In honor of those men that we have loved and lost, we dedicate this site to their lasting memory.
MIDDLETON, DONALD WESTMAN Only son of the late Earl and Wilda (nee Westman) Middleton. Born in 1928, at the township of London. Died August 2, 2021. Survived by his husband Filomeno Jose (married October 25, 2020) and predeceased by his partner of 62 years, Clayton Wilson. Filomeno was Don’s constant support for more than 40 years. Don was born on a farm and worked in the family grocery store in London, was educated at St. Mary’s Collegiate, and raised in the United Church. He served as a Middlesex County Representative and Provincial President of Junior Farmers before accepting a position as a Secretary Fieldman of the local Federation of Agriculture. Don then joined the staff of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Director of Properties in 1960, appointed as a Member of the Land Compensation Board in 1970 and then cross-appointed to the Ontario Municipal Board in 1980. Don also served in Compensation and Conservation for two Government Committees and helped create the Land Compensation Board. When Don expressed his concern with his sexuality to the Chaplain at the Ontario Agricultural College, he received the advice “Get on with your life!” which is exactly what Don did. During his life, Don supported more than 100 Developing World children, served on the Foster Parents Plan Board, as well as on the Boards of Canadian Alternative Investment and the 519. He was an active and beloved member of Trinity St. Paul’s United Church and the United Church in Granton. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and, in particular, to Filomeno Jose, his tireless and loving caretaker. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity St. Paul’s United Church, 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, on Wednesday, August 11th at 11:00 a.m. Services and burial to be held through Haskett Funeral Homes in Lucan, Ontario. See their website, www.haskettfh.com, for further information. Interment in Birr United Cemetery In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Charitable donations from the estate will be made through the United Church Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com
Personal Thoughts
Don was very active in our club, he ran for president once and was a member-at-large on the last board. His opinion was liberally spread around! He was a great recruiter, anyone who came to cards had to join the club. What a membership drive as cards is a big part of our activities. Don and Clayton were generous to a fault helping out anyone who needed it. We loved Don’s crazy “drag” outfits and he gloried in the admiration. He was funny and witty, there is a difference. He was a raconteur extraordinaire and I’m still not sure if all the details were fact! Clayton would roll his eyes. They were both very lucky to have Meno in their lives, He was very important to both men and his loving care at each of their ends is awe inspiring. Thank you, Meno.
Steve Sterritt
PTT President and friend
Bill Patterson (Past President), December 25, 1950 – May12, 2021
Bill was president of the club and Naughty Santa at our Christmas Banquet one year! Bill worked hard for the success of the club.
Bill loved travelling with his friends, one memorable trip being a private boat charter in the Caribbean in 1992. He also travelled while competing in bowling tournaments in Canada, the US and in Europe, even winning a gold medal with his team in the International World Gay Games in Germany. Bill appreciated the arts, everything from literature to movies to live theatre in Toronto and Stratford. Upon retirement Bill did volunteer work for the Red Cross, Community Kitchens, and the Canadian Cancer Society driving those in need to appointments.
Bill loved socializing with his many friends whether travelling, bowling, playing Bridge or Euchre. A good friend to many in his community, he belonged to a group called Prime Timers meeting monthly for social events. Every summer for over forty years Bill would organize an annual picnic at Toronto Island for his many friends. Bill’s biggest gift to those who knew him was his friendship and kindness. His final birthday as he turned 70 years was spent Christmas Day with close friends Bill and Stephen. Close friend Margo reflected, “It was an honour to be Bill’s friend. He was generous and kind and we will all miss him dearly”.
In recent years Bill spent much of his time with dear friend Rick Ryckman. They enjoyed daily bicycle rides, hikes through parks and wildlife areas and travel when allowed.
Bill is survived by siblings Ron (Carlene), Susan Gilbert (Neil) and Rick (Carolyn Holyoke) along with 6 nieces and nephews: Brent Patterson, Stephanie Oldfield, Christine Gilbert-Estabrooks, Peter Gilbert, David Gilbert, Ted Patterson. In addition, he leaves behind many cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents and grandparents Richard and Mary Jane (McFarlane) Patterson and Daniel and Margaret (McKay) Keith.
RALPH ARNOLD BRISTOL, February 19, 1945 – March 21, 2021.
Dear son of Raymond and Catherine Bristol (nee Meade). Beloved brother of Elizabeth, Robert (Doris), Dick (Caroll), Ray (Sharon), Gary (Susan), Linda (Joe). Ralph will be sadly missed by his longtime partner of over 50 years, Gary.
Rooster R.I.P.
STEVE ELWOOD “PETE” MINNIE, July 14, 1967 – March 7, 2021
Beloved son of the late Jim Minnie and Beverly Beebee. Survived by his daughters Andrea and Nicole, sisters Cathy Manlow (Rob), Carrie Skilton (George), nephew Wesley and nieces Lindsay and Hannah.
Pete had a passion for the theater arts and shared that through his involvement with the Bloor West Village Players. He will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends.
Steve passed away after a lengthy illness at Scarborough General Hospital.
JOHN DONAT, January 16, 1939 – June 4, 2020 (Obituary) Published on June 15, 2020
John was life partner to the late Robert Wayne Thomson. He was predeceased by his father Andrew Donat and his mother Catherine Donat (nee Holt). John will be sadly missed by Barbara Bodnar, Vic and Sharron Bodnar and their children Kaylaa and Jared and grandchildren Dillan, Rhianen, Callie and Brooklynn. Also fondly remembered by the Thomson family of Sask and many friends in Toronto. John was a very talented needle pointer and many family and friends will long treasure pieces of his excellent work. At John’s request there will be no service. Ashes to be scattered with Wayne’s at a later date in Hawaii. Thanks to all the wonderful staff at Casey House for the excellent care of John as he bravely dealt with Pancreatic Cancer. Donations to Casey House in John’s memory would be appreciated. Condolences may be left as he bravely dealt with Pancreatic Cancer. Donations to Casey House in John’s memory would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at https://www.aftercare.org.
LYLE LLEWELLYN KERSEY, February 25, 1935 – January 30, 2020 (Obituary) Published on March 14, 2020
NEIL GIBSON (Obituary)
It is with great sadness that we announce that on Friday May 3rd, 2019 Neil Gilson (83) passed away. Neil was an early active member of PTT and you might remember him from the front table at the monthly socials when he looked after membership. He as active at lunches, coffees and dinners. Neil organized or helped organize theatre trips. Many know him from the card groups.
CLAYTON THOMAS WILSON 1934-2019 (Obituary)
Wilson-Clayton Thomas eldest son of the late Thomas and Ruby (Smith) Wilson of London, Ontario. Born February 28,1934 in London, Ontario. Retired from Robert Simpson Co. and Henry Birks & Son at the age of 70. Life partner of Donald Middleton since 1956 and Special Friend Filomeno Jose. The celebration of life was held at Trinity St. Paul United Church, 427 Bloor St West on May 13, 2019. Friends were received before the service and at the reception after the service at the church hall.
There was a celebration of life on 14 May in the Funeral Home followed by a reception for friends. Internment followed the reception at the Birr Cemetery in the Middleton family plot.
“Clayton was a generous supporter of charities and in particular his Church and he enjoyed his volunteer work at Meals-On-Wheels.” Dan and Meno
“On a personal note, it was always great to see Clayton Because he always made it seem he was really pleased to see you.” Steve Sterritt