Riverside Funeral Home Inc.

06/03/2026

George Cowan

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 23rd at London Health Sciences Centre in his 78th year.

George is survived by his brothers Dwight (Marion) and Chris (Barb).

Loving uncle to Sherri, Wendi, Tim, Jeff & Julie.

Predeceased by parents William & Violet Cowan.

George will be deeply missed by many cousins and friends.

A private, family service has taken place at Blyth Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Huron Perth or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View George Cowan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

John Boneschansker Funeral Service

05/27/2026

Janet Haertel

Haertel, Janet Catherine (née Stewart)

Passed away peacefully at Seaforth Community Hospital on May 14, 2026, in her 93rd year.

Janet was a trailblazer for her time, known for her adventurous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and caring for the many animals she loved. Strong, spirited, and unforgettable, Janet was truly a force and will be greatly missed.

A come & go gathering for Janet will take place Sunday, June 14th from 2-4 at Riverside Gardens (401 Albert St. in Brussels).

Memories of Janet will be shared at 3 pm.

Donations to the Brussels Lions Club, Brussels United Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Janet Haertel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/27/2026

John Boneschansker

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Seaforth Hospital on Tuesday May 26th in his 92nd year.

Beloved wife to the late Carol for 67 years.

Loving dad to Bill (Susan) Boneschansker, Dorothy (Bob) Cummings, Annette (Brian) Benson, Cathy (Brad) Clarke, Bruce (Shelley) Boneschansker and Robert (MaryAnne) Boneschansker

Loving grandpa to 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Brother to Gus (Rita) Van Buren, and Steven (Ina) Boneschansker, and Hilda Dykstra.

Brother-in-law to Kor (Antje) Meijer of Holland, and Jean Boneschansker.

Predeceased by brother Bob Boneschansker, brother-in-law Ralph Dykstra and brother-in-law Dirk Meijer.

John immigrated with his family from Holland on July 29th, 1949. At 15 years old he started as a vegetable famer in the Holland Marsh. While at church he caught the eye of a young Carol Meijer and they were married on October 28th of 1954 during Hurricane Hazel. They honeymooned in Holland, then came home and settled in the Newmarket area where they started a family. While living on Scugog Island John worked at GM in Oshawa, while operating a small mixed farm and adding 4 more kids. With all the kids in tow they packed up and moved to the Ethel Area in 1968, to own his first farm, a dairy farm, then switched to vegetable farming before retiring.

John was active in the Brussels Lions Club, the Brussels Agricultural Society and was a 4-H leader. John enjoyed going to church and was a member of Melville Presbyterian Church since 1968. He was the taxi driver for all the kids running them to different sports and hobbies. In 2022 after losing the love of his life John bought his 1988 Chrysler LeBaron convertible in red and drove it all over the place.

John was very social and had a unique sense of humour that will be missed by all his friends.

Visitation will take place on Monday June 1st from 10am-11am at Melville Presbyterian Church with funeral service to follow at 11 am.

Interment at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Ethel.

Doug Sargent officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Melville Presbyterian Church, Seaforth Community Hospital or the Brussels Lion's Club would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340 Brussels, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View John Boneschansker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/19/2026

Janet Haertel

Haertel, Janet Catherine (née Stewart)

Passed away peacefully at Seaforth Community Hospital on May 14, 2026, in her 93rd year.

Janet was a trailblazer for her time, known for her adventurous spirit. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and caring for the many animals she loved. Strong, spirited, and unforgettable, Janet was truly a force and will be greatly missed.

Donations to the Brussels Lions Club, Brussels United Church, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON, N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Janet Haertel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/07/2026

John & Wilma Hessels

Tragically on May 5th, 2026 in Wyoming, Ontario John and Wilma Hessels of Goderich went to be with their Lord and Saviour and became reunited with their daughter Tina and great granddaughter Lyla.

Loving parents to Patricia & Richard Roetcisoender and Susan & Robert Crump.

Adoring grandparents to Katelyn (Jake) Greg (Christina), Melissa, Daniel .

Great grandparents to Austin, Myles, Madison.

Missed by many siblings; Everett & Cheryl Hessels, Florence & Ken Janower, Peta Branderhorst, Janie Wilts, Koos & Rita Verburg, John & Margaret Verburg and Sylvia Nonkes.

Predeceased by parents Frank & Tryntje Hessels and Johannes & Antje Verburg, siblings Jenny & Fred Veenstra, Arend Hessels, John Branderhorst, Martin Wilts, and Tony & Roely Verburg.

John and Wilma will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to visitation on Friday May 8th from 7-9pm at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Goderich, and Saturday May 9th from 10-11am. with funeral service to follow at 11am.

Interment at a later date in Maitland Cemetery.

Pastor Tim Keep officiating.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to Trinity Christian Reformed Church or Belwood Lodge and Camp would be appreciated.

Please forward donations to Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View John & Wilma Hessels's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

Dale Wanless

The eldest son of predeceased parents, Dorothy and Wilkie Wanless, rode off into the sunset on April 11, 2026, leaving behind brother Marty of Vancouver and Gary (Nancy) of Red Deer and their children Leissa (Jamie) and great nieces Madison and Samatha and a great nephew Tyler; Cory (Cora) and great niece Maya; and Ethan.

Born May 18th ,1947 and raised in Edmonton Alberta, Dale and his brothers relocated as their father’s employment opportunities changed. After completing his BA degree at Western, he then went on to receive his Teaching Certificate. His booming no-nonsense teacher voice still echoes in the halls form schools in Burlington, Brussels and Wingham. When he retired, he continued working on the Dockett Farm on the outskirts of Brussels. Dale was character who wore many hats. He will be remembered for driving the stagecoach in the production of The Outdoor Donnellys or a horse drawn carriage for a newly married couple. However, Dale’s first and greatest love was for his horses and dogs. The Wanless Family truly appreciate the locals and neighbours Scott and Garth and close teacher friends Lois and Colin for supporting Dale over the years, especially during these last few difficult ones.

Friends can say “Happy Trails’ to Dale on Tuesday May 19th, 2026, from 2-5 pm at Riverside Funeral Home Brussels, as he follows the Call of the West.

In lieu of flowers and expressions of sympathy donations in Dale’s memory may be made out to Adopt a Pet Rescue and sent to Box 340 Brussels ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

“It’s not the end of the trail for me. I’ve just travelled, you see, up ahead where the green pastures grow and the cool water streams dance as they flow.”

View Dale Wanless's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/03/2026

Emily Ann Cousins

Emily Ann Cousins of Brussels, passed away at the age of 84 on March 31st at Victoria Hospital in London with her family at her side.

Emily was the beloved wife of the late George Cousins (2016). Proud Mother to Tim (Krista) of Cambridge and Laura (Jorge) of London. Also loved by her grandson Dean Cousins, Dean's mother Angela, and by her many nieces and nephews. Sister to Lewis Metzger and David (Elaine) Metzger.Predeceased by parents Sylvester & Dora Metzger (Schaus), sisters Audrey (Rodney) Helwig, Gloria (Cliff) Van Slyke, brother Bill Metzger and sister-in-law Patricia Metzger.

Emily was born in Neustadt Ontario on February 22, 1942, and grew up in Hanover. At the age of 17, Emily began her career as a teacher in a country school house in Bruce County. After attending Teacher’s College, she moved to Brussels to teach at Brussels Public School for the remainder of her career where her dedication and love for teaching shone through, earning her a special place in the hearts of many students. Emily had a gift for delighting audiences, delivering thoughtfully crafted, clever and hilarious speeches at Grade 8 graduations and family reunions. Emily’s love for playing the piano stayed with her throughout her life, and her music was deeply cherished by all who heard it. Many fond memories were made gathered around the piano, singing together with both the Metzger families and Cousins families. Some cherished favourites by her family and students include The Boogie Woogie Ghost, Blueberry Hill and Columbus. After retirement, Emily continued her love of teaching by inspiring children through piano lessons and tutoring, guided by her passion for helping children learn. Emily also loved knitting, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to Brussels United Church on Saturday April 11th at 11:00 a.m. for the funeral service. Reverend Alex Jebson officiating. Interment in Brussels Cemetery to follow.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy can be made to the Brussels United Church or to One Care Home and Community Support Services would be appreciated. Condolences may be shared at riversidefuneralhome.ca.

View Emily Ann Cousins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/30/2026

Isaac Fehr

Passed away peacefully at Huronview Home for the Aged on January 28th, 2026, in his 87th year.

Loving husband to Martha for 63 years.

Proud dad to Dawn & Neil MacLeod, Shelly & Shawn Meyers, Roxanne & Dennis Clarke.

Grandpa to Kaitlyn, Guinevere, Sabrina, Samantha, Denielle.

Brother to Mary Carra.

A private funeral service will take place.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy donations to the HCFDC (Huron County Food Distribution Centre) would be appreciated.

Sympathy cards may be sent to Box 172 Brussels ON N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Isaac Fehr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/29/2026

Odin Arthur Leachman

After a long and courageous battle, Odin Arthur Leachman, age 10, laid down his shield and passed peacefully in his sleep at London Health Sciences Centre on January 25, 2026.

Odin was the deeply loved son of Tara Leachman and Brandon Roorda, and cherished grandson of Sherry Leachman and Richard and Eva Roorda. He was predeceased by his papa, Brian Leachman.

Odin will be deeply missed by his vader Ryan Leibold, his aunt Lorelei, uncles Dan and Jamie, cousins Jimmy, Jacob, Cassandra, and Drew, and by the many friends who walked beside him. He was also dearly loved by his loyal companions Waggy, Coco, and Gaia.

Fierce, wild, and full of life, Odin loved baseball and hockey, ripping around on his dirt bike, catching air at the skatepark, and chasing anything fast. Roller coasters thrilled him. Snowmobiling with his dad, biking with friends, gaming on his PC, and sharing time with those he loved filled his days. He lived boldly, with fire in his spirit and motion in his soul.

A private family service will be held in the spring.

Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Wingham Minor Hockey, and Wingham Minor Ball would be appreciated.

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

View Odin Arthur Leachman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.