Memorials

WADE--In loving memory of my dear brother Brently who left us suddenly on November 9, 1999.
There is a bridge of memories
From here to heaven above
That keeps you very close to us
It's called a bridge of love
As time goes on without you
and days turn into years,
They hold a million memories
And a thousand silent tears.
To us you were very special
What more is there to say,
Except to wish with all our hearts,
That you were here today.
--Love Always, Chrissy XO2
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2001

WADE-In loving memory of our dear grandson Brent, November 9, 1999.
The month of November come with regret
It brings back a day we will never forget,
Today, tomorrow our whole lives through
We will always love and remember you.
--Lovingly remembered by Poppa and Gramma Elliott.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2001

WADE-In loving memory of Brent Wade, November 9, 1999.
From the tree of life,
Each leaf must fall....
The green, the gold, the great, the small......
Each one in God's time,
He'll call....
With perfect love,
He gathers all.
--Always remembered by Anna, Wayne, Mark, Cole, Kurtis, Drew and Wee Gramma.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2001

WADE--In loving memory of Brent Elliott a dear son and brother who left us suddenly on November 9, 1999
Two years have come and gone my son
My grieving is far from being done.
Sometimes a day seems like a second;
Sometimes a minute fells like a lifetime
Sometimes a lifetime isn't enough.
I am always groping for answers to why
And asking what is life about?
Without you Brent I fell like a ship without a rudder,
As I go into your bedroom and gaze out your window
I see you racing across the field on your snowmachine or dirt bike.
Somedays I dream that you are just away and will soon be coming home to stay.
For all of us who love you so, take time to reminisce and know; that every minute of every day is precious. You loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Your smile and your laughter will long be remembered now and hereafter.
I thank God everyday for the memories we shared, skiing and Search Mount, family time and Laura's, graduation and our trips with Chrissy to Mexico, boat trips with Uncle Wayne to McGregor Bay, the fun things you did with Uncle Larry at Maple Point, building the log cabin, bungee jumping, ski diving, I will not forget how you loved little "Cole" who calls you "Uncle Brently". Your love for family, friends and life was obvious by all the pictures you had organized in photo albums.
I would like to thank all Brent's friends and our friends for their continuing support by visits, letters and cards and for sharing memories of Brent's life on earth, this to me is a very precious gift.
--Until we meet again my son, now and forever.
Love Mom, Chrissy and Laura.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2001

BRENT WADE
November 9, 1999
Three years have come and gone my son.
Along with you so much of me died too.
We all take TIME for granted;
Never thinking our days together could be few.
Oh how the 22 years we shared on this earth just flew.
We will always remember your strengths,
Your lovingness, your sense of humor and your laughter.
We know not where the path of life will lead and how our life will change.
However one thing will never change and that is our love for you now and into the hereafter.
You are but a breath away and are riding every mile with us.
--Love forever Mom, Chrissy and Laura.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 9, 2002

WADE -- In loving memory of a dear brother "Brently" who passed away November 9, 1999.
This month comes back with deep regret
It brings back a day we will never forget.
He went away without saying good-bye
But our memories of him will never die.
No one knows the grief we bear
When the family meets and he's not there.
The tears we shed will wipe away.
But the ache in our hearts will always stay.
He left us so suddenly his thoughts unknown
But he left us with memories
We are proud to own.
--Sadly missed and always remembered by Chrissy.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 9, 2002

WADE --In loving memory of our dear grandson, Brent, November 9, 1999.
The month of November comes with regret.
It brings back a day we will never forget.
Today, tomorrow, our whole lives through
We will always love and remember you.
--Lovingly remembered by Poppa and Gramma Elliott.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 13, 2002

WADE --In loving memory of Brent. April 12, 1977 - November 9, 1999.
There is a bridge of memories
From here to heaven above,
That keeps you very close to us
It's called the bridge of love.
Sadly missed, remembered always by Anna and Uncle Wayne; Wee Gramma; Mark, April and Cole; Kurtis and Gloria; Drew.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 10, 2004

WADE --In loving memory of Brent.
Five years have come and gone my son.
My chosen journey I begun.
Tears like rivers they did run,
Now turned to quiet trickling streams
Which somehow give a sense of peace.
My life has changed from that day forward
The same person I am not.
The doors to joy have since been locked
The days they come and go.
The emptiness within my heart, daily do battle.
You were a gift from God I know,
Lent to me for just a little while.
You gave me joy, you gave me life
You gave me unconditional love.
Our life it was not easy.
Lessons we did learn, mistakes we made,
Tears we shared and family ties we strengthened.
The dreams you had although cut short are still within my heart.
Your zest for life, your laughter,
Will always be remembered here and thereafter.
As life goes on my many blessings do I count.
I thank you, God, for my children you did give.
And a thank you just for this very day.
Brent we love you so and miss you so.
Love into eternity, Chrissy, Laura and Mom.v Manitoulin Expositor, November 10, 2004

WADE --In loving memory of our dear grandson, Brent, who passed away November 9, 1999.
We think of you in silence
No eyes can see us weep
But still within our hearts
Your memory we keep.
Always remembered and sadly missed by Gramma and Poppa Elliott.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 17, 2004

WADE - In loving memory of Brent. April 12/77 to Nov 9/99.
There is a bridge of memories
From here to heaven above,
That keeps you very close to us
It's called the bridge of love.
Sadly missed, remembered always by Anna & Uncle Wayne, Wee Gramma, Mark, April & Cole, Kurtis & Gloria, Drew.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 9, 2005

WADE --Brent, April 12, 1977 - November 9, 1999.
It is hard to imagine that 6 years have come and gone my son.
6 years since our last hug, our last kiss goodbye; that Thanksgiving 1999.
The camp fire at Maple Point with stories told and memories made.
As years and time forges onward, our love for you Brent will never fade.
We wonder where would you be? What would you be doing now at the age of 28?
The heart felt pain I feel today, the emptiness, the void within my heart,
Will forever in my heart remain.
Through the grace and a new acceptance and appreciation of grief and love,
My life is striving to reach upward to a different and deeper domain.
To family and friends of all those who have lost: Do not be afraid to mention Brent's name or share the many memories made in fear you will cause us tears and pain.
Tears can be sorrow but tears can also be a sense of rejoicing in knowing that we all share in knowing his Spirit lives.
Caring, sharing, laughter and tears help lighten our journey of loss.
Your sisters and I struggle each day to cope in our different ways with our loss of you, each growing as we travel the journey of loss.
We hope Bullet and Chance are up there keeping you company.
Just know, Brent, there are no words that can express the deep unconditional love we have for you.
We love and miss you now, forever and far into Eternity.
Until we meet again my son.
Love Mom, Chrissy and Laura. xoxoxo
Manitoulin Expositor, November 9, 2005

WADE --In loving memory of our dear grandson Brent Wade.
To us you were so special
What more is there to say.
We wish and pray with all our hearts
That you were here today.
Lovingly remembered, Poppa and Gramma.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 9, 2005

WADE --In loving memory of my son Brent, killed November 9, 1999.
7 years have come and gone
The hands of time cannot turn back.
Time pushes forth, as we move on,
Desperately thing to put new meaning to life.
Our hearts severely severed, as if by a knife.
Emotional struggles we have endured.
Embraced by precious memories we are assured.
"Life in Love, and Love in Life, will Forever Be.
"For those of us who love you so,
We question why you had to go.
It seems like an eternity away.
Yet somehow it seems like yesterday,
Since I gave you your last kiss,
And said my last good bye, safe trip and Mom loves you.
Because of your workplace tragedy
You are on The Life Quilt, which travels across Canada,
Helping to promote Safety in the Workplace.
You are one of 100 young workers, killed or severely injured on the job.
Each quilt block tells a story.
Since your death, many new friends have I met.
I am now a member of "The Threads of Life.
"The Threads of Life, a National Organization, and The Life Quilt
Gave birth out of the death of young workers killed on the job.
Once a Vision, now they are a Reality.
We do not want any new members in this Community of Loss.
Accidents are preventable.
Together you and I speak in front of different groups and organizations
Talking about what it is like for your sisters and me to live with the loss of you, Brent.
The loss of our loved ones has a rippling affect,
Affecting all aspects of our life, affecting each of us in different ways
Depending upon the relationship we have with the loved one lost.
Grief causes each of us to respond and act in many different ways,
No one way more important or less important than the next.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Grief is to Pain as Love is to Loss.
The Threads of Life is a place where we listen,
We care and we share. It is the sharing of the memories of our loved ones
That helps us along our journey, to give some normalcy to grief.
No, I will never get over it as some people might suggest I do.
Brent, I will remember that you did exist and how important you are to us
And how thankful we are that God gave you to us.
One thread when alone is weak but when woven together it is strong.
Never be afraid to reach out and share with one another.
This message is not only in memory of my son Brent Wade,
Who I love and miss every day of my life,
But for all of us who have lost.
Time, life's thief, steals the day.
Tomorrow, will it come?
No promise of breath lies beyond our present breath.
Teach me to know Today.
Brent, we miss you more than words can ever say.
Forever in our hearts, Love always and always, Mom, Chrissy and Laura. xoxoxo.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 8, 2006

WADE --In memory of Brent Wade.
From Anna and Uncle Wayne, wee Gramma, Mark, April and Cole, Kurtis and Gloria, Drew
Manitoulin Expositor, November 8, 2006

WADE --In memory of our dear grandson Brent Wade.
To us you were so special
What more is there to say
We wish and pray with all our hearts
That you were here today.
Lovingly remembered by Poppa and Gramma.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 8, 2006

WADE--In memory of my son Brent Wade and for all those who have lost. November 9, 1999.
Eight years have come and gone, my son. You were taken so suddenly, so unexpectedly. We never had a chance to say our last goodbyes. As I sit here in our home and I look around at all God's beauty, the view of Sheguiandah Bay from our kitchen, the view of our field with the deer peacefully grazing, and all the beautiful trees that surround us, I feel blessed. I so appreciate what God has allowed in my life; most of all His precious gift, my children: Chrissy, Laura and Brent. I often question how I can have so many emotions at one time. Emotions that have dulled, no longer piercing as they once were; feelings of pain, emptiness, anger, envy, resentment, always conflicting with emotions of love, happiness and enjoyment of life like we once knew. In the back of my mind, always questioning the purpose of life and why. I have come to realize just how unimportant material things are; things we have achieved over our lifetime are meaningless without our loved ones near us to share in our lives. The Threads of Life, an organization that has evolved from people who have lost young adults as I did you Brent, to a workplace tragedy. This is a new family I have now joined. It is a safe place where we share our stories of those we have lost. No one tells us to get over it; you have other children, get on with your life. They accept you for where you are at. It is through their caring, understanding and support that has given me the courage to go forth and do public speaking to promote workplace safety for our youth. It is in your memory, Brent. By writing this today and my speaking I am validating your life on this earth. I do not want your death to be for nothing. My world will never be the same without you. But, I am grateful to have had you in our lives for 22 years. You gave us love and made a difference in our lives. Brent, you died eight years ago November 9th, but our love will never die. Love is our bond forever. As on the front of your shirt in this picture, love is forever, an "Eternity."
Forever in our hearts. Love always, Mom, Chrissy and Laura.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2007

WADE--In loving memory of Brent Wade.
Looking back with memories
Upon the path you trod,
We bless the hours we had with you,
And leave the rest with God.
Remembered always, Uncle Wayne & Anna
Manitoulin Expositor, November 7, 2007

WADE--In memory of our dear grandson Brent Wade.
To us you were so special
What more is there to say.
We wish and pray with all our hearts
That you were here today.
Lovingly remembered by Poppa and Gramma.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 12, 2008

WADE--In memory of my son Brent Wade who was killed on the job at the age of 22. Also in memory of all those parents who have lost a child, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh how the past nine years have flown.
I think of the self I was and no longer am,
And the different self that now has grown.
November 9, 1999, is when Brent's life ceased and this new life of mine began. In so many ways it seems like yesterday, the pain of losing him was so intense. With pain so unimaginable, my body had no means of self defense.
My heart ached, my stomach pained, thoughts of blackness, helplessness and hopelessness filled me.
Our family circle now broken, a life without him I could not see.
SURVIVE! I asked how can anyone survive when your child dies and is gone forever.
I felt broken and beaten like an uprooted tree.
Feelings of envy, anger, resentment and the question "WHY", always on my mind.
Our children are an extension of ourselves, so much a part of us, part of our dreams. They are the future.
Nine years later I now say, "YES", to taking the reins to reclaim my life and now feeling so very, very blessed.
How did I endure this never ending journey of grief; through the maze of emotions and the dark valleys so deep; to find this new meaning, new hope and see light?
The success of my journey has been dependent on many.
1) My daughters and I always there for one another through this rollercoaster ride.
2) My very special close friends, you know who you are. Uncle Wayne and Anna, Marg and Roy, Dan and Auntie Jen like family you are. You have all been there, never ceasing to understand and to care. You would listen in non judgemental ways to my stories as over and over I would share.
Sometimes family, because of their closeness to Brent and because each of us are unique with our own grief and possibly are afraid of causing pain and tears, cannot understand how important sharing memories, sharing stories, acknowledging him on special occasions, helps us as Brent's immediate family to travel this journey of grief to come to a point of healing.
It is not to get over it as some people say, it is to learn to cope and move on in a positive way.
3) The first couple of years the letters and calls from his friends sharing their stories, their memories of Brent, showed how they cared and how Brent had touched their lives. Never underestimate the healing power of your child's friends.
4) A big part of my journey to healing has come from my involvement with The Threads of Life, a national not for profit organization which came into existence 5 years ago. Our mission is to provide peer support for those who have suffered losses in the workplace and to increase awareness of safety within the workplace. I am a volunteer family guide in this organization.
We are available to make presentations to schools, to companies large or small. We share our story about how losing our child to a workplace tragedy, injury or occupational disease affects every aspect of our life.
By sharing my story not only does it validate Brent's life but if it makes even one person more conscientious of workplace safety and increases awareness of their responsibilities and rights as an employee and co-worker and one life is saved, then Brent's death has not been for nothing. We want to make a difference. One thread alone is weak, when woven together it is strong. I raise my glass in a toast to you Brent, of whom I love so dearly and miss so very much each day. I love you my son.
Love always into eternity Mom, Chrissy, and Laura. xoxo
Manitoulin Expositor, November 12, 2008

WADE--In loving memory of Brent Wade who was taken from us on November 9, 1999.
Nothing can ever take away,
The love a heart holds dear;
Fond memories linger every day,
Remembrance keeps him near.
Lovingly remembered by Uncle Wayne and Anna, Wee Gramma.
Manitoulin Expositor, November 12, 2008

WAGG -In loving memory of my dear sister Joan (McIvor) who passed away eleven years ago June 17, 1991.
As time unfolds another year,
Memories keep you ever near,
Silent thoughts of times together,
Hold memories that will last forever.
--Sadly missed by your sister, Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 12, 2002

WAGG (MCIVOR)-- In loving memory of my dear sister Joan who left us on June 17, 1991.
All glory shines through Heaven's Gate
Upon the one you love,
So may God be with you on this day
As I send to you my love.
Always remembered, always loved, Your sister Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 15, 2005

WAGG (McIVOR)--In loving memory of my dear sister Joan who passed away June 17, 1991.
Treasured thoughts of one so dear,
Often bring a silent tear
Thoughts return to scenes long past,
Years roll o n but memories last
--Always remembered, sadly missed by your sister Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 14, 2006

WAGG--In loving memory of my dear sister Joan, who passed away June 17, 1991.
A silent prayer is said today,
To remember you in a special way,
My heart may break with silent tears.
But it's with my heart I keep you near.
Sadly missed by sister, Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 13, 2007

WAGG--In loving memory of my dear sister Joan (McIvor) who passed away June 17, 1991.
All those we love are part of us
For things of beauty leave their trace
And memories of all we've shared
Are treasures time cannot erase.
Always remembered with love.
Your sister, Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 18, 2008

WAGG--In loving memory of my dear sister, Joan (McIvor) Wagg, who passed away June 17, 1991.
A silent prayer is said today
To remember you in a special way
My heart may break with silent tears
But it's with my heart I keep you near.
Always remembered by your sister Betty Hembruff.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 17, 2009

WALTON --In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Gladys, who passed away March 1, 2004.
You will always be missed and lovingly remembered for your love and devotion to your family.
You will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
Love, David, Miriam and Dawn; Brian and Betty; Sandra and Rene; Bonnie, Ward, Tanner and Kirby; Susan, Jeff, Joshua and Brittney; Jennifer.
Manitoulin Expositor, March 2, 2005

WARD --In loving memory of Rhea E. Ward, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who passed away April 24, 2004.
Within our hearts we always keep
A special place for you,
And try to do our best to live
As you would want us to.
As we loved you, so we miss you,
In our memory you are near;
Loved, remembered, longed for always
With the passing of each year.
Always loved and remembered, Rex, Ross, Susan and Justin, Elaine, Lisa, Shawn, Tanya and families.
Manitoulin Expositor, April 20, 2005

WASSEGIJIG--In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather Allan (Echo), who passed away January 7, 1999.
Beyond our smiles
There lies a tear,
For the one we lost
And loved so dear.
Our hearts still ache
For what it meant to lose him
No one will ever know.
There will always be a heartache
And many a silent tear,
But always the precious memories
Of the days when you were here.
We hold you close within our hearts
And there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives,
Until we meet again.
Sadly missed and always remembered by Lottie, Mark, Bruce, Jim, David, Kevin, Amy and grandchildren.
Manitoulin Expositor, January 7, 2009

WASSEGIJIG--In loving memory of Gus Wassegijig (Gish-te) who passed away July 17, 2007.
This month comes back with deep regret
It brings back a day we will never forget.
He went away without saying goodbye
But our memories of him will never die.
No one knows the grief we bear
When the family meets and he's not there.
The tears we shed will wipe away
But the ache in our hearts will always stay.
He left us so suddenly his thoughts unknown
But he left us with memories
We are proud to own.
Remembered and sadly missed by daughter Priscilla Wassegijig and grandchildren Anthony and Angela.
Manitoulin Expositor, July 16, 2008

WASSEGIJIG--In loving memory of Gus Wassegijig, July 17, 2007.
His helping hand was always first
To render any aid he could;
His voice was always raised in praise,
His words were wise and good.
Dear father since you've gone away,
The ones you loved so true,
Try hard to carry on the way
We know you'd want us to.
Lovingly remembered by your family.
Manitoulin Expositor, July 18, 2009

WASSEGIJIG--In loving memory of Grandma Sara, August 2, 2001, and Grandpa Gus, July 17, 2007.
What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world; someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped to show the way...
What do you say to someone who stood by to help you grow, providing love, strength, and support so you could become the person you are today?
What can you say to let them know that they're the best there is and that you hope you've inherited some of their wisdom and strength?
What words would you say if you ever got the chance? Maybe you just say "We love you, Grandma and Grandpa" and hope they understand.
Forever in our hearts, love your grandchildren.
Manitoulin Expositor, July 18, 2009

WASSEGIJIG --In memory of a dear wife, Sarah, who passed away August 2, 2001.
Though her smile is gone forever,
And her hand I cannot touch.
Still I have so many memories,
Of the one I loved so much.
Her memory is my keepsake,
With which I will never part,
God has her in his keeping,
I have her in my heart.
--Lovingly remembered by husband Augustine Wassegijig
Manitoulin Expositor, July 31, 2002

WASSEGIJIG --In loving memory of our Grandma, Sarah, who left us August 2, 2001.
What I would give if I could say
"Hello Grandma" in the same old way.
To hear your voice & see your smile,
Or just to sit and chat a while.
I was not there to say goodbye,
Perhaps it was just as well,
Because I lost a piece of my heart
the night you fell.
To my loving Grandma, I loved so much,
I'll never forget your gentle touch
I mourn for you in silence.
No eyes could see me weep,
But only a silent tear is shed,
While others are fast asleep.
--Sadly remembered by, Sheana, Courtnay, Jamie, Dustin and Brendon
Manitoulin Expositor, July 31, 2002

WASSEGIJIG --In loving memory of a dear mother, Sarah, who passed away August 2, 2001.
In our hearts your memory lingers,
Sweetly tender, fond and true,
There is not a day, dear mother,
That we do not think of you.
A face that is haunting us ever,
A voice we are longing to hear,
A smile we'll remember forever,
While we try to forget every tear.
A sad, but sweet remembrance,
A memory fond and true,
And a token of affection, dear,
And heartache, mother, for you.
Forever in our hearts.
--Sadly missed by daughter, Priscilla Wassegijig, Angela and Anthony
Manitoulin Expositor, July 31, 2002

WASSEGIJIG --In loving memory of my dear mother, Sarah, ho passed one year ago, August 2, 2001.
She had gone across the river,
To this shore of evergreen.
And I long to see her dear face,
But the river flows between.
Someday, sometime I shall see
The face I loved so well.
Someday I'll clasp her loving hand,
And never say farewell.
Please God, forgive a silent tear,
A fervent wish our Mom was here.
There are others, yes we know
But she was ours, we loved her so.
Dear God, take a message,
To our Mom in heaven above,
Tell her how much we miss her,
And give her all our love.
--Sadly missed and always remembered by daughter Rose Wassegijig.
Manitoulin Expositor, July 31, 2002

Clipart and background from: J. O. D's Old Fashioned B & W Clip Art Collection