In Memoriam

On December 12, 2017 our friend Betty (Clark) Watson passed away peacefully at the Montreal General Hospital, while her son Iain held her hand at her bedside. 

Betty was predeceased by her husband David Cockburn Watson (2009). Besides her son Iain, Betty is survived by son David "Sandy" and a grandson Nicholas, her close American cousin Lillian and of course her SouthWest United family.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

In Memoriam: Ida Arhin

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ida Ekua Arhin on November 21st 2017.

The following are Ida's words from January 1, 2017. A New Years Wish :

"Happy New Year everybody. I hope 2017 is going to be a great year for everyone but that being said everyone has to do his or her part! To make this year a great one for me, my plan and my hope is that I'll be able to listen more; listen instead of telling and also have more empathy on my fellow human beings because at the end of the day we all strive for the same things: happiness, joy, peace, success, and above all good health. To all my friends and family that's my plan; I don't have resolution I have a plan! Thank you."

Ida will be sadly missed by her children Abrefa, Quincy, and Justine; her brother Gerald and sister-in-law Stella, niece Mina and nephews Aaron and Gerald Jr.

We pray for Gerald and Stella who have been helping to care for Ida's kids. May they and the children feel the love and support from community at this time and throughout their lives.

In Memoriam: June Forbes

Our church family is saddened by the loss of our dear June Forbes. June passed away peacefully on November 8th. She was kind of heart, sharp-tongued but witty; generous to all, especially children and her furry friends of all sorts. A celebration of June's life will be incorporated into the Sunday service on November 26th, with fellowship following. 

 End is in beginning;
and in beginning, end;
Death is not loss, nor life winning;
But each and to each is friend.

The hands which give are taking;
And the hands which take bestow:
Always the bough is breaking
Heavy with fruit or snow.

 - William Soutar

In Memoriam

On November 5th, after Sunday worship, a scattering of the ashes of Graham Walker, husband of Kathy O'Halloran, took place at the Bird Sanctuary (Parc des rapides) in LaSalle.

A memorial service celebrating the life of William (Bill) Lothian will be held at SouthWest United Church on Friday, Nov. 10th at 3:30; visitation from 2:30.

We are sad to announce the untimely passing of Bonnie Dobson on November 2nd in Ottawa. Bonnie was our Breakfast Club Manager at SouthWest-VES for the 2012-13 school year. The funeral will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 12th at Laurent Thériault funeral home, 512 de l'Eglise, Verdun 514 769 3867 (Parking lot and ramp available). The service will be followed by a reception at SouthWest  Mission, 631 Melrose (corner Verdun) from 5 to 7 p.m.

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me But Let me Go!

- Anonymous