Byers Funeral Home

06/11/2026

Jacques Desjardins

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jacques Desjardins in his 61st year in Wi******er on June 9, 2026 with his beloved wife Lisa Little by his side. Born in Ottawa and raised in Mirabel, Quebec, Jacques was the loving son of Denise (Latour) and the late Léopold (Paul) Desjardins. Adored by siblings André, Suzanne (Freddy Marjaba) Kim (Marc Filiatrault). Proud uncle to Valérie, Pier-Luc, Matthew, Flora, Emma, Maxime and Marc-Antoine. He was also deeply loved by Lisa’s siblings Steven (Kim), Marty (Cathy aka Hopper), Cathy (Kerry), nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.

Jacques completed a degree in geography from the University of Montreal and acquired his teaching certificate. It was there in university he met his lifelong buddies Yves, Yvan and Sylvain. He then moved to Peterborough Ontario where he taught French, mostly Grade 7 and 8. He was a respected and dedicated educator, Jacques made a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of young people over his 30-year career. In Peterborough, he also developed close friendships with fellow teachers Michelle, Lisa, Jeff, Laurie and his extended family. For 25 years, he embraced a peaceful life surrounded by nature, living in the forest and taking pride in cutting and stacking his own firewood.

Jacques had a passion for cycling, travel, and adventure. He explored much of Europe and beyond, continuing his travels until the final year of his life. His journeys with various friends and his wife Lisa, took him to France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Germany, Cyprus, South Korea, Switzerland, Vancouver, Las Vegas, and many other destinations too numerous to mention. He also enjoyed a good Scotch from time to time! An avid movie enthusiast, particularly of war films, Jacques was a devoted student of history. His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength, comfort, and guidance.

In 2017, he met a nurse through online dating who captured his heart on the first few dates in Kingston, Ontario. After retiring from 30 years of teaching, he moved to Wi******er to begin a new life with Lisa. They were married on September 10, 2022 in Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Church in Marionville, Ontario. Together, they built a beautiful home and shared a life filled with love, laughter, family, and friendships. Jacques was warmly welcomed into his new community and became deeply loved by all who knew him.

Jacques will be remembered as selfless, disciplined, generous, thoughtful, and a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humour. His kindness, integrity, and quiet strength touched the lives of many, and his memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved him. Jacques faced his illness with remarkable courage and determination until the very end.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila Church, 9605 Marionville Road, Marionville on Saturday June 13, 2026 at 2pm. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chesterville. A Funeral Reception will follow at the Wi******er Curling Club, 587 Main Street West, everyone welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cornwall SPCA (Cornwall and Region Animal Centre - Ontario SPCA) https://ontariospca.ca/cornwall/ or My First Bicycle | Providing Bicycles to Children in Need https://myfirstbicycle.ca/

Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous annonçons le décès de Jacques Desjardins, survenu à l'âge de 61 ans à Wi******er le 9 juin 2026, au côté de sa tendre épouse Lisa Little. Né à Ottawa et ayant grandi à Mirabel, au Québec, Jacques était le fils bien-aimé de feu Léopold (Paul) et Denise (Latour) Desjardins. Il laisse dans le deuil ses frères et sœurs : André, Suzanne (Freddy Marjaba) et Kim (Marc Filiatrault). Il était fier oncle de Valérie, Pier-Luc, Matthew, Flora, Emma, Maxime et Marc-Antoine. Il était également profondément aimé par les frères et sœurs de Lisa, Steven (Kim), Marty (Cathy alias Hopper), Cathy (Kerry), ses nièces/neveux et ses petites-nièces/neveux.

Jacques a obtenu un baccalauréat en géographie de l’Université de Montréal. C'est à l'université qu'il a rencontré ses amis de toujours, Yves, Yvan et Sylvain. Il a ensuite déménagé à Peterborough, en Ontario, où il a enseigné le français, principalement aux élèves de 7e et 8e année. Éducateur respecté et dévoué, Jacques a marqué la vie de centaines de jeunes au cours de ses 30 années de carrière. À Peterborough, il a tissé des liens d'amitié étroits avec ses collègues enseignants Michelle, Lisa, Jeff, Laurie et sa famille élargie. Pendant 25 ans, il a mené une vie paisible au contact de la nature, vivant en forêt et prenant plaisir à couper et empiler son propre bois de chauffage.

Jacques était passionné de vélo, de voyages et d'aventure. Il a exploré une grande partie de l'Europe et au-delà, poursuivant ses voyages jusqu'à la fin de sa vie. Ses voyages avec divers amis et sa femme Lisa l'ont mené en France, en Italie, en Autriche, au Portugal, en Allemagne, à Chypre, en Corée du Sud, en Suisse, à Vancouver, à Las Vegas et dans bien d'autres destinations encore. Il aimait aussi un bon whisky écossais de temps en temps! Cinéphile averti, notamment de films de guerre, Jacques était un passionné d'histoire. Sa foi catholique était un pilier de sa vie, lui apportant force, réconfort et sagesse.

En 2017, il a rencontré une infirmière qui a gagné son cœur dès leurs premiers rendez-vous à Kingston, en Ontario. Après 30 ans d'enseignement, il a pris sa retraite et s'est établi à Wi******er pour commencer une nouvelle vie avec Lisa. Ils se sont mariés le 10 septembre 2022 à l'église Sainte-Thérèse d'Avila à Marionville, en Ontario. Ensemble, ils ont fondé un foyer rempli d'amour et de rires, entouré de leur famille et amis. Jacques a été chaleureusement accueilli dans sa nouvelle communauté et est devenu profondément aimé de tous ceux qui l'ont connu.

On se souviendra de Jacques comme d'un homme altruiste, discipliné, généreux, attentionné et doux, doté d'un merveilleux sens de l'humour. Sa bonté, son intégrité et sa force tranquille ont marqué la vie de nombreuses personnes, et son souvenir restera précieux pour tous ceux qui l'ont connu et aimé. Jacques a affronté sa maladie avec sérénité et un courage remarquable jusqu'à la fin.

Une messe funèbre aura lieu à l’église Sainte-Thérèse d’Avila, 9605 Chemin Marionville, Marionville le samedi 13 juin, 2026 à 14h. Enterrement au cimetière Sainte Mary, Chesterville. Une réception suivra au Wi******er Curling Club, 587 Main Street West, tous bienvenus.

Au lieu de fleurs, des dons peuvent être faits à la SPCA de Cornwall (Centre animalier de Cornwall et de sa région - SPCA de l'Ontario) https://ontariospca.ca/cornwall/ ou à Mon premier vélo | Offrir des vélos aux enfants dans le besoin https://myfirstbicycle.ca/

Byers Funeral Home est responsable des arrangements funéraires, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Vos condoléances peuvent etre partagées en ligne www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

06/08/2026

Brian Edward Cassidy
Peacefully passed away at the Maycourt Hospice on Saturday June 6, 2026.
Brian was born in Ottawa on November 9, 1936. He was predeceased by his parents Irene (Fouchard) and Bertram Cassidy along with one sister Norma. He is survived by Lori, his friend and partner for over 40 years, brothers Pat (Diane) Bowmanville, Robert, BC, sisters Colleen (John) Mississauga, Maureen - England, Cathy and Aileen - Ottawa and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his three children, Sharlene (Mark) Swimmings - Kemptville, Patti (Randy) Wyatt- Prescott and Tim - Prescott, along with 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Brian joined the Royal Canadian Navy October 1, 1956 and had postings to Alert, Bermuda, Churchill, Coverdale, Gloucester, Leitrem and Massett.
He retired from the Navy and went into the Insurance business, starting in Prescott and then he moved to Kemptville and bought Patterson Hadden Insurance where he loved meeting & chatting with the people that walked through the door.
He was one of the founding members of the North Grenville Curling Club, Past President of the Kemptville Rotary Club and he also managed the Ottawa Nepean Canadian Senior Baseball Team.
Brian has enjoyed many retirement years golfing, curling, travelling and just relaxing.
As per Brian’s wishes Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at the Mountain Township Agricultural Hall, 2967 Lough Road, South Mountain on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m.
A Memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 503 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on Monday June 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. Lunch to follow, everyone welcome. Inurnment South Gower Cemetery. By family request donations may be made to the Beth Donovan Hospice or Hospice Care Ottawa-Maycourt Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

06/06/2026

John Kenneth Armstrong
Peacefully at Kemptville District Hospital on June 3, 2026, Kenneth Armstrong, aged 87, of Kemptville, passed away in the presence of family. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret “Sylvia” (née Adams). Kenneth was the son of the late Jared and Laura Armstrong and brother to the late Keith (Ruth), Don (Lera) and Bernard. A devoted father, he leaves behind his children: Jeff (Cyndi) of Orleans, Tom Armstrong of Conestogo, and Bill (late Margaret) Armstrong of Ottawa. The most loving and supportive grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren: Emily and Katie of Orleans, and Brooke and Hailey of Alma. Ken was born and raised on his family farm on Oxford Mills Road and, when he married, he built a home on the land, where he and Sylvia raised their family. He worked for a time at Moore Business Forms as a typesetter until he was offered a position at the Vet Lab at Kemptville College, where he worked for 26 years. Retiring at the age of 55, Ken could not sit still for long. He worked at KBC for a few years and kept busy doing odd jobs for friends and neighbours. Ken was always puttering around in his vegetable garden and yard. Eventually, needing more space for his ongoing projects and hobbies, he built an extension for his woodshop in the back of his garage, where he loved to work on his wood carvings and built beautiful furniture. Humble, quiet, and yet endlessly witty, he was quick with a turn of phrase and had a way of making people laugh that was rare and precious. He was an endless well of knowledge on all things regarding Kemptville (and every back road that leads to and from it), carpentry, nature, farming, and a wide array of other topics, and had such a way with words. His stories, and his laughter, will be cherished by many.
By Ken’s request Cremation has taken place. A Private Graveside Service will be held at the Oxford Mills Anglican Cemetery.
By family request donations may be made in Memory of Ken to the Kemptville District Home Support, Kemptville Salvation Army, Kidney Foundation of Canada or Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain, (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

06/02/2026

Della Emma West (Nee Smith)
Peacefully at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice on Wednesday May 13, 2026. Della West age 88 of Kemptville. Predeceased by her husband’s John Prange & Erich West. Loving Mom of Mike and Greg West. Cherished friend of Sylvia Vezina. Dear sister of Delma Alden, Dorothy Mogensen, and Delbert Smith. Predeceased by her parents Ople (Stone) and Donald Smith and her brother Dale Smith. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, the West, Smith & Prange Families.
Cremation has taken place. By family request donations in Memory of Della may be made to the Hospice Care Ottawa
www.hospicecareottawa.ca/donate
(Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice 110 McCurdy Dr. Kanata, ON K2L 2Z6)
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

05/01/2026

04/29/2026

Lorna Ann Barton (Nee Elliott)
Peacefully at the Glengarry Memorial Hospital on Monday April 27, 2026. Lorna Barton age 79 of Wi******er. Loving Mom of Andrew and Derek Barton. Cherished Grandma of Liam and Ryan Barton.
Predeceased by her parents Una (Nee Ryan) and Michael Elliott and her sister Lois Robertson.
Fondly remembered by her extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends and their families.
Lorna will be remembered for her warmth, spirit, cooking skills and the way she made those around her feel truly seen and cared for. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Lorna’s life will be announced at a later date.
Cremation has taken place. By family request donations in Memory of Lorna may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Wi******er District Memorial Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

04/28/2026

Florence Estella Rintoul (Nee Dool)
Surrounded by loving family at the Ottawa General Hospital on Saturday April 25, 2026, Florence Rintoul, age 91, lifetime resident of Kemptville.
Beloved wife of the late Lloyd Rintoul and reconnecting later in life with Cherished companion Keith Crawford.
Loving mom of Heather(Trevor),
Scott(Suzanne), Derek(Janet),Ted (Lyn), Brian(Jacqueline),and Gertrude Mary(deceased)
She was cherished grandma Flo to Evan(Tabitha), Haleigh, Michael(Krista), Ryan(Ashley), Shane(Morgan), Connor(Kandace),William(Taylor),Jack(Peyton), Abbey(Nolan), Torianne, Taryn (Dan), Riley, Mitchell, Angeline, Bradley, and Craig.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Camden, Brynn, Hayden, Lucas, Bryson, Cameron, Lauren, Brooklyn, Rhett,Sadie-Mae and Viola, who brought her endless joy.
Fondly remembered by Dwayne, Terry and Kevin,her in-laws and their spouses, and the extended Rintoul families.
Thank you to all the staff at the Kemptville District Hospital, and to the team of doctors and nurses on the Orthopedic floor at the Ottawa General Hospital for their extraordinary care.
As per Flo’s wishes Cremation has taken place. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the Union Cemetery in Kemptville. By family request donations may be made in Memory of Flo to the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation.
If heaven has a hockey rink, a baseball diamond, and a yarn shop, then they’d better brace themselves—because Flossie has arrived with her knitting bag, and a new watch.
When she wasn’t cheering, she was knitting—scarves, hats, blankets, the intricate and beautiful lace tablecloths, or baking pies for “Hey Day”. It brought her joy to donate her time and creations if it could help raise funds for the community.
In her later years, she perfected the art of enjoying life: time with all the kids, enjoying a coffee from her window seat, travelling tours to wherever the bus took her, cheering for the Jays, and the occasional visit to places where one might try their luck for fun. She also loved plays and concerts, always ready for a show, especially if it meant time out with good company.
She lived with humour, heart, and a talent for finding joy in the everyday. She leaves behind a family who adored her, a community who will miss her, and a knitting stash that may take several generations to sort through. Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain, (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

04/22/2026

Stephen Charles McConnell
Stephen McConnell passed away on April 14, 2026.
He was predeceased by his mother, Helen McConnell (Nee Morrow) and his sister Carol McConnell. Steve will be deeply missed by his sister Barb (Denis) Desnoyers; his daughters Shayla-Blue (Thomas) and their children Christopher, Raine, Grayson, Johnathan, and Synn; and Ashley (Bill) and their children Khalan and Gryphon. Dear uncle of Andre, Chantal (Lindsay), Natalie (Tim), Alacia (Tyler), Abby (Justin), Daniel (Jenna) and 11 great nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Steve had a presence that could light up any room. With his charismatic charm and larger-than-life personality, he truly brought the party wherever he went. Whether you met him at O’Toole’s or Lone Star, Steve would be front and center--often the first to arrive, making sure a table was ready for friends, and the last to leave.
He lived life on his own terms and with full throttle enthusiasm. Known for his love of the motorcycle lifestyle, he was just as comfortable cruising the open road as he was showing off his moves on the dance floor. In the summer, you could often find him fishing or living aboard his boat, embracing the water and the sunshine. In the winter, he traded wheels for snowmobiles, always a “boy with his toys.”
Steve was the kind of person you could count on—always just a phone call away, and willing to drive hundreds of miles without hesitation if someone needed him. He lived for good music, good times, and good company. When the heat got to be too much, he’d cool off in his own unique way—grabbing his snow globe and reminding everyone to “ .” And for those who knew him best, one thing was certain: Steve can’t drive 55.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time. A private graveside service will take place for immediate family.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

04/22/2026

Colin Elkins
Suddenly on Wednesday April 15, 2026. Survived by his mother Stephanie, wife Bethany (nee Padget), his children Owen and Allison, Aunt Jane (Uncle Dick), and cousin David (Lisa). Resting in paradise - most likely with a fishing pole in his hand - with his father Michael and grandfather David.
His laughter and charisma will be sorely and dearly missed by many friends, coworkers, and fellow collectors.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, raise a glass of your choice to cheer, blast some heavy metal, and smile with the memories he made with us while he was here.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836).
Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca

04/22/2026

Loni Louise John
Suddenly at home on Sunday, April 19, 2026, Loni Louise John of Wi******er, age 45, formerly of Pembroke, passed away.
Beloved wife of Jason Ball. Cherished and devoted mother of Ethan, Owen, and Liam Ball, who were the center of her world.
Deeply loved and forever missed by her mother, Linda Nagora; her in-laws, Henriette and Terry Sloane, and Robert Ball; and her sister, Elizabeth Gauthier (J***y). Loni will be fondly remembered by her extended family, close friends, and the Sloane and Ball families.
Loni will be remembered for her warmth, her generous spirit, and the way she made those around her feel truly seen and cared for. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Loni’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108, 482 Main Street East, Wi******er on Saturday May 16, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For those who wish, donations in memory of Loni may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation (https://ohfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/) or the Wi******er District Memorial Hospital Foundation (https://www.wdmhfoundation.ca/howtomakeyourdonation).
Arrangements entrusted to Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be shared at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca.