Two more elderly residents passed away last Thursday (Aug. 30). Sylvia Olsen left us while hospitalized at Emo Health Centre at the age of 91.
Funeral services for Mrs. Olsen were held Monday afternoon from Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastor Andrew Hall officiating.
She and her two sisters, Gertie MacMillan and Elaine Corrigan, had lived at Queen Street Manor and you would see them together most of their time. The three ladies loved attending worship service and as long as their health held up, they were at church and functions relating to church activities.
It was unfortunate health problems had developed the last three years which caused them to stay closer to the home fires. They spent a short time at Rainycrest while the local hospital was being remodelled and than shifted back to Emo hospital upon completion.
The sisters enjoyed life to the fullest. On several occasions I had wonderful conversations with them.
Meanwhile, Edwin French, 88, passed away last Thursday (Aug. 30) at his residence. He never complained on being sick and looked great at the annual Emo fall fair just last month. He loved looking after poultry–it was his specialty.
Even when he was the secretary of the Emo fair board under president Jim James, supervising the poultry section was always kept up and well categorized for judges.
Beside this, Edwin attended outside exhibitions, judging the class he loved best, and was symbolically selected as an expert judge.
At this year’s fair, we talked about the various structures of the fairs of today and the changes taking place that feel like they are pulling away from agricultural traditions.
Edwin’s funeral was held Tuesday, Sept , from Emo Knox United Church, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Cribbage winners at the Emo Legion last Wednesday (Aug. 29) were Darlyne Bruce and Gerry Allan (high), with consolations to Bill and Sis Woolsey.
Joan Buttazoni won the door prize.
The Legion reminds everyone the monthly cribbage and 500 games start up again this Saturday (Sept. 8). Call the Legion for more info.
David Viehbeck of Thunder Bay was an overnight guest last Wednesday with his grandmother, Veronica Viehbeck, and Aunt Gladys. David is attending Lakehead University, where he’s in his second year enrolled in Forestry.
This past summer, he was employed with the MNR working throughout the region.
Shirley Bell is still a school crossing guard at Highway 71/11 across from the Fairway Store.
“It’s been 20 years now,” she said. “I really like the children. You meet different ones every year and they are disciplined. We do have mild encounters but nothing to be alarmed about.
“As long as my health holds up, I will stick around,” she stressed.
Always a baseball fan, Art Bonot accompanied his daughter, Mrs. Denise Bliss of Fort Frances, to Winnipeg on Saturday to watch the Winnipeg Goldeyes play Schaumburg.
A regular fan of the Rainy River District Fastball League for a number of seasons, this year was different. Art could not make the games, relying instead on hearing the scores from people who had attended.
Last year, Art was inducted into the RRDFL Hall of Fame. He had coached and played fast-pitch for a number of years with the Emo Legion.
The Sunday morning worship service at the Christian Reformed Church sounded more like a fond farewell for the VanSmeerdyk family. Organist Marie-Ann DeGroot led the congregation in two hymns entitled, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” and “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.”
Pastor Gerald’s last service will be this Sunday (Sept. 9).
The congregation wishes the VanSmeerdyks all the best in their new venture at the CRC at Dunnville.
• • •
Sunday School at CRC will resume its activities this Sunday (Sept. 9) while Coffee Break gets underway for another year on Wednesday (Sept. 12). All ladies are welcome, and please remember to bring baking.
The Cadets and Calvinettes soon will be resuming their weekly meetings. Look for announcements.
Marvin and Barbara Viehbeck of Thunder Bay were among the dedicated faithful members of the Hymers Fall Fair held over the Labour Day weekend. It drew a large attendance from surrounding areas, including Thunder Bay.
This year, Marvin was honoured by the Hymers Fair with a plaque for his many years of service to the society. “The award will go to the individual having the best grown overall squash,” noted Marvin’s son, David.
Wheels to Meals will be starting up next Thursday (Sept. 13) at the Emo Legion. Prior to the lunch, carpet bowling will spring into action. See you there!
Geoff Pierce and children have moved to Emo from Sioux Lookout, where his wife, Kim, is a doctor. The move was made early to get the children settled into school at DYS.
Dr. Kim will be following in a month’s time to take up her duties at the Emo Health Centre Clinic.
Word was received here last weekend that Daryl Wells, former ag rep for the district, passed away Sunday morning in hospital at Sault Ste. Marie Hospital after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
The next Legion old-time dance is slated Saturday, Sept. 15 starting at 8 p.m.
