Obituaries & Condolences

MILLER, Jim…

Peacefully with his family by his side, Jim passed away at University Hospital, London on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the age of 92.

He will be forever missed by his family who he treasured more than anything. Jim was the Father of Rhonda Miller (Pat McCollum) and Kevin Miller (Christina Wray). He was the loving Grampy to Jennifer Orton and Olivia Miller and deeply adored by his Great Grandson, Ryder Orton. He is survived by his Sister Sheena Wright (Innes Wright).

Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Rhoda Miller; His parents James and Marjorie Miller (George) and his siblings Margaret Benzel and Gordon Miller.

Jim was lovingly known as Sonny to those closest to him.

He started out his career in the British Army as a drummer working his way up to a drum major. Most of his career was spent abroad in the Military encompassing many countries, before joining the Canadian Army in Oromocto, New Brunswick.

Upon retiring, he settled in London, Ontario. Jim and Rhoda loved to travel and explore new destinations together. Together over the years, they cared for their young family which brought them so much joy.

Jim enjoyed time spent walking outdoors and cooking for his family. He had a love for animals and took every opportunity to engage with them. He was known for his witty personality and was adored by everyone who met him. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour that remained with him until his final moments.

Cremation has taken place.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jim Miller may be made to the Humane Society of London and Middlesex.

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

Van Boxtel, Beatrice “Bea”…

It is with deep sorrow we share the passing of Beatrice Van Boxtel on Monday, June 30th, 2025 in her 80th year. Surrounded by her family, she left this world peacefully and wrapped in love.

She is lovingly remembered by Riny, her devoted husband of 45 years. She will be forever missed by her loving children Allan, Angela and Michael and her cherished grandchildren Aidan and Ainsley.
Bea was a well respected property manager at Drewlo Holdings. She took great pride in her work and fondly spoke of her many friends there.

Bea had a long battle with cancer, and amazed many with her strength and courage. Her family is endlessly grateful for the care shown by LHSC and Parkwood Palliative Care. A special thank you to Dr. Boulton, Dr. Hahn and Dr. Nguyen and Nurses Munira, Daniella and Maria.

Bea’s spirit will always be remembered. Please join us for a drop in Celebration of Life at the Lamplighter Inn at 591 Wellington Road, London on Sunday, August 17th, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 pm.

For those wishing to make a donation in Bea’s memory, please consider The Salvation Army or the Canadian Cancer Society.

In keeping with Bea’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Fry, Sandra (Knudsen, Sweet)

Passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Mount Hope LTC in London, Ontario, in her 84th year.

Sandra (affectionately known as Sandy) was the loving wife of the late Larry Fry. Together, they built a beautiful life full of adventure, spending their later years in Ohio, Florida, and in an RV travelling across the country.

She was the cherished mother of Scott (Bonnie), Craig, Lee, Tara (Bill), Paula, and John (Kasia), the adored Gram of Madison, Savannah, Parker, Trevor, Mollie, Phoebe, Billy, Trisha, and Emilka and Great Gram of Jayden, Kaydence and Myles. Sandy was the beloved sister of Jean, a wonderful Fun Loving and the Greatest Aunt Ever to Rob and Rich Sweet, and is predeceased by her brother Bud, her grandson Levi, and her great-granddaughter Mary Sue.

Sandy spent her career as a dedicated teacher who believed in the power of learning. She brought that same passion for knowledge into her everyday life, often correcting her grandkids’ grammar with love and a little sass.

She had a zest for travel, exploring Italy, journeying to Germany and going to Ireland with a close friend. She delighted in new experiences and always had fun along the way.

Known for her sharp mind and playful spirit, Sandy was smart, sassy, and full of love. She was the kind of grandmother who insisted that ice cream was meant to be eaten before dinner, and never missed an opportunity to burst into a silly song. She loved her family more than anything.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 6–8 p.m. at her residence in London, Ontario. A graveside memorial will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Woodland Cemetery at 11 a.m. in Deshler, Ohio.

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

MAJORE, Marty…..

Peacefully at London Health Sciences Centre – University, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Martin Majore passed away in his 60th year. Beloved husband of Susan for 22 years. Marty proudly served his country with dedication and honour for over 20 years as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. During his distinguished military career, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment. The family would like to thank the staff at University Hospital for the kindness and compassion provided to Marty. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Please contact the family for details. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements 519-858-2467. Online condolences accepted at cremationlondon.com

WEST, James “Jim”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James  Anthony West .

Jim was born January 5, 1950 in St. Catharines Ontario.

Jim was a long time dedicated member of the “Alice Saddy “ community in London Ontario.

Jim’s battle with cancer ended July 13, 2025 at Parkwood Hospital in London Ontario.  Jim is survived by his sister Sue, brother in law Howard and nephews, Matthew , Geoffrey , and Stephen Titus.

Internment will be private with family at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery Grimsby Ontario. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held late August.
The family would like to thank the angels of mercy that work at Parkwood Hospital, and the many friends and extended family  at Alice Saddy Association.

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

PREST, Wayne…

Marwood “Wayne” Prest passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4th, 2025 at University Hospital, London in his 83rd year. Wayne will be missed by his children Barry (Lucy), Julia (Darrell), Darren (Heydi) and Tyler. Loving Grandpa to Taylor and Azalea. Brother to Jim, the late Bev (Karen) and Brian (the late Delores). Wayne will also be missed by his Aunt Donna, many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Wayne was a hard worker at his jobs over the years, including nearly 20 years at Dominion Chain in Stratford and he often enjoyed riding his Honda CX 500 Custom motorcycle back and forth to work. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed baseball and hockey as well as playing cards and crokinole with family and friends.

As his health failed in his later years, Wayne took comfort in his hope for the future based on the scripture at Revelation 21:4 which says in part, “death will be no more”.

Heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at University Hospital that cared for and comforted Wayne during his final days.

Cremation has taken place. An online memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 19^th, 2025 at 2 pm via Zoom. Please reach out to this email address for the Zoom connection information wayne.prest1943@gmail.com

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CHURNEY, Maureen…
Peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Mount Hope Centre, London, Mauren passed away in her 79th year.
Cherished soulmate of The Late John “Jack” Churney (2022). Beloved mother of Christopher (Jodi) and Daryl (Jason). Proud grandma of Jack and Grace. Predeceased by her siblings Jeanne, Ray, Margaret-Ann, Reggie and Marie.
Maureen loved the outdoors and animals. Her best times were spent with the many dogs she had over her life, riding horses and staying active and traveling with Jack. She loved the company of others and never missed the chance to share a laugh. Her career spanned stay-at-home Mom to sales and audit for a national retailer to human resources advisor for the RCMP. In her retirement, she gave back to the community by volunteering her time with her beloved labradoodle (Willow) at McCormick Home, bringing smiles to the residents as they got to pet and cuddle with Willow.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Maureen may be made to Huntington Society of Canada. Cremation has taken place. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HOLLAND, Rob…

Rob Holland passed away suddenly at home of a sudden arrhythmia, on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the age of 60.

Survived by the love of his life, wife Deb, and sons Tyler and Austin (daughter-in-law Samantha “Sam”) and the apples of his eye, grandsons Jameson and Hendrix. He was predeceased by son Robert.

Also survived by his big sisters Carol Holland and Margaret Wills, who thought he was the funniest person in the whole world, and brother-in-law Brad. He will be missed by sister-in-law Janis Johnson and her husband Joe, mother-in-law Linda Laur (the late Ross), nieces Abbeygail Thom (Kris) and Olivia Thom, and nephews Darryl Wills (Brittanie) and Kyle Wills. Rob was the son and favourite child of Doug and Betty Holland who have been gone for many years, and was predeceased by sister Christine.

Rob dedicated 44 years to Metro, most recently acting as an Assistant Manager, and was known for his strong work ethic and friendly nature. Rob and Deb shared 33 wonderful years of marriage, treasuring the life they built together. A devoted father, Rob loved baseball, fishing, and helping coach his sons’ teams while they were younger. He was a passionate fan of the London Knights and Team Canada. In recent years, he enjoyed spending quiet time reading and you could almost always find him with some sort of reading material in hand.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Rob’s Life will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 1-4pm at The Greek Club, 965 Sarnia Road, London. In honour of Rob’s laid-back spirit, the family kindly asks that guests dress casually for his Celebration of Life. Rob wouldn’t want a fancy affair—he’d much rather everyone come comfortable, just as he always was. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BUTT, Donald John

Peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Victoria Hospital, London, Don passed away at the age of 85. Loving father of Christine (Jim) Watt, Vicky Butt, Kim (Dave) McKinnon, Sandra Compeau (William Sparks) and Brenda (Fraser) Gibson. Don leaves behind loving grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Dear brother of Anna Eyre and deceased sisters. Will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends. Don was a creative and multi-talented soul-a self-taught carpenter who loved to travel, cruise, and camp, always working knowledge into every adventure, as it was important to him to see his children learning along the way. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Don may be made to Diabetes Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DONALDSON, Steven Scott…

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Steven Scott Donaldson, who left us on May 31st, 2025, at London Victoria Hospital, at the age of 65, after a short but fierce battle with cancer.
Born in 1960, Steve was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and uncle, as well as a cherished member of his community. He is survived by his beloved wife Brenda, and his children: Kenneth, Elizabeth (Brian Medeiros), and Christina. Steve was a proud grandfather to Joshua, Trinity, Tahbyus, and Kennie Jr. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Robert Donaldson Sr. and Doreen Healey (Donaldson), as well as his siblings, Robert Jr. and Donna. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Lisa Sabourin (Dennis), along with nieces Kathy and Melinda, nephew Robert Jr. III, great-nephews Kyle, Jordan and Robert Jr. IV.

A passionate baseball and hockey fan, Steve was never far from the game and loved cheering on his favorite teams. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local #879, and worked at Nortera Foods Inc. in Ingersoll, Ontario, where he was respected for his dedication and reliability. In his downtime, Steve enjoyed playing golf, cribbage and blackjack, and treasured every moment spent with family around a campfire.

In accordance with his wishes, Steve has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held to honor and remember him, with details to be announced at a later date. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com