William van Veghel RIP

 

Bill van Veghel was in the second class ever at Oshawa Catholic High. His sister Mary was in the third year of the existence of the high school. By the time that I got there, his younger brother Marty was attending also. Here is his obituary:

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

August 11, 1949 - March 2, 2026

VEGHEL, William “Bill” van Veghel

Passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, on Monday, March 2, 2026; he was 76 years old. Bill died as he lived; with strength, courage, dignity, and on his own terms. He was a husband, Father, and Opa, and will be remembered as a moral, just, and most of all, loving man. Beloved son of Aloysius and Anna van Veghel (née Berkers). Dearly beloved husband of 58 years to Linda. Always present and loving Father of William (Jenn), Carrie, Scott, Lee (Tania), and predeceased by Jay. Cherished Opa of Jayla, Tristan, Saoirse, Padraic, and Ella. Dear brother of Mary, Liz, Martin, Anne, Louise, and Cathy. He will be missed by all nieces and nephews, family and friends (especially Barry and Joe). Bill was born in Helmond, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada as a young boy. He was a graduate of Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, earned his undergraduate degree at York University, and his Master’s Degree in Economics at Queens University. He began his career as an Economist at Bell Canada, while still on teaching faculty at McGill University, and then York University. He moved to Ontario Hydro, where he worked for most of his career as an HR director. He moved to the IMO when Hydro deregulated, and retired from the IESO, determined to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren. After his cancer diagnosis, Bill and Linda traveled, before settling on the deck to enjoy watching the grandchildren play in the pool. He was a devoted husband, a strong and protective tour de force for his children, and a present and supportive grandfather for his grandchildren, his shining lights. He strove to do the right thing, always.

To paraphrase Robert Frost, the woods are lovely, dark and deep. You kept your promises, and have earned your sleep. Rest in peace, and remember the love that surrounds you. Hug Jay for us.

Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME 847 King Street, West on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (91 Ribblesdale Drive, Whitby) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (355 Taunton Road, East, Whitby).

In Leiu of flowers donations may be made to Sick Kids and Holland Bloorview Kids rehabilitation Hospital.

in pace requiescat

Oshawa Times Archives - February 21, 1964, OCHS will cost $1,000,000 to build

 I found this article about Oshawa Catholic High School in the Oshawa Times archives from February 21, 1964. The separate school board agreed to build the school at the corner of Rossland & Stevenson Road with the cost of one million dollars. The Oshawa parishes would kick in $500,000 and the Sisters of Saint Joseph kicked in over $500,000 when it was all said and done. Believe it or not, there was some opposition to the building of the school. This was my alma mater and I'm glad that it was built. The education there was second to none.

Frank Zochodne (R.I.P.)

Frank Zochodne Obituary

Passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday January 5, 2026 at the age of 73 years.  Loved and missed by his wife Anne (nee Fraser) and by their children Leah Allen (Neil), Brittany Ruest (Steve), Stefan Zochodne (Mona) and Nathan Zochodne (Amanda).  Cherished grandpa of Gavin Zochodne, Brody and FColby Allen, Niamh and Roisin Ruest and Nora and Hazel Zochodne.  Also remembered by his brothers Doug (Barbe) and Rob (Kristen) and by all of his brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.  

Frank was a passionate teacher and Principal with the Durham Catholic District School Board. Beyond the classroom, Frank found joy in music, sharing his talent as a wonderful guitarist and singer with family, friends and the wider community, where he would influence many people with his love for music. Frank had an unmistakable sense of humor. Known for his dry wit and love of a good joke, he had a gift for making people smile, even in the most ordinary moments. The family home was always filled with music, echoed by the laughter of his children and grandchildren Frank so dearly loved.  

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 1763 Reach Street, Port Perry on Sunday January 11, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Parish, 1710 Scugog Street Port Perry on Monday January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  Reception will follow at the funeral home.