In memory of

Ambrose Niles

February 7, 1938 -  January 2, 2021

Place of birth: Drax Hall Jump, St. George, Barbados

Ambrose Henderson Niles passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 2nd, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family at home, in Canada. He is survived by the following: Wife (Loretta), 4 children Julia, Jeane Ian and Wayne, Grandson Nate, Granddaughters Arlina & Danica, brothers Collis (Barbados) and Curtis (England), sister Shirley (Erma) Tate (US), Step-Mother Mrs. Marshall (US), Sister, Myrna Lynch (Canada), Sister-in-law Marie Haynes (US), Nieces and nephews, Shawn Niles & Ryan Niles (Barbados) Lorna, Rosina and Lucinda (Canada), Audrey Gooding, Judy Haynes, Andrew Haynes (US), Beverley Lynch (Barbados) cousins Joseph Niles (US), Joyce Alleyeme (US), Colbert Niles (US), Andrew, Ruth, Richard, Inez Niles (Canada), Marlene Aimey (Barbados), Marva Tull (Barbados), Linda (US) Lionel Lashley (Canada), Leslie & Heather Lashley (US), Marlene & Sidney Lashley (Canada), Carl Lashley and Patricia (England), Inez Lashley (Canada), Freddie Lashley (Barbados), Dacia Aimey (Barbados), Sandra & Lemuel Gordon (US), Orville Aimey (Barbados), Hallum Aimey (England), Angela Lashley (Barbados), Lucille Lashley (Barbados), Colin Sobers (Barbados), Phell Sobers (Barbados) Yvette Gall (Barbados), Dennis Agard (Canada), Jennifer Agard (Canada), Denise Agard (Canada), Patsy Agard (Canada), Ryan Agard (Canada) and, Audrey Holligan (Barbados), Jeffrey and Thelma Hunte (US), Leland (Canada), Michael and Ondine Hunte (Canada).

Ambrose was born on the sunny island of St. George, Barbados on February 7, 1938. In those days, things were hard, but the love of his family kept everyone strong. Our Father grew up in Drax Hall Jump and was raised by his Aunt and cousins, after his Mother passed away unexpectedly when he was a toddler. Us kids were always told about the fun times they had and the naughty things they got up to on the Jump.

At 16, Ambrose went to the States to work for a bit. He came back with a fake American accent. You see, it was a big thing in those days to travel abroad. The first thing he did when he got back to Barbados was to purchase a motorcycle. Now he was the man about town. There are two things our Father taught us and that was to have a dream and have a plan. It’s this mindset that that led him to Canada. In the early 60’s he migrated to England with his good friend Lemuel Lynch via ship. Most people from the island took this route. The Surriento was a large passenger ship docked far from shore as Barbados did not have a deep water harbour at that time. Passengers had to take jetties out to sea to board the ship. It would take 3 to 4 weeks to reach England and another 4 weeks for your letter reach home telling love ones you arrived safely. Dad arrived in Oldham and resided in a community that we like to refer to as little Barbados. It is here that he connected with friends and family from back home. Our Mother emigrated a bit later and met up my Dad whom she had known from back home. They married and had 4 children.

Our Father had the opportunity to come to Canada (thank you Dennis Agard). He arrived in Canada in the late 60's by ship. In case you haven't noticed by now, he hated flying. Eventually, he sent for Mum and us kids. This was the country that we were able to call home.

Dennis Agard and our Dad were the best of friends for over 60 years. They shared a bond that most of us could only dream about. They discussed their life long plans for their families and made all major life decisions together. Both families were extremely close to each other and we shared many family outings. My Dad was there for Dennis when his wife passed away 39 years ago. Towards the end, my Dad reflected on their friendship and was honoured to call him a Brother. In the 70's my Dad had to made a decision between working for Ford Canada, which Dennis had arranged for him or Caterpillar. He called Dennis and asked him what he should do. In the end my Dad decided to go with Caterpillar because it was closer to home.

He accomplished everything that he ever dreamt about because he stuck to that golden rule…Have a dream and have a plan. That plan allowed him to retire at the young age of 54. That's right, Freedom 54 not 55.

You will be missed by your family, relatives, friends and your old coworkers. You were the best Father ever. We will honour your memory and you will be forever in our hearts. God bless you and keep you until we see each other again.

We would like to send a special thank you to all of our Relatives, Friends and Colleagues, for your support during this time.

“In lieu of flowers, donations to the Amyloidosis Research Program at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at UHN would be appreciated by the family. Please visit tgwhf.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300."

If you missed the funeral, click on the 3 lines above the obituary page, select media from the drop-down menu and then select video. Click on the funeral webcast to view the recorded service.


Guestbook 

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Sherene, Shuri and Gregory Stevens (Friends of Julia)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Hamilton, ON

We offer our deepest condolences to your family.

Angella and Granville Lee (Friends)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Mississauga

Rest in peace Mr. Niles. Your memory and your legacy will surely lives on.

Lemuel & Sandra Jordan & Family (Cousins)

Entered January 11, 2021 from 12619 Bay Arbor Place, Louisville KY 40245

We are deeply saddened at the passing of Josh. We would never forget his pleasant personality and giving nature. We ask God’s blessings upon you all as you go through this period of grief. We will continue to pray for your family.

Shawn Coombs (Nephew)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Barbados

I remember your hospitality when visiting years ago, and our conversations about family and your Grand kids. Sleep well uncle until we meet again.

Isabelle vinette (Friend)

Entered January 11, 2021 from Brampton ON

Condolences to Miles family who has an angel caring for them as he did on earth

Photos 

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