Obituaries & Condolences
Lawrence Barrie Leech
LEECH, Lawrence Barrie
With sadness and love, we announce the passing of Barrie on February 28, 2024, at the age of 85, in London Ontario. He passed peacefully with family by his side, and is free to run with his border collies once again.
Barrie was a devoted husband, father, brother, Papa, coach and friend. He won nine Canadian handball championships between 1963-1975, was inducted into the Canadian Handball Hall of Fame in 2010, and was also a varsity basketball and football athlete. He was an avid dog lover, sports lover, reader, and golfer, and was a respected school principal with the Toronto District School Board. Barrie will be sorely missed by his loving wife Chris, daughters Raewyn (Sean) and Tara (Kevin), sister Deborah Gibson (Scott), and grandchildren Paige, Nina, Nolan, Troy, Bryce and Callum. It brings us comfort knowing he will be welcomed by, and reunited with, his beloved border collies Godfrey, Barkley, Bailey, Cody, and most recently Finn.
The family would like to thank the wonderful medical team at Victoria Hospital, London, for their care and compassion. As per Barrie’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barrie’s memory may be made to the OVC Pet Trust University of Guelph, or Covenant House Toronto. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements, 519-858-2467.
Christopher Bond
BOND, Christopher Michael…
Christopher Michael Bond passed away suddenly in Sarnia, Ontario, the 21st of February, 2024, in his 67th year. Predeceased by his parents Barry and Joan, and his sister Jayne. Chris is survived by his daughter Ashlea, and sisters Anne, Colleen, Carolyn and Mary Lou. Free from suffering, may he rest in peace. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Terence “Terry” Hogg
HOGG, Terence “Terry”…
Terry passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 25, 2024 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Ann for 58 years. Terry will be fondly remembered by family and many friends in Canada as well as in England. In keeping with Terry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be a funeral service held. For those who wish to make a donation in Terry’s name, please consider your favourite local charity. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
James “Jim” Grant
GRANT, James “Jim”
Bravely, on Sunday February 18, 2024, James (Jim) Wright Grant passed away at the age of 80. Predeceased by his mother Margaret Waddell and sister Catherine and husband John Murdoch. Beloved husband of Mary Ida Grant (née Murphy). Father of Scott, Brian, and Jason. Father-in-law of Kristen. Grandfather of Iain, Kathryn, Ashley and Avery. Loved by many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was a member of the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge and was known for giving celebrations on Robert Burns Day with the Toast to the Haggis; he was also known for running many marathons and triathlons. A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Ascension, 2060 Dundas St, London, on Saturday February 24, 2024, at 1:00pm. The service will be available to view live online; a link will be posted on the Church’s Facebook page. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences and memories shared at www.cremationlondon.com
William “Willy” Valliere
VALLIERE, William…
January 23, 1953 – February 11, 2024
William “Willy” Valliere passed away suddenly but peacefully at University Hospital in London on February 11, 2024, at 71 years old, after a courageous battle with chronic lung disease. Beloved husband of the late Wanda Valliere for 29 years (2006). Loving Dad of Angelina Nikkel (Chris), Danielle Zatulsky (Jay), and Kimberly Valliere (Jeremy Varlow). Incredibly proud Papa of Caleigh, Easton and Boone. Dear older brother of Robert Valliere. Willy will also be dearly missed by his many cousins, other extended family members, and loving friends. He was predeceased by his cherished parents Rita Souriol and Donald Valliere.
Willy was born and raised in Kirkland Lake. It was difficult for him to leave his hometown, but he truly enjoyed London over the past five years. He will be fondly remembered as “Scooter” by his friends and neighbours in London.
We are finding comfort in knowing that Dad is reunited with our Mom, whom he missed with all his heart. We are also comforted in knowing that he was able to make many fond memories over the years watching his grandson play hockey, visiting the Cayman Islands and making many new friends.
At Willy’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kirkland Lake in the spring/summer.
Willy was a social butterfly who would strike up a conversation with anyone, and gave to his community when he could. In his memory, donations may be made to the London and Area Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, ON N5Z 3M5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Ralph Smith
SMITH, Ralph…
Unexpectedly with his wife by his side, Ralph Smith of London passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 in his 91st year. Ralph was the beloved husband of Irene for nearly 70 years. He was the proud and supportive father of Kevin Smith and Sandy Perry and her husband Larry. Dear Papa of Kaley Bill. Predeceased by his sister Ruth Curtis (the late Lyle). Ralph will also be missed by his five nephews, one niece, and his many friends and neighbours.
Ralph worked for Suncor, finally retiring as Manager of Real Estate and Development of Western Ontario after 36 years. After his retirement, he spent many years as a treasured volunteer with Children’s Aid and the Power and Sail Squadron. Ralph loved taking the family to Florida when they were young and later in his marriage travelled extensively with Irene. He was an avid curler, but sailing was his great passion, becoming a long-term and valued member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club. The Smith family wish to thank their dearly loved neighbours for all of their support, especially over the last few years.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Ralph’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Mocha Shriners, 468 Colborne Street, London. In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Rod Berthelot
BERTHELOT, Rod…
Rod passed peacefully on January 25th, 2024, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario in his 84th year. He is predeceased by his wife Jackie (2023).
Rod is survived by his sons, Chris of London and Shawn (Chelsey) of New Brunswick. Proud grandfather to Braden and Killian.
Beloved brother to Cass Mills, Georgette Dorion, Louis Berthelot, and Larry Berthelot. Special uncle to Francine Jones.
Rod will be missed dearly by his friends Jean Yves and Lisa Leblanc, Keith and Linda Tigman and so many more cherished friends and family in Ontario and New Brunswick.
The family would like to thank Dr. House, Dr. Pautler, Dr. S. Ernst and their amazing staff.
Thank you to the 3 exceptional nurses in the CCTC. Chelsey, who welcomed him and took time to talk to with him. To Kyllie, who helped him through the nights and to Jamie who made sure his last day on earth was comforting and comfortable.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Brunswick. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Sherri Langille
LANGILLE, Sherri
SHERRI LYNNE LANGILLE, age 59 of London, ON, formerly of Wallace, NS, passed away on January 22, 2024. Sherri was the chosen daughter of John and Pearl Langille. She was predeceased by her son, Eric, mother, and sister, Cindy. Survived by her father, brothers, Robert and Jerry, nieces, Stephanie, Nicole and Candice, nephews, Vernon and John, great nieces and nephews. Sherri had Huntington’s disease which made much of her life difficult. The family thank the good Lord, the Province of Ontario and Mount Hope Centre, for caring for Sherri. Donations to the Huntington’s Society, Mount Hope Centre or a charity of the donor’s choice will be gratefully appreciated. A family graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Lindsay, Ontario at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Jean Whalen
WHALEN, Jean…
Jean Catherine Whalen (nee. Wilcocks) passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on January 14th, 2023, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Rodrigue Whalen (2004) for 53 years. Jean will be missed by her children Michael (Dorothy) of St. Thomas and Mary-Anne (Luci) of London. Dear sister to Ron (Eunice) of Parkhill. Proud grandmother of Chris, Jessica, and Joel. Loving great-grandmother to Jacob. She is predeceased by her daughter Catherine (2009). She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.
Jean brought joy to countless friends and family members with her joy of darts and her remarkable talent for crafting beautiful wooden creations. She proudly worked at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario as an RNA for 20 years. Jean’s passion for these pursuits left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and she will be fondly remembered for her skill, creativity, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Laurence “Laurie” Nolan
NOLAN, Laurence “Laurie”…
After a life well lived, the Lord took home Laurence “Laurie” Marie Viola Nolan, on January 14, 2024, at the age of 69. Laurie peacefully passed away surrounded by her children and is now reunited with her beloved late husband Lloyd Sr.
She will be missed by her children, Helene, Della-Rose, Richard, Emily, Lloyd Jr and step daughters Angie, Jen and Karen. Her surviving brother Leonard, grandchildren, and friends will miss her warm love and spirit.
Laurie was full of life, loved bingo and lived for her kids. Still having a laugh right till the end.
A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
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