McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home Ltd.

12/10/2025

Sills, Florene

Florene Evelyn Sills (nee Moore), formerly of Orchardville and Durham, passed away at Hanover Care Centre on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Don Sills. Dear sister of Margaret Church, and sister-in-law of Bryan Garrison. Fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be missed by her cousin and dear friends, John Sills and Pauline Scheuermann. Predeceased by her twin sister, Florence Gilbert (the late Frank), her sister, Elaine Weber (the late Gerald) and her brother-in-law, Richard Church and her in-laws, Irene Garrison, Edna and Ivan Barfoot and Art and Helen Sills.

A Funeral Service celebrating Florene’s life will be held at the Durham Legion on Monday, December 15th at 1 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Spring interment at Durham Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Durham Presbyterian Church – General Fund or Palmerston Hospital, or the Charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

12/03/2025

Ziegler, Joyce

Joyce Rebecca Ziegler (nee Wells), of Hanover and formerly of Durham, passed away at the Hanover & District Hospital on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 in her 67th year. Loving mother of Christhopher and his wife Stephanie Ziegler, and Melissa Ziegler. Cherished grandmother of Jessica Bell, Blake Ziegler, and Sierra Ziegler. Dear sister of the late Ron Wells and his wife Kay, Leonard Wells and his wife Helen, Richard Wells and his wife Iris, and Gladys and her husband Louie Foster. Joyce is fondly remembered by her 10 nieces and nephews, and she will be greatly missed by her friends Ralph and Laurie Paylor, Joanne Monk, and Tom and Ellen Edgington. Predeceased by her parents John and Ada Wells.

Joyce worked at P & H Foods and served as a correctional officer at the Walkerton Maximum Security for 30 years.

Visitation will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Friday, December 12th from 4 – 6:30 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, December 13th at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Spring interment at Durham Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Hanover & District Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

12/03/2025

Phair, Gary

Gary Phair, 76, of Allan Park, Ontario, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones, on December 2, 2025,
Born November 12, 1949, Gary grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where he met Bonnie Phair and started a love affair that would last many years and result in the birth of their daughter Melanie (Mel). The pair settled in Allan Park and raised their family with Gary eventually purchasing a home in the country nearby.

Predeceased by his parents, Roland (Rollie) and Norma, Gary is survived by his daughter Mel and her husband Sam, of Hanover, Ontario, his best friends Herb and JL and his furry best friend, Prince.
Gary was funny, caring and genuine. He loved country music, pool and a dirty joke, but mostly his beloved daughter, Mel. He will be remembered for being one of a kind and will be deeply missed by the many that knew him.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family suggests sharing a laugh and memory of him with loved ones.
“He was rough and tough, but had a heart of gold.”

11/20/2025

Griscti, Donna

Donna Marie Griscti (nee McNabb) passed away peacefully with family at her side in Owen Sound on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late Jim Griscti (2022). Mother of Wanda, and Leanne (Dave). She will be missed by granddaughter Elena, and great-grandchildren Selena, Arieana (Riley), Jeremy, and her fur baby Susie. Sister of Udel Gonder (Murray) and Darlene Vondette (Bob). Predeceased by her son Kim, her parents Alfred and Pearl (nee Cook) McNabb, and her brother Virgil McNabb. A private family service will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home. Interment at Durham Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Animal Alert in London, Ontario would be appreciated.

11/20/2025

Kitchen, Carl

Carl Robert Kitchen, of Lions Head, passed away at Brightshores Health System, Owen Sound on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Griffin). Loving father of Kim Kitchen, Lynn Kitchen, Tania and her husband Jack MacArthur, and Rob Cameron and his wife Bonnie. Cherished grandfather of Mikayla (Brent), Zach (Emma), Jordan (Brie), Nicholas (Grace), Graydon, and Chase. Great-grandfather of Bella. Dear brother of John Kitchen (Lee), Bruce Kitchen (Claudette), and Lynda (James Cricket). Brother-in-law of Jean Kitchen, and Gail Kitchen.
Predeceased by his daughter Karen, and his siblings Jim Kitchen (the late Shirley), Ken Kitchen, Bill Kitchen (the late Jean), Don Kitchen, and Marjorie (the late John Milligan).
Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to a local charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

11/20/2025

Schafer, Gerry

Gerard “Gerry” Carl Schafer, of Toronto and formerly of Durham, passed away on his 70th birthday at Providence Healthcare, Toronto on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025. Beloved partner of Lorna Labasan. Dear brother of John Schafer and his wife Ev, Larry Schafer and his wife Dianne, Carl Schafer and his wife Lucretia, and Michael Schafer and his wife Diane; and brother-in-law of Jerry Kueneman, and Linda Schafer. Gerry will be missed by Lorna’s daughter Sarah and her husband Michael and their son Raphael; and by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his cherished children: Jake, Hope and Summer; his parents Walter and Catherine Schafer; and his siblings Liz Kueneman, Dorothy and her late husband Orville Mead, Dave Schafer, and Catherine Hollister.

Gerry loved sailing, a passion he had his whole life and for many years he lived on his sailboat docking in the Toronto Harbour. He was a talented hockey player and his highest level played was NCAA in Northern Michigan. He was also an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and he enjoyed watching the 2025 World Series. Gerry also enjoyed horses and was a hobby horseman. Gerry was very proud to have worked at Gay Lea Foods for over 45 years. Gerry loved his children, family and friends.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family, relatives and close friends at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, November 29th at 11 a.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Saugeen Valley Minor Hockey or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

11/12/2025

Hastie, Steven

Steven James Hastie, of Owen Sound, passed away at Brightshores Health System – Owen Sound on Monday, November 10th, 2025 in his 37th year. Father of James. Dear son of Sharon Montgomery and her partner Dwayne Aljoe, and James Hastie and his wife Ruth Moore. Steven is remembered by his maternal grandmother Sandra Carver; his aunts: Kathy and her husband Chris Hutton, and Patricia Heard; and by his cousins Amanda, Trevor, Jennifer, Bradley and Davis. Steven will be missed by his longtime friends; John Ernest who was not only a good friend and neighbour but also a father figure to Steven; and Laurel Franklin who was a friend and older mother figure to Steven. Predeceased by his maternal grandfather Don Montgomery, his paternal grandparents Keith and Jean Hastie and his dear friend Travis Hopkins.

Cremation will take place. A come and go celebration of life will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Wednesday, November 19th from 2 – 4 p.m.

A private interment of cremated remains will be held at Durham Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to G & B House (cheques payable to CMHA Grey Bruce and put “G & B House” in the memo line) would be appreciated by the family.

11/12/2025

Ziegler, Steven

Steven David Ziegler, of Durham, passed away suddenly from a heart condition on Monday, November 10th, 2025 in his 35th year. Beloved son of David Ziegler, and Jean McGowan. Dear brother of Lisa and her husband Mike Ohlin. Steven will be missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his paternal grandparents Roy and Betty Ziegler, and his maternal grandparents Jack and Shirley McGowan.

Cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating Steven’s life will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Saturday, November 22nd at 12 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

Detzler, Rose Marie "Rosie"

Rose Marie “Rosie” Catherine Detzler (nee Benninger), of Durham passed away at Rockwood Terrace, Durham on Monday, November 10th, 2025 in her 87th year. Beloved partner of Ken “Duke” Elvidge. Loving mother of Tracy Detzler and his wife Debbie, Lezlee Detzler and her partner Janet, and Dale Detzler. Cherished grandmother of April Detzler, Cole Detzler and Peggy, Evan Detzler and Lynn, Chloe Detzler and Scott, and Amelia McLeod and James. Dear sister of Bernadette Van Der Gulik, Dennis and Pat Benninger, Fran and Hugh McCallum, Gerard and Karen Benninger, and Cathy and Tom Diebold. Sister-in-law of Barb Benninger, and Tom Roch. Fondly remembered by Rob Elvidge and his wife Kari, Christie Lynn Cadotte, Joey Elvidge and his partner Jenna, Josh Elvidge and his wife Jenna, and by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Ed and Helen Benninger, her brother Paul Benninger and her sister Audrey Roch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Durham on Thursday, November 13th at 10:30 a.m.

A memorial service celebrating Rosie’s life will be held at the Durham Legion, 271 Bruce Street North, Durham on Friday, November 28th at 2 p.m., followed be an “Irish Wake” (Celebration of Life) from 3 - 5 p.m.

Interment of cremated remains at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Cemetery, Formosa.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Bruce Trail Conservancy or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

11/05/2025

Invitations for our Memorial Candlelight Service will be mailed out tomorrow.

All are welcome to attend, please RSVP by visiting our website or please call or email the Funeral Home.

11/04/2025

McCannell, Pearl

Pearl Louise McCannell (nee Marshall), of Durham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 in her 95th year at Rockwood Terrace, Durham. She lived a remarkable life- one marked by love, resilience and a steadfast ability to find light even in the darkest of time. Pearl was born on September 14, 1931 in an era that taught her the value of family, friends and faith.

Throughout her life she faced both triumphs and tragedies with quiet strength. Pearl endured more than her share of heartbreak but didn’t let sorrow define her life. Pearl is remembered as someone who listened, laughed easily and gave generously. She found happiness in her kitchen, garden and in the company of friends and family. She was a long-time member of the Durham Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered her time baking, helping with luncheons and other church events. She was an active member of the Durham Cancer Society, Durham Curling Club and Durham Kinettes.

Pearl was predeceased by her husbands Jack Atchison (1954) and Ray McCannell (1994). She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Karen (1994). She is survived by her son Terry of Durham and many nieces and nephews. Pearl was a much loved member of the Trafford family as the treasured companion of Clarence Trafford for many years. Predeceased by sisters May and the late Charles Hunking, Myrtle and the late Graham Timmins, Doreen and the late Beverly MacCannell and brothers Bert Marshall, and Bill Marshall and the late Rose.

A funeral service celebrating Pearl’s life will be held at the Durham Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 10th at 11 a.m., with visitation prior to the service from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Interment at Durham Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Durham Presbyterian Church, Durham Cemetery or Maplewood Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.