Linda (Daughter to poppies......)

Entered May 19, 2017 from Woodstock

My Poppies ..
I remember the day I met you..Fred brought me downstairs to meet you and Mom..I didn't know the whole family would be there having dinner. My heart started pounding in my chest my family was Matthew and Amanda..having so many people around a table was very intimidating. You looked at me and gave me the poppies smile and something inside my heart melted. It was like this is meant to be and this is where I need to be. In 2000 I married your son Fred and have never looked back. You and Mom are my"Mom and Dad" and you have never let me feel anything less. You are an awesome man with such a big heart full of love and raised such beautiful children...and in turn they have raised such beautiful children. There will never be an empty chair...empty plate .. empty heart or empty room because I know you will always be here with us forever ...Every event ..everyday..all the time..day or night you are my shining star just like my Mommy and Daddy xoxo Pappies I love you

Laura Simpkins (Family)

Entered May 20, 2017 from Hamilton

Gramma and family, The kids and I are so sorry to lose papa. He was a kind, happy and funny soul who welcomed me into the family and was a sheer delight to talk and have a laugh with. I take comfort that he will be with my Bob! Love always, Laura, Gavin and Jaidyn Simpkins.

Joanne & Bill Gilroy (Neighbour & friend)

Entered May 20, 2017 from 94 Hearst Circle, Toronto, M6M 2V1

We lived two doors away from Jim for most of our adult life. There isn't a harsh thing he ever said to or about us. A gentleman always. We shall miss you Jim. Our best to Doris and the whole family. Bill

Mary Axford and Family (Friend)

Entered May 20, 2017 from Mississauga, ON

Our prayers are with you, Doris and your family.

Eileen & Larry VanBuskirk (Dear friend and former neighbor.)

Entered May 21, 2017

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Doris and all the family, we have so many
wonderful memories of Jim to keep in our hearts forever.
May his dear soul rest in peace.

For five years, I had my Dad to myself. Then my sister Judith Ann came along, and my parents allowed me to name the baby, (who knows how I came up with that name) and then my brother James (Fred) was born, who was my Fathers "mini me". My Dad loved all of us very much but it wasn't until later in life that he told us so every time we spoke to him but we ALWAYS knew it. It wasn't until after I was married that he took my sister and brother to Liverpool Nova Scotia to his home town and to see the where he was born. Many years later, Doug and I travelled to Nova Scotia on our motorcycle and we decided to go to Liverpool, to see where my Dad grew up. I knew it was a small town and I thought it would be very easy to find his childhood home. After looking all over town for his home, I was so disappointed that Icould not find it. I called my Dad on the cell phone and was so very fortunate that he was home. He did not know that Doug and I had planned to go to Liverpool and quite frankly, we didn't know it either when we planned our trip because we did not know where Liverpool was! I told him on the phone that I was there and that we tried but we could not find his childhood home. He said "where are you now?", and I replied that we were at a variety store and Doug was getting an ice cream. He says, "Do they have movie rentals there?". I looked in the window and I tell him yes. He says, "Face the store, walk three houses down and it is right there". I walked excitedly down the street, found the house and was overcome with emotion. Having him on the phone with me was just like being there with him, and I was so grateful to share the moment with him. It was one of the many times I felt a special closeness and bond with my Dad.