LIFE CELEBRATIONS & OBITUARIES

ACRES, Harold

To truly love is to truly lose. Suddenly and unexpectedly with his family by his side - November 23, 2022 - the family of Harold Gilbert Acres lost one very unique individual at Stratford General Hospital. A loving and dearly loved husband of Linda (Brintnell). Cherished and adored father to Jeffery (deceased July 27, 2022), Melissa and Ron Holt, Timothy Paul (deceased 1969), Adam and Kristi Acres, and Jennifer Boyce. Treasured grampa, poppy or pops of Andrew and Amanda Acres, Shawn Vidinha, Brandi Holt, Jesse Acres, Holly Vidinha, Angel Acres (deceased 1996), Zachary Acres, Brittany Boyce, Benjamin Acres, and Zane Logan. Harold had six great-grandchildren. Harold is remembered by his siblings Carol Doyle (deceased 2018), Richard and Donna Acres, Sharon (Harold) Jones, Violet Acres, and William Acres (deceased 1962). Predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Jean “Diane” Rea, and his parents, Grant and Marjorie Acres. Harold's first job was with Andy Anderson's greenhouses in London. After he and Diane were married and children arrived on the scene, he moved on. Harold started work at the P.U.C. in London on October 29, 1973 and retired with 30 years in 2003. During this time, he bought five different homes which he re-built and sold. The last home was on Wellington Street in St. Marys. It was at Tim Horton's in St. Marys that he met the girl he was looking for. They had been childhood sweethearts through public school in Motherwell. Linda Clarke was six and Harold was ten. Age plays a roll and each in turn married and had their families; both losing spouses. Harold and Linda were married on July 23, 2022 after being together for four years. On July 24, 2022 Harold's oldest son, Jeff, had a heart attack and was pronounced dead on July 27, 2022. It was a shocking blow for all of us. Being together was like he and Linda had never been apart those sixty some years. On November 23, just four months after getting married, Harold has taken a different trip and left both family and friends in shock. We can just imagine the party going on above with loved ones gone on before. Memories of this truly unique man will live on through many, many people. To know him was to like and love him. Keep the golden gates ajar a little, Harold, we'll see you again someday. Visitation will be held at the St. Marys United Church, 85 Church St. S., St. Marys, on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A farewell celebration of Harold's life will be held at the St. Marys United Church on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Marys Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or charity of your choice. Arrangements with the Andrew L. Hodges Funeral Home (519-2842820). Online condolences at www. hodgesfuneralhome.ca.

BECKNER, Kenneth

Kenneth Lawrence Beckner, age 74, of Stratford passed away peacefully at Greenwood Court on November 23, 2022. Born in Stratford, son of the late Lawrence and Eunice Beckner. Ken's family owned and operated Beckner's Esso on Huron Street for many years. Ken later worked at Midas. He was an avid fisherman. He is survived by his sister Judy Steinman (Orval), nephew Jeff Steinman (Crystal) and niece Amber Parkinson (Gerald) and three great nephews and one great niece along with friends Elizabeth Soepboer and Theresa Mcgaw. Cremation will take place with interment at Rushes Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held later and will be announced. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the House of Blessing through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

MAINLAND, Velma

Velma Jean Mainland, age 92, a resident of Woodingford Lodge, Woodstock and formerly of Stratford passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022. Born in Palmerston, daughter of the late Frederick and Marjorie (Cutting) Tomkins. Velma was predeceased by her husband William Leonard Mainland June 19, 1993. Loving mother of Frederick Mainland, Larry Mainland (Ruth), Rick Mainland (Alice), Barb Porter, Marlene Wivell, Susan Zanon (Peter). Lovingly remembered by many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. Also survived by sonin-law's Larry Walker, Paul Wivell, sisters-in-law Daisy and Verna Mainland and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by daughter Marjorie Walker, son-in-law Bill Porter and brothers Harold (Helen), Lloyd (Shirley), Howard (Jean) and sister Dorothy Mckay (Jack). Visitation will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford on Thursday, December 1, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment at Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or the KWSP Humane Society through W.G. Young Funeral Home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

NELLES, Ellen

Ellen (Sealey) Nelles passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at her home. Born on December 5, 1955 in Stratford, she was the daughter of the late Stan and Edna Sealey (Salter). Ellen is survived by her three brothers: Steve (Ruth), Bruce (Meredith), Peter (Leeann), as well as her six nieces and nephews: Shannon, Kirsten (Graeme), Adam (Deanna), Andrew, Jessica, Isabel, and very special friends Laurie Sealey and Carl Horrigan. Ellen was a lifelong resident of Stratford, working at CIBC, Clarica / Sunlife, and Sobeys, until her very recent retirement. She enjoyed many years of friendship with the `Silvermasters' and “Readyready' dragonboat teams. A private family gathering and committal in the family plot will take place at a later date. Donations in Ellen's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of one's choice, through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford, N5A 5T7, 519271-7411. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com

MAINLAND, Frederick

Frederick Charles Mainland, age 74, of Stratford passed away suddenly on November 24, 2022. Born in Stratford, son of the late Leonard and Velma Mainland. Mom reached her hand out to Fred and he took it. Loving brother of Larry Mainland (Ruth), Rick Mainland (Alice), Barb Porter, Marlene Wivell, Susan Zanon (Peter). Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Also survived by brothers-in-law Larry Walker, Paul Wivell, aunts Daisy and Verna Mainland and several cousins. Predeceased by his sister Marjorie Walker and brother-inlaw Bill Porter. Visitation will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford on Thursday, December 1, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment at Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or the Huron Perth Children's Aid Society through W.G. Young Funeral Home. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com