FYKES, Darren……

Unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24 2022, at University Hospital , London,  Darren  passed away shortly after his 55^thbirthday.

Loving husband of Jessie Johnston and son of Rita Fykes, beloved by friends and family on both sides of the ocean.   

Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Darren may be made to your local humane society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com 

Jul. 6, 1944 – Sept. 22, 2022

SAUCIER, Deanna…

Peacefully with family at her side, on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Oakcrossing Long Term Care, London, Deanna passed away in her 79^th year. Adored wife of Arthur “Bud” for 53 years. Cherished and adored mother of Tracey (Kevin) Hipkins and Nicolle (Ryan) Valiquette. Dear grandma of Emma and Kate Hipkins, Abby and Sydney Valiquette. Survived by her siblings Donna, Mary Anne and John and predeceased by her brother Charlie. Will be dearly missed by her devoted cousin and dear friend Kaye Powell. Deanna will be lovingly remembered by Kevin and Michael Saucier and families. She will be held dear in the hearts of many extended family members and friends. Deanna was an avid reader and an expectational bridge player. She was always willing to lend a hand to her multitude of family and friends. Deanna and Bud enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Florida, Europe and many cruises. Cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date to be announced. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Deanna may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or to the Ronald McDonald House Charites, 741 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. A tree will be planted in memory of Deanna. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

January 5, 1950 – September 21, 2022

In his own words, Tom left this planet peacefully. He died at home with his best friends, Pauline and Dennis, at his side. What a life he lived!

Tom was born and raised in London, Ontario. He studied art at H.B. Beal Secondary School. Tom always wanted to be an artist and he loved making art. He was a voracious reader and scoured the library researching his projects.

Tom continued to create sculptures, in spite of living with Parkinson’s, until he passed away. His most recent works were a life-sized Polar Bear and an oversized Sandhill Crane – both happily residing on the farm of a private art collector.

He had so many more sculptures to build.

Tom has been a large part of the Canadian art scene since the early 1970’s. His iconic “White Rhino” graces the front lawn of Museum London. His work has appeared in solo and group exhibitions across Canada, the United States, and internationally. His art can be found in the permanent collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Confederation Centre for the Arts, the Tom Thomson Gallery, major galleries across Canada, in public institutions, corporate collections, and in many private art collections.

A sculptor, a painter and an installation artist, Tom was ahead of his time. His work has been described as multi-layered, physically demanding, powerful, and political. He expressed his ideas through finely crafted, idiosyncratic, complex objects intended to delight the eye while challenging the viewer to question how we live in this world.

Tom created sculptures and paintings to commemorate his favourite trees, endangered and extinct wildlife, and little known or lost Indigenous histories within the Canadian narrative. Noted art scholar, Joan Murray, said “Tom Benner is a spirit for the twenty-first century, eloquent without being didactic, serious without being weighty. Benner’s work offers a timely perspective. He ventures into unknown territory and subjects, contending with realities and ambiguities while looking ahead. His work is far-sighted and prophetic. He is already some kind of classic to be understood and valued. His work will continue to reward viewers who seek artists relevant to the crucial issues of nature, Indigenous histories, and the environment today. It will take us a while to catch up.”

Art critic, Gary Michael Dault, wrote in the Globe and Mail after visiting Tom’s Auto Show exhibit at U of T, “what Benner does have at the ready is a profound and rather urgent sense of the distortions of history and a passionate need to question received ideas. I think of Benner as a rolling anthropologist. He sees himself as a historian.”

Tom was renowned for his cooking skills and storytelling, both of which he shared generously. His jalapeños rellenos and tacos were a favourite of family and friends. He held his children and nieces and nephews in awe (or doubled over in laughter!) as he told and retold his childhood adventures. They will carry those stories with them forever.

Deeply missed by his wife, Pauline McHenry, his brother-in-law Dennis, extended family, and close friends. Tom’s quiet strength and creative talent live on in his much loved children: Alice (Rich), Leif (Karen), Traven (Kristin); grandchildren, Max, Luc, Elijah, Henry, Lucinda, and Elora. He is survived by his siblings Ron (Jamelie), Cathy (Tony d.), David (Yin) and Lori (Alan).

During these last months, Tom was grateful to our thoughtful, cherished friends, our family, and our neighbours who have dropped by with food, flowers and many a kind word. You mean so much to us. The last part of Tom’s journey was made easier with your love, support and kindness. A special mention to the incredible support staff at Medical Priorities who were key in Tom’s care.

We will miss you Tommy.

At Tom’s request, no service will be held. Please send flowers to someone you care about and think of Tom.  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FREEMAN, Margaret (Morley)……

Jan 9, 1930 – Sept 18, 2022

Margaret passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on September 18, 2022 at the age of 92. Loving mother of Wayne Morley (Marion), Cathy Melo (Frank) and Mary Sayler (Richard). Dear grandma of Jessica Coulston (Adam), Lauren Morley (Mike) and Brandon Sayler and 2 great grand children Claira and Olivia Coulston. She was predeceased by her 2 husbands Mantford Morley and Jerry Freeman and her grandson Mark Morley. She was most proud of her 40 year nursing career at Victoria Hospital. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex Inc, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DONALDSON, Mary Ellen….

After a brief and tiring battle, Mary Ellen passed away at Oneida Long Term Care, in her 78th year with her baby girl by her side. Beloved wife of the late Ralph Donaldson. Mary Ellen was the most loving and caring mother to her three babies Maria Pierce, L. Adam Donaldson, Holli Jones and their families. Mary Ellen will be fondly remembered by her siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be invited to celebrate the life of Mary Ellen at a later date. For those who wish to honour Mary Ellen, please consider doing so by a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto ON M4V 2Y7, Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London ON, N6B 3H8 or the Salvation Army, London Centre of Hope, 281 Wellington Street, London ON, N6B 2L4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Bowron, Donald……

Passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, September 5, 2022 in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Linda. Loving father of Denise (Stephen) Price. Dear grandfather of Nathan. Cherished brother of Pat, Darlene and Bill. Fondly Remembered by many family members and friends as Donny. Throughout all his medical challenges he always had a smile and a joke to share. Don adored his many four legged companions throughout his years. He would always enjoy a weekly pizza and many fishing trips. Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex Inc, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CARTER, Heather Doris……

It is with broken hearts that we announce the loss of our beautiful mother, grandma, and favourite aunt, Heather Doris Carter (nee Armstrong) on September 5, 2022, in her 70th year. Predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Doris. Beloved and irreplaceable mother of Stephanie (Jeff) , Maggie (Noel) , Alan (Ashley) , Natalie (Jay) and Dennis. Lovingly remembered by her husband, Tom. Forever cherished and adored by her many nieces and nephews across our country. Her favourite people in the world, grandchildren Kaitlyn, Brandon, Corey, McKenzie, Jacob, Oshyonna, Bradley, Braeden, Carter, Lucas, Sydney, Hannah, Tyler, Kaelen, Holden, Lily, Brinnley, Christopher, and Livvy will miss her endlessly. Nothing we could ever write would ever do justice to the quiet strength and fierce determination and unending and undying love you gave us. All of our friends had a mother in her. She brought joy, laughter, and razor sharp wit to everyone lucky enough to know her. There are no words to quantify the loss of her light and laughter in our lives, but we will live on for her, happily and with peace, her only wish for us. Special heart felt thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, floor 4B, and endless thanks and sincere gratitude to staff at St Joseph’s Hospice in London – we couldn’t have managed ANY of this without them, Thank you, from all of us! Go Leaf’s Go – you owe us all one now! Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Heather’s life will be held at 174 Frederic Street, West Lorne, Ontario, N0L 2P0 on Saturday, September 10th starting at 1:00 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex Inc, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WEISS, Andy…

Surrounded by love, Joseph Andrew Mercier Weiss (born Joseph Adrien Andre Mercier) passed away peacefully in London, Ontario in his 81st year.

Born March 6, 1942, in Montreal, Quebec to Marie Aime Augustine Cote Mercier and Charles Joseph Mercier, predeceased by brothers Joseph Pierre and Joseph Paul Mercier before his birth, his parents and stepfather John Weiss. Predeceased by Lynne Weiss (nee Specht).

Andy “AJ” is survived by his wife and best friend Alice Audrey (nee Bedell, Neil) Weiss, brother John Michael (Faye) Weiss, children; John Andrew (Megan), Kristine Marie and Mark William Weiss, Peter John (Brenda) and Mark Stephen James (Steffany) Neil, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, Cote, and Mercier family members in Quebec, and many extended Bedell and Neil family.

A self-made man from a young age, Andy was widely known for his compassion, fairness and acuity by family, friends, and acquaintances. Andy was an accomplished and fierce business leader who earned respect from colleagues and foes alike, driving significant construction projects throughout North America spending most of his career with Stebbins Engineering & Manufacturing (Watertown, NY) and Canadian Stebbins (Ottawa, ON). Andy was the man whom everyone knew would step up and do the hard things in any situation, when many others would not. Our family takes comfort knowing that Andy will be sadly missed and well-remembered by many.

We are extremely grateful to the care teams at University Hospital, and particularly the Parkwood Institute Geriatric Rehabilitation and the Palliative Care Unit, London for their tireless and compassionate care.

At Andy’s request, his body has been bequeathed to the Western University Body Bequeathal Program and services will be privately held. If desired, donations may be made to Animal Aide of St. Thomas-Elgin, 333 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 4E2. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

McARTHUR, Earl…

Unexpectedly but peacefully at University Hospital, London, Earl McArthur passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022 in his 78th year. Loving father of Douglas Morrissey, Tracey Luscombe and Tammy McArthur. Cherished grandpa of Malone, Abigail and Kayla Luscombe.

Earl was one of the hardest workers you could have met. From his young days working on his family farm in Dutton, to some of his final days working on his farm in Belmont. He also enjoyed watching the daily news, and the odd trip to the casino.

Cremation has taken place and in following Earl’s wishes, no service will be held. In memory of Earl, donations made to your local animal shelter would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DE VOS, Martha Marie…

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that Martha De Vos of London, and formerly of Chatham, in her 75th year, died peacefully at University Hospital, London on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022. Beloved spouse of the late Gary Huckle (2007). Mother of Casey and Adrian. Grandmother of Celina. Dear sister of Peter DeGroot, Bert DeGroot (Janice), Wilhelmina Simpson (the late Larry), and Mary Mader (Brad). Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex Inc, 519-858-2467. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.cremationlondon.com