Obituaries & Condolences

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

GARTLEY, Doreen Edith…

Quietly at Mount Hope Centre for long term care, Doreen Gartley passed away on Thursday July 13, 2023, in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late Douglas Gartley (1999). Cherished step mother of Christine Irvine ( Steven) and Jane Brown (Craig). Nana to Mark (Sarah) Irvine, Greg (Allison) Irvine, William (Robyn) Brown, Anna (Alex) Holyrod – Smith and Julian (Amy) Brown. Great Nana to Leah, Mackenzie, Aria, Miles, Rosalie, Levi, Tegan, India and baby Zara. Sister to Garnet Randal and Avis Brown (deceased)

Doreen was an energetic and vibrant woman who enjoyed meeting people in their businesses of the Star Motel on Hwy 401/4, One Main Street in Delaware, and Skin Sense in London. She also was an avid curler with the London Curling Club. Enjoyed playing bridge and always hoped for that hole in one in golf. 

In following Doreen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest with her husband in Strabane Cemetery. In memory of Doreen, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Larry William Martyn passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones in St. Thomas, Ontario, the afternoon of July 3rd, 2023 in his 61^st year. Larry will be missed by his son William, daughter-in-law Marlee, granddaughter Cayden, step grandson Jordan, his daughter Cerena with her partner Devon, his daughter Sabryna, his brother Geoff with his wife Jen, and his brother Gary with his wife Carolyn and their son Liam. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FISHER (nee Ducharme), Shirley Rose…

At 80 years of age, Shirley Rose Fisher (nee Ducharme) passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family in London, Ontario, on Friday, May 12, 2023.

She will be greatly missed by her children Cam (Bev), Pam (Dave) and Dawn; her grandchildren Jaymee (Jordan), Brent (Alyssa), Juliana (John), and Lucinda; her brother William; her Aunts Victoria and Isabel and her Uncle Mervin (Betty).

She was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on May 30, 1942. She moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba as a young child with her mother Mary Latter and then moved to London in her late thirties. Throughout her working life, she held many positions in Customer Service. The two most significant companies where she devoted the most time were the T. Eaton Company Limited at their flagship store on Portage Ave for 15 years and the Royal Bank of Canada for 25 years until her retirement in 2006.

She loved to swim, golf, cycle, hike, colour, paint, crochet and embroider. One of her favourite hobbies was sewing Halloween costumes and outfits for special occasions for herself, her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed going to the movies on a weekly basis and to the theatre or concerts whenever she could. She rarely missed watching the Oscars, Tonys, Emmys, Grammys and the Met Gala every year.

She was fortunate to be able to travel to many parts of Canada, England, the United States, Mexico and Cuba.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SMALL, Robert “Bob”…
Robert (Bob) John Small was born May, 8th, 1936 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and passed peacefully on June 8th, 2023 in London, Ontario. He served in the peacekeeping forces in the Middle East in the 1950’s. In 1963, he met the love of his life and his best friend Peggy. In 1965 they married and raised three sons together. They enjoyed life to the fullest travelling, dancing, playing cards and spending time with many friends. Bob is survived by his wife Peggy, his sons Bob Jr. (Maureen), Craig (Emily) and Brad (Julie). He is the proud grandfather of Finn, Reid, Carter and Jack. Dear brother of David (Mary).
Bob spent his career in the automotive industry. In his spare time, Bob was a skilled wood worker and created many beautiful pieces of furniture and Intarsia. He also loved music.
The family would like to thank the team at LHSC and Strathroy Hospital for their wonderful care in Bob’s final days. We would also like to thank Dr. Gary Perkin for his many years of care and Amin Allidina and his team at Strathroy Medical Pharmacy. A special thank you to Wilma VanBussel and residents of Vintage green. In memory of Bob, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P1E4. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends and family. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

An Incredible Life…

One of the most winning-est contestants at the annual Embro Fair (everyone loved her raspberry pies and her smocking) is now sewing, baking, canning, and mingling her way through heaven. Helen Ruth Turvey, hard core bargain shopper, happily obsessive list-maker, mint chocolate lover, mother of two (but ‘adopted’ mother to hundreds), fast and true friend to all, and a wonderful person who would always lift you up when you were down, passed away on May 24th, 2023, just three days into her 95th year.

Helen (born Helen Mitchell), spent her early years as a city girl in Brantford, Ontario. Her initial work experience was supporting the war effort where she worked as a secretary and inventory clerk at Cockshutt Plow Company which had been retooled during WWII. Unbeknownst to her, a handsome machinist inside the plant had become a secret admirer. This machinist, John Turvey, took the courageous step to ask her to the company Christmas dance and the rest is history. Their relationship blossomed. After they were married, they moved to the Turvey family farm outside of Embro, Ontario. The city girl was now in the country where she forged many new life-long relationships and learned many new–and exciting–skills.

The whole community valued from her eagerness to get involved and make a difference. She was a 4H leader, teacher, and motivator, who took incredible joy in watching young people grow during her years of weekly 4H sessions in her farmhouse sewing room. She was known for her organizing skills and was called upon hundreds of times for church suppers where she would be up to her elbows mashing big pots of potatoes and stirring tubs of gravy. She was made a lifetime member of the Women’s Institute because of her many years of service and valued contributions. In her later years, organizations like the London Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House benefited from the hundreds of quilts she made for children suffering from extreme medical issues.

Helen is now reunited with her loving husband and favourite ‘Sunday drive in the country’ tour guide, John Turvey, who passed away in 2007. She is predeceased by her seven siblings and survived by her daughters Jessica (Neil Dempster) Turvey, and Karen Turvey.

Helen made a huge difference in so many lives because of how much she cared. And, although she is not with us anymore, we know she would want to be remembered for a principle she lived by, and a principle she helped many other people embrace, “Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.“

At the specific request of Helen, a small and private ceremony with only the immediate family is planned. Helen will be laid to rest beside John at the Embro Cemetery.

In Helen’s memory, donations may be made to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy at www.ofcp.ca/donate/.

Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Please provide your warm thoughts and memories about Helen in the space below so they can be shared with her family.