A dedicated pastor based in Alberta, Canada, who finds joy in family and faith. She cherishes her children and grandchildren deeply. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and tending to her garden, finding peace and creativity in these simple pleasures.

Bob Ross Ipsum Wind it up, blend it together. Sometimes we get crazy here. However you want to change this, that’s the way it should be. Blend it all together and have fun with it. You can do it! Do you want to get crazy? Painters are expected to be different. Shh… our secret! Don’t tell, just enjoy! I’ll bet you didn’t realize you had that much power. Keep this brush moving all the time. You can blend this until it absolutely goes away and leaves you. The cloud needs a little friend.

Great time! It’s bad when you have to tie a bucket on the side of your painting. I’m always looking for a nice, easy way to do this. You can do anything that you want to do… you can move mountains! I just like to wash brushes. Let’s work on that tree right there. Be careful with this bright red — it’ll eat up your whole world in a heartbeat. You really cannot make a mistake here. Let’s do a winter scene, what the heck. That was so much fun! Let’s get crazy! That’s why I like it so much. This is a very individual thing, painting is.

Jim was an ordained deacon and located at Kingsview FMC, Etobicoke, ON. He died peacefully at Regency Manor, Port Hope on Sunday August 2nd, 2020 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of the late Marie Alexander (nee Clarke). Loving father of Heather Campbell (David) and James Alexander. Dear grandfather of Jennifer Harris (Sam) and Jonathan Campbell (Anna) and great grandfather of Abigail, Naomi and Caleb. Pre-deceased by his brother John Alexander.

God used music to draw Jim to Himself. At the age of fifteen, Jim came to the Lord through the ministry of the Salvation Army. Jim and Marie’s love for the Lord led them to use their musical talents to minister to others over their 62 years together. Many were blessed by Jim’s playing and Marie’s singing. In 1985, Jim received his Bachelor of Religious Education from Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale University). Jim and Marie opened Alexander’s Music Academy in 1987 and, over the next 20 years, used their talents to teach, inspire and encourage their students. They especially delighted in teaching their grandchildren, Jennifer and Jonathan, and shared with them their love of music. During Jim’s brief stay in palliative care, the family listened to brass music. In the moments before he passed, the hymn “In the Sweet By and By” was playing.

Husband of Alice Marie Anthony for 65 years, Ron was a retired ordained minister. Devoted father to Jessica Watson (Kirby) and David Anthony (Trish). Loving grandpa to Kristie Sidwall (Kyle), Klint Watson (Susan), Colleen Flett (Rob) and John Anthony. Treasured GiGi to four great-grandchildren; Mitchell and Karter Watson and Cohen and Braedyn Sidwall. He will be sadly missed by his sister Neanie Robinson, and many nieces and nephews. Ron has had ongoing health issues for the past number of years but always made time in the community in any way he could. Ron was ordained in 1996 and served as Pastor at the Burlington FMC (1993-2001). He retired in June 2002.

Lawrence Ashdown, born in Melfort, Saskatchewan went to be with his Lord on December 27, 2015 at the age of 95. Prior to retiring in 1985, Lawrence and Eileen (his wife of 62 years) faithfully served the Lord in pastoral ministry for almost 40 years. He began in the former Holiness Movement congregation in D’Arcy, and then later pastored Free Methodist Churches in Nipawin & Love. He was employed at Moose Jaw Bible College later renamed Aldersgate College for a time and then he pastored in the communities of Avonlea; Mewassin & Paul’s Band Indian Reservation; Burtonsville & Mewassin; Lorlie; and File Hills.

Lawrence’s love for the Lord Jesus was evident in everything that he did. His sense of humour was delightful and it was a joy to observe him as a fine example of one who served under the Lordship of Jesus with the humble manner of a wholesome, contented servant. His faith was positive and optimistic. His quiet interest in people (and what concerned them) was always genuine.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Neeta and her husband Dan.

Our thanks to God for the life of this faithful servant.

Gerald age 86 of Dresden, ON went home to be with his Saviour on Thursday, August 28, 2014. He was born in Chatham Township.
Gerald was ordained as a Free Methodist minister in 1957. He pastored several Free Methodist churches in Western Ontario including Wabash-Chatham and Dresden; Tillsonburg & Ingersoll; Niagara Falls, Zion, and Charlemont. He retired from pastoring in 1974.
Gerald was a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. His testimony was clear, mature and steady. It was evident that he knew the Lord in a quiet, personal way and that his heart’s desire was to see others come to know Jesus as Savior and then be discipled to joyfully follow Him as Lord.

Gerald was deeply committed to the ministries of Maple Grove Camp even in his retirement. He loved being there and seeing lives touched by the Lord. A love for camping ministries was so inescapable that he passed it on to his children who remain faithfully committed to Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre.

Helen, his wife of many years predeceased him in 2013. He is survived by his son: James and daughters, Carolyn Cornish, Norma Langstaff, Catherine Langstaff, and Janice Smith, and their spouses; as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Our thanks to the Lord for the life and service of Gerald Babcock.

Raymond Banks was born on a farm near Brown City, Michigan and passed away on July 3rd, 2021 at the age of 86 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Graduating from high school as Valedictorian made it possible for him to attend the University of Michigan on a full academic scholarship, earning his Bachelor of Science. While a student he married Nancy Cody and together they raised Garth, Karla, Paige, and Peter. For five years Ray worked for Dow Chemical Company before answering the call to a life of ministry. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Ray then pastored in four churches in BC: Surrey, Summerland, Kamloops,and Vancouver; two in Washington State: Seattle and Olympia; and in Roblin, Manitoba. He also studied and worked in Chaplaincy, both medical and police. Ray was a charming, friendly man that people warmed to easily, gifts that he used effectively in the work of the Kingdom.

Bishop Emeritus Donald N. Bastian, born in Estevan, Saskatchewan, passed to his eternal reward with the Lord on April 4 of 2024, at age 98. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 75 years, Kathleen, his four siblings and by son Donald. He is survived and lovingly remembered by four children Carolyn, June, Robert and John David as well as seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Bishop Bastian took high school studies at the Free Methodist Church’s Moose Jaw Bible College and Lorne Park College. He became the first in his family to complete a bachelor’s degree, from Greenville University in Illinois, and then a Master of Divinity at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. Later in life he was granted four honorary doctorates, the final one from Asbury Theological Seminary. Bishop Bastian was the author of four books including “Belonging”, the long-used and often-updated membership training book of the Free Methodist Church; as well as hundreds of articles, for Light and Life magazine and Christianity Today, among others.

Together, Bishop Bastian and Kathleen served Free Methodist churches in Lexington, Kentucky, New Westminster, British Columbia, and Greenville, Illinois as the college pastor. He was elected to the bishopric of the Free Methodist Church – USA in 1974. Later, he became the inaugural bishop of the Free Methodist Church in Canada, having led the latter body from being part of the American church to Jurisdictional status and then to the standing of a full general conference. Bishop Bastian was a pastor’s pastor, mastering his calling through biblical preaching of great power and influence; attentive pastoral care for his congregation of all ages; and skillful administration.

At the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital on Tuesday June 11, 2019 in her 91st year. Donna Bright (nee Denne) of Orillia, beloved wife of the late Reverend Clinton Bright. Much loved mother of Maureen Polley-predeceased, Bryon Bright (Sherylann), Darrell Bright (Onda), Gary Bright (Aline), Stephen Bright, and Colleen Bright. Loving grandmother of Allison Hewitt (Gareth), Jessica Brown (Matt), Courtney Allen (Richard), Alisa, Zachary and Tyler. Great grandmother to Matilda, Jasper, Rinoa, Elsie and Ivy. Dear sister of Margaret Genno, Albert Denne, Mabel Lyons, Ella Johnson, Gladys Campbell, Olive Long, Laura Long and Ida Rawn (all pre-deceased). Donna will be dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Phyllis went to be with the Lord peacefully on July 28, 2016 to be reunited with her beloved husband Rev. C. Ross Brown and their youngest daughter, Jeannette. She was two days short of her 99th birthday.

If we make an assessment of a person based on the patterns of their life, Phyllis was up for adventure – especially once she signed on for life with Rev. Brown. Phyllis moved 34 times in her life from the time she was born until her last move to Sherwood Park Manor in Cornwall. Their list of home addresses stretched beyond Canada to include the USA, Egypt, Wales, Israel, Switzerland and England.
Former bishop, Gary Walsh wrote “Phyllis Brown’s service to our Lord over the decades was worthy of imitation. Her late husband, the Rev. C. Ross Brown, was a very public leader whose presence always drew attention. Discerning people, however, knew that Phyllis was the faithful supportive spouse, standing by with grace, personal concern and care. Even in the face of tragedy, like the loss of her young daughter Jeannette, Phyllis Brown demonstrated a faith in God and an ability to help her grieving loved ones that will not soon be forgotten.

Walsh continued, “The Browns lived for the work of the churches they served. When pastorates in Ontario came to an end, Ross and Phyllis launched initiatives to encourage international ministries. Together they made a significant difference. Her interest in Kingdom ministries did not wane with her failing health. She was aware and engaged in what God was doing at home and abroad.”

Phyllis is survived by her daughter Carole Tanney, sons Philip and Todd and their spouses, six grandchildren and six beautiful great granddaughters.

We are thankful to God for the life and various ministries of this devoted sister.