Drum Funeral Home

Catterall, who lives in St. Catharines, was surrounded by his family when he died. His wife Lucie of 32 years, children Chelsey and Joel, along with other family members were by his bedside. Catterall’s class of ’87, a group of eight firefighters, were all hired at the same time — Sept. 21, 1987. The tight-knit group was called to his home on Saturday, just hours after he died. Greg Grison was among them. He spoke about his friend, calling him an inspiration to everyone. “That house, on Saturday … you could just feel the love of friends and family,” said the retired fire captain, choking back emotions. “He was such a good loving man, and for what he dealt with — he’s an inspiration. “Somewhere down the road, you’re going to find yourself in a position and think you have it rough, you’ll think of Tim and soldier through." Typically classes like his are close, but Catterall’s group was extra special, he said. Every year they gathered at the Grand River, where one of them has a place, and every year they’d talk about their jobs, their spouses and their kids. “We’re all better for having known him,” he said. “The guys that worked with him all know him as a dedicated, hard-working firefighter,” he said, adding that Catterall is also a handyman. “Tim was the real MacGyver. Give him an elastic band and a paper clip and he could lower himself out of a window,” he laughed. “Their home — his fingertips are everywhere, he was a true craftsman.” Grison said that came in handy at the fire hall on many occasions. Instead of calling maintenance to fix a problem, “Timmy was the go-to guy.” Grison said his friend surmised that he was exposed when he battled the Chemfleet Chemicals blaze at Appleby Line and Dundas Street in 1988, in which drums had exploded. He was j...

S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister died Sunday while on transition leave in Lake Murray according to a news release from U.S. Army Central and Third Army Public Affairs Office. The cause of his death is under investigation."Our thoughts and prayers are with Maj. Gen. Bannister's family. Our top priority is ensuring the family has all the local support and resources they need during this emotionally difficult time," Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett, the commanding general for U.S. Army Central, said in the release.Bannister was assigned to U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base working as a special projects officer for the Chief of Staff of the Army as he awaited retirement in the local area. He is survived by his wife, Trese, and their daughter, Lindsey. His home of record is Rome, Georgia.Before his assignment at USARCENT headquarters, Bannister served as the 10th Mountain Division commander and senior commander at Fort Drum, New York, for 27 months until he relinquished command in April 2017. Years earlier, Bannister served as the division's deputy commanding general.News of his sudden passing was received with shock and sadness throughout Fort Drum and local community there. "Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Bannister was a legendary soldier and good man who dedicated his life to his family and his country. His wife and daughter are forever a part of the 10th Mountain Division Family, and we are grieving with them during this very difficult time," Maj. Gen. Walter Piatt, senior commander, Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, said in the release. "We mourn his loss deeply and recognize the significance of a life so well lived as a part of our lasting legacy."Bannister was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps as an infantry officer after graduating from Campbell University in 1984. He began his 34-year career as a scout platoon leader and rifle platoon leader with the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North C...