Memorial contributions can be made to Oxford Community Foundation or any legacy fund in a variety of ways. Cheques can be mailed to Oxford Community Foundation, 447 Hunter Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 4G7; you can send an e-transfer to info@oxfordcommunityfoundation.org or pay by credit card by clicking on the “donate now button” on the top right of this page. To ensure your donation is allocated to the fund of your choice, in the “Dedication Information” section of the donation page, please insert “in memory of “name” to “name” Fund”.
Below, please find brief stories of legacies left by Barry Smith (Nov2021), Jean Matheson (Feb2021), Doug Eckel (Jun2020) and Dale Fanset (Apr2020).
Barry Smith Leaves a Legacy
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our dear fundholders, Barry Smith. Barry’s passion included his family, farming and supporting future leaders. Each year, the Pat & Barry Smith Fund at Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) provides multiple awards to rural students with leadership potential to continue their post secondary education. Barry was quite the character and we will miss him. Barry and Pat’s legacy will live on forever through their fund at OCF.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you please consider a donation to the Pat and Barry Smith Fund at OCF. Memorial donations may be made by clicking on the “donate now button” on the top right of this page. To ensure your donation is allocated to this fund, in the “Dedication Information” section of the donation page, please insert “in memory of Barry Smith.”
We’ve lost a local Hero Among Us – 
Jean Elizabeth Matheson
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jean’s family and many friends. Jean passed away at Kingsway Lodge, St. Marys, on February 3, 2021 at the age of 99. Predeceased by her husband Donald Matheson (1984). Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Helen Matheson of Embro, Donna Pullen (Ross) of Hickson, Doug Matheson (Karen Sample) of Embro, and Marie Bickell (Dan) of St. Marys. Sadly missed by her grandchildren Tim Pullen (Teresa), Jane Danen (Jack), Paul Matheson (Kim), Scott Matheson, Ian Matheson (Carley), Michelle Laidlaw (Derek), Brett Bickell (Heather) and 17 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her son Robert Matheson (2020), and her sister Ella Bratton (2019). Cremation to take place. A private family service will be held at a later date. Spring interment in North Embro Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Jean Matheson, Heroes Among Us Fund by clicking on the “donate now button” on the top right of this page. In her honour and memory, grants will be made each year in her name to local charities. To ensure your donation is allocated to this fund, in the “Dedication Information” section of the donation page, please insert “in memory of Jean Matheson, Heroes Among us Fund.”
Doug Eckel for Leaves a Legacy. It is with sadness that we share the news of Doug Eckel’s passing at the age of 87 on June 20th.
Family and community defined Doug. He was married to Yvonne for more than 60 years and together they raised four wonderful children. I remember fondly how his eyes would light up when he talked about his family, especially his grandchildren, and his world travels. He was a kind, gentle and generous man who loved to chat.
Giving back to their community was tremendously important for both Doug and Yvonne. We, at Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) are grateful for Doug’s expertise and assistance in setting up the foundation. Doug was a founding board member, and he and his wife Yvonne established one of the first legacy funds, the Doug and Yvonne Eckel Fund, in 2006. Having an interest in children as well as arts and culture, grants from their fund have supported numerous initiatives including Economics for Success program through Junior Achievement, Imprinting Generations print making program at The Woodstock Art Gallery, a workshop for singers through Woodstock Fanshawe Singers’, the weekend backpack food program at Helping Hands Food Bank, and so many more.
Doug & Yvonne’s legacy will live on forever through annual grants made from their fund supporting local initiatives through local charities.
Rest in peace Doug. You will be missed and never forgotten. His obituary and the accompanying video tell a story of a life well lived. https://www.brockandvisser.com/obituary/DouglasDoug-Kennedy-Eckel
Memorial contributions can be made to the OCF B&R George Cultural Fund by clicking on the “donate now button” on the top right of this page. To ensure your donation is allocated to this fund, in the “Dedication Information” section of the donation page, please insert “in memory of Doug Eckel to B&R George Fund”.
Dale Fanset is now “Takin’ Care of Business” on the wild blue yonder’s dancefloor. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the large family and many friends of Dale Fanset of Tillsonburg who passed away on April 30th.
Dale (aka Uncle Guido) will be remembered for his fun-loving nature and mischievous grin. He was an accomplished curler, golfer, baseball player, darter and beer pong champion and could be described as the life of the party. Dale took much pride in and was highly regarded for his icemaking skills at the Tillsonburg and Ingersoll curling clubs.
Dale’s loving partner Stephanie and son Travis have set up a legacy fund at Oxford Community Foundation with thoughts of supporting junior curlers in our community. Donations can be made to the “Dale Fanset Legacy Fund” by clicking on the “donate now button” on the top right of this page. To ensure your donation is allocated to this fund, in the “Dedication Information” section of the donation page, please insert “Dale Fanset Legacy Fund”.
https://tillsonburgnews.remembering.ca/obituary/dale-fanset-1079172003
Leaving legacies with impact. 