Obituaries & Condolences

JACOBS, (Jake) Jacobus Catharina Roland Maria ………

Peacefully at his residence on Monday, September 18, 2023, Jake passed away in his 64th year after a courageous two and a half year battle with cancer.

Jake was not alone in his final moments. His beloved partner of 12 years, Terra Gallagher sat and comforted him throughout this whole ordeal, lovingly holding his hand as he departed our world to find ultimate peace.

Born in March 1960 in The Netherlands, Jake was the eldest son of Cornelius and Petronella Jacobs. In his first 26 years, Jake attended primary school and then boarding school. He developed an interest for agriculture and completed both his primary and secondary agricultural schooling within the Netherlands, France and Indonesia receiving a diploma for his efforts.

 In 1986 Jake made the difficult choice to emigrate across the world to further his education in agriculture. Once settled in Canada, Jake stayed with Gus and Joan Sonneveld, who he considered his secondary set of parents, while attaining further education in agricultural practices.

Jake married in 1992 and went on to have two children, a daughter named Amanda, and a son named Jason. Jake worked hard to provide for his children, and is remembered as a strong, diligent and kind father who expressed his pride for his kids to anyone he met.

Jake worked hard in a variety of jobs, some on the farm, and some in farming equipment installation. In 2006 Jake began working for Silver Top Supply, now known as SITECH. Jake spent 17 years in this job, and was respected and cared for by all of the people he met. He was known as an extremely hard worker who could always be counted on and showed up each day with a smile on his face ready to work.

Jake is survived by his children Amanda and Jason Jacobs (partner Jaimie), and his partner Terra Lynn Gallagher, and her mom Lori and daughter Torie. In the Netherlands Jake is survived by his mama, sister Mirjan (husband Erik), and brothers Rob (wife Crystal) and Ruud (wife Alice) along with many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his loving father, Cornelius Jacobs, Mr. and Mrs. and Sonneveld.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers donations in memory of Jacobus may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program. A very special thanks to the doctors and healthcare workers that cared for Jake and supported him and his family throughout this difficult journey.

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

WILSON, Lee…

It is with saddened hearts that the family of Lee Robert James Wilson must announce his passing on September 25, 2023, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. He was in his 52nd year and was a comical man but lived a complicated life. Lee struggled with diabetes and several other diseases throughout his short lifetime.

Lee left behind a sister, Tara Shepherd (London, ON), her husband, Bill, and their son, Nicklas. Aunt Lisa Clare (Myrtle Beach, SC, USA), her husband, Mark, and their family. Aunt Kimberly Thomas (St. Mary’s, ON), her husband, Stephen, and their boys. Some “Dugas” aunts and uncles and their families in Nova Scotia.

Lee was pre-deceased by Bob and Gert Wilson (Grandpa and Nanny), Larry and Betty (Father and Mother), uncle Jerry Wilson, William and Priscilla Dugas (Grandpa and Grandma) and some “Dugas” aunts and uncles in Nova Scotia. We all hope that Lee will soon happily reunite with these loved ones, and finally rest in peace.

A private family ceremony will be held in Lee’s honour. If anyone would like to support Lee in his passing, please do so with a donation to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London N6B 3H8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc. 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

McCALLUM, Arnold Grant…
Peacefully with family by his side, on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Parkwood Institute, London, Grant McCallum passed away in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Marie McCallum for 65 years. Loving father of Mark McCallum and his wife Pat and Kim Mann and her husband Steve. Dear grandfather of Kathryn Stewart, Jordan McCallum (Paulina), Kyle Mann (Stephanie), and Darcy Mann and missed by great-grandchildren Maddison, Andrew, Callum, and Madden.

Grant proudly retired from a lifelong career at Bell Canada. He enjoyed his retirement traveling through out Canada and the USA in the RV with Marie. The two of them spent many weeks camping, he had a great appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Grant loved indulging in conversation with anyone and everyone he met. His true love and devotion were to his family, he had great pride in his family’s accomplishments and successes, he was always there to support or lend a helping hand to his children and was a very proud Grandpa Bus.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Grant are asked to do so with a donation to a charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc. 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SOLOGUK, Brian…

June 24th 1966 – September 12th 2023

                It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Brian Sologuk who passed away peacefully at his home in London Ontario. Brian will be dearly missed by his brother Terry (Kathleen) of Sudbury, nephew Christopher Sologuk (Megan), great uncle to Madison and Nathan of Chatham and niece Kaitlin Sologuk (Brent) of Lively.  Predeceased by his father, John Sologuk, mother Lea and brother Richard.

               One of Brian’s greatest passions was playing on his beloved Gators baseball team.  He was an ever so faithful fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and enjoyed spending time out in his yard. There will be a Celebration of Life in London at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

KERELUIK, Shelley…

Shelley Kereluik passed away peacefully at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Peter Kereluik for 48 years. Loving mother of Amy Buffone and her husband Andrew. Cherished Gramma of Aiden.

Shelley was a dedicated nurse for many years. She enjoyed spending countless hours with her grandson Aiden, who was the light of her life.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Shelley’s life will be held at a later date. In her memory, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

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