In Memory of Bill Beggs

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August 21, 1936 – March 20, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we tell you that Bill Beggs passed away at home in Sturgeon Point on March 20, 2025, in his 89th year, after an 8-month battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland to William and Ellen (Nellie) (nee McAllister) Beggs. He was a loving husband to the late Marlyn (nee Watson) (2008), and cherished partner of Belinda Wilson for the past 11 years. He leaves behind his son Rodney of Port McNicoll, daughter Susan Walker of Lindsay, grandchildren Mathew, Patrick, Amber and Emma and great-granddaughter Judith. He is dearly missed by his daughter-in-law Maddy (Port McNicoll), and by his best mate Alan Proctor (Barnsley, England). Bill is survived and mourned by his brother Roy (Toronto) and sister Joan (Preston, England), as well as nieces and nephews and their families.

Bill came to Canada in 1957, having completed his apprenticeship as a painter-decorator, and settled in Toronto where he plied his trade – he was proud of the fact that he was never out of work, always willing to take on a new challenge. He and Marlyn were married in 1965, and they moved to Sturgeon Point in the early ‘70’s. Eventually he became “The Village Painter” and continued to work right up until he became ill in 2024.

He enjoyed golf, tennis, curling and fishing. A proud member of the Fenelon Falls Legion, Billy loved playing darts, shuffleboard, snooker and horseshoes, and he was a dedicated volunteer at the Branch for over 20 years. He and Belinda loved going to the casinos, where the luck of the Irish served him better than most.

He was known and adored as Wee Willie the Leprechaun, taking great pride in entertaining folks at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Legion and elsewhere for many years,

Billy was a people person, and he loved his friends – spending time at the Branch, having a pint of Guinness and swapping stories, shooting a game of snooker and enjoying the company of those around him.

Belinda would like to thank Dr. Sam Babak and the amazing staff at Markham-Stouffville Hospital for their care and compassion over the last 8 months. Thanks also to Ontario Health-At-Home for the wonderful support system which enabled Billy to remain at home until the end. We couldn’t have done it without good friends Tim O’Donnell and Sandy Quirion, and the Boksman clan – Jeff, Kim and Jack – the best neighbours in the world.

Friends and family are invited to the Fenelon Falls Legion on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 1:00 PM. Legion comrades are asked to assemble at 1:15 for a Maple Leaf Service. A Celebration of Life will be conducted by Caroline Fenelius-Carpenter immediately afterwards, followed by a time of music, reminiscing and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, Billy requested that donations be made to the Fenelon Falls Legion.  Donations may be made by cheque by contacting the Fenelon Falls Legion or Jardine Funeral Home, 705-887-3130.

https://www.jardinefuneralhome.com/memorials/william-beggs/5574211

Ice Storm Clean Up – Let’s Pitch In Together

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As you know, the storm has left a significant mark on the Point, with downed branches, debris, and other damage.

SPA is working with the City of Kawartha Lakes to coordinate clean-up efforts. In the meantime, we’re organizing a Volunteer Clean-Up Weekend on April 12 & 13 to help get the Point back in shape.

Whether you can lend a hand hauling brush, help run a chipper, or provide snacks and encouragement, your support will make a real difference. We’re also looking to identify anyone in the community who might need a hand – whether it’s with physical clean-up or just someone to check in.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey linked here. It will help us organize volunteers, match needs with support, and keep everyone informed as plans are finalized.

Thank you for your resilience, your neighbourliness, and your spirit!

SPA

In Memory of Elizabeth Barrett

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On Friday, December 20th, 2024 Reta Elizabeth Barrett (nee Campbell) sadly passed away as a result of a sudden stroke. Elizabeth is survived by her husband Flavelle (Bob), and three children Kate Glover (nee Barrett) (Rob) of Englehart, ON, Geoff (Susan) of Chelsea, QC and Andrew (Jennifer) of Dewdney BC, and her ten grandchildren Rowan, North, Mattias, Quinn, Fisher, Nevaeh, Sasha, Lydia, Asher and Joshua.

Elizabeth was born to Reginald and Eva Campbell (nee Elliott) on November 23, 1942, in Sudbury, Ontario. She shared her birthday with her twin sister Mary Anderson (pre-deceased) whom she adored along with her younger brothers, John and David, and her adopted but beloved “Sippin’ Sistas”.

Elizabeth attended Queen’s University, graduating with a BA in Biology. Here she also met and married Flavelle on June 18th, 1966. Later in her life, Elizabeth returned to school at age 50 where she attended York University’s Fine Arts program and graduated Summa Cum Laude, further honing her wonderful painting and sculpting skills that brought her much appreciated personal pride as well as wide praise and enjoyment from those who loved her art. Elizabeth recognized beauty in all that she saw and everyone she met and was so skilled in translating that beauty into her art.

Elizabeth and her family spent years in southern Ontario living in Toronto, Cambridge, and King City while summer cottaging and eventually retiring to Sturgeon Point. Another important ‘home’ for Elizabeth was her Church family, particularly Fenelon Falls United Church, and in the summer, Sturgeon Point Union Church in the Kawarthas. Elizabeth served as a Board Member at Fenelon United Church and seasonally decorated the halls and entrances in more recent years. This community also introduced Elizabeth to the incredible work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and led to her joining the Fenelon Falls organization. For those wishing to make a donation in Elizabeth’s name, you can do so at the following link: grandmotherscampaign.org

Flavelle, Katie, Geoff, Andrew and family have incredible gratitude for the spectacular love, kindness and selfless generosity Elizabeth has given to all of our lives. It was clear to everyone how, more than anything, she adored her family first and foremost in her life.

Elizabeth’s family wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Lindsay’s Ross Memorial Hospital, particularly the team at the Palliative Care unit. Funeral arrangements have tentatively been set for Saturday April 26 at Fenelon Falls United Church, where all can gather to celebrate this testament to a much appreciated person and a spectacular life loved and well lived. To leave an on-line condolence, make a donation by cheque or share a story or photo please visit: www.jardinefuneralhome.com or call 705-887-3130

2024 Halloween Success!

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Halloween collage of pictures

Another fun Halloween at Sturgeon Point! We hope everyone enjoyed the activities at the Park and heading out to trick-or-treat!

It was spook-tackular to see so many many houses on the map handing out treats.

A bit thank you to the organizers and volunteers – Darlene & Greg Young, Judy Lightbound, Annabelle Murray & Ian, Judy & Tim Foster, Susan Benson and Jacqui Mutch-Potporski.