We honour and remember our past and current members that are no longer with us.
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It is with deep sadness that the family of Bonnie Mae Walker announce that she has been called Home to be with her Heavenly Father. Bonnie leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Stanley whom she asked to attend a dance with her 67 years ago. They spent the rest of their days together sharing their faith, laughter, travel and numerous interests. She will be greatly missed by their children Daniel, Douglas (Michelle) and Dee-Anne (Jonathan). She thoroughly enjoyed being G'ma to James, Steven, Kevin, Jessica and Jolene and was thrilled to welcome her Great Grandson, Anderson last year. Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved sister, Heather and leaves behind her brother-in-law Ted, her nieces and nephews, her Great Uncle Robert Hanway, and countless friends and associates. Bonnie was involved in The Newcomers Club, Literacy Council, Red Hats, Wasaga Beach Cruisers, Barrie Thunder Classics, Vocal Maturity and more! She retired from Travel Sales at Sears Canada and is remembered by her team and customers. Bonnie was born in London, Ontario and spent time living in Alberta and Colorado along with various locations in Ontario.
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Bonnie faced a fight against cancer that did not stop her from welcoming her many friends over the past year. Their support and the help of Saint Elizabeth staff allowed Bonnie to fulfill her wish to be home through her battle and she passed peacefully with Stan at her side, holding her hand. Stan and family wish to express our sincere thanks for all of the help over the past 11 months and the support we will have as we celebrate Bonnie on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Legacy Funeral & Cremation Services, 55 Cedar Pointe Drive, Unit 600, Barrie, ON - Service at 12 and Celebration of Life to follow with lunch provided. Expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to a favorite charity, and cards are welcome. edit.
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Bob was a long time member of Barrie Thunder Classics, best known for his knowledge of all things flathead. His licence plate was “Flathead”, and we all wondered how he ever got that specialty plate.
Always willing to share his experience and knowledge especially on Flathead V8 Ford engines, his 34 three window Ford coupe was not only a pleasure to the hobbyist who really understood cars, but all that surrounded his car when at a cruise night enjoyed not only the view but when Bob opened up you would enjoy a great conversation on the hobby. Following Bob down the road, as many had the pleasure of doing, was a delight to the ears. Nothing sounded better than Bob’s glass packs on his dual exhaust. |
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One of the most delightful stories involving Bob was when he had a good friend over helping with an update on his coupe, the helper called for some absorbent to soak up some spilled oil. Bob soon brought some cat litter that many of us use and when asked broadcast the material under the car where the helper was working. The helper soon realized that it was in fact cat litter and when Bob was asked if it was his reply was “Yes it is cat litter, the kind that clumps up, and I removed all the lumps before using it!!!!!" Needless to say the helper had a good laugh over this as many of us have done since when reminiscing over this story.
Bob`s collection was not limited to the 34 coupe, he also had a 1947 Harley Motor Cycle, a 1965 Thunderbird Convertible, a 1932 Model A, a 1953 Monarch 2 DR Sedan, and a 1980 Fleetwood Cadillac.
Bob also belonged to the Early Ford V-8 Club of America and the Regional Canadian Group 169, Wasaga Beach Cruisers, and participated whenever he could in cruise nights and annual shows.
One memorable show was when he won first in class at the huge Performance World show in Toronto when the trophy was almost as tall as Bob. He received much kidding from his many buddies with good humour. The most significant issue that day was getting the trophy in the coupe.
Bob made many friends over the years and benefited from the enthusiasm of many of those friends when he, like many of us, was stymied with an issue. Respected by all, it is sad that we now have to say goodbye to a significant hobbyist in the Classic Car and Hot Rod Hobby.
Edie, Bob`s wife, has always been there for Bob, and over the last several months has been his advocate and by his side even as he took his last breath. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edie and the family as they grieve. We all recognize that Bob had a great ride while with us in his 34 Ford five window coupe!!!!!
Bob`s collection was not limited to the 34 coupe, he also had a 1947 Harley Motor Cycle, a 1965 Thunderbird Convertible, a 1932 Model A, a 1953 Monarch 2 DR Sedan, and a 1980 Fleetwood Cadillac.
Bob also belonged to the Early Ford V-8 Club of America and the Regional Canadian Group 169, Wasaga Beach Cruisers, and participated whenever he could in cruise nights and annual shows.
One memorable show was when he won first in class at the huge Performance World show in Toronto when the trophy was almost as tall as Bob. He received much kidding from his many buddies with good humour. The most significant issue that day was getting the trophy in the coupe.
Bob made many friends over the years and benefited from the enthusiasm of many of those friends when he, like many of us, was stymied with an issue. Respected by all, it is sad that we now have to say goodbye to a significant hobbyist in the Classic Car and Hot Rod Hobby.
Edie, Bob`s wife, has always been there for Bob, and over the last several months has been his advocate and by his side even as he took his last breath. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Edie and the family as they grieve. We all recognize that Bob had a great ride while with us in his 34 Ford five window coupe!!!!!
Memories of Paul Grant
Paul was one of the founding members of Barrie Thunder Classics car club.
I first met Paul after purchasing my first “classic” vehicle in 2005, long after BTC began. BTC was meeting in the Zeller’s parking lot at the Kozlov Centre, and Paul was the DJ, and President of the club.
A trophy was created in honour of Tim Hurtubise, another of the founding members and driving force of the club. This award was presented annually to a member who had contributed significantly as a member, and Paul was the second recipient of the award.
Paul could be found at a car show on most weekday evenings, or at his home with the hood up on his 1964 Ford Fairlane, which he fondly called “PJ”. He might be coaxed away by an invite to coffee or lunch!
He was a DJ of some note and was DJ for many car shows around the Barrie area, including Wednesday evening cruise nights at Barrie’s Heritage Park. He was great at promoting the other cruise nights, as well as the supporting sponsors of the club. He could also be heard “barking” if he caught anyone riding a bicycle anywhere near the parked vehicles!!
Many of his car hobby friends attended the celebration of Paul’s life. The Pastor of Burton Ave United Church related Paul’s entire life to his passion for music in a very fitting way. Music, cars, and family were all big in his life.
Paul will be missed by all who knew him.
Stan Walker,
Former BTC member
Paul was one of the founding members of Barrie Thunder Classics car club.
I first met Paul after purchasing my first “classic” vehicle in 2005, long after BTC began. BTC was meeting in the Zeller’s parking lot at the Kozlov Centre, and Paul was the DJ, and President of the club.
A trophy was created in honour of Tim Hurtubise, another of the founding members and driving force of the club. This award was presented annually to a member who had contributed significantly as a member, and Paul was the second recipient of the award.
Paul could be found at a car show on most weekday evenings, or at his home with the hood up on his 1964 Ford Fairlane, which he fondly called “PJ”. He might be coaxed away by an invite to coffee or lunch!
He was a DJ of some note and was DJ for many car shows around the Barrie area, including Wednesday evening cruise nights at Barrie’s Heritage Park. He was great at promoting the other cruise nights, as well as the supporting sponsors of the club. He could also be heard “barking” if he caught anyone riding a bicycle anywhere near the parked vehicles!!
Many of his car hobby friends attended the celebration of Paul’s life. The Pastor of Burton Ave United Church related Paul’s entire life to his passion for music in a very fitting way. Music, cars, and family were all big in his life.
Paul will be missed by all who knew him.
Stan Walker,
Former BTC member
