Obituaries June 14 ,2024

Remembering
Crema (Winnie) Johnson

In loving memory of my Mother Crema, who passed away June 1,2023.
Your memory will remain deeply in our hearts forever.

Love
Natasha, Shiera and Clinton

Orville Mansfield Burrows Sr.
AUGUST 2, 1933 – MAY 20, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Orville Mansfield Burrows Sr. on May 19, 2024, at the age of 90.
Orville Sr. was born in Barbados and immigrated to Canada in 1964.
Orville Sr. was predeceased by his loving parents Archibald and Winnifred Burrowes, his eldest son Eric, his siblings Ellenward, Muriel and Julius and his partner Marie Max.
Orville Sr. is survived by Shirley Burrows (nee Husbands), mother of sons Patrick and Orville Jr. (Natachia), grandchildren Justin, Jaylen, and Naturelle, step-daughter Diana Farr-Niiya (Kyle), sisters Erlyne and Ordean (New York) and Glycine (Montreal), brothers Handell (Barbados), Patrick (Montreal ) and Waldo (Sharon) of Ottawa and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Orville Sr. will be sorely missed not just by family but also by those with whom he developed long lasting friendships over many decades through his engaging personality and dedicated community service.

Thanks to the staff at Marcelle Ferron nursing home, for the wonderful care support you’ve given throughout the years.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday June 29,2024 @ 2pm at Church of the Epiphany, 4322 Wellington St, Verdun, Quebec H4G 1W4. A reception will take place immediately following the service.
Collins Clarke MacGillivray White will webcast the funeral ceremony of Orville Burrowes on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 1:50 PM EDT to 4:30 PM EDT .

MERLE CATHERINE JOHN LAVEAU
1927 – 2024

Merle Catherine John, née Laveau, born on November 24, 1927, in Trinidad and Tobago, peacefully passed away May 17, 2024 in Montreal Canada. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength.
Merle was a devoted mother, survived by her loving daughters, Allyson Juliet John (Kandace Springer), Beverley-Tracey John, her cherished grandson Nathaniel Jonathan Christopher Persaud and her step-son Jeremy John who she cared for warmly.
As the oldest living member of the Laveau- family, she leaves behind, her cousins, Mervyn Christiani, Merlyn Regis, Lynette Laveau, Eulita Laveau, Glennor Laveau, Albert Laveau and many other members of the Laveau, Christiani and Gibbs families. And finally, her many dear friends whom she cherished.
Merle’s life was a testament to resilience and compassion. She faced life’s challenges with grace and courage, inspiring all who knew her. Her warm smile and gentle spirit touched the hearts of many, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
In addition to being a loving mother, Merle was a fierce and loyal friend, a compassionate confidante, and a pillar of strength in times of need. Her wisdom and guidance were invaluable, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Though she may no longer be with us in person, Merle’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. “We are because she was”. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and light she brought into the world.
A special thank you to the staff on T-1123 at St-Anne’s Veterans’ Hospital, for treating her like family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate (in her name) to the Douglas Mental Health Institute’s Foundation, towards Alzheimer’s research.

For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation will take place on Monday July 1, 2024 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at:
Belvedere funeral complex
22025 Trans-Canada Hwy, Senneville, Quebec H9X 0B2

Michael (Mike) Joseph

Born in St. Paul’s Grenada, Michael (Mike) Joseph immigrated to Canada in 1967. He was a retired Administrator of the English Montreal School Board. Mike had a stellar record of community involvement, and played an instrumental role in many organizations in the Black community of Montreal.
In 1971, with the arrival of immigrants from the Caribbean to Quebec, Mike recognized the need for an organization where new immigrants could expand their social networks.
Hence, on May 29, 1971, ten persons assembled at his home for an inaugural meeting to form the Antilles Sports Club, the two main competitive sports of the Club being netball and soccer. The Club helped to guide new immigrants through their transition to life in Canada, while encouraging discipline, commitment and integrity. The athletes were encouraged to achieve their highest potential in a positive environment, and were helped to thrive and be assets to their community. Indeed, Antilles Sports Club is still one of the most active and vibrant Sports Clubs in the community.
In 1972, along with his wife, Avice Roberts-Joseph, Michael was instrumental in forming the Quebec Amateur Netball Federation. The QANF emphasizes player development in a friendly, supportive environment. Athletes representing Quebec compete nationally and internationally. From the outset, Mike played a significant role in establishing netball in Quebec.
Mike was a founding member and first Vice-President of the Grenada Nationals’ Association of Montreal. The inaugural meeting was held on June 4, 1970. On July 3, 1971, he was the co-ordinator of a successful conference sponsored by the Association at McGill University. The purpose of the conference was to explore the areas where the Association could contribute in the Education, Social, Economical and Political Development of Grenada. Mike served as President of the Association from 1985 to 1986.
On January 22, 1982, Mike founded the Montreal-Caribbean Soccer League. This was the first time a league of this caliber was formed in the Black Community. It provided soccer players the opportunity to play competitive games in at atmosphere of friendship and congeniality, and fostered an environment of teamwork, camaraderie, dedication and respect.
Demonstrating his commitment to promoting sports in Quebec, Mike was a founding member and first President of the Grenada Islanders’ Cricket Club of Montreal, established in 2003. The club provided playing opportunities to players of all abilities and ages, and afforded an environment where individuals could play recreationally and competitively.
Michael Joseph was a dedicated, resourceful and conscientious individual, who played an integral role in establishing many organizations in the Black community of Montreal. He was indeed a stalwart of our community.

In Loving Memory of
Cecil Alexander Baynes
February 12, 1948 — July 23, 2019

We can’t believe that it’s been five whole years. Most days we just go about our business, briefly thinking of you with a smile, but some days are harder than others.
On some days, we deeply miss being a foursome (“the Baynes-Malcolm residence”, as you used to say on the answering machine message). We miss the way you walked in long strides and the way your footsteps would rattle all the glass in the hutch. We miss seeing you smile and feeling you pat us on the shoulder when you walked by.
We miss your corny jokes, your overly-long explanations, your wise words (like “always be prepared”), your helping hands, your majestic height, your warmth and affection, your zest for life.
We miss everything, but the one thing that we do not have to miss is your love — because we still feel it every day. We can feel your presence every day and everywhere, in everything that we do. Because of that, we don’t despair, knowing that we’ll always be together, no matter what.