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Paid tribute to their deceased comrade by holding their service at the funeral home on Tuesday evening. Prior to the funeral on Wednesday a few remaining members of the Princess Patricia's, Mr. Kirkland's old regiment, from this area, held their impressive service at the funeral home.
THE LATE HAL KIRKLAND