Obituaries & Condolences

PETERSEN, Leslie

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Leslie “Les” Petersen peacefully at the age of 73, at the London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Hospital on June 12, 2026.

Loving brother to Ted (Lynda), Fin (Diane) and Dennis (Gina). Special Uncle to Allan, Shane, Victoria (Craig), Chris (Luba) and James (Tracy).

Will be lovingly remembered by his children Holly (Mike), Anthony, and Cherry. Cherished Grandpa to Kaine, Brittney, Brooklyn, Scott, Noah, Sydney, Cooper, Mathew, Owen. Special cousin to Joergen.

Les had a passion for his rock and roll records, found joy in gardening, and loved riding his BMW motorcycle.

Those who received a birthday card from Les will remember that he never failed to conclude it with an important message: “Never stop learning.” It was a sentiment that guided him throughout his life and remains a lasting gift to all who knew and loved him.

Donations may be made in Les’s Memory to Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

McFARLEN, Brydon…

April 29, 1950 – June 4, 2026

On June 4, 2026, Brydon made the deeply personal and courageous decision to step away from the life he shared with those he loved the most. His devoted wife, Judy of 53 years, his spirited and precious daughter Lauren and his pride and joy, his grandsons Brandon, Blake and Chase (father Joe Kristensen).

Amid the sadness of saying goodbye, there is peace in believing that he has been reunited with his precious daughter, Kara (Tim Assing), whom he loved and missed deeply.

Brydon’s love extended far beyond his immediate family. He will be deeply missed by his brother Dean (Cathy), sisters Rae and Eleanor (Michael), cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Brydon especially treasured visits to his sister-in-law’s , Jill Wilcox’s home for our family favourite meal, spaghetti and meatballs! Alex and Lauchlin will also miss those Sunday visits with Brydon.

Brydon was a storyteller and a wordsmith. He was known for his intelligence, kindness, and unwavering compassion for others. He approached life with curiosity and wisdom, always eager to learn and share his knowledge with those around him. He never sought recognition for his good deeds, yet his generosity and caring left a lasting impression.

As a Poppa, he brought endless love, patience and joy to the lives of his grandsons. He delighted in their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams and created memories that will last a lifetime. Some of these memories include Friday night sleep overs, train trips to Toronto and a stay in a hotel every summer, teaching them how to cast a fishing line from our driveway to the neighbour’s across the street, playing their favourite games SORRY and Old Maid and cheering at so may hockey games. Oh, how he loved watching them play hockey!! Even after facing hundreds of pucks in the driveway, he was ready for one more shot! He was also their trusted friend and role model.

A special thank you to Bev and Julie, whose compassion and gentle presence helped Brydon transition peacefully and with dignity.

In keeping with Brydon’s wishes, the family asks that those who wish to honour him do so by sharing their best wishes, acts of kindness and cherished memories with one another. Our family will unite in celebrating Brydon’s life, legacy and the countless lives he touched.

In 2003 Brydon wrote an obituary for a very dear friend who also died from pancreatic cancer so very suddenly also. He began her obituary with “When we are standing on the precipice and preparing to step off into the dark unknown, we shall be assured that one of two things will happen. We will land on firm ground, or we will be taught how to fly.”

We find comfort in imagining Brydon soaring free, at peace and forever carried in our hearts. We love you, Brydon/Poppa!

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEVENSON, Susan…

Susan Stevenson (nee Haines) passed away with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in her 57th year.

Beloved wife of Gregory Stevenson for nearly 24 years. Proud and loving mother of Matthew Stevenson. Cherished daughter of Laurie and the late Ronald Haines. Dear sister of Ken Haines and Alan Haines (Sandra). Susan will also be missed by her sister-in-law Linda Rowe, her nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends and colleagues. She was predeceased by her parents-in-law Kenneth and Mary Jo Stevenson.

Susan was a loving, kind, and compassionate woman whose greatest joy was her son, Matthew. He was truly the apple of her eye, and she was immensely proud of the person he became. Susan had a generous heart and a caring nature, always willing to help anyone in need. She would give you her last nickel without hesitation and drop everything to lend a hand whenever someone needed support. Her devotion extended to her beloved four-legged companions, Bailey and Oliver, who brought her great happiness. Whether at home or in the workplace, Susan gave more than 100 percent in everything she did. She was a dedicated and hardworking individual whose thoughtfulness, generosity, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Sue’s Life will be held at a later date.

In Sue’s memory, donations may be made to the London Abused Women’s Centre, 797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8 or you are asked to consider planting a tree.

Those who wish to contribute to Sue’s GoFundMe may do so at the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/susan-stevenson-cremation-and-celebration-of-life

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WOYCE, Leisa…

With heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Leisa Woyce on June 4, 2026 at the age of 65.

Beloved mother of Alexandra Woyce (Brian Watson) and Matthew Woyce (Kaitlin Woyce). Loving grandmother to Teagan, Levi and Owen. Cherished sister to Patricia, Pamela and Kimberley (Damon Shareski). Beautiful daughter of Norma Hastings. Predeceased by her husband Gregory Woyce and father Earl Hastings. She will be deeply missed by all friends and family.

Leisa was a deeply authentic and steadfast human being. Hard work was her mantra, with unquestioning support and love for all those close to her. She had a wry and deceptively clever sense of humour.

In an increasingly phoney and artificial world, Leisa was a breath of fresh air. If the hair cut was bad, she would in the nicest way possible, let you know. Honest, true, reliable, solid, loving, supportive, and most of all real, Leisa will be sorely missed. Our world is less without her.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GURMIN, Jim…

Peacefully in London, on Friday, June 5, 2026, Jim Gurmin passed away at the age of 74. Cherished husband of Peggy Martin. Loving Papa of Nishena. Beloved brother of Debbie Folkard, Jayne Gurmin, Angie Herron and by his many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Dear uncle of Josh, Jaclyn, Shane, Leslie, Stuart and Adrian. Predeceased by his sister Vicki.

Jim had a love for the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hunting, hiking, and golf. He also enjoyed baseball and cherished time with family and friends. He found special joy in the seasons. Jim was a talented artist whose creativity was reflected in his artwork and wood carvings.

Jim was a committed member of AA and enjoyed the program as written and tried to stay within the steps, principles and guidelines. He donated his time to help the people in the program.

The family would like to thank the staff at Elmwood Long Term Care Facility for their care, kindness and compassion.

Cremation has taken place.

GRAY, Robert……

It is with profound sadness, the family of Robert Ronald Gray announces his death. Bob died on May 29th 2026 due to complications from a prolonged hospital stay. Bob was in his 84th year and was preceded in death by his parents, Marty (1986) and Helen (2008), and brother, Glen (2004). He is survived by his beloved wife Donna, and loving children Robert, Lisa, and Brooks, son and daughters-in-law Jon, Vanessa, and Paula, sister-in-law Kathie, and grandchildren, Paige, Owen, Spencer and Marcus. Bob is also mourned by Richard (Rick) Smith who has been a cherished friend since elementary school. Bob was born August 26, 1942 in London, Ontario and spent his formative years in Byron. He attended Byron Northview and Beal Secondary School. He met his love Donna in 1959, and they later wed in 1964 and started out married life in Komoka, later settling in London. They had three children, Robert (‘65), Lisa (‘66) and Brooks (‘75). In his earliest working days, Bob worked for Supertest, the Toronto Star, and Simpsons Contracting followed by a number of years as a sales rep for Crossley-Karastan. He eventually landed in car sales where he enjoyed a very successful career working for Airport Nissan, Westgate Honda, Toyotatown and Competition Toyota, retiring from there in 2007. Bob had many loyal devoted customers over the years. In fact, some bought many cars from him, changing car brands when Bob changed dealerships. Like his mother Helen, Bob was a faithful crossword puzzler enjoying the London Free Press daily puzzle or puzzle books provided by thoughtful friend Cindy. He continued to enjoy a puzzle or two with his daughter Lisa in his last days at the hospital. Bob loved to ski and enjoyed regular excursions to Chicopee and Caledon ski clubs among many others. There were many ski trips further afield with friends and family to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY, various resorts in BC, as well as the ski trips Bob and Donna took to visit dear friends Rob and Del in Lake Tahoe. In summer, Bob enjoyed golfing, but perhaps his favourite pastime was going for a “little spin” on his Honda Shadow motorcycle or his BMW convertible. He’d often head out to watch the deer in the countryside at dusk, to Port Stanley (“to get the cheap gas”) or through his hometown of Byron, passing a few key spots along the way in hopes of waving to some of his friends, old and new. Lunch with “the boys” on Friday had been a long-held ritual with weekly rotations between the Runt Club, Tasting Room and Tiger Jacks, where Dorothy was a favourite server. Bob had been a long term member of the London City Press club until its closing in 2013, making many friends and acquaintances. In recent years, he regularly enjoyed a hotdog at the Delaware Legion and of course, loved chatting with pals over his 1/2 pint of beer and “chewies” at his favourite neighbourhood haunt, “The Wort” aka The Wortley Roadhouse. Bob spent many summers with his wife Donna visiting Rob and Paula in Calgary and Crows Nest Pass, Alberta. Lots of time was also spent over the years with family at Port Franks, Ipperwash, Kettle Point (at Uncle Glennie’s beloved trailer) and more recently, cottaging in Port Stanley with Brooks, Vanessa, Spencer and Marcus. Bob and Donna covered a lot of ground with numerous vacations over the years to Florida, Chicago, Bar Harbor, Finger Lakes, Cuba, Hawaii, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Portugal and New Zealand. Bob always had a friendly smile for everyone. He didn’t care what you did, where you were from, or how you dressed – only that you were a decent person. He would always refer to the people he cared about by saying, “He’s a good guy (or gal)”. He never talked about himself, instead always asking others about themselves and how they were doing. When meeting someone new, he was eager to break the ice with a joke or play on words. This continued until his last days, putting a smile on the face of nurses and hospital staff with one-liners and puns. Thanks to all the hard-working nurses, PSWs and physiotherapists who provided excellent care to Bob. A private family memorial has taken place. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held in August. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dying with Dignity Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FISHER, John…

With deep sadness and loving memories, the family of John William Fisher announces his passing on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 82 years old.

Linda, his partner of 26 years, was by his side as he left the world a better place to join the angels.

He is predeceased by his parents John (1978) and Margaret (2004) his brothers-in-law Rollie (2017) and Donald (2022) and his nephew Dirck (2023).

He leaves behind Linda and her children Gary and Sommer (Louis) and grandchildren Nicholas, Joseph and Samantha; his son Cameron (Bev) and grandchildren Jaymee (Jordan) and Brent (Alyssa); his daughter Pam (Dave) and his daughter Dawn and granddaughters Juliana (John) and Lucinda.

Known as their hero, he will be greatly missed by his sisters Debbie and Kerrie, nephew Michael (Heather) and their children Owen and Lucas; niece Leann (Richard) and their children Kayla and Kyle,

John had a very big heart. He would help anyone including the cashiers at the grocery store. He always let them know that he was the best bagger because he had done it for 60 years. He loved spending time with his friends and neighbors. Every Tuesday morning he joined the guys from Ray Cullen’s for their Breakfast Club meeting where they tried to solve all of the world’s problems and to discuss where to get the best deals. He enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels driving clients to their various appointments.

He listened to all types of music. He loved going to concerts and would spend many hours making CDs and playlists for special people in his life and for the many long road trips he would often take throughout North America. There were weekly golf games and annual ski trips with a small group of close friends. He attended many PGA Golf Tournaments including the British Open. He played hockey all of his life. Until recently, he looked forward to suiting up for the weekly games organized by London Senior Hockey.

For nearly 40 years, he worked for Shur-Fast Fasteners until he retired as Regional Sales Manager in 2004.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 28th from 12-2pm at the Earl Nichols Arena – 799 Homeview Road, London, Ontario.

Donations can be made to Meals on Wheels London.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MCNAUGHT: Randy William…

Passed away in the hospital on Friday, May 29, 2026, with his wife by his side, after a long, hard fought journey with cancer. Randy leaves behind his wife, Linda, son Dave and daughter Katie. His grandchildren and family will remember him fondly.

A proud retired member of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Golden Helmets Precision Motorcycle Riding Team, an even more proud family man. Randy was an avid rule follower, Tim Horton’s coffee fan, motorcycle rider, and long story teller.

As per Randy’s request cremation has taken place.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation.

BATTERSBY, Patricia Ann…

January 8, 1944 – May 21, 2026

Passed away May 21, 2026 peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London. She was 82 years of age. Patricia retired from Co-operators Insurance.

Predeceased by parents, Alphonsus and Ena Hanlon; her sisters, Ruby, Peggy, and Mary; brothers, David and Blaise; and daughter, Kimberly Ann.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband of nearly 60 years, Thomas “Buddy”; 3 grandchildren, Olivia, Katelyn (Jalen) and Johnathon (Quinn); and 4 great-grandchildren, Heather, Eleanor, Silas and Loreali. She will also be deeply missed by a large circle of other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be planned for a future date for family and close friends at her family home.

In Pat’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

COOPER-BARNES, Dianne…

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dianne Lynn Cooper-Barnes in her 60th year, Dianne passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London May 12, 2026, with her loving husband by her side.

Born in 1965, in Dr.McMillian’s residence in Tweed Ontario , the only daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret Mastervick. Dianne was the beloved wife of Stu Barnes and a devoted mother to Patricia Cooper-Barkley, Tyler and Sarah Cooper (Matthew Kneller). She was also a “second mother” to Sarah , Ashley and Morgan Barnes (Josh Whittier) As a proud Nana, she will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Tristan, Faith, Isabella and her beloved hound dog Wiley Girl.

Dianne was a woman of incredible strength and intellect. Whether she was caring for patients in nursing, navigating the world of real estate, or thriving in her final career as a paralegal, she approached everything with kindness, compassion, incredible drive and her wicked sense of humor.

She leaves behind a legacy of love strongly felt by her family and dearest friends. We invite you to join us in remembering a remarkable woman at a Celebration of her Life to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com