4.7.5.5. Mary Alma Colwill (1933-2022)

Mary Alma Colwill (1933 ~ 2022)

4.7.5.5. Fifth child of Leila M. Montgomery and John Colwill, Mary Alma Colwill, was born June 2, 1933, in Vasey, Tay Twp., Simcoe Co., Ontario.

She married Leslie Arnold Ironside, son of Bismark Shewman Ironside and Florence Sophia Wilson, on June 28, 1952, in Vasey, Tay Twp., Simcoe Co., Ontario and had three children:

(4.7.5.5.1) Heather Lynn (1954 ~ 1954)
(4.7.5.5.2) David Leslie (1959 ~ )
(4.7.5.5.3) Dale Bradley (1972 ~ )

M. Alma Colwill Ironside died January 18, 2022, aged 88 years, and L. Arnold Ironside died July 6, 2000, aged 69 years in Penetanguishene, Ontario.

----- MARRIAGE -----

Colwill—Ironside

Mary Alma Colwill, daughter of John Colwill and the late Mrs. Colwill, Vasey, and Arnold Ironside, son of Mr. and Mrs. B. Ironside, Midland, were married in Vasey United Church, June 28, 1952. Midland Free Press, July 12, 1952.

----- OBITUARIES -----

M. Alma Colwill Ironside

Passed on peacefully at the age of 88 joining her husband (Arnold), daughter (Heather), siblings (Viola, Archer, and Margaret). Born in Vasey, Ontario, Alma went on to work in Midland at CIBC while raising her sons (Dave and Dale). She warmly welcomed new additions to her family, daughters-in-law (Monica and Haley), grandchildren (Skylar, Kashka, and Kayla), great-granddaughter (Luna). Her family and friends remember her for her love of cards, Scrabble, time at the cottage, music, and the Blue Jays. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to the staff at the Villa Care Centre for the care and compassion they demonstrated while Alma lived there. Due to the current COVID19 situation, the family will hold a private service at a later date. She will be interred in the Vasey Cemetery along with her husband, daughter, brother, and sisters. If loved ones are inclined to express their condolences, we believe Alma would appreciate donations to support the hospice work of Tomkins House in Penetanguishene. We were told by her care team that she spent her last days singing; Mom/Grandma, you will always be singing in our hearts.
In her own words, "That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Simcoe County News, Jan. 24, 2022.

L. Arnold Ironside

September 4, 1930 ~ July 6, 2000

Funeral services were held July 8, 2000 for Leslie Arnold Ironside who died suddenly and peacefully in his sleep at his Penetanguishene, Ontario residence in his 70th year, on July 6, 2000.

Arnold was born in Midland, the second son of Bismark and Florence Ironside. He received his education in Midland and later earned a Class “A” Mechanics Licence from Provincial Institute of Trades and also held an Industrial Machinist’s certificate. He worked in Toronto until moving back to Midland in 1963 operating his own garage for several years. Later he worked for Bourgeios Motors, RCA and Mitisbushi until his heart attack in 1985. In the fall of that year he, his wife Alma & son Dale moved to Cochrane, Ont. and in 1988 they moved “South” to Kirkland Lake Ont. (Alma being moved with her position with CIBC). In 1994 Alma retired and the family moved home to the cottage on the Severn River.

Arnold was an active supporter of Minor Hockey and Minor Lacross for many years. He was a member of St Paul’s United Church in Midland and served on the Property at St. Pauls in Midland & Cochrane also Trinity United in Kirkland Lake. Arnold was a member of the Lion’s Club in Cochrane Ont., and Midland Jaycees in the 1960s. Arnold had a great love of music starting at a young age with the Midland Boy’s Band under the direction of Arthur Lally. In Kirkland Lake he played Trumpet in the Bass Band and the Swing Band and was always looking for a jam session. He was a faithful and devoted husband to Alma for 48 years, a loyal father to David & Dale, daughter-in-law Monica, loving grandfather of Kashka, Kayla and Skylar.

Arnold is further survived by sisters Isabel Leroux, Mary, Mrs. Norm Baldwin and by brothers Stan and spouse Rachel, Ralph and his wife Lorraine. Sister-in-law of Anne Ironside of Richmond Hill, and Connie Ironside of Midland. He was predeceased by brothers Glen, Allan & Norman and infant daughter Heather Lynn.

Funeral services were held from Nichols Funeral Home in Midland with Rev Cliff Pendelbury officiating. His sons David & Dale gave Eulogies and his granddaughters Kashka & Kayla accompanied by Debbie Grise gave him a resounding send off singing “Lord of the Dance” and David led on his guitar as we sang “When the Saints come Marching In”. The Penetang Unit of the UCW provided a beautiful lunch at the home of David & Monica. Cremation followed later with a memorial at Vasey Cemetery.

Honoury Pallbearers were: Charles Cascagnette, Bruce Dunn, James Ironside, Douglas Ironside, Thomas Walker and Larry Maxwell. Midland Free Press, Aug. 4, 2000.