Dear Mike and Bill: You will not, I imagine, remember me but my family lived a few doors down from your family along Sandra Crescent. My family immigrated to Canada in the late 60's and your parents were very friendly and welcoming to us. I wish I had been able to say thank you to them personally. Your mother made just about the best toffee apples I have ever tasted. And I loved visiting her on slow play days when my pals were busy at school and I was kicking around the neighbourhood as a little kid waiting for 3:30. She made one feel really special especially in her kitchen and especially at Halloween. As a small boy I counted on your Mum for a kind word and a friendly wave just about every day either to or from school. She also seemed to have a sizable store of tennis balls to help when those of us addicted to road hockey ran low on supply. She also must have had enormous patience in the winter as I am fairly certain we must have made a racket from dawn to dusk perfecting our slapshots on Otter Creek near the bend between 1972-1979. I remember your Dad donning ancient hockey skates and using some prehistoric zamboni to flood the ice with Mr. Macdonald. Those memories, of grown men, taking the time to make kids' fun more fun are incredibly important to me. We are all better people for knowing your Mum and Dad. On behalf of the Burke Family, please accept very real and very heartfelt good wishes. Simon M. Burke

Mike and Bill Miletic I wish to express my deepest sympathy to both of your families on the passing of your mother. Your father's recent passing of a few years ago was also very shocking to Wallaceburg residents who were the generation familiar with him as a WDSS teacher of many years. Bill, your familiar smile was very much a reflection of your father's. Mike, I have very early memories of your mother cheering me on as a little league pitcher with you as our team's catcher many years ago (at least 40) at King George Park. She never knew me personally as I aged, however, on any occasion which I saw her speaking with others in the community, she was always very outgoing and friendly. Both of your parents--and your entire family--were part of the everyday activity of Wallaceburg for many years. The town has lost hundreds, if not thousands, of former long-term resident families who have had to leave their home area for both career purposes, as well as more favourable retirement living. Your family was one which was a positve factor for many current and former Wallaceburg people, and made Wallaceburg a finer town to grow and work within overall. Bill, I am certain you have not forgotten the summer of 1977 when we worked for the Town on the Works crew. Quite an interesting summer indeed. We may be better served forgetting most of what occurred however. Mike, I recall the 3 years our peer group endured the halls of W.T. Laing, as well as the WDSS years. It felt as though it were an eternity. Our perception of time certainly changes dramatically as we ourselves age too quickly. I am also quite certain we will be reunited with our departed family members when fulfillment of all things arrives. Once again, deepest sympathy in memory of your mother and father. Both fine people. Be well and prosper, and peace be with your families. Bob Ross, Point Edward, Ontario

Bill & Michael, I am sorry to hear about your mom. I will always remember her kind, gentle way. Take care, and all the best to the both of you now and in the future. May God Bless.

Mike,Bill and famlies Sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady. My thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely, Eileen

Dear Bill, Ursula, Ally and Zach ... I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. I wish I could have been there to help celebrate Mary's life with you yesterday, but only just learned of her passing from my father this morning. I realize that she's been sick, and know the great gift that you gave her in your personal care in your home for so long. Your parents arrival in Windsor was a testament to how much you meant to them, and I'm sure they both took comfort in your fellowship and love. I know how hard it is to lose your mom, especially so close to your dad's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you'll find comfort in family and friends, and a deep and abiding peace in Matt and Mary's continued presence in your lives. Keeping you all very close in thought ... Susan Southern-Braiden.