Aileen I. Vincent-Barwood 02/20/2022

Aileen Vincent-Barwood passed peacefully through the Veil in her sleep on Sunday, February 20th, surrounded with love. In her 98th year of an adventurous life, the writer was ready to end her story.

Born to the late Harriett and George Walton of Toronto, Aileen attended Moulton College Finishing School before volunteering for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a wireless radio operator. In the military she met the love of her life, E. A. Vincent-Barwood, a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Dental Corps. After WWII, Aileen and Vince married and attended Mount Allison University.  Shortly after graduating they moved to Ethiopia.  Over their 75 years together, their travels took them to the Middle East, New York State’s Hudson Valley, West Africa, Northern New York, the Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, New England, and finally back to Canton for their later snowbird years. 

A lifelong journalist, Aileen started out as a foreign correspondent for the CBC and the Toronto Daily Star, ultimately becoming the editor of the St. Lawrence Plaindealer in the 1970s. She believed that small hometown newspapers are the backbone of our nation’s free press, and our freedom. She authored three books: North Country Editor, a compilation of her “Grasse Roots” editorial columns; This Sweet Place – Island Living and Other Adventures, a chronicle of winters spent in their home on Exuma, Bahamas, illustrated by Vince; and A Murderous Thirst – Death Comes to the Adirondacks, an environmental murder mystery. Additionally, Aileen wrote numerous short stories and articles for various magazines, and volunteered as an English tutor at a women’s prison throughout her 80’s. An avid gardener, lover of dogs, and devout Unitarian, Ai was happy pulling weeds, discussing physics, championing the less fortunate, and advocating for human rights.

Aileen was predeceased by her brother, Harris Walton, and in February 2021, by her beloved Vince. She is survived by her children Scott Vincent-Barwood, Jennifer Vincent-Barwood and husband John McCloskey, bonus son Thomas Gardner and companion Terri Chalone; grandchildren Connie Takeshita and husband Jason Takeshita, Aubri Vincent-Barwood, Zachariah Knight and wife Elizabeth Herrington Knight, and Zoë Knight; her great-grandchildren Olivia, Scott, and Dane Takeshita, and Evelyn Knight; and many friends of all ages.

A memorial service for Aileen and Vince will be held this summer.  For those so inclined, remembrance contributions may be given to the Canton Free Library, Potsdam Humane Society, or North Country Public Radio. In Aileen’s memory, take your dog for a walk, read a banned book, enjoy sunrise with a good cup of tea, or marvel at the quantum universe.

Vickie M. Morse 02/14/2022

Vickie M. Morse

Vickie M. Morse, 71, of Canton, died, February 14, 2022 at her home. Services for Vickie will be private. There will be a graveside service on May 22, 2024, 11:30 am at Cook’s Corner Cemetery, Pierrepont. Vickie is survived by her daughter, Kelly and her husband James Mandigo of Vermont, her son, Perry Masters of Ogdensburg, a brother William and his wife Candie Morse of Gouverneur, grandchildren, Tyran Mandigo, Christopher Laddison, Kyle Perry, Patrick Rockhill, Braiden Rockhill, adopted grandchildren, Noah Marckres and Gabrielle Marckres, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters, Elizabeth Morse, Sandra Hynes and her common law husband, Richard Sanford.  Vickie was born September 23, 1950, in Gouverneur to the late, Gerald and Mary Mattison Morse. Vickie worked as clerk at the General Store in DePeyster, and Ames. She helped manage her husband’s business, Sanford Inc. in Colton, for many years. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching mystery shows, online games, Facebook and watching Tic Toc.  The joy of her life was her grandson, Tyran. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.  Vickie’s family would like to thank Dr. Anghel and Dr. Lee for the wonderful care of their mom.

Ronald C. Stevens 02/05/2022

Ronald C. Stevens

“Ron”

Ronald C. Stevens., 63, of Hermon, died, February 5, 2022 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center. There will calling hours at the funeral home, February 19, 2022, 12 -2 PM, masks are required and all COVID protocols will be in effect. Ronald is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughters, Linda Stevens and her significant other Matthew Martin of Hermon, Tina and her husband Steven House of Russell, his brothers, Dale Stevens of Lisbon, Eugene Stevens of Heuvelton, a sister, Dorothy Stevens of Heuvelton, 5 grandchildren, Logan Stevens, Joey Payne, Dartagnan House, Aiden Chase, and Tyler Bush, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Jenny Bush, and a granddaughter, Serena Stevens.  Ron was born November 21, 1958, in Ogdensburg to the late, Charles and Pauline Howes Stevens. He graduated from Heuvelton Central School in 1978.  He married Margaret Hogg in July 1981 in Florida.  Ron worked as a fuel deliveryman for Philly Fuels in Philadelphia, for many years. He loved spending time with his family, riding motorcycles, and driving muscle cars.  He played Santa at day care centers or for anyone who wanted to take a picture with him. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to charity of one’s choice.