We are saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Bonnie Welt (Costume Member) on December 27, 2021; after a long battle with cancer.

She was incredibly proud to be a member of IATSE and will be missed by many in the industry.

We are deeply saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Nicolas Steven Fischer from the Props / Set Dec / Greens Department on December 24, 2021.

Nick truly was a highly skilled technician, and he will be sadly missed. One of our remaining Grey Beards, Nick always had time to train or mentor our younger members, whatever the job was. He was never one to back down from a challenge. Nick would dissect the issue, all the time having fun with it and that was one of Nick’s great attributes.  

Outside of film, friends always came first for Nick. Whether it was helping work on a friend’s house or fixing a broken water line or just being there for a friend in need. His generosity was parallel to his skill set and one never came without the other.

He will be missed by many long-time friends both in and out of IATSE 873. 

Messages of condolences can be sent to upthetreeproductions@rogers.com.

We are profoundly saddened to inform the Membership of the sudden passing of James “Innis” Ingram (Craftservice) on December 10, 2021. His brother Tim Richards is also a member of our Local in the Craftservice department.

Innis will be deeply missed by his loving family and his many close friends. He was an activist and a voice for those who couldn’t speak. When he saw social injustice, he acted. So many are better because of him. A small service is being held on Thursday, December 16 at 1 pm. If any member wishes to attend or send condolence messages to the family, please email Tracy at the union office at benefits@iatse873.com.

Pre-registration is required due to COVID-19 capacity limits for the service, which has been limited to 10 members. Tracy will forward your information if you would like to attend or send your messages to the family. Donations can be made through a GoFundMe account here.

Below is a message from the family of David Di Marco (Transportation):

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Di Marco on October 9 at the age of 69.

David loved his job with IATSE 873 and always had great stories to tell. David lived life to the fullest and on his terms. He will be sadly missed by all.

Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate his life on November 6 at the Legion Hall # 11 at 9 Dawes Rd. Toronto from 6 to 11 pm.

The eulogy will be spoken at 9 pm and anyone who would like to say something is welcome.

Rest in Peace David you will be missed.

We are saddened to inform the membership of the passing of Denis Kirkham (Props / Set Dec / Greens).

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time.

Below is his obituary:

It is with great sadness that the family of Denis Kirkham, 92, announces his passing on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his home in Garden Lots, Nova Scotia.

Born in London, England, he was the son of the late Edward Kirkham and Katie Beatrice Victoria Brown.

To those who didn’t know Denis, his friends are all shouting from the tallest mast what a remarkable individual he was. We are all blessed for having known him and having had him as part of our lives. He stood out as someone who made everyone he befriended, or simply met, feel completely at ease. He truly had a gift for friendship, with admirers all over Lunenburg and beyond. He has left us all with wonderful memories and the joy of laughter. His presence among us will be sorely missed but never forgotten. His loyalty to and love for Zaz were unwavering.

Denis is survived by his wife Zaz; his children, daughter Kim (Marc) Hollon, Newmarket, Ontario and son Martin (Marcia) Kirkham, London, England; grandchildren Shane (Matty), Alexander, Fleur and George; great grandchildren Luella and Arlo; stepdaughters Rachel and Debbi and stepson Steve; sisters Sheila (Lennie) Biddle, England and Barbara Codrington, England.

He was predeceased by his brothers James (Jim), Bobby and Teddy.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy #3, Lunenburg. A Celebration of Denis’ life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be gratefully received, and can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or another charity of your choice.

(September 3, 1952 to September 23, 2021)

Below is the obituary for Delano Upshaw (Craftservice) who sadly passed away on September 23, 2021:

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Delano Illsley Alton Upshaw (aka Doey, Del, Papa) … our rock and heart beat. Delano was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, grew up in Montreal and later moved to Toronto, Calgary and then back east to Mississauga.

Delano, son of, much admired, Greta Marlene Johnson (Upshaw) and the late Illsley Upshaw is survived by his lifelong love and soul mate of 53 years, Susan Sheehan, his two loving children, that he was so proud of, Natalie Wiafe (Duane) and Marlon Upshaw and his four wonderful grandchildren who gave him so much joy, Isaiah, Sarena, Skye and Averey. He also leaves behind his much-loved brothers Bradford & Dale and his sisters Gloria (Gregory), Cherri & Darlene Davidson (Lloyd). His Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. He will never forget his numerous Sisters-In-Law and Brothers-In-Law, Nieces, and Nephews who have all warmed his heart. We also want to mention the countless friends, fellow musicians, and co-workers that Delano came to know with affection from childhood and throughout his life.

Delano found his first love and passion playing both rhythm and lead guitar as well as singing. Learning and playing other instruments came easy to him as he practised, composed and recorded in his home studio. Throughout his musical career he played with many Classic Rock and Blues bands from east to west … 1985 Recording with Jim Clench (Welcome to Japan), Gibraltar, Great Guitars, the Livin’ Daylights, to name a few, and the Annual outdoor concerts Swamp Jam / Chicken Stock.

He played many sports growing up, he loved hockey – played in the MHL. He also coached kid’s sports teams, including baseball, soccer, and hockey, while his children grew up playing them. Delano fought an unbelievable tough fight with such inner strength, bravery, and humour … he remains part of this unbelievably complex Universe, outside and in between, and will be with us forever in our hearts and in the memories & moments we’ve all created with him.

At his request, there will not be a funeral service; however, there will be a visitation held at Glen Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery on Saturday, October 9, 2021, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm @ 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville, Ontario L6H 7A8 (Intersection of Dundas / 9th Line). Respecting the current situation and pandemic building restrictions, visitation will be for registered guests only. Please click here for additional details.

In lieu of flowers, please give to your local Food Bank and KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING.

It's with a heavy heart, that we let you know that Harry Pavelson (Scenic), husband and partner in crime of 40+ years of Carol Arbour, aka Nana, (also Scenic) passed suddenly yesterday morning, September 19th, 2021.

Harry was a long-time member of Local 873, as well as a Member of ACFC in earlier days. He was proud of the work he did over the years, and even more so of so many of the younger members he worked with. He was chuffed too, of being "one of the old guys" and had a big place in his heart for those he had come up with during the years. The connections, the laughter and camaraderie he had working alongside you all is what will get his family through this most difficult time. He was so very proud of his chosen craft. A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced. Thank you all for your love and support during this most difficult time. 

We are profoundly saddened to inform the Membership of the passing of Marlene Jean Aarons (Make-Up), whom we lost on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Marlene Aarons
October 2, 1940 - August 12, 2021

Marlene was a devoted member of the IATSE Local 873 for 22 years, many of which she spent as Make-Up Department Chair, a position she took on with great dedication and care. Her long, distinguished career in Make-Up began as far back as the early 1970s at the CBC and earned her such honours as the Gemini Award and the Prix Anix Award.

She was known for her warm, cheery demeanour and her beauty, kindness, and intelligence. She had the best, most infectious laugh. Amongst other causes, Marlene was an advocate for The Actors’ Fund of Canada and actively supported scores of people breaking into the industry. She touched the hearts of so many she met and worked with.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Allan, and by her children, Shawn, Jordana and Riel. She was widely loved, and her loss is felt by family, friends, and colleagues not only across Canada but around the world.

There are no public services planned at this time by the family. Messages of condolence can be sent to jordana.aarons@gmail.com.

We are saddened to inform you that Thomas Pearce (Construction member) passed away suddenly on August 14, 2021, and had been with the Local for 27 years.

He is survived by his sister Sue Clarke (Wayne) and brother Bruce Pearce (Jan). Cherished son to the late Thomas Reginald and the late Billie Lorraine Pearce. Loved by his nephews Randy Clarke, Michael Pearce, and the late Wesley Clark and his nieces Kelly Clarke and Erin Pearce.

He will be missed by many longtime dear friends. Arrangements to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Diabetes Canada and the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences can be left here.