Obituaries & Condolences

PUKLICZ, Kara…

Suddenly on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023, Kara Puklicz passed away at the age of 33, after a long battle with addiction and mental illness. Loving daughter of Cheryl and Andy Puklicz. Cherished sister of Kory (Halie) Puklicz and Mackenzie (Cameron) Morris. Proud aunt of Grace Puklicz. Adored granddaughter of Rose Roberts and Teresa and Alex Puklicz. Predeceased by her Grandfather, Raymond Roberts, and her Aunt, Susan Saunders. Kara will also be missed by all of her aunts, uncles, cousins, Dave Watt and her furbaby, Hunter.

Kara was a beautiful, intelligent, and courageous fighter with a heart of gold. She will be remembered for the passionate, creative, and warm person she was. Our dearest Kara is now at peace, free from the pain and struggle that haunted her. We would have given anything for her to experience that freedom in this lifetime. She will always live in our hearts and memories as a bright light. She will be forever missed.

Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private gathering to celebrate her life. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Kara are asked to consider The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation, 100 Stokes Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 (https://give.camh.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=2466&2466.donation=form1). Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Monday, January 9, 2023, Christina LeBlanc passed away in her 60th year. Dear daughter of Bob and Jean MacIntosh. Loving mothing of Victoria (Jason) Norris, Rachel (Franed Gomez) Leader and Dylan Leader. Cherished grandmother of Brendan (Eve) LeBlanc, Alayna Norris, Emma Norris, Kescia Norris, Aubrey Leader, Desmond Leader and great grandmother of Iris LeBlanc. Dear sister of Barbara (Rob Holmes) Fisher, Jennifer (A.J.) Griffin and Doug MacIntosh.

Christina was a massive football fan, specifically the Raiders, a true sport junky, enjoying Nascar and Hockey. She loved spending her time reading and crocheting.

Christina’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 6 pm at Back Drafts, 1101 Jalna Boulevard, London. In Christina’s memory please consider a donation to the London Regional Cancer Program, 800 Commissioners Road East, P.O. Box 5010 STN B, London, Ontario N6A 5W9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Van Boxtel, Paul…

With great sorrow we wish to announce that Paul Van Boxtel of London, in his 83rd year, passed peacefully in London, Ontario in the early morning of December 7th, 2022.

Loving father of Maria, Nancy and Paul and beloved husband to Carole Van Boxtel. Paul will be forever remembered by his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 & the London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FLEMING, Brenda Joyce…

Brenda Joyce Fleming lived her life committed to making others’ lives better, her life in service to others is an example of caring that has no equal.

Brenda battled many obstacles in her life. She fought hard, with her husband Alex at her side, to battle the illnesses that eventually took her life on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Brenda was born to Sybil and Thomas Sowden on July 20th, 1949. She was one of 18 children in the family.

Brenda met Alex in Port Hope, Ontario and started their own family welcoming daughter Kimberly and son David.

Brenda and Alex moved their family to London, Ontario where she continued her work with the Salvation Army and became a mother-in-law to Jenn and Jim and the best grandmother to Hannah, Ella and Ian.

Brenda was the consummate hostess to everyone who had the pleasure to meet her. An open door and an attentive ear allowed Brenda to become many people’s confidant and friend. All those who were able to spend time with Brenda will miss her dearly. The void left by her in many people’s lives will be complex if not impossible to fill.

A service for Brenda will be planned for the Spring of 2023. Donations to honour Brenda can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CREAGMILE, William “Bill”…

Peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Victoria Hospital, London, Bill passed away in his 89th year.

Beloved father of David Creagmile and Kathryn Barrett (Chuck). Loving “Grampee” of Tonya (Kyle) and Samantha (Anthony). Cherished brother of Dorothy and uncle to her son, Grant. Supportive brother-in-law to Nancy. Predeceased by his brother Ken and his parents William and Lily.

Cremation has taken place with a private family interment at Siloam Cemetery, London. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Victory Legion, 311 Oakland Avenue, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider The Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Steve on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 93.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marlene of 41 years; children the late Stephen (the late Darlene), Lorraine, Sandra (Jim), Donna (the late Jamie), Tina, Nathan (Rachel) and grandchildren; Ashley (Matt), Adam (Danielle), Wesley (Lizzie), Ryan (Bekki), Kaitlyn (Simon), Kelsey, Shane (Natasha), Graeme and Isla. Steve will be missed by his 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews in Canada, Scotland, and England.

Steve loved spending time with his family, golfing, Manchester United, and enjoying a bevvie with his many friends at The Shack.

At Steve’s request, cremation has already taken place and there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, he asked that friends and loved ones raise a glass of your favourite beverages in his honour.

Here’s tae us; who’s like us? And damn de yen!

Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON or Parkwood Institute Palliative Care, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 5J1. A tree will be planted in Steve’s honour. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ALEXANDER, Eric “Sparky” …
It is with great sadness that the family of Eric “Sparky” Alexander announce his passing on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Betty (Ingram) for 64 years. Loving father of Eric Jr. and Ross (Debbie). Eric will be lovingly remembered by 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Predeceased by brother John.

Eric was a long-time employee with the LCBO. Among his many enjoyments were singing barbershop, playing musical instruments, and spending time at Harmony Woods with friends and family.

In keeping with Eric’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 am at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 213 Edward Street (at the corner of Emery), London. For those wishing to honour his legacy, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON N6B1S4 or the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SLADE, David…

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that David Slade of London, in his 64^th year, passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters in London, Ontario in the afternoon of December 10^th, 2022.

David will be missed by many family and friends.

David was known for his playful sense of humour and nurturing touch. The gardens and plants he tended that brought such joy to those around him, the many children he fostered and the daughters he raised.

He was always the first to offer help at home and to others. He enjoyed being involved in many projects and active in communities such as McCormick Home’s volunteer program and the TaiChi groups that he attended. He loved to share his passions and knowledge with loved ones and teach others at every opportunity.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of David may be made to the Huntington’s Society of Canada, 20 Erb Street West, Suite 801, Waterloo, ON N2L 1T2. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LAUR, Ross…

After a brief illness with cancer, we lost our beloved Ross at home on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the age of 75 surrounded by his loving family. Loving husband of Linda for 56 years. Cherished father of Deb (Rob) Holland and Janis (Joe) Johnson. Paa of Tyler, Austin, Abbey and Olivia. Great-grandfather of Jameson and Hendrix. Step-grandfather of Harper and Hailey. Brother of Jen (Ed) Kish. Predeceased by mother Grace and father Leonard, grandson Robert, and his siblings Steve, Dave, Donna and Dale. Fondly remembered by Mike and Steph and many nieces and nephews. Ross was a dedicated employee of Ford where he retired after 31 years of service. He had a love for fishing and enjoyed his many trips north with his fishing buddies. In his retirement he found a new love for puzzles and Sudoku. Cremation has taken place and at Ross’ wishes, no service will be held, but we ask that you “cheers” with your family with a Rye and Coke for Ross. In his 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

CHURNEY, Jack…

Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in palliative care at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. He was loved dearly by his wife of 53 years, Maureen Churney, his two sons Christopher and Daryl, his daughter-in-law Jodi, son-in-law Jason, grandkids Jack (named after Grandpa) and Grace and his younger brother Alan Churney. Jack was predeceased by parents John and Jessica and brother Terry.

Jack moved to London, Ontario from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia as a teenager looking for work. He found the love of his life when he moved here, Maureen Thompson. They were married in 1969 and were true partners in life, love, and lots of laughs always. He also found his vocational calling and served our community as a London Police Service officer for 32 years, retiring in 2004 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He truly loved being a police officer for, as he put it, afforded him the opportunity “to meet folks from all walks of life”. In retirement, Jack and Maureen traveled the world and loved spending time with their grandkids and friends.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the tremendous staff on the Oncology and Palliative Care floors at Victoria Hospital.

In true Jack style, his final wishes were for a celebration of life at a time and place where his friends and family could gather to raise a pint and tell funny stories. As such, the family would like to invite friends to the London Police Association Hall (Cuffs), located at 330 William Street (back door), London, Ontario on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 1-5pm. Light snacks will be provided. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com