Drury Funeral Centre Ltd.

11/19/2025

Gilbert “Gil” Giffin
September 5, 1935 – November 17, 2025

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gilbert Giffin, who left this world peacefully at the age of 90 at Matthews House with loved ones by his side.

Born on September 5th, 1935, in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Gilbert was the cherished son of Cecil and Mabel Giffin and the loving younger brother of Hart Giffin (Phyllis).

Gil was blessed to share his life with his devoted wife and the love of his life, Shirley, with whom he built a lifetime of memories until her passing in 2014.

Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, unwavering love and fantastic meals created with Shirl in the kitchen and Gil behind the BBQ.

He was the adored father of his daughter Deanne, with whom he shared a bond marked by deep affection, gentle guidance, and constant support.

Gil welcomed his son-in-law Steve with open arms, embracing him as family from the start – the two enjoyed deep conversations and many laughs over a glass (or two) of wine.

His greatest joy came from being “Pop” to his grandsons Noah and Caleb, of whom he was endlessly proud. He rarely missed a chance to cheer them on, following their hockey journeys from minor hockey through juniors and into college. Watching them on the ice brought him immense pride and happiness.

Gil was also a beloved brother-in-law to Bev (Lorne), Carolyn (David), Lois (Doug), and Wendy, and a dearly loved uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Known for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and the warmest smile, Gil made every person feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

He lived his life with quiet strength, humility, and a deep faith that guided him in all things. His presence brought comfort, and his love was a steady, constant gift to those around him.

Gil’s legacy will continue in the family he loved so profoundly and in the countless lives he touched with his kindness.

He will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever with love.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the most amazing staff and volunteers at Matthews House Hospice for the care and love they provided to Gil and family during his five weeks there. Angels on earth.

A special thank you to Karen and Lisa for their love and time supporting us throughout the entire process… right through to the Song Sung Blue walk out very late Monday night… there are not enough words.

A private family interment will be held at Innisvale Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Matthews House Hospice in Gil’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

11/17/2025

Ron Murray
November 28, 1940 – November 14, 2025

Passed away peacefully at Matthews House Hospice on Friday, November 14, 2025 with his family by his side.

Loved husband of the late Diane Murray. Loved father of Tracey Caparelli, Brian Murray (Dodi), Shawn Murray (Sue) and Lisa Harris. Loving papa of Blake Murray, Chantal West, Griffin Murray, Thomas Harris, Teira Brown and Natasha Caparelli. Loving great papa of Charlea Brown, Lexi Brown, Avery Brown, Clarke Brown and Freya West.

Ron was a proud lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Ron proudly worked at Labatt Brewery in the garage for 28 years. He often spoke of friends and colleagues. He really loved and enjoyed working for Labatt’s. Ron also loved watching his sons and friends stock car race at the local speedways. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends he has made over the years.

A private family interment will be held at Alliston Union Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.

11/15/2025

Tyler Gagné lived life to the fullest. A loving son to Simon and Cheryl, a devoted brother to Emily and Maddy, and a caring boyfriend to Reanna. Tyler’s energy, kindness and love for life touched everyone who knew him.

He had a deep passion for hockey and lacrosse, and he cherished every moment spent hunting, four-wheeling, enjoying days at the farm or up north at the lake. Whether on the ice, on the field, or out on an adventure, Tyler’s infectious smile, positive spirit and unwavering willingness to help others lit up every moment.

A Celebration of Life for Tyler will be held at the Sadlon Centre, 555 Bayview Dr. Barrie on Thursday November 27, 2025. The doors will open at 11:15 a.m. The ceremony will be from 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. Following the ceremony social and snacks will be from 1 – 3 p.m.

Order of Dress: Jeans and Hoodies or your Team Jersey.

A Go Fund me has been started to support Tyler’s Family www.gofundme.com/f/tyler-gagne

11/11/2025

11/04/2025

James “Jim” Mason

Passed away peacefully on Sunday November 2, 2025 in his 83rd year.

Jim was the son of the late Stuart and Ann May Mason and step-son of the late Edgar Plester. Beloved husband of the late Lynda Mason (nee De Forest). Loving father of Corrina (Frank Gibson) and loved papa to Scott (Deanna), Josh (Toni) and predeceased by Larissa. Papa Jim to great grandchildren Everleigh and Noah. Dear brother of Dolly Hills (Mario Mahne), John Plester (Dawn), Steve Plester (Gloria Parks), predeceased by Tom Mason (Pauline) and Pat Wagner. Dear brother-in-law to Rose Knowlton (late Philip), Kathy King (Bruce), Cindy Preston (late Ted), Joe (Pauline), Mike (Helen), Garry (Bev) and Bob, predeceased by Sharon (Don McLeod), Donna (Jack), Carolyn, Tommy, Pat and Terry (Denise).Jim will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Drury Funeral Centre 519 Victoria St. E., Alliston on Friday November 7, 2025 from 1-3p.m. If so desired donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

10/31/2025

Poppy’s are available here for anyone who needs.

10/30/2025

Teri Polley

Passed away peacefully at Matthews House Hospice on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at the age of 61.

Beloved mom of Ben and Nathan. Loved daughter of Rona. Cherished sister of Jennifer (Eric) and Tom. Cherished aunt of Emma, Zack and Audrey.

Teri was a registered nurse for 35 years, working at St Josephs Hospital in Toronto and Stevensons Memorial Hospital in Alliston. She also provided compassionate care for patients in their homes and worked with public health.

Teri surrounded herself with animals, plants, and the quiet beauty of the countryside. She touched many lives and will be truly missed by her two sons, extended family, and her beautiful animals.

A drop-in Celebration of Teri’s Life will be held at The Stevenson Inn, 5923 County Rd 15, Alliston, on Saturday, November 1st, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to stop by, share memories, and celebrate Teri’s life in a relaxed and heartfelt gathering.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Matthews House Hospice would be greatly appreciated
Arrangements entrusted to Drury Funeral Centre, Alliston.

10/28/2025

In Loving Memory of John Alison Watson
March 25, 1953 – September 19, 2025

With heavy hearts, the family of John Alison Watson announces his passing on September 19, 2025, in Alliston, Ontario, after a short but aggressive illness, at the age of 72.

Born on March 25, 1953, in Fredericton, N.B., John was the devoted father of Chris (Amanda) and the adoring grandfather of Grace and Jack, who brought him immense joy. He was brother to Mary-Lynn and will be forever cherished by family and friends.

He was predeceased by his father Robert Alder Watson, mother Barbara Robinson-Watson, and brother Robert Watson.

Those who knew John will remember his warm humour, enduring kindness, and unwavering sense of duty. He also found immense pride and fulfillment in his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He truly loved his work and treasured the memories of all the individuals he met throughout his extraordinary career.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Lung Association of Canada, or the RCMP Foundation. Messages of condolence and shared memories may be left at Drury Funeral Centre (www.druryfuneralcentre.com).

10/28/2025

Birthe Christensen

Passed away peacefully at Bradford Valley Care Community Monday, October 27, 2025 at the age of 88.

Loved wife of the late Ejvind Christensen. Loved mor of Lena 9(ate Allen), Allan (Susan) and Ivan (Donna). Loved bebe of Lisa, Karen, Tina, Matthew and Hannah. Birthe will be fondly remembered by her extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Matthews House Hospice, Victoria Order of Nurses or the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated.

10/21/2025

Sharon Denney

Passed away with her granddaughter by her side at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Beloved wife of the late Ralph Gillingham. Loved mother of Kim (dec. 2020, his late wife Sue dec. 2011), Tom (Darlene), Denney, Shaun (Kelly), Shane (Christina) and Melissa (Mike). Loving grandma of Christopher (Ashley), Justin (dec. 2010), Derek (Nicole), Kylie (Chris), Jordan, Marissa (Matt), Makenzie (Thomas), Daimien (dec. 2015), Samantha (Goose), Cole, Taylor (dec. 2000), Baylie (Nathan), Willie, Tye, Carly (Sheldon), Shealyn, Tiger (dec. 2019), Billy, Alex (Reese), Robyn (Ethan), Ava, Mya and great grandma of Elizabeth, Evelyn, Bentley, Levi, Taelyn, Rowan, River, Natalia and Lacey. Dear sister of Derwyn (Marnie) and predeceased by Alley, Hughie and Dwight. Sharon will be fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at Drury Funeral Centre on Monday, October 27 with Visitation from 2 p.m. until time of Service at 3 p.m. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Alliston & District Humane Society or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

10/20/2025

Christopher William Woods
February 26, 1970 – October 15, 2025

Christopher William Woods passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 55. He is survived by his wife, Christine Harris (m. 2022) and his children, Elliott (Annika) and Gillian. He is also survived by his parents, Edwin and Denise, his brother, Mark (Sue), and his nephew, Robin. Loved son in law of Jo-Anne Harris.

Born in Barrie, Ontario, on February 26, 1970, Christopher graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1988 before earning an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1993, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario in 1994. Christopher began his career that same year with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, where he taught business and mathematics. In 2002, Christopher made the move from teaching to being the proud owner of a local business when he opened The Cork and Vine, an independent craft winemaking business in Alliston, Ontario. For nearly 24 years, he dedicated himself to running the store with his manager, Annie, and valued his loyal customers and staff whom he considered friends.

Christopher’s greatest pride and joy were his children. With his son Elliott, he enjoyed fishing and hunting stories, their Laurier University connection, talks about teaching, seeing The Reklaws, car shopping, and most recently, celebrating Elliott and Annika’s purchase of their first home together. With his daughter Gillian, he beamed with pride at her dance recitals, shared an appreciation of song lyrics, bowling, the musical Wicked, Yahtzee, homemade pizza, and deep discussions about her graduate studies in social justice.

In recent years, Christopher found happiness in travelling with his beloved wife, Christine. He also cherished time spent at their cottage in Wasaga Beach with family and friends. He loved planning meals, cooking on his Traeger smoker (wood-fired grill). Paddling his kayak on Georgian Bay, walking the beach for hours, touring the cottage neighbourhood on his golf cart and evenings around the table with good food and games such as Backgammon, Yahtzee, Bid Euchre, Qwirkle, and Catch Phrase, were among his happiest moments. Christopher loved to work alongside his parents on home projects. And of course, he will also be remembered for his devotion to the Green Bay Packers.

He was very fond of visits with the Harris family from British Columbia - Charles, Charmaine, Isaiah, Xavier and Trinity. He delighted in planning meals, filling the home and cottage with laughter, Family Feud, Bingo and hiking to The Grotto near Tobermory.

Christopher will be remembered for his vivacious personality, sense of humour, joyful laugh, charming smile and thoughtful spirit. His love for people was immense, and he had an innate ability to talk to anyone about anything. To his closest friends, whether from high school, the Laurier gang and everyone from 222A, his teaching colleagues, his Ottawa family and friends, or the many customers of The Cork and Vine, he will be remembered with fond memories, happy moments and the greatest love possible.

Christopher will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Barrie, Ontario, alongside his grandparents, in a private service.

The family would like to thank everyone for their many kind words and support, and request that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or a charity of your choice.

10/14/2025

Glenn (Bomber) Applegate
December 19, 1937 - October 10, 2025
In his 88th year

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Glenn “Bomber” Applegate on Friday, October 10, 2025. True to form, every good farmer leaves this world on a Friday, and Glenn was the very best.

His spirit was larger than life, and the world feels smaller without him in it. Glenn valued family above all else, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Connie (nee Rae), his lifelong partner in love and laughter.

He will be lovingly remembered by Greg, Darlene, Amber (deceased), Karen, Clinton, Logan, Georgia, Glenda, Paul (deceased), Mason, Kate, Zoey, Emma, Laura, John, Grace, Nick, Olivia, Nick, Drew, Jennifer, Maddie, Owen, Ben, Jessa, and Conner.

Glenn was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Stanley Applegate, and by his brothers and sister Jim (Ruby), Jack, and Grace (Doug). He is also survived by his dear sisters Mary and Carol (Bob), brother-in-law Bill (Marion), sister-in-law Joy and by his many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Essa Township, Glenn lived his entire 88 years on the land he loved. A devoted family man and lifelong farmer, he poured his heart and soul into his fields, his home, and his community. His life’s work was rooted in the soil, and his legacy will forever grow in the hearts of those he touched.

Glenn’s large, capable hands told the story of his life. Hands that tilled the land, fixed what was broken, coached young athletes, and offered a firm handshake or a comforting pat on the shoulder when words weren’t enough. Those same hands were gentle and kind, always ready to help a neighbour, guide a child, or hold his family close.

He was deeply involved in his community, coaching minor hockey and softball, mentoring countless young people, and always lending a hand where needed. Glenn was also a founding member and self-appointed professor of the Thornton Coffee College, where he and his friends solved most of the world’s problems one cup of coffee at a time. His wit, wisdom, and good humour made him a friend to all who shared the table (or the van).

Though his hands now rest, the work they’ve done - and the love they gave - will be felt for generations to come.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Christ Church-St. Jude’s Anglican Church or Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Care.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 22nd from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Drury Funeral Centre in Alliston. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at 11am at Christ Church-St. Jude’s in Ivy, 7330 9th Line, Essa.