Today's Obituary Notification from Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.

Inta Perro passed into the afterlife peacefully on the evening of May 23 at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Oskars, daughter Sandra and her brother Talis, she will be greatly missed by her son Arvils, son in law Joseph, grandchildren Alexander, Antonia (Paul), Arianna (Fouad), Aldus (Laura) and her delightful great-grandson Edgar.

A private ceremony will be held at the family gravesite at a future date where her and her husband’s ashes will be interred.

A brief review of her life was entrusted to her son despite her being aware of his irreverence and sometimes questionable humour. It unfolds as follows:

My Mother was born almost exactly a century ago in the small European country of Latvia. Europe at the time was uneasily balancing itself between what were to become the two greatest conflicts in world history. Her early childhood was a happy one but before she reached adulthood, Latvia had already been overtaken by hostile powers three times. The winds of war finally swept her and her family up and blew them Westward, barely ahead of a rampaging Red Army. She recalled at one point seeing Berlin in flames as the endless refugee streams passed by the ruins.

Their flight eventually came to and end in the Northern German city of Lubeck which was then occupied by the British Second Army. Things slowly settled down and in due time she was hired on by the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) as a translator. She had a strong command of three languages. Ironically English was not one of them. Through her new job and the access it gave her to special stores, she was able to help feed her family. It was a chaotic time when getting food to eat was a major accomplishment. To obtain a bottle of liquor was a total victory. Though the conditions were harsh, she mentioned many times later that these were some of the best times of her life.

Her family eventually relocated to permanent living quarters in Mannheim where her parents were to see their days out. At about this time her father, a world wise cavalry officer, noticed that his daughter was becoming all too comfortable with life. As fate would have it his sister, also a refugee had ended up in far away Canada, specifically Toronto where a vibrant Latvian emigre was coming into existence. I never did learn how much say my mother had in the matter but in early 1952 she boarded a ship in Bremerhaven Germany and set sail for Halifax.

It didn’t take long for her to enter into the Toronto Latvian community and begin to make new friends. But a charming rogue of the day noticed that too and snatched her up before the competition would become too fierce. In February 1953 they said their vows. The busybodies of the day were laying strong odds on the union not lasting out a year but in 2003 they celebrated having been together for fifty years.

She settled down to lead the life of a mother and housewife for the next decade. But her energy was not to be denied. When the youngest of her two children, an adorable and exceptionally well behaved little boy finally started school she was free to leave the house and enter into the working world. She was hired on by the Royal Bank of Canada at the Yonge and Grenville branch where a disproportionate number of celebrities and other characters of the day did their banking. She was never at a loss for stories to pass on.

But life was still evolving. In 1969 the family relocated to a property near the tiny community of Tottenham (pop 801). She was fortunate in being able to transfer to the Royal Bank branch on the corner of the main street. There she was to meet the local characters who were every bit as large in life as the ones in Toronto. For those who can remember, life in Ontario in the 1970’s was like being caught in a wonderful dream. The farm life agreed with my mother as she loved gardening, flowers and raising all sorts of animals. Her two most noticeable ventures were establishing a herd of Belted Galloway cattle and probably setting a world record for acquiring and the feeding of feral cats.

She finally retired from the bank in 1986 and then travelled annually to Germany to visit with her aging mother. From there she went on to see the whole continent. When Latvia regained its independence in 1991, she made many trips there to visit relatives and childhood friends, none seen since the war.

After her mother passed the travelling slowed down. But she remained ever active on the farm. There was no choice. A sick calf needs attention. Cattle need to be fed, flowers watered and the fireplace stoked. She cared for own needs, drove where and when she had to and was free from physical complaints right up until the very, very end. She truly lived life on her terms.

My reason for the length of this chronicle was to emphasize that her life was one to be celebrated not mourned. I can be sad. She was my mother. But those are only my selfish emotions. For those who cared and remembered her fondly, please understand that all she would have liked is to bring a smile to your face. Always a smile.

Thank you.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham.

Born: Walter Henry,

April 1, 1927 – May 30, 2026

Peacefully, at Golden Links Lodge in Winnipeg, MB, Walter, in his 100th year, went to meet his Lord.   He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis (nee Watt) of 68 years in 2016.  He is survived by his children, Pamela Born-Scanlon, Grant (Patricia), Diane (Stephen), Mark (Miranda), five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Walter was born in Myrtle MB, the youngest and last surviving of 15 siblings to parents Wilhelm W. and Agatha (Peters) Born.   He spent a 30-year career at Canada Post in Winnipeg, retiring in 1985. Walter was amazed that he had spent more years retired from than working at the post office.  In retirement, Walter and Phyllis traveled and spent winters in Arizona and Florida.   In 1998, they moved to Tottenham, ON and very much enjoyed living in the retirement community of Tecumseth Pines.   When Phyllis passed away, Walter returned to Winnipeg and resided at Lindenwood Manor.  There he spent his last years along with his nephew and best friend, Albert Karlenzig, playing pool every day with the guys and spending time with his friend, Liz.

Throughout his life, Walter enjoyed being able to fix and maintain almost anything.  He had an inquisitive mind and was always trying new hobbies.  His family and friends are the proud recipients of his many wooden bowls and oil paintings.

We would like give a special thank you to the the staff at Golden Links Lodge and Lindenwood Manor for their care and compassion.

Cremation has taken place and Walter will be reunited with Phyllis at Fraser Presbyterian Cemetery in Tottenham. If desired, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to  The Salvation Army.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.

Clarke: Wayne Forbes,

Suddenly at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Barrie, on May 30, 2026. Wayne Clarke at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Ross Clarke (nee: Leda). Loving father of Jody Clarke, Michael Clarke (Jaki), Kevin Clarke (Sandra), and stepson Lance (Lindsey) Sadly missed by his grandchildren Mia, Easton, Avery, Charlotte, Madison, Ally, Bowen, Trent, Kristian, Nathan, Logan and Quinn. Dear brother of Vina Turnbull (Ron) and Foster Clarke (Penny). Forever in the hearts of his closest friends Dave Gilbert (Kim) and Junior Martin (Mary). Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Cremation has taken place. Wayne will be laid to rest in the Our Lady of Fatima Mausoleum in Assumption Cemetery next to his beloved wife Liz. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Melbourne “Doug” Nightingale, who passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, Ontario, in his 79th year.
Doug was the beloved husband of Betty Nightingale (née Reynolds). He was a loving and devoted father to Valerie (Peter) Kuchma, Dale, and the late Belinda and the late Christopher Nightingale.
He was a proud and cherished grandfather to Jimmy (Christina), Sabastian (Amelia), Sarah, Katie, and James, and a loving great-grandfather to Delilah, Dominic, Hudson, Tristan, and Brenda.
Doug will also be lovingly remembered by his cherished companion, Buddy the dog, who brought him much joy and comfort. He will be forever in the hearts of his extended family and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at Bond Head United Church, 4221 Simcoe County Rd 88, Bond Head, ON L3Z 3K4, on Saturday June 6, 2026, from 10am until time of Memorial Service at 11:00am. Luncheon to follow. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.

Connie Bolton passed peacefully with her girls by her side at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, at the age of 82. She was the beloved mother of Donna (Keith) and Bubby, cherished grandmother of Ashley (Chris) and Johnathan, and loving GG of Nicholas and Michael.
Connie is survived by her sister, Karen (Earl). She was predeceased by her husband, George Matthew Bolton, and her siblings Kathy, Anne, Judy, and Sheila “Dolly.” She will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family, and her chosen family.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home, 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham (905-936-3477), on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Friday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Connie’s memory to Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.