Obituaries & Condolences

BROOK, Lisa Jane…

July 23, 1964 – September 4, 2025

It is with loving memories and deep sadness that the family of Lisa Jane Brook (nee Lucas), of London, Ontario announces her passing on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Victoria Hospital in London following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She had a great love of life and her family and carried so much strength and positivity with her as she continued to fight to the end.

Anyone who knew Lisa knew her for her creativity. She loved her crafts; knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, painting, drawing; she always had a project on the go. She also loved many forms of music and played the flute. She enjoyed photography and was always stopping to take a photo of her family or of something interesting she saw while taking a hike. One of her favourite places to walk and take photos was Pinery Provincial Park. And of course, Lisa’s favourite hobby and her life’s work was her gardening.

Predeceased by her father Mervin Samuel Lucas, Lisa is survived by her husband of 35 years David Brook; her three children, Christopher (Nicole) Brook, Bryan (Amanda) Brook, and Alycia Brook; her mother Bobbie Lucas; and her sister Marcy (Tim) Lockwood. She was also a loving aunt, sister-in-law and friend to many. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff at LHSC for their tremendous care of Lisa during her time in the hospital. They made sure she had everything she needed and that she was comfortable until the end. The family asks that donations in her memory can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Lisa will be interred at Springford Community Cemetery. The family will be holding a private gravesite ceremony at a later date.

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

NEAL, Edward “Ed”…

Edward Neal, age 85, of London Ontario, passed away peacefully of natural causes on September 6th, 2025. Ed was born on January 28, 1940 in Montreal to Janet Gilpin and Edward James Neal.

Ed proudly served his country, enlisting in the Canadian Airforce as a private and eventually reaching the rank of Captain. A veteran who served overseas, he also represented veterans as a service officer for the Canadian Legion. A University of Manitoba alumni with a degree in history, he was also known for his deep musical passion and as a skilled and dedicated piper who had the honor of playing for the Queen.

Ed is survived by his brother Ian (Diane), two daughters Sheena (Dana), and Lisa (Steve), and his five grandchildren Jesse, Cassidy (Ben), Sydney, Delaney and Jeremy, and his partner Beverly Bell. Preceded in death by parents Janet Gilpin and Edward James Neal, Loraine Neal (loving wife for sixty years) and brother George (Janice).

He was deeply loved by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

In lieu of donation, we ask that contributions be made to the Veterans Care Program at Parkwood Institute in London Ontario. You can mail to Veterans Care Program, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7 or donate online through St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation (https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now), remembering to choose the veteran care program under “I want to support”.

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

SEAMAN, Gregory Bruce Dixon

Gregory Bruce Dixon Seaman passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the age of 76 after a long struggle with various health issues. He is survived by his wife Judy, his sister Jane and his two daughters Tracy and Julie. Predeceased by his parents and his sister Kathy.

Greg was born in Bristol, England and came to Canada at the age of eleven. He always maintained a strong connection to his country of birth. He spent some time in the Canadian Army and subsequently worked for many years in the health care field, both at London and St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital. He enjoyed caring for the patients there and was highly regarded by his peers. Greg was a jack of all trades and excelled at anything he put his hand to. He developed a particular passion for woodworking and made many beautiful things over the years. He also had a lifelong love of animals.

Arrangements in care of Cremation London & Middlesex. Cremation has taken place and at Greg’s request there will be no formal service. A private tribute will be held a later time. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Greg’s memory to an animal or wildlife charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jordan Berry and the palliative care team at University Hospital for their kindness and caring.
Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

KELLY, Jeffrey Donald
1962-2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Donald Kelly at the age of 63. Jeff was born in London, Ontario. He was the son of E. Jean Moreland and predeceased by his father Donald Kelly and his son David Balandin. Jeff was the youngest of five children. Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life in the scattering garden of Woodland Cemetery will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences can be shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ETCHES, Matthew…

Matthew Etches died peacefully at home accompanied by his loved ones on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in his 52nd year. He is predeceased by his beloved mother Merryl Etches. Matthew is survived by his partner Michelle Owens and her children Devon Owens (Evan Ottoni) and Ewan Simeon and his adored rescue dog Lulu.

Matthew’s passion for cinema guided both his career and personal life. He was a champion of Winnipeg filmmaking and worked in film and television production, film distribution, and film festival programming. Matthew was deeply committed to the Winnipeg arts community, and loved experimental film and music.

Matthew was guided by his principles and grounded in his yoga practice. He cherished skating on the Assiniboine and Red River trails, and time at the cottage in Sandy Hook. Matthew’s creativity and attention to detail was expressed in recent years in his large scale Lego MOC project of the Death Star.

Honouring Matthew’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration will be held. In his memory, donations may be made to the Jaimz Admundson Memorial Fund at the Winnipeg Film Group (https://shop.winnipegfilmgroup.com/products/jaimz-asmundson-memorial-fund).

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

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