It is with deep regret, that we report the members of our Rotary family. Our Rotary Clubs and club members in District 7070 know that they will be sorely missed, but their lives and memories will last forever.......
George Heintzman - Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton
GEORGE CROSSLEY HEINTZMAN - May 14, 1939- January 3, 2019 - 'Ask good questions' and 'build good memories.' These are the mantras that George Crossley Heintzman lived by. On the morning of Thursday, January 3, 2019, George, son of the late Mary and George, passed away at the age of 79 after a valiant 14-year battle with cancer. He was a wonderfully quirky husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and his spirited curiosity, compassion and creativity will live on in his wife, Mary Claire; his children, Douglas, Patricia, and Susan; and grandchildren, Marissa, Aidan, Olivia, and Oliver. He will be dearly missed by his brothers, Tom and Ralph and their families. His generous heart touched many lives, in particular Efe, whom he mentored for more than 20 years and considered a daughter. He also had a special place in his heart for the many dogs that were part of his life. George attended Upper Canada and Neuchatel Colleges, graduated from the University of Toronto in electrical engineering, and spent most of career at IBM. Upon retirement he dedicated himself to helping companies in Armenia and Russia through his work with the Canadian Executive Service Organization. George was a dazzling skier and unicyclist, an avid woodworker, an enthusiastic outdoorsman and a passionate world traveler. He was happiest at the cottage in Georgian Bay with his family or on a dog walk chatting with anyone who would listen. He was dedicated to serving community as an active member and former chapter president of the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton. He will be profoundly missed but his impact on so many lives will be felt for generations. A celebration of life was held at Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Rd. on Thursday, January 10. The service was hels at 11 a.m. A reception and light lunch followed the service at Vaughan Estates, 80 Armistice Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory would be gratefully appreciated by the family to two of George's favourite charities: Georgian Bay Forever and the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton Charitable Foundation.
Ken Page - Rotary Club of Pickering
It is with the deepest condolences that we share news on our dear friend, supporter and past member Ken Page who passed away on Saturday.
Ken and his wife Jeanne offered their home for many Rotary events over the years. They were also dedicated supporters of our annual Music Festival. Ken was a proud Pickering Rotarian and knew the true meaning of service above self.
His devoted family have asked us to create a memorial donation location in his name. The donations will be made to the Rotary global fund for polio eradication. Please follow the below link to make a donation in honour of Ken.
KENNETH EDWARD PAGE - May 8, 1931 - January 12, 2019
After a life well lived, Ken passed away peacefully in one of his favourite places - Unionville, Ontario. Ken, beloved husband of Jeanne (Moir), the love of his life for over 64 years. Adoring father to Leanne, loving and proud father-in-law of George Lewis, and adoring grandfather to Elliott and Julia (Christopher). Beloved son of the late Alice and Neville Page. Loving oldest brother of the four Page boys: Gord (Kathy), Gary (Rotraud), and Ross (Colleen). Proud Uncle Kenny to his nieces and nephews. A friend to many, Ken's legacy will live on in the many lives he touched throughout his active life.
Born during the Great Depression, Ken always exceeded expectations. As a young child he was struck down by polio, but went on to thrive. He left high school early to join his father's plastering business, N. Page and Sons. As times changed and drywall increasingly replaced plaster, Ken entered the teaching profession in the late 60s. He juggled teaching full time while taking university courses, earning his B.A. at York University in just four years. Ken taught trowel trades, first at Sir Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, then at Sir Wilfred Laurier Collegiate Institute. Inspired by his students Ken was ahead of his time, introducing integrated learning techniques into his classroom. As a trades teacher many of his students were practical rather than academic students. To keep his students engaged in school and to broaden their learning Ken designed complex construction projects that his students built in his large, two-story classroom shop. His final and largest project had a "walk through history" theme. Within his shop, students reconstructed a WW1 trench, built a Tudor-style English pub, created a night-time forest with a waterfall traversed by a railroad trestle (for which Pierre Burton drove the last spike), built a ¾ scale model of the first log school house in Scarborough (which local grade 3 classes took turns studying in over six weeks), and recreated a section of Pompeii. The project took two years to complete. Many of his at-risk students stayed in school to see the project through to completion and they learned a variety of construction techniques while also learning something about history, art, math, and other subjects. His students enjoyed the project work so much they would regularly phone "Mr. Page" on Saturday mornings and over holidays asking if he would open the shop so they could come in and work on the project. Of course, he always did with enthusiasm. His projects and innovative teaching methods led to Ken's growing reputation at the Scarborough Board of Education.
Eventually Ken was asked to develop one of the first high school cooperative education programs in Canada. He undertook the challenge with his usual creative gusto, first in a volunteer capacity over a summer, then in a full time role. Ken acquired the nickname "Captain Co-op" as the Scarborough co-op program grew exponentially and he received invitations from across the country and around the world to advise other boards as they developed now ubiquitous co-op programs.
In addition to teaching, Ken was an active community volunteer. He served as President of the Unionville Skating Club where he also built carnival props for the annual ice show, enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow volunteers and developing deep friendships. Ken also helped lead the fund-raising committee that raised the money needed to replace the old Crosby Memorial Community Centre Arena. Ken was also active over the years in many other charities, including the Unionville Progress Club, the Unionville Home Society Board, and more recently, Pickering Rotary.
All in all, a life well lived. Jeanne, Leanne, and George extend heartfelt thanks to friends, family, and neighbours for your visits, support, and prayers as Ken's health declined. Your thoughtfulness has meant more than you know. We also thank Osmond for his compassionate, professional, and dedicated caregiving.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to McEachnie Funeral Home, Ajax, Ontario. Funeral Service was Sunday, January 20, 2019 at St. George's Anglican Church, 77 Randall Dr., Ajax, Ontario. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, should you wish, you might consider a donation in Ken's memory to: Rotary International's Polio Eradication Initiative via the Rotary Club of Pickering electronically on their web page (www.pickeringrotary.ca and look for the Ken Page Memorial Donation under the "Payments" tab), or by cheque (PO Box 7, Pickering, Ontario L1V 2R2). HOPE – Helping Other Parents Everywhere via e-transfer to etransfer@hope4parents.ca, by cheque (1740 Kingston Rd. P.O. Box 64, Pickering, Ontario L1V 2R2), or via the HOPE website (www.hope4parents.ca) to access the "Donate" tab. Please specify that your donation is in memory of Ken. Online condolences may be placed at www.mceachniefuneral.ca
Jim Van Kregten - Rotary Club of Wellington
Jim Van Kregten died in the early hours of January 9, 2019 in Ottawa. Jim was born on December 11, 1937 in Windsor. After a fortuitous meeting at a bowling alley, Jim married Pat on September 30, 1961 Jim enjoyed a 37-year career with Chrysler Canada, helping to develop and roll out innovative just-in-time delivery systems, among other achievements. Jim & Pat retired to—and fell in love with—Prince Edward County. Jim was a member of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, Treasurer and a two-time Paul Harris Fellow. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Jim & Pat moved to Ottawa in 2011 to be closer to their children. To see the full obituary, go to the Picton Gazette website or last week’s paper Your editor was fortunate to join Wellington Rotary while Jim was still a member. Rest in peace Jim.
James (Jim) Van Kregten died in the early hours of January 9, 2019 in Ottawa. Jim was born on December 11, 1937 in Windsor, Ontario to Henrich (Henry) and Charlotte (née Miller) Van Kregten. He was the oldest of 5 children, acting as a strong big brother to the late Robert, Patricia (the late Leo McNamara), Jantine (Gerry Strong), and Mary Ann (Donald Van Laere). After a fortuitous meeting at a bowling alley, Jim married Patricia (Pat) Forshaw on September 30, 1961 and became brother-in-law to Florence (the late Larry Johnson). Jim and Pat were blessed with two children: the late Jimmy and Jantine (Chris “Jerry” St. Jacques). Jim enjoyed a 37-year career with Chrysler Canada, helping to develop and roll out innovative just-in-time delivery systems, among other achievements. After finishing his career in Brampton, he and Pat retired to—and fell in love with—Prince Edward County. Jim was a member of the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, and a two-time Paul Harris Fellow. His keen interest in history led him and Pat to volunteer at the Picton Archives and compile a history of businesses in Wellington which now resides at the Wellington Library. They were both fixtures at many fundraising events through the years. An avid reader—science fiction and history were favourites but his tastes were wide-ranging—he was rarely seen without a book on the go. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Jim moved with Pat to Ottawa in 2011 to be nearer to Jantine and Jerry. As residents of the Westwood and Stirling Park retirement homes, they made many new friends. The care he received was compassionate and professional throughout. Despite his disease, Jim’s strength of character, decency, and innate goodness shone through even as his faculties declined. His mischievous sense of humour poked through at the strangest times and was always welcome. His loving ways will be sorely missed and always cherished. Those wishing to make a donation in Jim’s memory might consider the Rotary Club of Wellington (https://www.wellingtonrotary.ca) or the charity of their choice. Condolences, tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com