It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family announces the passing on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 of our father, Poppy, and brother at the age of 86. He is survived by two adoring daughters, Nancy and Sheila; beloved sons-in-law, Brad and James; cherished grandchildren, Chelsea, Jillian, Ben, and Jake; and much-loved siblings, Rita and Ronald. Predeceased by his loving wife Adelaide, adored siblings Ann and Jack, and greatly missed parents.

The most important lesson Poppy taught us was that actions speak far louder than words. He showed us time and time again what it means to truly love one’s family and how to care for one’s friends. It was important to him to do right by everyone who had the good fortune of meeting him. A person of the utmost integrity, he was a family man through and through. Poppy’s work ethic was unmatchable: he left his home in Toledo (near Smiths Falls, Ontario) at the age of 17 to seek out work in Toronto, and in his 43 years at Canadian Tire he took about 3 sick days.

Poppy was one of those “larger than life” personalities. He had his quirks (to him, you were late if you were less than 10 minutes early), and was adored because of them, not in spite of them. His mind was one of truly remarkable acuity, and he was deeply generous man of unwavering faith. He loved a good joke and a had a big, loud laugh. He never missed a birthday and would never pass up a game (or five) of bingo. He enjoyed his country music – especially if sung off tune – and liked chatting about things he saw on the news. His favourite meal was the peach waffle drowned in syrup at the Dundas Street Grille.

It is impossible to put into words the impact that Poppy had on our lives. We will never be able to live up to the example that he set for us, but we will do our best to make him proud. The world is darker without him in it. We will miss him enormously.

The flag is flown at half-mast in Patrick’s honour at Canadian Tire’s A.J. Billes Distribution Centre and Brampton Distribution Centre. As expressions of sympathy, donations in his name to Yonge St Mission would be greatly appreciated.