Showing 16 results

Event Date : Thursday, March 17, 1955
Event Type : Death

"Late last Friday evening, March 18, a telephone call to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brown of Bradford, relayed the telegram from military authorities to Mrs. M. C. Vipond, conveying the sad message that her husband, Lt. Milton C. Vipond, 30 had died in Korea. Mrs. Vipond had been at the home of her parents since her husband left for Korea on March 1 of last year. In conversation with a member of the family yesterday morning The Witness learned that while Mrs. Vipond had had no further word from military authorities, according to radio and daily press reports, her husband lost his life in a building fire in the Canadian sector in Korea on Thursday night. The fire levelled a hut in the officers' lines in the matter of minutes. Seven other officers escaped unhurt from the blaze.Lt. Vipond, a graduate of Bishop's College, began his military career during the Second World War with R.C.N.V.R. He attended Bishop's College following demobilization and went on to take his Bachelor of Arts degree and entered first year medicine studies.He was commissioned in the Reserve Force while serving with the Stormont, Dundas, Glenngary Highlanders, of Cornwall, Ont. He was appointed to the Regular Army some time later and has served with the 27th Canadian Infantry Brigade in Germany, as well as on the staff of the Royal Canadian School of Infantry. Before joining the 2nd Battalion, Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, he served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.Late last summer Lt. Vipond was appointed Education Officer of the 25th Canadian Infantry Brigade.Lt. Vipond was married in Bradford on November 17, 1951, to Helen Brown, R.N., only daughter of Deputy-Reeve Thomas Brown of West Gwillimbury and Mrs. Brown. During Lt. Vipond's time in Germany his wife visited him there. He returned to Canada and was stationed at Grand Bend until March 1 of last year when he was sent to Korea for a year. At that time Mrs. Vipond returned to the home of her parents and at the time the message arrived notifying of his death preparations were being made here to welcome him home early next month.On September 20 of last year a daughter was born to Lt. and Mrs. Vipond, but the father was not spared to see little six-month-old Helen Lorraine.As well as his young wife and infant daughter, his widowed mother, Mrs. Laura M. Vipond, of Wales, near Cornwall, survives him.Many of his wife's friends here have met Lt. Vipond and regarded him very highly. His tragic and untimely death has aroused sincerest sympathy for his wife, who has always been one of the community's best loved daughters, his wee daughter and his mother."

Event Date : Wednesday, July 08, 1981
Event Type : Death

Description : Former owner, publisher, and editor of The Bradford Witness, Ina McKenzie, died last Wednesday, July 8, after a lengthy illness. She was 89. Born Ina Galbraith in Paisley, Bruce County, Mrs. McKenzie learned to be independent at an early age after the death of her father at age 29. Her mother, a school teacher, struggled to raise her and younger sister Donalda. "I went into teaching as well because there was nothing else a girl at that time could do except become a nurse" Mrs. McKenzie remarked in an interview before her death. She taught for several years in the tough downtown Toronto core where her students included the famous Conacher brothers. "They were wonderful boys. Perhaps a bit mischievious though" she recalled laughing. After marrying her childhood sweetheart Stewart McKenzie (who died in 1975) she left teaching to move to Detroit with her husband."All that time - it was in the 1920s - Detroit was a boom town. Everyone was playing the stock market and making a great deal of money - on paper at any rate. Stewart got a job on a financial publication called Saturday Night."Mr. McKenzie had an extensive background in the newspaper business. His father had owned the Paisley Advocate.While in Detroit the stock market crashed and Mr. McKenzie because he was a Canadian citizen was in danger of losing his job."I told Stewart 'Let's look for a business now while you've still got a job' so we went on vacation and looked at what appeared to be a very prosperous newspaper in Trenton" Mrs. McKenzie remembered.However being a very astute business woman she noted that the paper printed a great deal of political material that would come to a halt if the government changed. They decided to look elsewhere.Bradford was their next stop."When we arrived in Bradford it was a beautiful day" she recalled. However the condition of The Bradford Witness was something else again."Stewart went in and told me 'The machinery is a disgrace'" she remembered but they loved the little town and decided to stay contributing greatly to its prosperity and growth over the years.In those first years of the Depression Bradford was little more than a main street the lower end shabby the western portion relatively prosperous she recalled. "Everything was booming when we arrived in Bradford." Mrs. McKenzie noted. "But shortly after many people were in dire poverty. If we would have collected what was on our books we could have retired however people gave what they could."During this time they relocated the paper's office from Holland St. to Barrie St. (where the European Bakery is currently located) remaining there until they retired in 1968 selling the paper to Gerry Barker.Before deteriorating eyesight hampered her activities Mrs. McKenzie was extremely active in various organizations in Bradford. During the Second World War she headed the Bradford chapter of the Canadian Red Cross. She was a charter member of the West Gwillimbury chapter of IODE and a past president of the Bradford Women's Institute. She also taught Sunday School at the Bradford United Church. One of the driving forces behind fund-raising efforts for the Bradford Community Centre. Mrs. McKenzie also lent her considerable energies and intelligence to the Hurricane Hazel flood relief program and various other community projects. Ina McKenzie is survived by her sister Donalda Crosbie of Toronto nephew Robert W. Crosbie and good friend Ella Langford of Bradford. She was also great-aunt to Alexander George and Cynthia. Friends called at the Lathangue and Skwarchuk Funeral Home and a service conducted by Rev. G. McFarlane was held in the chapel on Friday July 10. She was buried next to her husband at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.Donations to the West Gwillimbury chapter of IODE would be appreciated.

Event Date : Thursday, June 19, 1975
Event Type : Death

Description : Bradford lost a dedicated citizen last week when Stewart Scott McKenzie died in York County Hospital, Newmarket. For many years, Mr. McKenzie and his wife Ina, were the editorial voice of Bradford when they operated the Bradford Witness Publishing Company for a period of 37 years. Stew was a popular member of the community, working not only as publisher of the flourishing little paper but serving on the village council, the arena board and in his church. His skills in the printing trade were well known throughout the district as the publishing company served many customers over a wide area. But Stewart McKenzie's real mark on life was his zest for living. A veteran of World War I, Stew returned suffering from impaired hearing and the shock of living man's inhumanity to man. While this experience had a profound effect on his life, Stew managed to present a sunny disposition and was well loved by the community. Stewart McKenzie was the kind of man who helped make this community strong and his country strong. He felt a strong sense of responsibility toward his fellow man. Above all he was a newspaperman and one who was dedicated to making our world a little better place in which to live.He will be sorely missed.

Event Date : Wednesday, March 26, 1958
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Petrolia, Ont.

Description : A former resident of Bradford, Mr. A. C. W. Soper, died at his home in Petrolia on March 26 following a paralytic stroke. He was 86 years of age. Born in London, England, he came to Canada when 17 years of age, first making his home with a brother in Russell, Manitoba. In 1899, at the outbreak of the South African War, he enlisted at Winnipeg and served as a Lance Corporal in the Boer War. For many years he was a commercial traveller for Canada Packers Co., and other firms throughout Ontario. His first wife was the former Eva Edmanson of Bradford, and after his retirement, for a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Soper resided in the old Edmanson home on John Street west in Bradford, until after Mrs. Edmanson's death. His second marriage was to Mrs. Isobel Hill of Bradford, and shortly after this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Soper moved to Shelburne. They had lived in Petrolia since last August. Mr. Soper was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Russell, Man., and joined the Royal Arch Chapter in England in 1906. He is survived by his widow, Isabell Soper, two daughters, Mrs. Howard Vallat (Doria) of Toronto, and Mrs. Wm. Mann (Caroline) of California; two step-daughters, Mrs. John Eakens, Sarnia, and Miss Rita Hill, with the U.N. staff in Egypt. Following a private funeral service at the residence in Petrolia, conducted by Rev. W. R. Parson, rector of Christ Anglican Church, funeral services were held at the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home in Bradford, conducted by Rev. R. Woolley. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.

Event Date : Friday, December 20, 1963
Event Type : Death

Description : Rev. F. G. MacTavish passed away in York County Hospital, Newmarket, on December 20, 1963, following two days of illness. He was suddenly stricken late Tuesday evening while chatting in his home and immediately lost consciousness, remaining unconscious to the last. Mr. MacTavish was born at Ripley, Ontario, and attended public and high school in that village. At the age of 18 he enlisted for military service during the First Great War and served in Canada and Siberia. Returning after the war he entered Victoria College to study for the ministry. On April 28, 1921, at Creswell, Ontario, he married Mary Annetta MacDonald of Toronto. Upon graduation from Victoria College the first church appointments given Mr. MacTavish were to missions in north-eastern Ontario, first at Wilberforce and then at Apsley. His next churches were Hallowell Circuit, Prince Edward County, then Northport and Seymour Circuit, Campbellford. Omemee and Sunderland followed before he came to Bradford on June 28, 1944, bringing with him his wife and family, his daughter Jean, and two sons, Harold and Gerald. Mr. MacTavish's interest in and knowledge of, the people of this district, those associated with his church and those without church affiliation, had grown through the years and his kindly understanding of human frailties, made him a sympathetic friend to all in trouble, and only by accident did anyone learn of the many, many services he rendered, far beyond the call of his duty as minister to the United Churches in Bradford and Holland Landing. The sick, the poor, the aged, the neglected and even those who might be regarded as rather disreputable, if they needed a minister, could depend upon Mr. MacTavish to answer their need. He was a tireless worker for the church, attending to much of its business personally. He was the instigator of the movement which resulted in the complete renovation of the church building, of which he was so proud and which he watched over personally, checking carefully after all meetings. Mr. MacTavish was a minister whose ministry only began in the pulpit and the boundaries of whose church were only limited by the needs of people. Mr. MacTavish is survived by his wife; his daughter, Miss Jean and son Harold, both of Toronto; his son Gerald and his wife, Helen, of Bradford, and three grandchildren, Jean, Marilyn and Betty, of Bradford; also three brothers, Rev. Duncan MacTavish of London, Ont., Mr. James MacTavish of Lucknow, Ont., and Mr. Alex MacTavish of Ripley, Ont., and three sisters, Mrs. H.
Street (Elizabeth) of Kincardine, Mrs. A. H. Johnston (Jean) of Stratford and Mrs. H. Black (Margaret) of Kincardine. He was predeceased by a sister, Mrs. F. Barkwell (Agnes). Mr. MacTavish was a member of Golden Rule Masonic Lodge Number 126, Campbellford, Ont., and he was padre of Bradford Legion, Branch 521. He was secretary of The Simcoe Presbytery and The Toronto Conference Settlement Committee. The very largely attended funeral was held from Bradford United Church on December 23, and was in charge of ministers of Simcoe Presbytery, namely, Rev. A. S. McCuaig, Rev. A. Smith, Rev. R. E. Webster, and Rev. H. Blake, former rector here. Pallbearers were Dr. G. L. Blackwell, Mr. T. Gardner, Mr. C. T. S. Evans, Mr. Harold Tate, Mr. Alex Stephenson and Mr. C. Brittain. Interment was in Aurora Cemetery.

Event Date : Thursday, June 19, 1975
Event Type : Death

Description : Stewart Scott McKenzie, a man who was a strong and active force in Bradford for more than 35 years as a politician and publisher of the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News, died last week in York County Hospital in Newmarket, last Thursday following a short illness. Mr. McKenzie was born in the Village of Paisley in Bruce County where he grew up and was educated. The former publisher of the Witness had a long tradition in newspapering and was one of four sons born to a former publisher of the Paisley Advocate. Mr. McKenzie served in the Canadian Army during World War I. When he returned after the war he resumed his newspaper career and joined the production department of the old Detroit Times. In 1931, he and his wife Ina, also a native of Paisley, moved to Bradford and purchased the Bradford Witness and South Simcoe News from publisher O. M. Seim. That began a career in this town that stretched over 35 years until the couple retired in 1968 following the sale of the Witness to Gerry and Nona Barker. During that time Mr. McKenzie involved himself not only in the production and technical side of his business, while his wife handled the paper's editorial department, but also in his community. Mr. McKenzie became active in local politics and served as a school board trustee and member of Bradford's village council. In 1937, he was one of the charter members of the Bradford Lions Club and served as one of the organization's first presidents. He was also a member of Simcoe Lodge #73 of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. In addition, he served as an Elder in Bradford's United Church. Funeral services for the man who devoted so much of his life to his community were held on Saturday morning in the chapel of the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home on Simcoe Street, in Bradford.The service was conducted by Reverend Robert Chapman. Pallbearers were Norman Collings, Keith Langford, Bradford Mayor Joe Magani, Brock Evans, Charles Evans and Deputy Reeve Ken Wood. Brad Walker, George Jackson and Clarence Ritchie served as flower bearers. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto. Mr. McKenzie is survived by his wife Ina, and three brothers.

Event Date : Sunday, January 04, 1942
Event Type : Death

Description : Husband to Agnes Cerswell (nee Speers), father to Mrs. Jeffery (Christeen) of Detriot, Mrs. Heppleston (Jean) of Toronto, Mrs. Kract (Alice) of Niagra Falls NY and one son, Gordon who died at war. He died in his Bradford home in his 74th year and will be interred at Bond Head Cemetery.

Event Date : Thursday, October 05, 1944
Event Type : Death

Description : Husband of Anne Adella Crate, father of Sergt. W.D. Morris and Alma died at Christie Street Hospital, Toronto. Job Morris, S.A., R.C.N.V.R., Reg. No. V55544. Interment in Prospect Cemetery.

Event Date : Monday, January 17, 1955
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Dearborn, Michigan

Description : "A message has been received by Mr. B. B. Collings informing of the death of Jack McKinstry of Dearborn, Michigan, on Monday, January 17. Mr. McKinstry was born in Bradford in 1899, attended Bradford public and high schools, where he established an enviable reputation in athletics as a runner. He, with the late Job Morris and Norman Spence, enlisted and went overseas in the first Great War with Major Stoddart. He returned from war to Bradford, then went to Detroit where he had since been with the Ford Motor Company. He had been in poor health for about two months before his death. Mr. McKinstry was predeceased by his wife. A son and a daughter in Dearborn, Michigan, survive him."

Event Date : Thursday, May 28, 1942
Event Type : Death

Description : Son to Louis A. and Florence C. Neilly of Gilford, brother to Louis, Isabella, Carrie, Allen and Billie died in his 27th year as a result of a flying accident. The Sergeant-Pilot instructor will be interred at St. John's Cemetery in Coulson's Hill.