SPEARS, Ira Garfield

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband and father after a lengthy illness at the Plummer Memorial Hospital (nursing home sight) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of 67 years to Genevieve Spears. Dear father of Audrey Spears, Pat Polowy (Len), Sally Raynor (Ken), Shirlene Watts (Jerry) of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Irene Bullerman (Harold) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Arlene Ziemba (Pat) of Thunder Bay and Norm (Heather) of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Grandfather of Patrick and Terry Polowy, Ron Raynor Jr. (Michelle), the late Donnie (Bev), Terry Gibeau (Garry), Connie Raynor, Steve (Terri), Kim Wyatt (Marty), Mark Bullerman (Penny), Kevin, Stefan (Melinda), Lisa Ziemba, Robert and Spencer Spears. Great grandfather of 15. He retired from Algoma Steel Inc. in 1972 after open heart surgery. Ira was the past president of the RHA for many years and was instrumental with the forming and growth of the RHA. He coached his son Norm for many years and guided many other youngsters through their hockey careers. He was also inducted into the City Hockey Hall of Fame and also continued volunteering with many fundraisers for hockey. Words cannot express our deepest gratitude to each and every nurse on Ira’s floor. You went above and beyond and we will always be grateful to you for making his time comfortable. Thank you. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 from 11 a.m. until time of memorial service in the chapel at 1 p.m. Mrs. Janet Norman officiating. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.