SANDRA SMALE

1944 - 2021

The Shuffle family is saddened to announce the passing of Sandy Smale, Vice Chair of our Board of Directors.

Sandy lived and worked in Port Credit for over 40 years and was always an active community member. She was a strong believer in giving back to our community and followed that path. She was the Community Relationships Developer for Lakeshore Corridor Community Team, a Director on the Mississauga Waterfront Festival, sat on the Lakeshore EDA Board and was a long-standing team member of the Canada Day Paint the Town Red Committee. Her passion and commitment to the Southside Shuffle were long-standing. She was dedicated to the Southside Shuffle for 19 years as a Team Leader before joining the Board in 2013.

MICHAEL FONFARA

1946 - 2021

Longtime Downchild Blues Band and Lou Reed keyboardist Michael Fonfara died in a Toronto hospital on January 8, 20201 at age 74 of cancer. Fonfara is best known for his decade-long run performing with late punk progenitor Reed on the albums Rock and Roll Heart (1976), Street Hassle (1978), Live: Take No Prisoners (1978), The Bells (1979) and 1980's Growing Up in Public, which he co-wrote and co-produced with Reed.

"It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the passing of our dear friend and long-time bandmate, Michael Fonfara," read a statement from his longtime bandmates in The Downchild Blues Band. "He was an incredible musician, a gentle soul and we were honoured to share the stage with him every time we performed. 

BEATRICE MOREIRA-LAIDLOW

1964 - 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of our beloved Queen Bea who lost her battle with Cancer. Beatrice was an integral and active member of the Shuffle Advisory Board as well as the GM for the Port Credit BIA. We relied on Bea for her 20 years of insight and advise. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest In Peace our dear friend.

PENNY COUSARD

1975 - 2020

Penny was a Port Credit supporter through and through. 

As a longtime volunteer with the Southside Shuffle, Cousard served mostly in the volunteer tent, helping volunteers register and giving them goodie bags.

She was also assigned to work in ticket and merchandise sales and anywhere else where she would be counted on to interact with people a lot. Penny also lent her efforts to other volunteer opportunities, including The Compass food bank and other festivals in Port Credit. 

JOHN MAYS

1941 - 2016

John Mays was the lead singer of FATHEAD for twenty four years until his death in 2016, in that time he was awarded six Maple Blues Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and in 1995 the West Coast Blues Award for Best Male Vocalist.

PETER (SAB) SABOURIN

1964 - 2015

Original Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw, Husband, Father, Son, Brother & Friend - passed away peacefully at his home, family farm, surrounded by love & friendship.

ANGUS MACKAY

1953 - 2010

It is with great sadness that Laurie, Sean and Julienne announce the passing of Angus on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

Angus was a founding member of the Southside Shuffle and a long time friend and bandmate of Chuck Jackson. He was the designer and producer of the very first printed program for the festival 

DAVE de EYRE

2007

Dave was a very active community leader, the owner of Clifts Marine Sales and a member of the Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival Board of Directors. Dave was also a past Chairman of the Port Credit BIA Board of Directors. He loved Port Credit and he made a difference.