In Memoriam

Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services has been made possible throughout the years by many dedicated volunteers, staff, and Board Members. Their dedication and passion for helping others has changed the lives of many across our region and beyond. We would like to honour, acknowledge, and remember those who have left us, but have left behind their legacy of compassion and care. 

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Fred Nesbitt

January 6, 1942 - August 21, 2020

It is with sadness we announce that Frederick John Nesbitt passed away in his 78th year on August 21, 2020 in Enderby, British Columbia after a short battle with brain cancer. Throughout his battle Fred was lovingly cared for by Karen, his wife of 57 wonderful years. Fred was born on January 6, 1942 in Creighton Mines, Ontario to Betsy (nee Larson) and Andrew Nesbitt. Fred was a gentle, friendly man with an ever-present sense of humour. He loved to talk and laugh with family, friends, co-workers and the public. He devoted his working life to public service, starting in 1960 with the RCAF as an airman where he met the love of his life Karen (Fredrickson) in British Columbia in 1962. He left the RCAF but it never left his heart and he was a lifelong air force community member and a very proud veteran. Fred next joined the OPP in 1965 and served at the Dowling Detachment until joining the Sudbury Regional police in 1974. He served until 2001 when he and Karen retired and moved to Manitoulin Island where they resided for the next 18 years before moving to Karen’s home province of British Columbia in 2019. In retirement he was a volunteer driver for children in need, a volunteer with the Royal Canadian Navy Sea Cadets, he helped to establish ANAVETS in the Manitoulin region and he served on several local service boards. Fred is pre-deceased by his beautiful son Peter Paul also on August 21, 1969. He will be missed dearly by his sister Andrea Kelly (Paul-2019) and brothers Andrew (Sharon-2011) and Brian, his children Nancy (Guy Boucher), son Fred (Tara Fulop) grandchildren Nikki, Kyle, Kristopher, Zachary and Ethan and his numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and his “grand-dog” Will. We would like to thank the numerous friends and family who have so thoughtfully offered their thoughts and prayers over the past 6 months. A service will be held for Fred in Ontario after the current COVID pandemic. The family requests that if you wish to make a donation in memory of Fred that you consider the Brain Tumor Foundation in Canada.

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Pamela Piche

January 8, 1964 - January 24, 2022

Piche – Pamela Janet of M’Chigeeng passed away suddenly at the Manitoulin Health Centre, Mindemoya on January 24, 2022 at the age of 58.  Dear daughter of Richard & Merle (nee Ranger)Groves. Pre-deceased by loving husband Gerald Piche.  Loving mother of Candice Piche (Sean) of Sudbury and Aaron Piche (Caitlin) of Espanola.  Cherished by grandchildren Alex, Cadence, Sydney, Anna-Lea, Damon, Ashton and Meadow.  Dear sister of Maureen Groves of M’Chigeeng and Richard Groves (Georgia) of Kitchener.  Also, will be sadly missed by loving friend David Marshall of M’Chigeeng and many other friends & relatives. Pamela enjoyed being in nature, she spent many long summer days at camp and cold fall mornings hunting. She was an avid reader and writer. She loved nothing more than spending time with her 7 grandchildren.  Cremation with a Celebration of Life and interment will be at a later date.  If so desired, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.  Arrangements by BOURCIER FUNERAL HOME Ltd, Espanola, Ont.

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Douglas Wayne Sparham

November 8, 1941 - February 8, 2021

Wayne passed away on February 8, 2021, at 79 years of age, with his family by his side. He leaves behind his wife Marilyn (nee Sagle) of 56 years. He was a loving and dedicated father to four children: Richard, Rachel (Mike) and April (Mark). He now joins his daughter Elizabeth who predeceased him in 2014. Wayne was blessed with eight grandchildren Jean-Paul, Jean-Guy, Andrew, Evan, Jade, Britney, Joel and Braedan and two great-grandchildren Jordan and Jasmine, all of whom he was so proud and who brought him great joy. Wayne’s parents were Francis and Myrtle (nee McGregor) Sparham. Predeceasing Wayne were his brothers Robert Sparham and Roy Bodnarchuck. He is survived by sisters Christine (Bernard) Boyland and Cathy (Mike) Terrick. Wayne worked many jobs from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 10 he was expected to help mix cement and carry cinder blocks assisting his stepfather with masonry work. In his public school days he delivered newspapers and worked at the local corner store in Val Caron. By high school he had gained experience at a meat processing plant and had even hitchhiked to Elliot Lake to gain summer employment at Crawley McCracken mine as a cook’s assistant. In 1961 he was hired by Inco and began work as a miner at Stobie Mine. After a few months he was laid off and decided to apply with the Toronto Police Force. He successfully completed his academy training and worked ‘the beat’ in Toronto for over a year until he received a call-back from Inco. He returned to Sudbury and worked in many capacities at Inco for over 33 years until his retirement in 1994. Wayne was a member of the Community of Christ Church where he served as a minister and dedicated his time on activities and development of the youth. Wayne always had the time and willingness to help his neighbours and his community. For seven years he was a volunteer firefighter with specialized training to work as a First Responder in Capreol. Wayne volunteered for seven years at Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer. For 18 years he volunteered for Victim’s Services, alongside his wife, for the Manitoulin and North Shore area. This work was of special importance to him as it allowed him to serve people in great need of care and compassion, of which Wayne was never in short supply. In 1995, shortly after his retirement, Wayne and Marilyn moved to Manitoulin Island, as this was to be the promised land for a simple yet fulfilling retreat. There were years of golfing lessons and ballroom dancing lessons to be had. The thrill of performing in live theatre and the deer watching from the patio never let him down. He learned to be a farmer and became an expert at the specific workings of making authentic Manitoulin maple syrup. His hunting days dwindled as he spent more time enjoying the small miracles of life. Wayne’s childhood was a difficult one and despite that he raised his family with love. He was known for his kindness and absolutely perfect warm hugs. He treasured the Sagle family who enveloped him and cherished the many moments he spent in the presence of family and friends. Campfires at the lot. Card games in a crowded kitchen. Coffee on the deck. Moose or deer hunting with the boys. Time with his children. Cuddles with his grandchildren. Afternoons spent with the faithful companionship of his dog, Dutchess. Wayne wanted us to send his goodbyes to all his family and friends. He felt blessed to have known each of you and the time he was able to spend with you. This, and only this, was the yardstick from which he measured his wealth. In lieu of donations and in honour of our beloved, we ask you to share a little Wayne in your life. Do something kind for someone in need. Give a hug to someone who needs one. Spend an extra moment just to listen. It is what would make him most happy. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. His voice, his laugh, his presence – forever missed.

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Chris Tilson

On Sunday July 11th Chris passed away at home surrounded in love by a gentle and nurturing
mix of family, friends, cats and hens. As he was loved in life so he was loved in passing, made so
obvious by the support that sustained our family. Chris made his mark with the many roles he so
exuberantly played out as grandpa, cub leader, beekeeper, school bus driver VCARS volunteer,
builder of fine homes, musician and Bike Medic, his starring role. He loved the business and
especially the folks who came by our shop, from near and far. He never lost the enthusiasm and
relished each and every exchange, sharing stories of life's adventures (and misadventures) with
glee and a little embellishment now and then. His other great passions in life were playing music
with his buddies and ripping down the hills on his snowboard. He lived fully in the moment with
joy and appreciation for the simple blessings of friends and pride in his family and work. He will
be missed by all who came to know and love him, that we are sure of. In honouring his wishes
there will be a graveside burial on Wednesday July 14th, 2010 for family and friends at
Coldsprings Cemetery. Following this gathering on Sunday, July 25th, 2010 at 4:00pm there will
be a celebration of his life at the Cafe in the Woods. This will be a potluck feast with music and
sharing of memories of a life well lived. Please feel free to join us in honouring your connection
with him at that time. If you have questions or concerns about attending please call Justin or
Kerrene at 368-2193. Also note that the shop will continue to operate over the summer as we
wind things down so please come by.

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Marilyn Usher

April 23, 1936 - October 2, 2014

Died peacefully at Manitoulin Health Centre, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 at the age of 78 . Born to Agnes (nee Russell) and John Priest, at London, Ontario on April 23rd, 1936. Loved mother Lynn, Jim and John & wife Alice. Proud grandmother of Brianne (Mike), Calum, Shawna (Ryan), Amanda (Bill), Alison (Luke). Great grandmother of Mason, Cora-Lee and Bradley. Sister of Beverly (Bill Little) Aunt of Bill. Will always be remembered by many friends. Born in London, Marilyn graduated  B.C.I  High School and went on to Brantford School of X-ray in 1956. Marilyn then became the manager of the radiology department, while raising her family. She went on to follow her passion for ultrasound which led her to opening her own business serving smaller north-eastern communities. Marilyn enjoyed being actively involved in choir, theater, knitting, quilting and being a VCARS volunteer. She truly enjoyed spending time with her family, enjoying summer evenings at her home. Long known for her words of encouragement, Marilyn’s greatest passion was being a member of the Salvation Army and the church. Marilyn spent her last few years in the company of good friends and family. Family and friends will gather at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Saturday, October 11th, 2014 2:00pm. Cremation with burial will be at a later date. Donations to Holy Trinity Anglican Church or MHC Tree of Life (donations accepted at admitting) would be greatly appreciated.

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