Janice Robertson passed away on September 15, 2025 at the age of 69. Janice worked in the Plumbing group and in the west building for many years.
Funeral arrangements are private. Click to view her obituary.
Janice Robertson – Sept. 15, 2025
Author Archives: CSA Retirees Club
Ed Snell – April 10, 2025
Ed Snell passed away on April 10, 2025 at the age of 73. Ed worked at CSA for 7 years and is remembered by members of the Metrology group. He was an active member of the CUPE 967 executive. Read about his life in his obituary.
CSA Retirees’ Club AGM – Recap
Many thanks to the people who participated in our March 6, 2025 AGM via Zoom. We were reporting on our October 2023 – September 2024 fiscal year. It was a small group, but we covered lots of ground.
Here are some notes from the meeting:
- Terri Smith, Susan Morley and Daniel Barbini were renewed as directors for another 2 year term.
- Mel Doig stepped down as director after being part of the executive for many years. THANKS MEL! Mel did a fabulous job organizing events (like the Grand River Lunch Cruise, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and several others) and patiently produced minutes of our meetings.
- Dave Zimmerman was appointed as a director of the Retirees’ Club.
- We reviewed our finances and are in good stead to continue to hold and subsidize events for our members.
- We held (or supported) 7 events in FY 23-24 with 216 attendees (members and guests).
- EMBA XMAS Dinner & Dance
- Weston XMAS Lunch
- Chicago (the musical)
- Mandarin Lunch
- Formula 1 Exhibition
- Banksy Art Exhibit
- YYZ Airside Tour followed by lunch at Arizona’s
- We continue to organize lunch on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at various restaurants with 8-18 people attending.
- We’re currently planning our annual lunch at the Mandarin with a date to be announced soon. And we’ve already held (or supported) 4 events in FY 24-25
- Come From Away (the musical)
- EMBA XMAS Dinner & Dance
- Weston XMAS Lunch
- The Lion King (the musical)
Thanks to all who were able to join in on the meeting.
Ron Wilson – Feb 5,2025
Ron Wilson passed on February 5th at 91.
Ron was a long time member of CSA and served as an Inspector, supervisor and manager for the Field Services team. In retirement Ron attended many retiree events. Check out some photos of Ron below.
Ron’s obituary published in The Toronto Star can be viewed by clicking here.
EMBA Membership
Did you know that as a CSA Group retiree you can be an EMBA member? EMBA is CSA Group’s social committee. For only $68.25 per year you can enjoy all EMBA events at special member pricing. In past years, EMBA members have been skiing, golfing, to the race track, Blue Jays games and more. They celebrate the holiday season with a children’s Christmas party and a dinner & dance.
To become a member of EMBA: contact EMBA at emba@csagroup.org and you will be directed on how to e-transfer your membership dues.
Timo Venalainen – December 1, 2024
Timo Venalainen passed away on December 1, 2024 at the age of 77.
Timo worked at CSA for 37 years. He joined as a Certification Engineer after graduating from U of T. He became the Senior Engineer of the Audio/Video group in the 1980’s while the team was still at the Taber Road location. He was promoted to Technical Manager, Electronics in 2003. Although rather quiet, Timo excelled in providing technical training to the team.
Timo was an active tennis player and organized the CSA Tournament several times. He was a proficient skier and always attended the CSA ski trips. Timo was active in his retirement attending many retiree events.
Timo is survived by his wife Lorna and sons Marty and Jonathan, who works at CSA.
The visitation will occur on Wednesday, December 4th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Ward Funeral Home at 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, with the funeral service (also at Ward) on December 5th at 10:30am (Toronto time). Lunch will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed.
For more information and to leave your message of condolence to Timo’s family, please visit: https://www.wardfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/timo-venalainen
Bob Nelson – November 21, 2024
We’re sad to announce the passing of Bob Nelson from Standards Division at the age of 78. His obituary with information on visitation and funeral can be found at Bob’s Obituary page.
John Howarth 1963-2024
John Howarth passed away on August 17, 2024. John was a part of Corporate IT for over 20 years, spending many years at the Spectrum Way office. He held several roles in IT and would be recognized by many from his days doing desk-top support.
John didn’t get a chance to retire, leaving us way before his time. Information on Visitation – Thursday August 22 and Funeral – Friday August 23 is on on John’s Memorial page where you can also leave messages of condolence for his family.
Andrew Preisz – May 13, 2024
Andrew Preisz passed away on May 13, 2024. Andrew was a member of the Inspections team joining CSA in the mid-’80s.
John Kean turns 90!
On May 31, 2024, John Kean turns 90 years young!
From Newfoundland to Toronto with a few stops along the way. From Inspector to President of CSA, John has led an interesting life. We owe John a great debt. For it was John who started the Retirees Club. He continues to keep-in-touch, with, well, almost everyone!
Please join us in wishing John a healthy and happy 90th birthday by leaving a comment below.
