Obituaries & Condolences

COTTER, Samuel…

We are absolutely heartbroken to share the news that Samuel Hamilton Cotter passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario, surrounded by his immediate family at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at age 89. Loving husband to Eileen Cotter, loving father to Roderick Allen Cotter (Angie), and Lora Lynne Cotter (Peter), and loving grandpa to Tristan, Brendan and Julian. Cherished Brother to the late Alice Zopf. We want to honour him, and acknowledge his substantial, and meaningful life. He was such a wonderful man, loved and respected by anyone who new him. He loved to laugh and had such a wonderful sense of humour. He was a loyal employee at CIBC for 43 years. He started as a teller at 17, worked his way up in the company, and retired as the general manager of Asia and Australia. During his career, he worked in three different Canadian provinces, as well as over seas in Trinidad, Jamaica, Bahamas, and Hong Kong. He continued to work with the Canada China business council for several years after his retirement in London Ontario. He was an avid skier in his younger years, and after breaking his leg in a ski accident, was nursed back to health by his then girlfriend, nurse Eileen. He later taught both his children to Ski, and his son even became an instructor. He witnessed his son Rod, marry his soul mate in July 1996, and bring three beautiful grandsons into world. He enjoyed watching them grow up, and spoiled them as often as he could. They will keep his legacy alive. He definitely enjoyed his retirement with many winters in Mexico with his wife. His daughter Lora was lucky to spend a lot of time with them there during her vacations over the years. They had a wonderful group of friends and had a very active social life. They were always trying to find “young people” for their daughter to relate to while she was there, but she was perfectly content hanging with them, and called them “retired teenagers”. Sam gave his family a wonderful life of travel, and adventure, as well as stability, and an abundance of love, support and devotion. He was always there for us in more ways than we can count. He made us feel safe, extremely loved, and so very special. He walked his daughter Lora down the isle as she married the love of her life in 2015. He was so very proud of his children. As he would boast, his son graduated from Western with a dual degree in Bio-Physics and Chemistry, and his daughter graduated from Queen’s University and later with a Masters in Education from Medaille College. He shared a love of music and theatre with his daughter and wife, and he introduced his daughter to musicals at a young age. He was also one of Lora’s biggest cheerleaders in pursuing her love of the arts, and went to see as many of her performances as he could.
As a family, we had a very special bond, and without him, there will be such a big hole in our lives. He did slow down in the last few years, and had some medical bumps a long the way, but he took them in stride. He would have celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary on August 4th, 2023, and his 90th birthday September 6th, 2023. As a family, we take comfort in that he lived a full and long life, and he went peacefully, on his own terms, with immediate family by his side. It will be a hard year of “firsts” without him, a long road of healing, and there will be a void where he should be for the rest of our lives, but he will be with us in spirit always. You know you’ve been loved when 89 years doesn’t feel like enough.

We love you Sam, husband, father and Grandpa. Always & forever.

Cremation has taken place and at Samuel’s wishes, no funeral service will take place. The family will have a celebration of life on a date TBD. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

VALDRON, Dorothy…
On Thursday, May 4th, 2023, after a short illness in her 82nd year Dorothy Helena Valdron (nee. Smith) passed peacefully with family and friends by her side. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Ron Valdron (1996). Dorothy will be missed by her daughter Donna Tarr (Andy), sons Mike (Kelly), Mark (Janet), and her 7 grandchildren, Nathan, Ally, Kate, Tyler, Abby, Grace, and Lily.
Dorothy had a passion for all animals, hockey, and her grandchildren. Throughout her life she expressed creativity through crafting, sewing and beautiful stitch work.
The family would like to thank the staff at University Hospital, 4th floor, and a special thank you to the staff at Ashwood Manor for the past few years of exceptional care.
Dorothy will be cremated and laid to rest beside Ron. A celebration of life will be planned to honour Dorothy in the near future. In memory of Dorothy, donations may be made to the Human Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON., N5V 3K5. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CHAMBERLAIN, Marie “Toni”….

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Toni (Rychel) Chamberlain in her 73rd year, went to be with her Lord. Beloved partner and wife of Yvonne Trieber for 26 years. Loving mother of Cherisse Lavoie (Curtis), Chris Chamberlain (Niki) and stepson Robert Trieber. Cherished grandma of Jurnee, Evan, Anngelica, and great grandmother of Ann. Dear sister of Sandy McRae (Ron). Lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Toni had a passion for cooking and baking and enjoyed sharing this gift with others. The family would like to thank all the staff at University Hospital 7th floor. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 800 Commissioners Road East, London ON N6A 5W9. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex.

Laurie Ellen MacPherson, passed away unexpectedly on April 13^th 2023 in Sarnia, Ontario. She was only 37 years old. She was a loving daughter, devoted sister, proud aunt and loyal friend. She will be profoundly missed and remembered for her infectious smile, her signature fiery red hair and her friendly demeanour to whoever crossed her path.

Laurie leaves behind her mother Pat MacPherson, brother Alan MacPherson (Alexis) and nephews Griffin and Lennox.  She was loved by Tim McGinn, along with family and friends far and near.  She is preceded in death by her father Ian MacPherson.

Laurie grew up in Brooklin, Ontario and later spent the majority of her adult life living in Oshawa, Ontario. In her younger years Laurie had a love for writing and reading. She always talked about being a writer when she grew up. Even into adulthood you almost never saw Laurie without a book and journal nearby.  

As Laurie grew into her adult years, she explored many different interests and was always learning about something new. One of the things that really peaked her interest was religion and her newfound love of God. Laurie became an important member of numerous churches (notably Embassy Church and Viva Church – formerly Oshawa Community Church) and prayer groups that brought so much joy to her life. She was an important part of the prayer team at Viva Church as well as a leader of multiple youth groups over the years.

Laurie loved to be outside and could often be found going for a walk with her music on and a big smile lighting up her face. Above all else, Laurie really fell in with the water and swimming. She loved to be in the water and this was never truer than at her Grandpa’s cottage where she would float in the river for hours on end and be completely at peace.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” – Revelations 21:4  

Cremation has taken place and a small, private family celebration of Laurie’s life will take place at a later date. Anybody wishing to make a donation in Laurie’s name can give to Talk Suicide Canada (www.talksuicide.ca/donate) or Viva Church (www.vivachurch.ca/give)

NAGLE, Yana…

After an extremely courageous fight, Yana Nagle passed away at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, with her family by her side on Thursday, April 20, 2023 in her 46th year.

Yana was the beloved wife of Mark Nagle. She was the loving and proud mother of Kegan, Mark Jr., and Morgan. Dear sister of Aaron Svatos and his wife Stacey and sister-in-law of Jamie Nagle and Jason Nagle (Lindsay). Cherished daughter-in-law of Carol. Adored aunt of Hunter. Predeceased by her parents Susan (2018) and John (2021) Svatos and her father-in-law Jim Nagle (2020).

Yana was a beautiful woman with a humongous heart of gold. She was a selfless person who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She had the ability to light up a room with her contagious laugh (and occasional snort). As many knew, Yana had an incredible artistic talent and for many years enjoyed refinishing old furniture pieces that needed a little extra love. She valued her family, animals, and all those around her.

The family wishes to extend a warm thank you to the 2nd floor hospital staff at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital for their wonderful care during Yana’s last stay, as well to Dr. Stephen Welch for his unwavering support and drive to help Yana in any way he could.

Cremation has taken place and Celebration of Yana’s Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Yana, donations 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

KING, Anne…

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that Anne King in her 84th year, passed peacefully in London, Ontario on the Morning of April 21st, 2023. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Roland Berry

June 8, 1956- March 29, 2023.

Roland passed away at Victoria Hospital in London, ON from cancer.

His family and friends are deeply saddened by his death.

Roland is survived by the Love of his Life Aurore Gauvreau and her family.

His 2 children Chad and Tara and his 6 grandchildren.

His brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Predeceased by his parents Jacqueline and Hermas (Joe) and his brother Donald.

He will be missed by his nieces and nephews and also his friends.

Roland loved swimming, cooking, singing and dancing. He also had a love for animals.

Family was very important to him.

He had this beautiful smile and kindness about him. He will be in our heart forever.

The celebration of his life will be May 27, 2023 in Elliot Lake.

Burial at 1:00 at  Woodlands Cemetery on Ottawa St, which will be followed by a celebration of his Life at the Legion.

The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospital.

Donations can be made to Victoria and University Hospital of London and also to the Humane Society of your choice.

FUHRER. Daniel…

Surrounded by family at University Hospital, London, Daniel Fuhrer in his 61st year, passed away on Monday, April 17th, 2023. Survived by his wife Laurel Jean (nee Willis) Fuhrer of London.

Son of the later Werner and Rosemary Fuhrer, brother of Ester (Neil) Gilchrist; Lora (Mostafa) Panahi of London; Iris (Colin) Campbell of Guelph; Beatrix of Switzerland. Brother-in-law Blair (Tanya) of Sarnia. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Former employee of Hakim Optical for 28 years.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations in Daniel’s memory can be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London and Middlesex Inc., 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LANG, Keith…

It is with great sadness that the family of Keith Lang bring news of his peaceful passing at the age of 73; University Hospital, London on Monday, April 3, 2023. Beloved husband and best friend of the late Denise Lang (2010). Keith was one of a kind, always up for a laugh, a drink and the camaraderie of family and friends. Keith served over 34 years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves as a Marine Engineer retiring at the rank of Petty Officer 2nd class. He spent his civilian career working as a truck driver for over 35 years with Smith Transport and CP with the radio handle of “Tel Star”. Keith later went on to receive his marine engineering designation from Georgian College and worked at sea in Canada and the United Kingdom. He was also an avid dart player, playing in leagues in Toronto, Bowmanville and London, forging friendships along the way. Keith volunteered as a driver for those undergoing cancer treatment, and enjoyed making his passengers laugh at a very difficult time. He loved music of all genres, was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He knew something about literally everything – a fact that made conversations always interesting. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends and without doubt be remembered by all who met him.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at HMCS Prevost, 19 Beecher Street, London on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 2pm to 6pm as well as a nighttime reception at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 500 First Street, London on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 6pm to close.

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

JACKMAN, Robert “Bob” ….

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Bob” Jackman of London. Over the past week, he was surrounded by loved ones at Victoria Hospital, until his passing on the 3rd of April 2023 in his 77th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Jayne Dickieson. Loving father of Angela Brock and her husband Paul, and Jason Jackman and his wife Franni. Proud Papa of Cody and Kylie Brock, and Jamie and Zoe Jackman. Dear brother of Karen and Don Moorhouse, Ruthie and George Stallard, Gord and Ronnie Jackman, and the late Kathy and Lyall Trenholm. Dear brother-in-law of Donna and Blair Stewart, and Debbie and Ken Sutton. Bob was loved and will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob faced a challenging 20-year health battle with bravery, true strength, and his own unique sense of humour. Bob had a true love of cars. He enjoyed classic cars and loved racing at Delaware Raceway. He could be found zooming around in car #59. He was a big sports fan, cheering on his grandchildren in every game. He loved relaxing by the water and had a passion for classic rock music, and attended many concerts with Jayne.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date. For those looking to honour Bob, a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex Inc. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.