Obituaries & Condolences

BOEL, Joseph “Joe”……

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at West Perth Village, Mitchell, Joe passed away in his 94th year. Beloved husband of the late Joan (2019). Loving father of Ron Boel, Richard (Marlene) Boel, Linda Boel, and Dan (Mary Ellen) Boel. Cherished grandfather of 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Theo of Wallaceburg, and Matilda of Kingston. Predeceased by his siblings; Henritta, and Emily, granddaughters Danielle and Angela. Cremation has taken place. Interment in Dungannon Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHITCOMB, Raymond “Ray”…
Raymond “Ray” Whitcomb passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 9th, 2025 in his 68th year. Loving husband of Eryne for 46 wonderful years. Dear father of Brad (Michelle), Derek and Trevor. Brother of Geoff and brother-in-law of Dona-Lea (George). Proud grandad of Darian, Ryan, Madison, Ethan, Aydin, Raylynn, Noah, Daniel, Benjamin, and Samuel. Beloved uncle to Jordan, Justine, Geoffrey and Kelsey.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Ray may be made to Childhood Cancer Canada or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

O’NEIL, Scott Alexander 1971-2025

On May the 1st 2025, Scott Alexander O’Neil passed unexpectedly in his 54th year. Born on May 26th 1971 in London, Ontario to parents Shonna and Alexander O’Neil. Their miracle baby boy that completed their family. Loving baby brother to Jackie Vollick (Tim). Always adored and always fun uncle to Tyler, Cole, Brock (Sarah), and Lexi (Brandon). Great uncle to young Aragon. Scott has many friends and family in London, Toronto, Hamilton, Scotland, Australia and beyond who will miss him immensely.

Co-owner of Wee Scot’s Fish & Chippy, his pride and joy and the best fish and chips in town (according to his mom).
Scott put his all into everything he did and loved hard. He lit up any room he entered, and was the life of every party he attended. To know Scott was to love him and we have lost a very special son, brother, uncle, and friend who can never be replaced and will be highly missed.

Cremation has taken place and celebration of life details will be shared with friends and family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family shares that donations to the Humane Society London & Middlesex would be greatly appreciated. His four-legged kids Reggie, Roxie, Maggie-Mae, Mowgli and Charlie will miss him dearly. Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467 entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

RYCKMAN, Richard “Rick”…

Richard Ryckman passed away peacefully at Secord Trails Care Community in Ingersoll, on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the age of 68.

Father of Andrea Tomlinson (Michael), Erin Ryckman, and Jason Ryckman (Jessica Steffler). Cherished Papa of the late Mackenzie (2013), Emily and Austin; Conner, Walker and Kennedy; Emmett, Kade, and Declan. Dear brother of Elvin (Pat), Stephen (the late Terri) and Paul (Patsy). Predeceased by his parents Elvin Sr. (1998) and Dorothy Ryckman (2018), and his sister Judy (2018). Rick will be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family. Itchy will also be deeply missed by his best friend since grade school, Wimpy.

Rick was born in Hamilton and grew up in Caledonia. He loved spending his time outside, whether at the lake, camping or fishing. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in his gardens. Rick also found joy in cooking for others, making everyone his famous “Christmas Westerns”.

Cremation has taken place and Rick’s ashes will be scattered in one of his favourite places. In memory of Rick, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N6G 0J4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HENRIQUEZ, ANA VILMA (nee LOPEZ) February 3, 1956- April 29, 2025

Ana Vilma Henriquez died peacefully, on April 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  Vilma’s pride and joy was her family and her love will endure forever.

In 1975 Vilma married Apolinar “Polo”, the love of her life, and had three sons, Miguel (Claudia), Mario (Maria Claudia) and Carlos (Genevieve).  She was adored by her grandchildren Cristina, Tiago, Isla, Tristan and Lucian.  She will be greatly missed by her family, including her brother Carlos (Emma), nieces Karina and Mariella, sister Mirian (Hector) nieces Claudia and Diana, and her siblings in California, Arquimedes, Betty, Carlos, Daisy, Humberto, Omar, Ronoldi, and Victoria, and their spouses, children and grandchildren.  She was loved by her extended family in Toronto, California, Maryland, New York and El Salvador, especially Vidal, Lisa, Leyla, Julian, Luis, Elizabeth, Hugo, Adrian and Liliana.

She had many close friends, neighbours and coworkers that became family members for her, and cared for her deeply. Vilma was an incredibly strong, devoted and witty woman who was the pillar of her family and was loved beyond measure.

The family is grateful for the support and care of the medical team at LHSC Cancer Centre, St Joseph’s Hospice and Dr. Andrejevic.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 1:00-4:00pm.  For more information, please contact gen.scott.87@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Joseph’s Hospice would be appreciated. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DAVIES, William “Bill”…

William Kenneth Davies was born on August 1, 1942 in Woodstock, Ontario. His parents were William Earl Davies and Leta Merle Davies (nee Taylor). He had two sisters, Marilyn Elaine Davies and Patricia Merle Grimbley, formerly Munday (nee Davies). The family moved to London in July 1947. All have predeceased him.

Bill attended Knollwood Public School for kindergarten and grade 1, then due to boundary changes attended Boyle Memorial Public school. The family moved and Bill attended Medway High School. Bill attended U.W.O., Faculty of Music where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Music, Honours in Music Education, and diploma of Associate of Music in Trumpet performance.

He taught music at Patterson Collegiate in Windsor for 2 years and then became Head of Music at South Secondary School in London for 9 years, then at Beal Secondary School for a further 7 years. He then went into Special Education, working at Thames, Ross, Lucas and W.D. Sutton Schools for the rest of his secondary career before retiring after 31 years. After retiring, Bill went to teach at Baotou University in China. Upon his return, he was asked to work at Lucan Elementary School, then to Cleardale Elementary School as Learning Resource teacher and teaching students with Learning Disabilities.

From the age of 8, Bill played trumpet, studying with A.C.Robinson and James Ford. He played in the Police Boys Band, in the 4 Column Royal Canadian Army Service Corp band and the London Civic Symphony (later Orchestra London). He played in many dance bands including Lional Thornton’s Casa Royal Orchestra, Johnny Downs, Ron Shadbolt’s New Modernaires, Len Langley, Gordon Cooper, and became lead trumpet in George Laidlaw’s Prime Time Big Band. He also played in Encore the Concert Band, the London Pops band, Swingmasters, and conducted the Royal Canadian Regiment band of Fourth Battalion.

Bill’s greatest enjoyment came from playing trumpet. Although he did much performance of all kinds, he took great pleasure in rehearsals also.

Bill would like to thank Wanda – best friend and caregiver, the staff at Queen’s Village Retirement Home, and his music, teaching and woodworking friends.

Cremation has taken place. While there is no funeral or visitation, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Kiwanis Music Festival London. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SMITH, Luella …

Peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Meadow Park Long Term Care, London, Luella passed into the presence of the Lord in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late Rev. Roland Smith (1995). Loving mother of David (Cathy) Smith, Faith (Mark) Cuthbert, and Daryl (Kristen) Smith. Adored grandmother of 12 and great-grandma of 22. Dear sister of Ruth Wolfe and predeceased by her sister Loraine Brown. She will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Luella was a dedicated missionary in Jamaica and Australia. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Summerside Community Church, London on Friday, June 13, 2025. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Luella may be made to ABWE Canada or Summerside Community Church, London. The family wishes to extend a thank you to the exceptional staff at Meadow Park Long Term Care for their loving support. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
Isaiah 40:31

SIMARD, Monique…

Monique Simard (nee Martin), 74, of Strathroy, ON passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025. She was so dearly loved by everyone that was fortunate to meet her. Monique was predeceased by her husband Marc Simard Sr. (2021). She will be deeply missed by her only son Marc (Karen), her 2 grandsons Brandon and Steven and many sisters and brothers plus all of the Simard family. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will take place. In memory of Monique, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LANE, Steven “Steve”…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Friday, March 28, 2025, Steven Lane passed away in his 68th year. Predeceased by his parents Howden and Victoria Lane. Survived by his sister Martha Lane and brothers Ian Lane (Johanna) and Peter (Janice). Also survived by his nephews Kurtis Lane and Konnor Lane. Cremation has taken place and no service will be held. Those who wish to make a donation in Steve’s memory may do so to a charity of their choosing. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BAXTER, Jo-Anne

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jo-Anne Baxter, who passed away peacefully on March 31st, 2025, the day after her 77th birthday. Jo-Anne will be sadly missed by her sister, brother, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A private memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467, entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com