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Shirley Opas Obituary
The passing of “Our Legends”
Mom and Dad were devoted to their family, gave 100% in any job held, took great pride in their homes with always well manicured lawns, meticulous snow removal, tons of flowers and always a holiday decoration or two (hundred). They loved their home on beautiful Walker's Lake; the sunsets, the loons, their pet seagull Annabelle and the company of friends and family, especially their grandchildren. They spent summers watching the grandkids swim, enjoy the sauna, water slide, paddle boat and be pulled on the tube behind the “green hornet”, generally followed by Gram's signature treat of Terrace Bay Bakery donuts. Winters in Arizona were always pleasing and spent in the company of close friends for many years.
Health issues and aging led them south to Cardiff, closer to Debra & family where Mom continued to enjoy gardening, cross stitch, and following any curling, and Dad continued to excel in lawn maintenance and snow removal (on occasion in his housecoat).
Mom's health led them to think about trying out retirement living just before Covid lockdowns began. The peaceful passing Nov 28/20 of the matriarch, the custodian, the florist, the knitter, the bowler, the cross stitch queen, the gardener, the decorator, the Mom, the Grams, the Gray Nanny but most of all Dad's soulmate was devastating to all. Dad was resilient in navigating his retirement home, ALC within a hospital setting and then onto his own place in LTC close to his family. “Poppa” enjoyed his daily family visits but was thrilled when his great grandchildren and granddaughters came to spend their time with him. Sadly Nov 14/21 Dad, Gramps, Great Poppa, the Hydro forester and lineman, the cement mason, the carpenter, the wood chopper, the sauna lighter, the boat captain, the snow guy, the story teller and the jokester passed peacefully only days after surgery.
Our Legends are survived by: Debra & Morgan, Kylee & Ryan (Gibson & Ripley), Sally (Addie), Gordon & Carol (Greg & Ryne).
Eric is also survived by sister Lina (Jack) Anderson of Thunder Bay.
Predeceased by beloved first born son Gary Eric.
Cremation has taken place and their ashes will be interred with Gary this summer in Terrace Bay.
and know now you are “busy doing nothing”.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Opas
8 Entries
Phyllis Erickson
April 3, 2022
My thoughts are filled with laughter, shared tears and loving support. Eric and Shirley's children are evidence of the legacy of these wonderful neighbors of Annie and Sig .Thanks to the family that cared for both of them with love. Jim and I are grateful to have been a small part of this amazing family.
Phyllis Erickson
April 3, 2022
Wow ! Where do I begin sharing my thoughts of these two amazing people.? Let's start with their children. They shared their parents with all of us..Loyal, diligent workers, fun loving and best of all support for the whole Erickson clan. Jim and I send much love to you and the family.
Gail Johnson (Nee Fould)
April 3, 2022
So sorry for the loss of your dad. He will be reunited with your mom in heaven
but greatly missed by family and friends in earth.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Sincerely Gail Johnson ( Nee Gould) Terrace Bay
Fred Erickson
April 3, 2022
Thank you for sharing the news of the passing of Shirley and Eric. My parents treasured them as kind, considerate, and thoughtful neighbors while they lived in Terrace Bay. In so many ways, they made the world a better place. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Lonnie Connelly
April 3, 2022
I worked with Shirley at St. Martins´. A friend of Morgan and Deb. Shirley was the most kindest and compassionate person I knew. Every student and staff member at St. Martins´ loved her. She knew every student by name as well as their parents. Shirley and Eric would of done anything for you or for anyone. I know they are on the fast track to Heaven.
Ellen Bond
April 3, 2022
I grew up with the Opas´ as my grandparents neighbours in Terrace Bay. I remember the poppies and the garden, the attached garage we would jump off of, their daughter Debbie being out babysitter. Later in life, Annie (my grandma), Janice (my mom) and I visited Shirley and Eric in Arizona. I would stop at Walkers Lake on every trip I made west of there. I also got the opportunity to visit camp on Ault Lake.
Beautiful memories of beautiful people. My condolences to all of the family remaining.
Bryan McInnes
April 3, 2022
Gord & Carol: What a beautiful tribute to "your Legends"! You can feel the love. I didn't know them well, but from a little distance well enough to witness the fruits of their labor. Shirley and Eric would be as proud of all their children, and their children's children, as you all were of them. God Bless you in remembrance of them and know they are looking forward to seeing you in the future.
Tex Nyman
April 2, 2022
So sorry to hear of the loss of a long time fried, and co worker from long ago
We spent many good times together in Forestry. Shirley and Eric were good friends we thought about many times and remembered when he singled handedly built their new home in Nipigon. With no help. It was perfect, designed to fit Shirleys plans. Later we visited them jn Arizona when we we were camping nearby. Good memories.
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