Obituaries

In loving memory of my parents

1935 - 2026

With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my beloved parents, Leverne (Vern) and Barbara (Barb) Turcotte who were born four days apart and left us only three days apart. Dad passed peacefully on April 30th and Mom on May 3rd with family by their side. In absence of a funeral service or celebration of life I would like to share some of the highlights of the life well lived by my parents.

Their lives were inseparably linked, united by love and devotion that inspired all who knew them. They first crossed paths in London, Ontario, Dad and one of his mates walking downtown in their uniforms and my mom and her friend Evelyn walking towards my dad, when they passed each other, both stopped and turned around and found themselves looking at each other. Dad and his army mate approached Mom and Evelyn and asked if they would like to go for a drink. My Mom said to Evelyn, only if I can have the tall one with the blue eyes. And so, their story began. With youthful optimism and a shared vision, together they soon embarked on a new chapter, moving to Toronto in the late 1950s to build a new life together.

My dad dedicated himself to his service, and later to his family, offering steady guidance and gentle encouragement. My mother, a devoted homemaker for many years, nurtured our home with love and care. In time, she also worked part-time in the payroll department at Sears, balancing her commitment to family with her professional responsibilities.

Following his service, Vern built a distinguished career on the Toronto harbour. He rose through the ranks with unwavering integrity, eventually serving as President of the Union and Pension & Welfare Trustee for the Longshoreman’s Association. His leadership on the waterfront left a lasting legacy, positively touching the lives of his colleagues and the broader community. His stories of the army and waterfront, and his enduring sense of humour created memories that will be treasured forever.

For those of you who knew Vern, he was a major sports fan. He umpired baseball for 30 years and refereed hockey in the GTHL as it was called back then for 25 years. A highlight of my Dad’s love for sports came when my husband bought him tickets to see his first ever World Juniors hockey game on Dec. 26th, 2017, in a game which saw Canada face off against Finland.

As for mom, a plant lover, indoor or outdoor, it didn’t matter, if it was green she loved it. Her love for animals was the fiercest though. If it had 4 legs and a tail it was cherished & loved and given even higher stature than Dad. Their dog Andy was Mom’s prized possession, and he still waits at the window waiting for her to come home.

Upon retirement, they embraced a spirit of adventure, travelling extensively and creating cherished memories from coast to coast and beyond. Their journey together was marked by laughter, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. They made lasting friendships wherever they went.

My parents shared over 65 loving years of marriage and had been together almost 70 years in total. Together, they created a strong and caring family, built on shared values and mutual support. Barb and Vern were devoted parents to their daughter Susan Keeling (with spouse Doug), a cherished Nana & Papa to Ashley Bircher (with spouse Mark) and Daniel Del Medico (with spouse Sophia), and very proud Gnan & Gpa to Audrey and Amelia, who will hold their memory close to their hearts.

We will remember their unwavering support, the countless lessons they imparted, and the legacy of kindness they leave behind. Their partnership was a shining example of love’s enduring power, and their absence will be deeply felt by family and friends alike. May their memories remain a blessing to all who knew them.