Obituaries & Condolences

HIGHGATE, Murray 

Peacefully and surrounded by love on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 Murray passed away with family by his side at the age of 70.  

He was a proud father of his daughters: Sabrina (Adam Poirier), Lindsay and Samantha. His step-sons: Chris Smalley, Scott Smalley (Kevin Smith), Adam Smalley and his granddaughter Katherine. Cherished brother of: Janet (Eize Bos), Marvin (Pam), Ben (Sharon), Eva (George Fudge). Friend and former wife, Linda. Dear friend and partner, Wendy Marles. Predeceased by his father George and his mother Eva Mae, his brothers: Edsel, Sydney, Alan, Kaydon, and former wife Carol Goodrich. 

A hard-working, dedicated worker, Murray brought joy to thousands in Southwestern Ontario through his work painting homes. Murray was a lifelong comedian who dabbled in stand-up comedy later in his life. An avid reader and student of history, Murray also loved spending time with his friends and family, long car rides, the bright lights of the Christmas season, and staying up way too late listening to his favourite jazz artists. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. 

At Murray’s request a Celebration of Life will take place in the spring. 

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Murray may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada. 

The family would like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice for their incredible compassion to Murray and his loved ones during this difficult time. 

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

TURNER, Danny..

Suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his residence in London, Danny passed away at the age of 64. Beloved father to Justin (Kelsey). Dear parent to Shaun. Grandfather to 2 grandsons. Brother to Brett.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Glen (Marion) Turner and his siblings, Wendy, Debbie, Deanna, and Glen. Danny enjoyed his job as a mover.  He was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. Cremation has taken place. At this time no services will be held. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Danny may be made to Mission Services of London, 4-797 York St, London, Ontario N5W 6A8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.

SOLOMON, Howard…

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London, on Monday, October 30, 2023, Howard Solomon passed away in his 77th year. Father of Sherrill Solomon (Tye), Michelle Solomon (Wes), and Jen Thomas (Jay). Grandfather of Jasmine, Sebastian, Daisy Mae and Lighton. Also survived by his sister Sharon Newman (Sydney), sister-in-law Meryl Solomon, and his girls’ mother Dorothy. Predeceased by his brother Stanley Solomon. Howard will also be missed by his niece and nephews, as well as extended family members. Cremation has taken place and family and friends are invited to join together to celebrate Howard’s life on Sunday, November 12, 2023 from 2:30-4:30 pm at the South London Community Centre (Large Meeting Room), 1119 Jalna Boulevard, London. Donations in memory of Howard may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 260-200 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6A 1J3. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

In Loving Memory of Janet T. Kennedy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet T. Kennedy (nee Bastien) on October 15, 2023.

Janet was born on October 16, 1955, in Windsor, Ontario, to her loving parents, Theresa and Joseph Bastien.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Candice Constable, her husband, Jason, and their children, Aiden and Brooklyn, as well as her grandchildren, Michael and MacKenzie Polci. She is also survived by her sons, Allan Kennedy and Derek Kennedy Lifshits, along with Derek’s husband, Aj, and her sisters, Chris, Sandi, and Jodi.

Janet is predeceased by her daughter, Shannon Polci, and her sisters, Mary and Kathy.

She was a loving and caring mother and Mimi, and she will always be remembered as the adopted mom to all of her children’s close network of friends. Janet will be remembered for always having an open door and for cooking her coveted dishes, such as lasagna, macaroni salad, and cherry cheesecake.

She was a supportive sister and daughter who loved returning home to Amherstburg to visit her parents in their childhood home and enjoyed family get-togethers around the kitchen table, as well as trips to the racetrack and casino.

Janet will be remembered for her love of music, her fabulous dance moves, and her contagious laughter.

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

REID, Rev. Marjorie Arlene

Passed, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, at University Hospital, London on Sunday, October 15th, 2023 at the age of 84. Beloved mother of Graham and his wife Nancy, Brian and his wife Stephanie, Barbara and her husband Jamie, and Bonnie. Cherished grandmother of Esther, Kathleen, Lauren, Jack, Savannah, Maiya, and Noah.  Dear sister of Muriel. Marjorie is survived by Robert Reid, who cherished his marriage with Marjorie for 63 years. She will be lovingly remembered many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Marjorie was a Christian. She served within the Anglican Church throughout her life. She met her husband at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines Ontario. She and Robert served as missionaries with the Anglican Church of Canada in Zululand, South Africa in the mid 1960s. She was an active member of congregations in Fort Erie and St. Catharines. Starting in the 1970’s, she was in the choir, served on the altar guild, and was on the Deacon’s board at New St. Paul’s/Epiphany Church, Woodstock. Beginning at age 60, she first completed a lay certificate in Theology at Huron University College, followed by a Masters of Theology (2007) and a Masters of Divinity (2011). She was ordained in May 2008 and was a Deacon at St. Alban the Martyr, London; consistent with her passion, she had special responsibilities for outreach.

Marjorie was a teacher. Following teachers’ college, she taught in inner-city schools in Toronto in the early 1960s. Most of her teaching focused on young children and the vulnerable. She taught children with developmental and/or physical disabilities in St. Catharines and Woodstock. She taught at the Oxford County Day Nursey in Woodstock and was the parent program coordinator in Woodstock and Tillsonburg for many years. In that role, Marjorie developed and delivered a parenting program for mothers of young children, many of whom had extreme behavioural problems and were in families suffering from poverty and other hardships.

Marjorie served. She was on the board of the Woodstock Gymnastics Club in the 1980s and part of the Oxford Children’s Service Planning Committee in the 1990s. In the 90s she was also one of the original board members responsible for the development of Oxford Community Complex in Woodstock.

Marjorie cared. Cards and gifts were always received on birthdays and holidays. Letters and phone calls marked other special events and milestones. Her love for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their families, relatives and adopted family was palpable. Her home was always open, to whomever needed or wanted to visit or stay, whether it was for a meal, a month, or longer.

Marjorie is at peace. We know that as a follower of Jesus Christ, Marjorie is free from the pain, suffering and sorrows of this world. Welcomed into the arms of her Saviour with the words – well done, good and faithful servant.

Cremation has taken place. A service celebrating her life will be held at The Church of St. Jude, 1537 Adelaide Street North, London, on Saturday Nov 18 at 11 AM. The service will be livestreamed and recorded; please contact the Church of St. Jude for details (519-660-6198).

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Marjorie are encouraged to consider a donation to The Anglican Church of Canada, The Heart & Stroke Foundation, or Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc., 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com/Marjorie-Reid/

KENNEDY, Carole…

Carole Kennedy passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario, the 23rd of October, 2023 in her 90th year. Carole will be missed everyday by her daughter Linda (Danette) of London. Beloved Nana to Lauren (Jake) of St. Thomas. Dear cousin of Earl Cathcart, Roberta Cathcart, and Claudia Hungerson. Loving second cousin to Charlie Hungerson.

Carole travelled with friends in her later years. She was a proud member of many social groups, including Kiwanis, Among Friends London Club & London Newcomers Club. Carole’s love for her family was ferocious, and the absolute apple of her eye was her granddaughter, Lauren.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Carole may be made to Salthaven Wildlife, P.O. Box 601. Mount Brydges, ON, N0L 1W0. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc., 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Valerie Marie Wayne passed away on Saturday October 14, 2023 in her 48th year after a very brief battle with cancer. A resident of London, Valerie was formerly of Kitchener. Dear mother of Thomas, Terri-Anne(Ryan), and William. Much loved grandmother of Luna and Onyx. Sadly missed by her mother Shirley Morrison of Sudbury and the late Joseph Wayne. Dear step-daughter of Tom (Cindy). Also remembered by sisters Linda and Michelle. Valerie loved to spend time with her granddaughters and enjoyed time at the beach at Grand Bend. Having recently celebrated 8 years of freedom from addiction to drugs, Valerie had recently started what she described as her “dream job.”

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday October 28th at 1 p.m. at Heidelberg Bible Fellowship, 2270 Kressler Rd,  Heidelberg, ON NOB 2M1. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Missionary Service Committee, 101 Amber St. Unit 16, Markham, ON L3R 3B2. Or at www.msccanada.org

 A zoom link for the services is included here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85785452666?pwd=rmQYha1T1AoynJ0ZvSyaOrDgVWYDGq.1

Meeting ID: 857 8545 2666

Passcode: 78910

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London and Middlesex Inc 519-858-2467. Online condolences can be shared at www.cremationlondon.com

KICKS, Lorraine “Laurie”…

With her loving family at her side, Lorraine “Laurie” Kicks passed away peacefully at home, on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in her 72nd year, finally joining her true love. Beloved wife of the late David Kicks (2017). Much loved mother of Torrie Callihoo (Mike), Karrie Southwell (Shawn), Mandy Kicks (Ken Currah) and Boo Kicks (Mel). Cherished Nana of Owen, Julie, the late Sarah, David, Emily, Julia, Katie, Kiefer and Bade. Dear sister of Grant Miller (Jenny). Laurie will also be missed by her nephew Matthew (Rhoda) and her sister in spirit Monique.

In memory of Laurie, donations may be made to the Children’s Health Foundation, 345 Westminster Avenue, London, ON N6C 4V3 and would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SAUCIER, Arthur “Bud”…

Peacefully, on Sunday, October 8, 2023, Arthur Oliver “Bud” Saucier in his 86th year, passed away at peopleCare Oakcrossing Long Term Care in London, Ontario.

Bud was predeceased by his wife Deanna (nee McDonald) in September 2022. He was a loving father to Kevin Saucier, Michael Saucier, Tracey (Kevin) Hipkins and Nicolle (Ryan) Valiquette. He was a proud grandfather to Michael Jr., Dylan, Emma, Abby, Kate and Sydney. He is survived by his sister Patricia Olson and his brother Russell Saucier, predeceased by his youngest sister Teresa. Bud will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews as well as his many friends and business acquaintances.

Bud enjoyed many activities over the years where he couldn’t help but to make lifelong friends due to his charming personality and outgoing nature. He shared his love of curling and bridge with Deanna, and they spent many weekends engaged in Curling Bonspiels and Bridge groups with dear friends. When he wasn’t working, Bud enjoyed golf, the occasional fishing trip up North and Friday nights watching the London Knights play hockey.

Bud loved his down time on the beaches of Fort Myers. He and Deanna spent many happy winters with dear friends boating, fishing, cooking and enjoying life. They had opportunities to travel with friends to Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean and California.

After more than 25 years in sales, Bud took over his family run business and was a proud owner/operator. He was an active member of A.C.T. (Associated Canadian Travellers) and a member of the Mocha Shriner’s Temple and Masonic Lodge.

His True Passion was to entertain family and friends at his home where he enjoyed watching everyone have a good time. Many memories were made over a day spent by the pool.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario, 741 Base Line Rd E, London, ON N6C 2R6. A celebration of Bud’s life will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 2:30 – 4:30 pm at the Byron-Springbank Legion Branch 533, 1276 commissioners road west, London, Ontario, N6K 1E1. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex Inc, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FARRELL, Beverley…

Beverley Farrell passed away peacefully in her home in Old South on Wednesday, October 4^th, 2023. She was surrounded by her closest family.

Beverley was born in 1949 to Eleanor and Jack Farrell. She was a true Londoner: growing up on Cathcart Street then spending the rest of her life just around the corner in her beloved home on Elworthy. She was a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (class of 1971) and attended Althouse College. She was on faculty at Wheable and Saunders Secondary School where she taught French and Computer Science. Her early interest in personal computers led her to become one of London’s first teachers of Computer Science.

Beverley loved spending days in her magical garden, going for long walks into town, caring for her cats, and pouring over her library of cookbooks. Her passion for exploration took her to Italy, France, Scotland, Belgium and frequent trips to British Colombia and Montreal.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, James Freeman, her children: Jackie Freeman and Christopher Blow and her beloved cats, Tiggs, Cassie and Casper. She will be dearly missed by her life-long neighbours and friends.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1pm, at the Civic Garden Complex 625 Springbank Drive, London, ON. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com