Obituaries & Condolences

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

McCALL, Alan James…

Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully after a brief illness on May 28, 2025 at the age of 59. Loving partner of Elizabeth Menard and dear father of Jace. Alan will be missed by his sisters Elaine (Randelle) and Maureen, his nephew Kyle, niece Emma, “bro” Glen and Elizabeth’s parents Don and Fran. Predeceased by his parents Sybil and John McCall. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

RANKIN, Teresa…

After six years of a courageous medical struggle, Teresa passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Thursday, May 22, 2025 in her 74th year.

Beloved wife of Keith Rankin for 44 years. Loving mother of Jessica Morrison (Ryan) and Aaron Rankin (Lindsey). Adored Grandma of Ryder and Reese. Cherished sister of Glen Ford (Wendy), Peter Ford (Teresa) and Tom Ford (Lisa). Teresa will be deeply missed by her dear life-long friend Diane Byatt as well as her nieces, nephews and extended family.

Cremation has taken place and at Teresa’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Teresa, donations may be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex, 1414 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 3B6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BOEL, Joseph “Joe”……

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at West Perth Village, Mitchell, Joe passed away in his 94th year. Beloved husband of the late Joan (2019). Loving father of Ron Boel, Richard (Marlene) Boel, Linda Boel, and Dan (Mary Ellen) Boel. Cherished grandfather of 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Theo of Wallaceburg, and Matilda of Kingston. Predeceased by his siblings; Henritta, and Emily, granddaughters Danielle and Angela. Cremation has taken place. Interment in Dungannon Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHITCOMB, Raymond “Ray”…
Raymond “Ray” Whitcomb passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 9th, 2025 in his 68th year. Loving husband of Eryne for 46 wonderful years. Dear father of Brad (Michelle), Derek and Trevor. Brother of Geoff and brother-in-law of Dona-Lea (George). Proud grandad of Darian, Ryan, Madison, Ethan, Aydin, Raylynn, Noah, Daniel, Benjamin, and Samuel. Beloved uncle to Jordan, Justine, Geoffrey and Kelsey.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Ray may be made to Childhood Cancer Canada or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

O’NEIL, Scott Alexander 1971-2025

On May the 1st 2025, Scott Alexander O’Neil passed unexpectedly in his 54th year. Born on May 26th 1971 in London, Ontario to parents Shonna and Alexander O’Neil. Their miracle baby boy that completed their family. Loving baby brother to Jackie Vollick (Tim). Always adored and always fun uncle to Tyler, Cole, Brock (Sarah), and Lexi (Brandon). Great uncle to young Aragon. Scott has many friends and family in London, Toronto, Hamilton, Scotland, Australia and beyond who will miss him immensely.

Co-owner of Wee Scot’s Fish & Chippy, his pride and joy and the best fish and chips in town (according to his mom).
Scott put his all into everything he did and loved hard. He lit up any room he entered, and was the life of every party he attended. To know Scott was to love him and we have lost a very special son, brother, uncle, and friend who can never be replaced and will be highly missed.

Cremation has taken place and celebration of life details will be shared with friends and family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family shares that donations to the Humane Society London & Middlesex would be greatly appreciated. His four-legged kids Reggie, Roxie, Maggie-Mae, Mowgli and Charlie will miss him dearly. Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467 entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com