39 | Thursday, January 15, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insidehalton.com l Obituaries ROCCA, Lee Carlo October 14, 1931 - January 9, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Lee Carlo Rocca, at the age of eighty-three (83) years, on Friday, January 9, 2015. He is survived by his loving wife Elisa Rocca, with whom he shared fifty-eight (58) wonderful years of marriage, his daughter Maria Pia and her husband Carmen Bonfiglio, his daughter Tina and her husband Pietro Pagano, and his grandchildren Giancarlo and Cristina Bonfiglio, and Gianni and Sophia Pagano. Lee is also survived by his brother Rino and sister-in-law Maria Rocca, his sister Carla Bonadeo, his sister Jeannie and brother-in-law Mauro Paladino, his brother-in-law Lino and his wife Gianna Semino, his sister-in-law Adrianna and her husband Benito Salvino, his brother-in-law Antonio Semino, and his many nieces and nephews. Lee is predeceased by his parents Luigi and Rosita Rocca, his sister Irma Zambosco and her husband Tarcisio Zambosco, and his brother-in-law Tino Bonadeo and his other family members. Lee emigrated from Italy in 1949 at the age of 18 years. After working in the concrete forming business he founded Lee Rocca Forming Limited and built it into a very successful business. Lee truly was a man that was larger than life with a huge heart, generous to all, considerate and kind. His co-workers, employees and loyal customers were his extended family who he cared for. Lee was a highly respected figure in the Oakville Italian Community and a generous supporter of the Oakville Cancer Society, New Oakville Hospital Foundation, St. James Parish, Oakville Italian Club, Oakville Italian Invitational Golf Tournament, Peter D'Atoma Golf Tournament, Knights of Columbus and many other charities and associations. To Lee, family and friends, along with good wine and good Italian food, were the most important parts of life. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and his friends in Canada, Italy, Detroit and Florida. The Family extends a special thank you to the dedicated and caring service of EMS staff, the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital staff and the police and fire department. Visitation was held at St. James Parish located at 231 Morden Road, Oakville, Ontario, on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. His funeral was held at St. James Church on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10 a.m. and interment followed at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery located at 1149 Dundas Street West, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the New Oakville Hospital Foundations in memory of Lee Carlo Rocca. On-line condolences may be made at: www.oakviewfuneral.ca l Birth Notices l Obituaries CHRISTIANSEN, John Passed away in his 81st year, after a courageous battle with cancer, on January 9, 2015. Beloved father of Shirley (Jim), Denise (Gerry) and late son Roy (2003). Predeceased by Esther (1992) and Gisela (2009). Beloved grandfather to Tyler, Duncan, Bailey, Jazmine, Kelsey and Sydney. A special thank you to the staff at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Family will receive friends at OAKVIEW FUNERAL HOME, on Friday, January 16th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 17th, from 12 noon until 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will take place following visitation at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place, a private family interment will take place at a later date. Those who wish, may make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society. On-line condolences may be made at: www.oakviewfuneral.ca COPPING, John Albert Charles January 6, 1937 - January 9, 2015 John was born in South Wales, immigrated to Canada in 1961 from the U.K. at the age of 23, with his new bride Molly (nee Millo), after being promised a position with Simpsons. He worked for Simpsons in Toronto, Windsor and London, Ontario, for many years in the accounting division, before returning to Oakville, working at the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Investment Dealers Association until retirement. John and Molly were blessed with two sons and four grandchildren. John-David (Eleanor), and their children Peter and Denise.; and Terence Paul (Lucy) and their children Olivia and Spencer. John also leaves his brother-in-law Tony Millo of Oakville and one sister and two brothers in the U.K. John was a member of the Sir John Colborne Senior Centre, where he volunteered as a driver for the Friendship Luncheon Programme. He was also an avid wood carver and U.K. soccer fanatic. John died at the age of 78 in Oakville, peacefully with his family beside him. He was cremated in a private service. Born to Cristina & David VanHouwelingen On February 28, 2014 Claire Grace VanHouwelingen and you will receive a voucher for of your baby's precious hand or footprint ($25.00 value) compliments of: Tel: 905-825-8731 · Email: oakville@weepiggies.com www.WeePiggies.com Call 905-632-4440 to place your announcement LARATTA, Linda Irene (née Kingdon) Linda, age 66, of Oakville passed away on December 14, 2014 at Wyndham Manor after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. She was born January 4th, 1948 in St. Catharines, the daughter of Frank and Irene Kingdon. Linda grew up in Port Dalhousie, a place that always remained in her heart. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years Frank Laratta; three children Lisa (Chris Hrasky) Chiara (Al Mitchell), Mandy (Dave Freeman) and brother Kenneth Kingdon. Linda was employed in the pulp and paper industry as a lab technician, which is how she met her husband Frank. In 1998 she achieved her lifelong goal and graduated from U of T Anthropology with high distinction. She was very artistically gifted and left us with many crafts and paintings to remember her fondly. A memorial at the Saturday evening mass followed by a reception for friends and family will take place at Saint James Roman Catholic Church, 231 Morden Road, Oakville on January 31 at 7 p.m. REED-LEWIS, Jeanne Passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Harry Reed-Lewis (2007). Loved mother of Patty McConnell (Michael), Mary Peg Parkin (Brock), Nancy Hamilton (Gordon), Janet Shelton (Robert) and Jennifer Reed-Lewis (Bob Franks). Cherished grandmother of nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Harriett McIntyre and the late Caroline Price and Jack Shaw. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, 73 Picton Street, Niagaraon-the-Lake, on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com l Obituaries BILLY, Bennie (Ben) Edwin Dad was with his family as he gently passed away at the age of 86, on Friday, January 9, 2015 at OTMH, due to multiple health complications. He was born August 29, 1928 in Brokenhead, Manitoba and in his youth was the leader of a musical band playing drums, saxophone and vocals. He settled in Oakville (1959) with his wife, Nadia (62 years married), where they raised their family: Brian (Marty), Darryl (Wendy), Mary Lou and his deeply adored grandson, Matthew. Ben was predeceased by his parents: Steve and Anne, his brothers: Ernest, John and Harry, and is survived by the youngest, Raye (Alice) of Kelowna, BC. Known as a "dapper dresser" with his monogrammed shirts and French cuffs, his humour and wit will be missed by all who knew him. Family and friends will be received SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015, from 2-6 p.m. at Turner and Porter Newediuk - Erin Mills Chapel, 1981 Dundas St. W. Mississauga. Cremation to follow. A Memorial Service and Burial will be held at a later date. The Oakville Beaver would like to express sincere and heart-felt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. and her family. Bill grew up on the family farm in Alberta prior to attending the University of Saskatchewan where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering. Bill also served with the Canadian Navy during WWII. Bill began his long and successful career with Bailey Meter Canada in 1946 that spanned over 50 years until his retirement as President and Chairman. He loved his job and was a good friend and mentor to many over the years. After his retirement he was an active member, and a past President, of the Probus Club of Oakville. Married to Suzanne in 1949, this began a lifelong partnership where Bill and Suzanne lived across Canada and Australia making lifelong friends wherever they went. Bill was a man who experienced many adventures during his long life. He was a fabulous story teller, a savvy business man, an active community member, and was respected by all. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held on Wednesday January 14, 2015 at St. John's United Church, Oakville, ON. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital where Bill was caringly treated, or to a charity of your choice. Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com CAMPBELL, W.R. "Bill" May 16th, 1924 - HOLDEN, AB January 7th, 2015 - OAKVILLE, ON Professional Engineer, War Veteran, Gentleman, Patriarch. Passed away at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with his beloved wife and youngest son Christopher at his side. Devoted husband to Suzanne, his wife of over 65 years. Loved father of his three sons John (Judy), Robert (Martha) and Christopher. Cherished grandfather of his seven grandchildren William, Heather, Adrienne, Tara, Megan, Fergus and Georgia. Dear brother to his sister Marjorie and her beloved family as well as a loved brother-in-law to Jean