Willcock, Harold 'Laverne'
Laverne passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Grey Bruce Hospice ‘Chapman House’ in Owen Sound on Monday, February 2, 2026 at the age of 83.
Born in Markdale on September 16, 1942, a son of the late Gordon and Florence Willcock.
Laverne was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty (nee Baker) on September 3, 2018.
He will be missed by his daughter Laurie Ritchie (Dave Caswell) of Owen Sound, and was predeceased by his sons Jim and Philip Willcock.
Laverne was the very proud Grandpa of Adam Ritchie and Crystal Ritchie (Nathan Heimbecker).
He was predeceased by his brothers Clarence (late Dorcas) and Doug Willcock. Laverne will be remembered fondly by his sister-in-law Diane Willcock, his nephews Brad (Maryann), Shawn (Joanne), Kent (Michelle) and was predeceased by his niece Kim.
Laverne and his family lived for many years on the family farm in Markdale where they raised livestock. He later worked at Amerock Hardware in Meaford and eventually with the Town of Meaford where he enjoyed driving the snowplow. Laverne and Betty spent over 40 years camping at Sunny Valley Campground. They developed many friendships from their time spent there. He absolutely loved listening to fiddle music. Laverne will be remembered for his sense of humour and joking around as he bumped into people while he was out and about, touring the neighbourhood and of course the local car dealerships. He looked forward to attending the Owen Sound Attack games whenever he had the opportunity, and if he wasn’t able to be there in person, he liked to catch it on TV. Laverne’s grandchildren were very much the light of his life and they meant the world to him and vice versa.
Family will receive friends for visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 1 until 4 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at the Meaford United Church on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11 o’clock with a service of committal and interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Grey Bruce Hospice ‘Chapman House’ or Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Service: Meaford United Church on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11 o’clock with a service of committal and interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Make a donation in memory of Harold 'Laverne' Willcock
Donations: Grey Bruce Hospice ‘Chapman House’ or Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital FoundationDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Thinking of you at this time. So sorry to hear the news.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Laurie I feel your pain. It’s a hard journey and there’s no note book on the process. My Mom, Eleanor spoke fondly of their days at Amerock. Thinking of you & Dave & family
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Laurie, Crystal and Adam:
My thoughts and strength are with you during the funeral and during the coming year of transition without him.
I hope you all can continue to take up where he left off and make others laugh. I sure enjoyed his sense of humour.
I am sorry I can not attend due to an overdue visit to see my mother in Brantford.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Laverne was a great neighbour and we enjoyed all our chats!
Our sincere condolences
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
It was such an honour to have met and cared for Laverne. He was kind and lovely and brought a smile to my face with the humour he kept even during difficult moments. My heartfelt condolences to Laurie and all who loved him. – Nurses from Brightshores
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Our deepest condolences Laurie & family. We always enjoyed our time spent with your dad. Such a wonderful caring man. Sending supportive hugs at this difficult time Dawn & Rick Morris
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Laurie& Family
Sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing. Lots of memories were made at SVP over the past years.
Our sincere condolences
Anita& Gord
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. We had the privilege of meeting Laverne at Sunny Valley in 2017 , then when we became seasonals in 2018 he welcomed us and told us we would love the park . He always had a smile and a joke , we will miss you my friend.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
At this very difficult time, we send our sincere sympathy in the loss of your father/ grandfather.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
To all of Laverne’s family
Thought and prayers through this difficult time. Cherish the memories.
Ron was a good friend and neighbour for years.
I’ve known him for a few.
We enjoyed our talks and laughs at coffee times.
Till we meet again, you’ll be missed
God bless Ron and Cherie Murray
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Laurie and Adam
So sorry for your loss
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Laurie and family. So sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing.. He had a wonderful sense of humor. We had a lot of good times working for the Town. I will miss our chats. Terry Freeborn..
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Our deepest condolences Laurie & family on the passing of your father and grandfather Laverne. He will always be in your hearts in memories.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Laverne had a wonderful sense of humour, coupled with an infectious laugh. I worked, one summer, at Amerock…..his practical joking around was always lots of fun.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Very sad to see that Laverne has left us. We had many good snowmobile times with Laverne & Betty over the years. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Laurie and family. My sincere condolences at this time. Your Dad was quite the joker. He always had a joke to share. Cherish all the memories. Sincerely Jan Schultz
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Our condolences to Laverne’s family and friends I worked with him at Amerock and did work in his house for he and Betty, a great couple. Rest in peace Laverne, fly with the angels
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Sending our condolences to Laurie and her family. Cherish all your memories to help you through this difficult time.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
My sincere condolences to you Laurie, Dave and family. I have many great memories of Laverne aka Barney from Amerock days to the retirement days after. Always a story or joke to share and always had time to spare for you. Now with his lovely Betty, rest peacefully now Laverne. Remembered always.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Our sincere condolence to all of Laverne’s family. He was a great guy to work with at Amerock. He will be missed. Together again with Betty.
Evelyn
Friday, February 6, 2026
My sincere condolences to your family at this sad time. Laverne loved his asparagus & I looked forward to his weekly visits on his way to the camp each Friday! He will be missed!
Heather Morrison
Sunday, February 8, 2026
So sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing.
I have so many memories to cherish of Laverne and Betty and our time together at SVP. He will be missed.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Lauri and family, so very sorry to hear of the passing of Laverne. He was always quite the story teller and jokester. I have many fond memories of Laverne and Betty.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family Laurie. My parents met your mom and dad at SVP and we have many memories of good times and laughs together. We will treasure these memories and dearly miss Laverne. Sending love and hugs your way. Love Judy and Jon Rouse