Obituaries & Condolences

BAKER, Robert “Bob”…

Quietly at Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Bob Baker passed away at the age of 77. Robert Walter Baker was born in Toronto on April 20th, 1945 to his parents Margaret Rose (nee Emigh) and Walter Harvey Baker. Unfortunately Bob’s father died very early after he was born in a motor vehicle accident. In the early 1950’s Margaret Baker married Edward (Ted) Buie, who had 2 older sons. They lived as a family for a while in Vancouver, but Ted was in the construction business and the family moved to the US, Quebec, Saskatchewan and finally Manitoba.

Bob was a very brilliant young man, while in Manitoba he attended the United College of Winnipeg and eventually became a computer programmer. His passion for computer programming led him to Ontario, where he worked for the City of Woodstock.

He is survived by his step brothers Byron Alwyn and Robert John Buie and a cousin Lynne Noreen Jones, of Ontario, as well as many nieces and nephews. Robert will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

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

Walter, Gisela

Peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023, at her residence in London, Gisela passed away in her 92^nd year.

Gisela was the beloved mother of Barbara (Linda) Ball and Ursula (Daniel) McCarthy.  Cherished Omi of Christine (Justin), Alex (Emily), Andrew (Maegan), Derek (Kristen) and Charlotte.  Proud great-grandmother of Lincoln and Jackson.

Gisela Walter was born in Berlin, Germany in 1931. She grew up in war torn Germany in a close knit family and survived the war living in Berlin. She met her husband, Eberhard Schmuck, in Germany and they  emigrated to Canada, moving to London,  in the early 1960s with two young children, Barbara and Ursula.

Shortly after arriving in Canada ,Gisela’s husband passed away. Gisela  started working as an office clerk at Northern Electric in London. She worked at Northern for 20 years. During that time Gisela attended night classes at Beal Secondary School to earn her High School Diploma. From there she began taking night classes and summer school through UWO to eventually obtain her Certified Management Accounting Degree. Gisela worked hard during the day, studied hard during evenings and weekends, and  raised her two daughters as a single mother. Life was tough for her with not very much time or money for leisure or fun. Gisela was a very hard working, disciplined person who achieved much success as a single career woman. She managed to raise her children and buy her own home, which was quite an achievement for a woman alone at that time.

When Gisela left Northern Telecom, she was hired as a Professional Accountant by  Revenue Canada. She stayed working for the Government until she retired in the 1980s.

During those years, Gisela  re-married Heinz Walter. Gisela and Heinz were very happy together for 20+ years (Heinz passed away 8 years ago). Heinz and Gisela retired in the late 1980s and became “Snow Birds”, wintering every year in Florida. Those were very happy years and Gisela enjoyed her life very much.

Gisela was always known as an early adopter of technology. It could be microwaves, laptops, cell phones, electric vehicles or any new gadgets – she would be the first to jump in. You could count on Gisela to master anything.

Gisela spent her last few years at the Longworth Retirement Centre.

Cremation has taken place.

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

BRYANT, Karen…

With profound sadness, we wish to announce that Karen Ann Bryant passed suddenly in London, Ontario on the morning of December 17^th, 2022.

Karen will be dearly missed by her siblings Doug Bryant (Susan Burgess), Janet Badiuk (Delbert), Dennis Bryant, niece, nephews, their families, and her cat Bean. Karen was predeceased by her parents, Merton and Madeliene Bryant.

Karen was an optimistic, independent, resilient, determined woman. She overcame many obstacles and never gave up hope. What got in her way only made her stronger and more determined. 

Her love of reading and learning brought her to enjoy a brief yet fulfilling career as a teacher at Robarts School for the Deaf in London, Ontario.

Her favorite activities included going to a variety of different festivals, farmers markets and craft fairs. Throughout her life her favorite hobbies were sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, knitting, cardmaking, drawing and gardening.

At Karen’s request, a private family service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Karen can be made to London Humane Society.

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

DUCHESNE, Tracey

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that Tracey Duchesne in her 56th year, passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Jessica’s House in Exeter, Ontario on January 22, 2023.

Tracey was born to the late Carl Kramers and survived by her mother, Marilyn Kramers.

She will be dearly missed by her husband Richard Duchesne and her daughters Desiree and Chantelle. She is also survived by her brother, Todd Kramers and niece, Isis Kramers.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff for their care for Tracey at Jessica’s House. As an expression of sympathy donations to Jessica’s House made in her memory would be greatly appreciated.

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

HAY, Bryan…

The family and friends of Bryan Alexander Hay are saddened to announce his passing on January 12th, 2023, his mother’s birthday. Throughout 2022, Bryan made a valiant effort to overcome his cancer diagnosis and spent his last month in the London Health Sciences Thoracic and Critical Care and Trauma Units at Victoria Hospital. Bryan’s unique personality enriched the lives of his parents, Millie and Dan; siblings, Sylvia (Alan), the late Karen (2005), Cory (Will), Rob (Kim); his son, Alexander; extended family, and the numerous friends, co-workers and acquaintances that crossed his path.

Bryan began his life in the prairie city of Brandon, Manitoba where he was half of the “adventure twins: John and Tom,” with his older sister, Karen. He and KP were inseparable and, often collaborating with another playmate or two, were rescued from many scrapes by a handy adult or older sister, Sylvia. Tragedy struck at the age of 10 when his father, Dr. Arthur William Stewart Hay, passed away. Bryan and his grieving family began a new life in Northern Ontario, surrounded by the beautiful lakes, trees and rocks of the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods Districts.

During this time, Bryan’s family had the amazing good fortune of “blending” with the McInnes Clan of Fort Frances and the two families became one. Millie and Dan relocated to London, where Bryan completed High School and pursued his passion for carpentry and ultimately became a gifted custom cabinet maker. He took great pride in his skill and talent and many family members, friends and customers cherish the hand-crafted pieces he created over the past 40 years.

Bryan’s family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate professionals of the London Health Sciences at both the Victoria and Western University Hospitals plus the various staff and services who cared for him in his last seven months. In particular, Christine and the nurses of the Thoracic floor as well as Jason and the nurses of the Critical Care and Trauma Centre, who were consistently kind and patient. A very special thank you goes out to the team of Dr. Dalilah Fortin and Dr. Mehdi Qiabi for their heroic efforts and, in addition, to the team of Dr. Michael Sanatani at the London Regional Cancer Program.

Those wishing to honour Bryan’s memory with a donation, are asked to consider donating to the London Regional Cancer Program, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of their choice. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Bryan will be greatly missed but we take comfort in the thought that he will be welcomed by his loved ones who have gone before.

“He was a kind, intelligent, talented, interesting soul and a true friend.”
~Sara, coworker… and friend

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

ARISTIZABAL, Francisco…

This January 16, 2023, Francisco Javier Aristizábal took his final breath, surrounded by his loved ones. The sun rose and the world welcomed Francisco Javier Aristizábal on July 02, 1940, a day the world became a little brighter. Francisco Javier Aristizábal lived a full and warm life, filled with joy and kindness. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. Francisco Javier Aristizábal is survived by Marcela, Adriana, Felipe, Carlos, Francisco y Nicolás and his beloved wife Blanca Ines Gòmez. His grand children, family members and friends would always cherish his dedication to share his love and wisdom. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HENSEN, Joan…

Peacefully with family by her side, Joan Hensen passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023 at Parkwood Institute, London in her 84th year. Joan was the cherished and devoted wife of Adriaan Hensen for 64 years. She was the beloved mother of Ron (Debi) Hensen, Dave (Barbara) Hensen, and Brenda (Lorne) Attenborough. Loving Oma of Mark, Chris, Jenn, Michelle (Mike) and Sean, and great-grandma of Aleah, Rylee and Blake.

Joan immigrated to Canada in 1953 from The Netherlands with her parents. After becoming a Canadian citizen, she worked as a registered Nurse in Woodstock where she met her future husband, Adriaan, through a friend and became his permanent life navigator. The two enjoyed traveling, raising their family and eventually immigrated to America where they became US residents. She could read a map like no other, and always appreciated a healthy debate. Joan was a dedicated mother, grandmother and friend and enjoyed spending her time shopping and gardening at both of their homes in London and Texas.

Cremation has taken place and in the future, she will lay to rest in Hillview Cemetery, Woodstock. In lieu of flowers, sympathy donations may be made to Parkwood Institute – Palliative Care Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 and would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HOLDEN, George Ronald “Ron”

Peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Victoria Hospital, London. Loving father of Al (Eileen), Sandra (Dave), Kim (the late Noel) and Lynn (Denis). Grandfather to Christopher (Jennifer), Jessica (Ryan), Zachary (Maggie), Alex, Kate (Ben), Eric and Nicholas. Great grandfather to Vienna, Annie, and Charlie. Dear brother to Lois. Predeceased by his sisters Joyce, Glenda, and Lynn. Fondly remembered by his friend Karen. Will be missed by his adoring furry friend Luke and by many friends in Holt, Michigan.
As an expression of sympathy, a memorial donation in memory of Ron to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters would be appreciated as Ron was a long-time volunteer.
Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

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