Obituaries & Condolences

EDWARDS, Derek…

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that Derek Cecil Edwards passed peacefully in London, Ontario on the morning of September 15^th, 2023, in his 97^th year. Derek will be dearly missed by his son Kevan, daughter-in-Law Christine, grandson Brendon and his wife Jaime, granddaughter Deanna as well as great grandson Benjamin. 

Derek was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Eileen (Poplett), and parents Cecil C Edwards and Lydia T Edwards (Clark).  Brother to numerous siblings including Daphne, Roy, Kathleen, Marcia, Mervin and Nadine.

Derek was a quiet man who loved to laugh, spin a good story, fish, and he loved to garden.  Growing veggies in the back yard and caring for his shrubs and flowers was a passion.  Born in England, and a veteran of the British army in post-WW2 Italy as well as the Middle East, Derek and Eileen came to Canada in the mid-1950s. Together they built a wonderful life including running a successful self-owned business. For 30+ years he delivered homemade food and beverages to construction work sites, factories, and businesses in an era when hot food and good coffee wasn’t just a text message away.  He developed a fondness for wood working and was a kind, soft spoken person that had the ability to make his grandkids laugh with his silly tricks and could make a friend out of a perfect stranger.

He will be thought of often by family and friends alike.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Derek can be made to the Heart & Stroke association of Canada at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/.   A celebration of life will be held on September 29, 2023 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Center, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Words of Remembrance will take place at 11:00 am. Derek’s ashes will be laid to rest with Eileen, at Pond Mills Cemetery in London. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com   

CROKE, Barry…

Peacefully at home, with family by his side, Barry Croke of London, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of Lynda for 35 years. Loving father of Natalie Whitney (Paul), Mark Croke (Margaret), Dean Keough (Tracey) and Chad Keough. Cherished grandfather of Jess, Lauren, Nadine, Danny, Natalie, Nicole, Katie, Greyson and Luke and great-grandfather of Chase, Marshall, Kayleigh, Noah, Alyssa, Liam, Scarlett and Riley. Dear brother of Terry Burns, Peggy Cairnes and Sharon May Sauboorah. Barry will be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Lynda said “Barry was my true soul mate… from the moment we met, he told me we wouldn’t have material riches but we will have laughter every single day of our lives… and we did.”

Natalie said “My Dad was always and will always be my hero. I inherited his sarcasm and his love of people.”

Mark said “You have been a fantastic Dad and did what you had to do to look after us when mum died and because of you, I have grown into a respectful man with a wonderful family.”

Barry was a wonderful step-father to Chad and Dean.

Dean said “He has always treated our mother like a Queen and was fiercely protective of her.”

Chad said “Barry was a great teacher to me during my younger age when I lived with them. We will all miss him so very much.”

His building community said “Barry was much more than a Building Manager. Barry became a friend to many. His love of celebrating Canada Day, Halloween, and Christmas with the residents of our community was truly a source of joy for him every year. His witty and sarcastic banter will be missed and the halls of our building will forever seem quieter.”

Barry adored his Pomeranian girl, Sheba, who passed before him and his current boy, Whiskey. He also had an immense love for penguins.

Cremation has taken place and at Barry’s wishes, no visitation or funeral will be held. In his 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

Kimberly Maude (Kim) Blain (nee Stewart)

Kim’s 10-year long journey with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease ended in the early morning of Sunday September 3rd in her 64th year. Held closely by her loving husband Rick and youngest daughter Natalie. Kim was cared for by Rick for the last 10 years, and the kind and caring staff of Westmount Gardens LTC home for the past 5 years. She is the proud and adoring momma of Julia (Keelan) of Perth, Australia and Natalie (Nick) of Grand Bend. Caring daughter of Margaret (McIntosh) and the late Gordon Stewart. Kim will be missed dearly by her other family and friends.

Kim was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 11, 1959. She lived in many areas of Canada, the US and the UK being the daughter of an RCAF Navigator. Once settled in London in her adult life, she studied Graphic Design at Fanshawe College. Kim worked as an artist for the London Free Press upon graduation for a brief time; however, she took on various roles in art and design while raising her two daughters. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, travelling with her husband, spending quality time with her daughters and her dog Dino, watching funny movies, listening to music, and being in nature.

During her courageous journey living with Alzheimer’s disease, she was a lead individual in fundraising for IG Wealth Management’s Walk for Alzheimer’s. Her courageousness continues through the decision to donate her brain to the Dale E. Creighton Brain & BioBank through LHSC-SJHC for research in neurodegenerative brain disorders. Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Kim and her family would appreciate memorial donations to be made to The Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners (London, Oxford, Elgin) that help current and future families navigating this journey or to the Dale E. Creighton Brain and BioBank to help fund dementia research efforts. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STREET, Edith…

Edith R. Street, in her 98th year, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Parkwood’s Veteran’s Care, London. She was predeceased by her partner of many years, George Smith.

Edith served in WWII in the A.T.S. (Auxiliary Territorial Service) from 1943- 1945. She was stationed at many locations in England during the war. She was the daughter of the late Frederick Percy and May Bevis (nee Hollister). She had four brothers and three sisters who all resided in England. She is survived by three sons, Bill Street (Betty), Robert Street (Mary Ann), David Street (Leslie); and one daughter, Margaret Smith (David). She had 11 grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Jennifer, Todd, Debbie, the late Johnny, Tammy, Bo, Jeff, Krissy, and Justin; many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to all the staff at Parkwood, who always made mom feel like family. Thank you to the nurses, PSWs and staff for all their kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness that was given to mom and her family. It was our second home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 in her memory. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

IGRAS, Henry…
It is with heavy hearts the family of Henry (Hank) Igras announces his peaceful passing on Saturday August 19, 2023 in the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital. Beloved husband and best friend for 66 years to Julie (Julia), who left us too soon in March of this year.

Cherished father to Diane (Kevin) Gowanlock and David (Magdalena) Igras. Beloved grandfather of Andrew (Michelle) Carrothers, Matthew (Rachael) Carrothers, Jennifer (Spencer) Weber and Melissa (Josh) Snider and Jason (Sara) Igras.

Proud great grandfather to Harrison, Sullivan and Maeve Carrothers and Alannah, Katelyn and Hailey Snider. Predeceased by his beloved sister Florence Igras from Brechin Ontario. Hank will be dearly missed by his longtime friend Vera Lasek and her family.

Hank and Julie met as young adults, dancing at the Polish Hall in Toronto. After working as a mechanic for Trans Canada Airlines and as a flying instructor for the Toronto Flying Club, Hank and Julie moved to London Ontario to start a business and raise a family. Hank, along with Julie, ran a successful wholesale distribution company for 34 years. Hank semi-retired and performed odd jobs for a few years until his health no longer permitted him to work. He continued to provide chauffeur services for Julie who continued to work selling RESPs.

Hank was larger than life. He was aptly nicknamed Hurricane Hank for his seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm for life. He loved to golf, ski, cook and fish. He loved to sail, particularly in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Hank loved his sports and was a diehard Leaf’s and London Knights fan. His greatest love was watching all of his grandchildren play sports, particularly hockey. He could be heard in arenas around the province yelling “One more time!!”.

Hank struggled for many years with several medical conditions and his family would like to recognize and thank all of the physicians, nurses and staff who tended to him over the years through the Kidney and Transplant Clinic as well as the Neurology and Cardiology departments at University Hospital. The family would also like to thank and physicians and staff at the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital for their wonderful care of Hank throughout his last days.

At Hank’s request, cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at a later date. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Hank are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ROGERS, Myrna…

Myrna Rogers passed peacefully in her sleep in her 78th year in London, Ontario on the morning of August 15th , 2023. Loving mother of Bryan and Steven (Siobhan) Rogers. Myrna will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Tiffany, Christopher, Fionna and Brendan. Cherished great-grandmother of Taylan and Ronan. Beloved sister of Lois Rose (Laurie). Aunt of Mark (Joan) Rose and Tim (Krista) Rose and their families. Predeceased by her parents Edna and Victor Wilson.

Myrna grew up on the Wilson Century Farm near Oakville Ontario, where her love of animals began. She worked in Toronto and Mississauga for many years before moving to London. Myrna was an avid gardener and sports enthusiast. Following a massive stroke fifteen years ago, Myrna’s indomitable spirit persisted as she dealt with aphasia and the challenges of the stroke.

Many thanks to the caring and patient staff at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care for their continued kindness and compassion. A celebration of life will take place at St. Bride’s Anglican Church, 1516 Clarkson Road North, Mississauga, ON at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, after which she will be interred in Springcreek Cemetery, Mississauga.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Myrna can be made to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation or the London Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MATHIEU, Wendy…

Unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 Catherine “Wendy” Mathieu passed away in her 72nd year.

Loving mother of Will Fletcher (Michelle), Dan Fletcher and Rob Fletcher. Cherished grandmother of Felicia, Jackie, Ryan, Haydn, Emily, Hailey and Damien. Great-grandmother of Alexis, Logan, Dominic, Isaac, Violet, Feenyx and Desmond. Dear sister of Debbie, Tina, Maria and Russell. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Marie.

Wendy was a lady who always had a strong love for animals, there wasn’t a time that she didn’t have one or wasn’t willing to rescue one. She was someone that always had your back if you needed her. Wendy always enjoyed her horror movies… her screams would scare you more than the movie itself. She had a special love for shopping and could never pass up a good sale. It didn’t matter if she was buying it for herself or someone else. Every summer she enjoyed going to the beaches with her family and she has made countless memories there. Wendy will be deeply missed by her family, friends and animals.

Donations in memory of Wendy may be made to your local animal shelter. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ROBERTSON, Herbert “Herb” …

After a difficult battle with dementia, Herbert Donald Gordon Robertson quietly passed away on August 9^th, 2023, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, just shy of his 85^th birthday. Herb leaves behind his best friend and wife, Elizabeth Anne Robertson (nee Pelling), to whom he was married for 62 loving years. Herb will be deeply missed by his daughters, Tracey (Jeremy Hanford) and Lesley (Jeff Bruce). Loving “Poppa” of Hayden Sawyer (Brittany), Hilary Bruce, Calvin Hanford, Charlotte Bruce, Juliana Bruce and grand dog, Millie. Beloved brother of Howard “Bucky”, Judy and Joanne Robertson and Kevin Wright. Predeceased by his siblings, Alvin and Gail and his sisters-in-law, Theodon and Brenda. Cherished brother-in-law of David “Sonny” Pelling (Betty Lou) and Laurie Clifford (Danny Palamarek). Herb will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family as well as all the dear friends he made along the way.

Herb was a very giving man; he made the world a better place with his work in Homes for Special Care, assisting those living with special needs. He always enjoyed a great game of golf, a trip down the Green River in his pontoon boat or a road trip with his family. He was a man of one-liners and a unique sense of humour, lovingly referred to as “Herbisms”. He enjoyed his retirement years living at the cottage in Washago before moving to London and wintering in Panama City Beach, Florida over the last 20 years with his beloved wife, Anne by his side. Best of all, Herb was a true family man who always made time for his daughters, grandchildren and those he loved most.

The Robertson family wishes to extend a special thank you for the kind and compassionate care from all those that helped Herb in his home, out in the community and during his time at Victoria Hospital, most especially in the GBU.

Cremation has taken place. The immediate family will celebrate Herb’s life privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the London Health Sciences Foundation – GBU, 747 Baseline Road East, London ON, N6C 2R6 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc. 519-858-2467. Online condolences can be shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BURLA, Gary….

Gary Michael Burla, age 65, passed away suddenly on July 14, 2023. Born November 28, 1957 to Edward & Caroline Burla in Newmarket, Ontario, he grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario with his siblings where he enjoyed playing hockey and going fishing. He later moved to London, Ontario to work as a painter in the IUPAT. Gary enjoyed spending his winters down in Daytona Beach, Florida and his summers hanging out in his back yard chatting up all the neighbours. Gary was predeceased by his parents Edward & Caroline Burla and his brother Ricky. He is survived by his brothers Ronald, Edward & Brian Burla, his sister Sandra Mastroianni, his aunt Helen Pohanka and his many nieces & nephews. May he rest in peace.

A funeral service will be held at The Church of God, 155 Wharncliffe Road North, London on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 3pm followed by a Celebration of Life from 4pm-8pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, 311 Oakland Avenue, London. Future interment to be in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army https://salvationarmy.ca/donations/?gad=1. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

KINRADE, John…

On Sunday, July 16, 2023, John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London at the age of 68. He will be missed dearly by his wife Kathy, children Jenn Veenvliet (Brad), Lauren Santos (Mike), and Bill Kinrade (Ainsely), and stepsons William and Matthew Redpath. John was a proud Papa to Sam, Charlotte, Isla, Isabella, and Easton. John was a long-time employee of Dofasco, retiring after a 35-year career, as well as owning and managing his construction company in Caledonia. John spent his retirement years at their home in Northern Ontario, enjoying time visiting with family and friends. A celebration of John’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N5X 2T1, would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com