Hugh Alexander McINTOSH (’72), age 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at McGarrell Place on Nov. 12, 2025. Loving husband of Ann (nee Frank) McIntosh. Proud father of four (Alex, Andrew, Heather and Ian) and adored grandfather of seven. Dear brother of Elizabeth Crellin (‘70), twin brother Ross McIntosh (’72), David McIntosh (’74) (Mary Lynn) and Heather Kelly (’75) (David). Hugh will be “profoundly missed, yet the strength of his spirit will live on in everyone whose life he touched”.

Dennis SILLETT (’62) passed away Nov. 17, 2025 at Victoria Hospital, age 81, “surrounded by love, leaving behind cherished memories in the hearts of all who knew him.”  Survived by his wife, Patricia Sillett, his two children, James Sillett (93) (Kim) and Rebecca Telfer (’95) (Cam), and his four grandchildren, Trent (’21), Natalie, Marshall, and Leah. Also survived by his sister, Susan Bingham (’78) (Russ). Predeceased by his sister, Carol Massey.  Dennis was an engineer with CN Rail. He was also an avid sports and music enthusiast. Former South teacher, Pete Telford (1978-98) shared that Dennis had helped him with basketball coaching in the 1980s and early 90s.

Roddy (“Rod”) TAPP (’80) passed away Nov. 18, 2025, in his 64th year. He will be greatly missed by his children (Kylie, Kenzie, and Dylan), grandchildren (Kruz and Kairo), siblings (Steve, Rick, Randy, and Cathy), and their families. Rod will be remembered by many extended family and friends. “Roddy was a stand-up guy. A loyal friend. A wonderful human. He will be missed.” “I worked with Rod at the Town of Aylmer. He had an amazing sense of humor and provided much laughter in the workplace.”

Loss of Another Long Serving South Staff Member: Henry “Hank” BETKUS (staff, 1958-62 & 1976-89) passed away at Victoria Hospital on Dec. 7, 2025, in his 96th year. He was the proud father of three (Wendy Wood, Robert (Mary) Betkus & Debra Knight), grandfather of six and the great-grandfather of two. Predeceased by his former wife, Sheila Betkus, Hank was the beloved partner of Karen Young and treasured second father to Gavin (Lisa) and Eric (Kristen) Young, and the much-loved Poppa to Spencer, Owen, Jaci, and Marlee Young.

Hank was always an athlete. Growing up in Toronto, he played many sports, including Junior A hockey and baseball with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was during those years that he met Jackie Robinson, forming a friendship that left a lasting impression on Hank. He often told stories of the days he spent sitting with Jackie outside the Montreal team’s dressing room, waiting for his turn to suit up after the white players were finished dressing.

At Western, Hank played Mustang Football and graduated with a degree in Physical and Health Education. Teaching became his calling. Over the course of his career—at Lord Dorchester, Montcalm, Westminster, and especially at South, he inspired countless students. Coaching was one of his great passions. Whether it was hockey, football, track and field, or curling, Hank gave his athletes everything he had. He remembered them fondly, and many remembered him just as warmly.

Hank was also a long-time member of the Highland Country Club and spent many enjoyable rounds of golf and countless hours curling both for pleasure and competitively. He was proud to have been part of three provincial championship teams.

“Hank lived a long, full, and spirited life. In true “South” fashion, he left this world with a roar—on his own terms, with his dignity, humour, and stubborn spark intact.”