Event Date : Sunday, January 30, 1966
Event Type : Death

Description : A former Bradford businessman and long-time respected resident here, Mr. Archie Hammell, passed away at York County Hospital, Newmarket, on Sunday, January 30, 1966, after four months of declining health and a long period of hospitalization. Mr. Hammell was born in the Tottenham area, coming to Bradford as a young man, when his parents purchased the farm on the outskirts of town, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Metcalfe. He joined the staff of the store long operated by the late Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Douglas and when they retired he opened his own grocery business on the south side of Holland
Street. He retired from business a number of years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Hammell (the former Minnie Spence) were married in Bradford in September, 1916, and would have had their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year, had he been spared. Early in life Mr. Hammell joined the IOOF here, and in more recent years has been a member of that Lodge in Aurora. He was also a member of Simcoe Masonic Lodge No. 79, Bradford, and services were conducted by these lodges on the evening before his funeral. Mr. Hammell was a member and elder in Bradford United Church. The funeral services were held last Wednesday afternoon from the Lewis Funeral Home in Bradford. Rev. D. J. Lute conducted the services and temporary entombment was in Sixth Line Cemetery Vault, with interment to be made later in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford. Mr. Hammell is survived by his wife and two brothers, Harry of Newmarket and Frank, who spends winters in Florida and summers at Victoria Harbour, Ontario. The pallbearers were Messrs. D. Arthur Evans, Robert L. Brown, C. T. S. Evans, Ivan Daniels (Aurora), Seward Lee and William Jelly.

Event Date : Wednesday, August 27, 1952
Event Type : Death

Description : Over two years ago the many friends of Arthur James (Artie) Saint were saddened when they learned that he was forced to lead the life of an invalid because of a serious heart condition. in the intervening period his life had been repeatedly despaired for, then he would rally and hope for him was revived. Recently he had been a patient in Toronto General Hospital and since coming home he appeared to be greatly improved and had been around the house and even to the home of friends. However, the long period of poor health had taken a heavy toll on his strength and early Wednesday morning he suffered a stroke, followed a few hours later by two more, the latter resulting in his death. A.J. Saint was born in the Scotch Settlement at Ham's Corner's a son of Mr. Frank Saint, 91, now one of Bradford's oldest residents, and the late Mrs. Saint. He attended school at No. 4, Scotch Settlement, and Bradford High School. One of the most industrious and honest of workers, Art Saint early learned carpentering. In this trade he excelled and before long he became a contractor and one rated as second to none throughout a large area. Some of the largest and finest buildings of the district were built under the careful supervision of Art Saint, as were also some of the small but equally sturdy, ones. He was noted for the high quality and honesty of his workmanship, and his loss of health in the prime of his life can be at least partially attributed to energy expended in giving such faithful and exacting service. In 1929 he married Marguerite MacDonald, also of the Scotch Settlement, and they made their home in Bradford where they have since resided. Besides his wife, Mr. Saint is survived by one son, Keith, of Bradford; two daughters, Helen, now in Toronto, and Karen at home; one brother, Fred of Regina; two sisters, Mrs. Bateman (Wilma) of Toronto, and Miss Lena of Bradford, and his aged father in Bradford. Mr. Saint was a member of the Davey Hunt Club and of Simcoe Masonic Lodge No. 79, under which auspices his funeral was held on Saturday afternoon form his late residence. Rev. H.G. Blake conducted the services and interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford. Pallbearers were John Bowser, Aurora; W. Van Norman, Guelph; Major Thos. Ewing, Newmarket; Dr. G.L. Blackwell, Leonard Saint and Samuel McDonell.

Event Date : Thursday, April 24, 1975
Event Type : Death

Description : Fred Cook, a man who for many years was a social and political influence in Bradford, died last Thursday in York County Hospital at 73. Mr. Cook was admitted to the hospital April 6 suffering from a heart attack. Funeral services were held in Trinity Anglican Church, Bradford, on Monday afternoon with the Rector, Rev. Jack House and Bishop Hunt, a lifelong friend of Mr. Cook, conducting the service. Hundreds of friends and associates gathered in the little church on Church St. that Fred Cook served so well. Mayor Joe Magani led a delegation of members of council and the town administrative staff. Many officials representing the various surrounding municipalities also attended the special funeral service.Reeve William Gibbins of Innisfil and Simcoe County Warden Edgar Currie and Reeve Orville Hughes of West Gwillimbury attended along with municipal, church and fraternal officials. Pallbearers included George Allison, Bradford Fire Chief Ted Gapp, Chief Constable John Dudgeon, Building Inspector Bert Magloughlen, Deputy Reeve Ken Wood and Ruston Folliott. Interment was in St. Paul's Cemetery, Coulson's Hill.During his 73 years, Fred Cook's life revolved around the town of his birth, Bradford.He was actively engaged in municipal politics and for more than 10 years served as the town's deputy reeve and representative on county council. In last year's election he decided to step down from the deputy reeve's chair. However, Mr. Cook did not leave the political scene and was successful in his bid to gain a council seat.Outside politics Fred Cook immersed himself in a number of community and social organizations. He was a lay reader in the Anglican Church from 1934 until his death and was involved in Christian education serving as Sunday School Superintendent for more than 45 years. In 1962 he received a citation from the Canadian Council of Churches' education department for his outstanding work. He was also a member of the Anglican Synod of the Diocese of Toronto. Mr. Cook was a member of the Simcoe Lodge #79 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. At the time of his death he had achieved the 32nd Degree of the brotherhood. In his service to that organization, Mr. Cook served as district deputy grand master of the A.F. and A.M.'s district C". Mr. Cook also served at a grand master of the Orange Lodge for Ontario West and was a faithful member of Centennial Lodge LOL 209. Until 1957 Mr. Cook operated an insurance business in Bradford. Fred Cook is survived by his wife Leone, one sister Reta (Mrs. T. Gardner) of Bradford and one brother John of Windsor. Bradford Mayor Joe Magani commented on Mr. Cook's death saying: "It would take me hours to talk about Fred Cook. He will be very much missed on council. To me he was a real man and always a real gentleman on council. I served with him on council for 18 years and he was a great worker for the public and for the town. He did everything he could to satisfy the ratepayers at all times. He did a good job in finance. If ever I got stuck for words I could always turn to him for help."The mayor added: "He was a very beautiful man. It will take a long time to find another one like him."

Event Date : Friday, June 21, 1963
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Newmarket, Ont.

Description : Mr. Frank Kilkenny appeared to make good progress during the first few days following the accident which necessitated the amputation of part of his leg, and hope was extended that he might recover, although it was realized that he was still in a state of shock. The accident occurred on Saturday and by Thursday a change was noted and on Friday he passed away. Mr. Kilkenny was born and educated in Bradford and he took over the business of his father. In 1938 he celebrated the centennial of the Kilkenny funeral and furniture business in Bradford and continued in that business until his retirement, when his son continued with the furniture part of the business. He was secretary-treasurer of Bradford Public School Board for many years; was a member and past master of Simcoe Masonic Lodge No. 79 and he received a 50-year jewel from that Lodge recently in recognition of his long term of membership; a member of the Orange Order and the I.O.F., as well as a curler and lawn bowler. His church was the Presbyterian. Mr. Kilkenny was predeceased by his wife, the former Lila Neilly, in July, 1928. He is survived by one son, Keith, of Bradford, and one daughter, Mrs. J. M. Booth (Ruth) of Bradford; also five sisters, Mrs. Howard Carscadden (Bertha), Stayner; Mrs. D. E. McColl (Emily) and Mrs. T. H. Carter (Laura), Bradford; Mrs. George Atkinson (Helen), Mt. Albert, and Mrs. Lorne Arnold (Evelyn), Cookstown. Three sisters predeceased him, Mrs. Jewell (Clara), Mrs. Wm. Simpkin (Lulu) and Alma, who died in infancy. The private funeral was held on June 24 from the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home, with Rev. F. G. MacTavish conducting the funeral services. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.The pallbearers were Ralph Jewell, Fred Wilson, John Arnold, Wray Carscadden, R. H. Devereux, Art Lloyd.

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 : Saturday, October 17, 1953
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Toronto, Ont.

Description : One of the oldest practicing dentists in Ontario, being a 1900 graduate from the College of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Dr. Charles W. Ellis was instantly killed as he crossed the street to his son-in-law's car on the Queen Elizabeth Way at Haig Blvd. early Saturday evening. Larry Rutherford, his son-in-law of Applewood Rd., was waiting for him on the shoulder of the west-bound lane to take him home in his car. Dr. Ellis alighted from a bus and was crossing the west-bound lane when he was hit by a car driven by Edward Dinsmore of Toronto. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Port Credit coroner.
Born in Bradford, Dr. Ellis received his High School education in Barrie. Graduated from the University of Toronto in 1900 he practiced in Beeton for a short time before he married the former Adelia Maude Rose, Syracuse, New York, who predeceased him 29 years ago, and began practice here where he has been for over 50 years. He was a life member of Bradford Lodge, A.F. & A.M., where he was Past Master. He was feted by the lodge recently on the occasion of his 50th year of membership. He was also a life member of the Ontario Dental Association. He was a member of Bradford United Church where he had taught Sunday School and was a former steward in the church and served for many years as church treasurer. He has also been a member of Bradford Lions Club for some years. During his younger days, Dr. Ellis was an athlete and won many medals as a bicycle racer and tennis player.He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Rutherford, Lakeview, and Mrs. R. G. Freyermuth, Iowa, and two grandchildren, Janet and Charles Freyermuth. He was predeceased by two brothers, Aubrey and Bert, and his only sister, Mrs. W. A. Pringle (Mabel). Dr. Ellis had given valued service to this municipality having served on the Board of Education and the Board of Health for a number of years. Through his long years of practice Dr. Ellis was one of the best known residents of the area. Possessing very definite opinions and the strictest code of honour and honesty of purpose himself, he expected the same high standards from those with whom he did business. His friends, especially in later years, were largely those who had been his patients over a long term of years, and a few of the older residents, and his tragic death was learned with sorrow by them all. A private funeral was held yesterday afternoon from his home, under Masonic auspices, with services being conducted by Rev. F. G. MacTavish. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.

Event Date : Wednesday, May 06, 1953
Event Type : Death

Description : In the passing of William Curry last Wednesday morning, May 6, Bradford lost one of its oldest and most respected citizens. Hospitalized since last February, his condition grew steadily worse, until death came as a result of heart failure. Mr. Curry was born on the 13th Concession of West Gwillimbury, on the farm now occupied by Mr. W. J. Dales, and lived there as a boy, attending Steele's Corner school. The family moved to a farm in St. Vincent Township, near Meaford, for a few years and then returned to West Gwillimbury to the farm now occupied by Mr. Ernest Kneeshaw. It is interesting to note that Mr. Curry's grandfather, John Curry, occupied the farm on the south side of the 13th, opposite the W. J. Dales' farm during Wm. Curry's youth, and the barn which he used is still being used. This means that this building is at least 150 years old. When a young man, Mr. Curry came to Bradford and learned the carpentry trade with his brother, John Curry. He married Matilda Archer and lived in Bradford for the balance of his life. An industrious and conscientious man, he built many homes and buildings in this vicinity, among them being the local hockey arena, known at that time as the Marathon Rink. He lived a quiet life, his chief interests being his home and his work. He was a Presbyterian by faith, and for some years was a member of the local Masonic Lodge. He is survived by one brother, George of Bradford; one daughter, Jessie (Mrs. A. B. Gardiner) of Meaford, Ont., and a son, Harvey, of Bradford. His wife predeceased him in February of 1952, and an infant daughter, Gladys, died at the age of 14 months. The funeral service, which was held from his late residence on Holland Street, on Friday last, was conducted by Rev. John McGillivray of Bonar Presbyterian Church, Toronto. The pallbearers were friends and relatives of the family: Chas. Evans, Bradford; Brock Evans, Bradford; Arthur Fell, Bradford; Alex Spence, Bradford; George Stoddart, Toronto, and Russell Lowery, Stroud. Interment took place at St. Paul's Cemetery, Coulson's Hill.

Event Date : Friday, October 17, 1975
Event Type : Death

Description : Vic Turner, veteran councillor and past reeve of West Gwillimbury, died at his home in Bradford on Friday, October 17, at age 85. Mr. Turner, whose son Art is now Reeve of Bradford, came to Canada in 1907 at the age of 16. He came alone, leaving behind his family in South Chinford, just outside London. Mr. Turner first came to Toronto, then moved up to Bradford where he worked on the Pulford family farm on the 12th Line of West Gwillimbury. Bobby Pulford, a son of the family, is now coach of the Los Angeles Rams. After taking jobs in Toronto and in the west of Canada, Mr. Turner moved back to West Gwillimbury and farmed there for many years. He married three times, his first wife being Esther Brown; his second marriage to Elizabeth Riley was in August 1921. During their long marriage, the Turners farmed locally, then moved to Bradford in 1949. The second Mrs. Turner died in 1962. In 1963, Mr. Turner married for a third time, to Irene Brown of West Gwillimbury. Mr. Turner is survived by five children: Mrs. Margaret Summerville of Guelph, Bruce Turner of Kemptville near Ottawa, Art Turner of Bradford, Doug Turner of Timmins and Mrs. Dorothy Hodgson of Thunder Bay; and by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mr. Turner first became involved in local politics when he became a councillor in West Gwillimbury around 1937. He stayed on council becoming reeve in 1946 and holding this position in 1947 and '48.Mr. Turner left active politics and worked for Holland River Gardens (now Hardee Farms) following this. He retired from work seven years ago. While working at Hardee, Mr. Turner was appointed to the Bradford Public Utilities Commission in 1951. Appointment to the commission was then a council decision and not an elected post. Mr. Turner's proudest achievement was opening up Simcoe Road to the marsh and pushing for a bridge to be built linking the marsh to the main Bradford area, thus making it possible for the marsh to be developed for commercial farming. While serving on the Public Utilities Commission, Mr. Turner was instrumental in the decision to buy the present PUC building on Barrie Street. Mr. Turner was also involved in the Bradford Masonic Lodge, but his main interest all his life was in the marsh and the people living and farming it. The funeral service was held at the chapel of the Lathangue & Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Simcoe St., Bradford, followed by burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Monday, October 20.

Event Date : Thursday, November 14, 1957
Event Type : Death

Description : One of the Sault's earliest and most prominent businessmen, Henry P. Broughton, passed away at the Plummer Memorial Hospital late Thursday afternoon after a week's illness. Mr. Broughton, who had celebrated his 81st birthday last June, was born in Bradford, Ontario, and came to the Sault in 1900. He graduated in pharmacy from the University of Toronto in 1898. He worked in Montreal for a short time before coming to the Sault. His first business stand was a counter in a dry goods store, but with a short time he had purchased a business block and opened his own pharmacy. Broughton's Pharmacy has been in business in its present location, 482 Queen East, since 1901, and is the oldest established Sault business still going under the same name. A faithful member of Central United Church, Mr. Broughton joined 57 years ago when he first came to this city. He had been an elder of the church for many years. The late Mr. Broughton was always active in sports. During his younger days he played lacrosse at Bradford. After coming here he played tennis, winning the city championship many times. When he was 50 years old he defeated his son Alan for the city tennis championship. This was his last game of tennis. He then turned to golf and enjoyed that game until a year ago. Mr. Broughton was also an ardent curler, and has held practically every trophy in the Sault Curling Club.A prominent Mason, Mr. Broughton was a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge of Ontario, a Past Master of Keystone Lodge AF and AM, and was the Canadian representative to the Grand Lodge of Kansas. For many years he was president of the St. Mary's River Boat Club, chairman of the Parks Board, and a member of the Ontario Pharmaceutical Council. Mr. Broughton is survived by his wife, the former Mary Elizabeth Young; one son, Alan Y. Broughton; two granddaughters, Beverley and Barbara Broughton, all of this city; and a twin sister, Miss Ellen Broughton of Newmarket. He was predeceased by one brother, Robert, a druggist in Newmarket., and two sisters, Misses Vida and Jane Broughton. Funeral services will be conducted from Langstaff's Funeral Chapel at two o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. E. L. Bishop and Rev. J. W. Dudgeon in charge. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.