Obituaries & Condolences

BOND, Christopher Michael…

Christopher Michael Bond passed away suddenly in Sarnia, Ontario, the 21st of February, 2024, in his 67th year. Predeceased by his parents Barry and Joan, and his sister Jayne. Chris is survived by his daughter Ashlea, and sisters Anne, Colleen, Carolyn and Mary Lou. Free from suffering, may he rest in peace. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HOGG, Terence “Terry”…

Terry passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 25, 2024 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Ann for 58 years. Terry will be fondly remembered by family and many friends in Canada as well as in England. In keeping with Terry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be a funeral service held. For those who wish to make a donation in Terry’s name, please consider your favourite local charity. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GRANT, James “Jim”

Bravely, on Sunday February 18, 2024, James (Jim) Wright Grant passed away at the age of 80. Predeceased by his mother Margaret Waddell and sister Catherine and husband John Murdoch. Beloved husband of Mary Ida Grant (née Murphy). Father of Scott, Brian, and Jason. Father-in-law of Kristen. Grandfather of Iain, Kathryn, Ashley and Avery. Loved by many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was a member of the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge and was known for giving celebrations on Robert Burns Day with the Toast to the Haggis; he was also known for running many marathons and triathlons. A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Ascension, 2060 Dundas St, London, on Saturday February 24, 2024, at 1:00pm. The service will be available to view live online; a link will be posted on the Church’s Facebook page.  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences and memories shared at www.cremationlondon.com

VALLIERE, William…

January 23, 1953 – February 11, 2024

William “Willy” Valliere passed away suddenly but peacefully at University Hospital in London on February 11, 2024, at 71 years old, after a courageous battle with chronic lung disease. Beloved husband of the late Wanda Valliere for 29 years (2006). Loving Dad of Angelina Nikkel (Chris), Danielle Zatulsky (Jay), and Kimberly Valliere (Jeremy Varlow). Incredibly proud Papa of Caleigh, Easton and Boone. Dear older brother of Robert Valliere. Willy will also be dearly missed by his many cousins, other extended family members, and loving friends. He was predeceased by his cherished parents Rita Souriol and Donald Valliere.

Willy was born and raised in Kirkland Lake. It was difficult for him to leave his hometown, but he truly enjoyed London over the past five years. He will be fondly remembered as “Scooter” by his friends and neighbours in London.

We are finding comfort in knowing that Dad is reunited with our Mom, whom he missed with all his heart. We are also comforted in knowing that he was able to make many fond memories over the years watching his grandson play hockey, visiting the Cayman Islands and making many new friends.

At Willy’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kirkland Lake in the spring/summer.

Willy was a social butterfly who would strike up a conversation with anyone, and gave to his community when he could. In his memory, donations may be made to the London and Area Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, ON N5Z 3M5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SMITH, Ralph…

Unexpectedly with his wife by his side, Ralph Smith of London passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 in his 91st year. Ralph was the beloved husband of Irene for nearly 70 years. He was the proud and supportive father of Kevin Smith and Sandy Perry and her husband Larry. Dear Papa of Kaley Bill. Predeceased by his sister Ruth Curtis (the late Lyle). Ralph will also be missed by his five nephews, one niece, and his many friends and neighbours.

Ralph worked for Suncor, finally retiring as Manager of Real Estate and Development of Western Ontario after 36 years. After his retirement, he spent many years as a treasured volunteer with Children’s Aid and the Power and Sail Squadron. Ralph loved taking the family to Florida when they were young and later in his marriage travelled extensively with Irene. He was an avid curler, but sailing was his great passion, becoming a long-term and valued member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club. The Smith family wish to thank their dearly loved neighbours for all of their support, especially over the last few years.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Ralph’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Mocha Shriners, 468 Colborne Street, London. In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BERTHELOT, Rod…
Rod passed peacefully on January 25th, 2024, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario in his 84th year. He is predeceased by his wife Jackie (2023).
Rod is survived by his sons, Chris of London and Shawn (Chelsey) of New Brunswick. Proud grandfather to Braden and Killian.
Beloved brother to Cass Mills, Georgette Dorion, Louis Berthelot, and Larry Berthelot. Special uncle to Francine Jones.
Rod will be missed dearly by his friends Jean Yves and Lisa Leblanc, Keith and Linda Tigman and so many more cherished friends and family in Ontario and New Brunswick.
The family would like to thank Dr. House, Dr. Pautler, Dr. S. Ernst and their amazing staff.
Thank you to the 3 exceptional nurses in the CCTC. Chelsey, who welcomed him and took time to talk to with him. To Kyllie, who helped him through the nights and to Jamie who made sure his last day on earth was comforting and comfortable.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Brunswick. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LANGILLE, Sherri

SHERRI LYNNE LANGILLE, age 59 of London, ON, formerly of Wallace, NS, passed away on January 22, 2024. Sherri was the chosen daughter of John and Pearl Langille. She was predeceased by her son, Eric, mother, and sister, Cindy. Survived by her father, brothers, Robert and Jerry, nieces, Stephanie, Nicole and Candice, nephews, Vernon and John, great nieces and nephews. Sherri had Huntington’s disease which made much of her life difficult. The family thank the good Lord, the Province of Ontario and Mount Hope Centre, for caring for Sherri. Donations to the Huntington’s Society, Mount Hope Centre or a charity of the donor’s choice will be gratefully appreciated. A family graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Lindsay, Ontario at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHALEN, Jean…

Jean Catherine Whalen (nee. Wilcocks) passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on January 14th, 2023, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Rodrigue Whalen (2004) for 53 years. Jean will be missed by her children Michael (Dorothy) of St. Thomas and Mary-Anne (Luci) of London. Dear sister to Ron (Eunice) of Parkhill. Proud grandmother of Chris, Jessica, and Joel. Loving great-grandmother to Jacob. She is predeceased by her daughter Catherine (2009). She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.

Jean brought joy to countless friends and family members with her joy of darts and her remarkable talent for crafting beautiful wooden creations. She proudly worked at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario as an RNA for 20 years. Jean’s passion for these pursuits left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and she will be fondly remembered for her skill, creativity, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

NOLAN, Laurence “Laurie”…

After a life well lived, the Lord took home Laurence “Laurie” Marie Viola Nolan, on January 14, 2024, at the age of 69. Laurie peacefully passed away surrounded by her children and is now reunited with her beloved late husband Lloyd Sr.

She will be missed by her children, Helene, Della-Rose, Richard, Emily, Lloyd Jr and step daughters Angie, Jen and Karen. Her surviving brother Leonard,  grandchildren, and friends will miss her warm love and spirit.

Laurie was full of life, loved bingo and lived for her kids. Still having a laugh right till the end.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HELBIG, Hardy…

August 5, 1961 – January 14, 2024

Our dear, kind, funny and gentle Hardy passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, after a brief battle with liver cancer. He will be tremendously missed by his siblings, Horst “Richard” and Susan; his brother-in-law, David; niece, Hali and her fiancé Taylor; as well as the many friends he met along his journey.

Hardy was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan to his proud parents Heinrich and Wilhelmine but lived most of his life in Kettleby and Aurora, Ontario and spent his later years in Toronto. He was delighted to live in an apartment in his niece Hali’s home during his last years.

Hardy loved his sports – his beloved teams included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Bills, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. He greatly treasured his sports memorabilia, collecting the team’s caps and proudly displaying them at home. He was thrilled when his niece, Hali took him to his first and only Toronto Maple Leafs game in 2021. He turned out to be a good luck charm, as they won 3 – 0!  Another of his favourite excursions included the Toronto Car Show, which his brother Richard took him to numerous times, where he enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of one or two exotic cars!

Even during some troubled times during Hardy’s life, he always bravely adapted to his circumstances and accepted change with grace. He handled his diabetes, kidney disease and cancer valiantly.

Hardy taught us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life: getting excited for the next big game, guessing when the first snowfall would be, looking forward to a great meal.

He also took time to show his deep appreciation for all kindnesses given to him this during his life.

Hardy had numerous jobs over the years, including over 20 years working as a wood turner in Aurora. In his later years, he did volunteer work at furniture and food banks, something he kept up even when his health was waning.

In the last few months of his life, the staff at Toronto General Hospital and Mount Hope care facility in London were tremendously kind, understanding and supportive – our family would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Hardy will always be remembered as a special guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them laugh. As so perfectly put by Hali’s fiancé, Taylor, Hardy was “a man who saw only the good in every situation and left a positive mark on every person he came into contact with (a minor celebrity on our street). He had much love to give and was greatly loved in return. May you finally rest comfortably, Hardy.”

Hardy will have a simple cremation and no service, but will be interred in the spring at beautiful Kettleby Cemetery beside his beloved mom.

We will miss him tremendously and remember him and his infectious smile forever. We love you Hardy!

Hardy was a former committed volunteer at the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, and so enjoyed the community, kindness and the friendships he experienced there over the years. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honour Hardy, a donation to Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, 1219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON M6H 4C2 would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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

Hardy – “You were better than all of us.”