Obituaries & Condolences

DANIELS, Cecil William “Bill”
1938-2022

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear brother and uncle, Bill, on January 13 after an eight-year illness and a final ten-day struggle with Covid-19. Bill had received three Covid vaccinations, but nevertheless became another face of the pandemic. His retirement home, Arbor Trace of London, ON had valiantly fought off the virus for two years prior to Bill’s contagion. Our hearts are broken that we could not be at his side in his final days. Bill was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Bunty, and by his nephew, Andrew. He is survived by his older brother George (Ruth), sister Fay (Phillip), his niece Andrea Russell, and his nephews Nick Russell and Tiff and Chris Daniels.

Bill spent his early years during the War in the Lancashire countryside, within sight of the Liverpool Blitz, and shared his home at times with evacuee children from London. The family came to Canada in 1947, when Bill’s father returned from the War. The trip was an adventure for a nine-year-old aboard the former troopship RMS Aquitania, as was the landing at historic Pier 21. Bill’s mother Bunty, brother George and sister Fay were met in Halifax by Cecil, who had arrived ahead of them. The family settled south of Montreal, where the boys honed their skills in French, skating, skiing, and Bill’s passion: golf. Bill’s adventures as a Queen’s Scout were legendary, and included being stranded by the Richelieu River tide when he and George awoke from their overnight camp spot.

The family settled in Mount Bruno, Quebec; living next to the golf club, Bill became a top caddy and officially caught the golf bug. He was thrilled to meet Arnold Palmer, and amazed when he gave Bill one of his named putters, always one of Bill’s prized possessions. When the family moved to Hamilton, Bill joined the Chedoke Golf Club, and later in life was a fixture at Brantford Golf and Country Club, his second home. He was a marshal at several Canadian Opens. Every member of our family seems to have a gift or trophy donated by Bill from his many tournament winnings. His golf and curling fraternity spread far and wide, and he enjoyed golf trips to North Carolina, Georgia, St. Andrews, Spain, and Portugal, as well as to many Masters and CPA tournaments.
Bill’s career began in the food industry where, as a university student enforcing quality control, he accidentally poisoned himself! He later joined Gorman-Rupp Pumps, where he became the Central District manager. His clients included waterworks, breweries, dairies, and even the space industry. He occasionally accompanied President John Gorman to the Huntsville Alabama Space centre, given the company’s provision of pumps for the space shuttle and the Canadarm. Bill was thrilled to have met US Vice President Spiro Agnew during one such trip.
The Daniels and Russell cottages witnessed many informal family reunions, golf “tournaments”, and hours of reminiscing with Bill. We shall miss our dear brother, and all that he gave to our lives. The family would like to thank the extraordinarily selfless staff at Arbor Trace Memory Care Center who cared for Bill in his final years. Donations are suggested to ReForest London, PO Box 25144, London ON, N6C 6A9 and the Alzheimer’s 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.

ELLIOT, Christina…..

We are sad to announce the passing of Christina Annie MacIntyre Elliot on Monday January 10^th 2021 in her 92nd year, beloved wife of recently deceased Alastair Douglas Elliot (2021).  She will be greatly missed by daughter Anne Bull (London), son Douglas Elliot and wife Teri (Fonthill), son Graham Elliot and wife Carol (Oakville).  She was very fond of grandchildren Jonathan, Jillian and Yoshinobu, Jennifer and Aaron, Jaclyn and Kevin, Colin and Lenita, Andrew and Lucy, Christopher, David and Gordon.  With her advanced dementia, she might not know the names, but she loved to see photos and hear about the various antics of her great grandchildren Emily, Claire, Lily and Charles.

Our parents emigrated from Scotland to Oakville in 1966, retired to Fergus and later settled in retirement homes in London, Ontario.

Mum was both very strong physically and emotionally, who led the family in settling into Canadian life but never forgetting their Scottish heritage.  Our parents were part of the Scotia Six (3 couples) that initiated St Andrew dinners and Robbie Burns evenings.  Many folks participated and enjoyed the hard work that our mum put into these events.  She never hesitated about rolling up her sleeves and getting things done (making cock-a-leekie soup by the gallons etc). 

Our parents were Scottish country dancers, lawn bowlers and active church members. While dad sang in the choir, mum arranged the flowers for church each Sunday and taught Sunday School for decades in the Hopedale Presbyterian Church.  She took great delight in telling people that she was not just a Presbyterian but in fact a Scottish Presbyterian!  She was involved in numerous charitable events and had great fun running ladies afternoon badminton sessions. She didn’t have a lot of patience for laziness or incompetence, but was a generous and a very kind soul. She was definitely a take charge kind of person. 

Mum suffered with dementia for the last 6 years but she only required more advanced care the last 3 months.  The last year without Dad for her was very difficult, but there is comfort for us in knowing that she is in a better place and that they are together.

Cremation has taken place and post Covid our hope is that family can gather from around the world, with an act of remembrance to be arranged. arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467.

MILLER, Rhoda……
Peacefully on Monday, January 10, 2022, at University Hospital, London, Rhoda passed away at the age of 81.
She will be dearly missed by her husband of 62 years, James Miller. Rhoda was the loving Mother of Rhonda Campbell (Pat McCollum) and Kevin Miller. She was the cherished Granny to Jennifer Orton (Mark) and Olivia Miller. She was also adored by her great-grandson, Ryder Orton.
Rhoda spent her life enjoying frequent walks outdoors and spending time with her family. She was known for her sweet tooth and enjoying day trips with her husband. She spent her working years in retail at Reitman’s and caring for her Grandchildren.
Rhoda was predeceased by her parents Charles and Elma Ross, and her brothers Robert and Norman Ross. She is survived by her sister Davis Young (Maurice) of Scotland.
Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Rhoda may made to The Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.

Her memory will be lived in the hearts of her family forever.

PALMER, Gerald “Gerry”……. 

Peacefully, after a short but aggressive battle with Cancer, on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Parkwood Institute, London, Gerry passed away at the age of 70.

Beloved husband of 45 years to Carrie (nee Tiller), loving father to Nick (Mary) Palmer, Amber Palmer (Sean Cote).Proud Poppa/Grandpa to Josef, Jake, and Owen.  Adored honourary Grandpa to Jeffrey Jr, Emmett, and Lyla. Brother to Fred (Liz) Palmer, Lou (Ric) Shepherd, Rick (Lynn) Palmer, Peter (Gloria) Palmer, Maryanne (Andy) Neary, Tim (Marg) Palmer.  Predeceased by his Mother, Evelyn Palmer, sisters Debbie Nielsen and Susanne Pike. Gerry will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, family, and friends.  He enjoyed collecting sports cards, and rarely missed watching a Toronto Maple Leafs or London Knights hockey game on TV.

A special thank you from the family to Gerry’s favourite nurse Linda, and the rest of the wonderful care team of 4B South Palliative Care, Parkwood. 

As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Parkwood Institute Palliative Care Unit, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London ON N6A 4V2.

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

YOUNG, James…

James “Jim” Young passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at University Hospital, London in his 80th year.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Stiller), stepsons, Craig MacLennan (Jacquie) of Kitchener ON and Chris MacLennan (Oxana) of Marathon ON, and his grandsons Aaron MacLennan (Michael) and Dwayne Hertich all of Kitchener. Jim will be dearly missed by in-laws, Betty Stiller of Kitchener, Brian Stiller (Nicole) of Elliot Lake, Gord Stiller (Laurie) of Chatsworth, Lisa Morton (Ron) of Kitchener, Janice Stiller of Paisley ON, Cindy Charlebois (Tim) of Waterloo and Kismet Unger (Walter) of Kitchener. He is also survived by niece Heather Spencer-Main and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Milton Young and May (Devonport) of Montreal Quebec, and sisters Betty Markey (Des), Alice Spencer (Art), Doris McCabe (John), also father-in-law Gordon Stiller and mother-in-law Fran Martin (Amsey) and nephews Eric Spencer and Garrett Spencer and niece Tammi Rector.

Born in Montreal, he was a truly kind and gentle man with a profound sense of humour. Jim was an avid ten pin bowler and was also a member of Doon and Rockway Golf club for thirty plus years. He retired from Sutherland Schultz after 25+ years. He enjoyed country & western music and movies and was an enthusiastic fan of baseball.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

Cremation has taken place, as an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Jim may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation

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

DAFOE, Carolyn…

Peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Dearness Home, London, Carolyn Dafoe passed away in her 72nd year. Predeceased by her loving partner Jack Ferguson. Loving mother of Tamara Dafoe (Ian). Cherished grandmother to Shannon Dafoe (Alex) and Alyssa Duke. Great Grandmother to Aubrey and Sophie Vinet. Beloved sister to Janice Callow (Ron), Peter Stapylton (Pat), and Paul Stapylton (Laurie). Dear aunt to her nieces and nephews. Carolyn loved her role in the flower department at Metro for many years. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoyed travelling, spoiling her dog Teddy, and creating many beautiful crafts. Her memory will carry on in our hearts. Cremation has taken place and the family is planning a private celebration of life, as per Carolyn’s wishes. A special thanks to the staff at Dearness Home for their wonderful care of Carolyn. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Passed in peace Saturday January 1^st, 2022.

Loving father of daughters Cathleen (Kevin), Lisa (John) and son Robert (Janice).

Proud grandfather of Jessica Noble, Christopher Noble, Brenden Noble, Sarah Forrer, Andrew Forrer, William Forrer and Matthew Pasternak.

He is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Pasternak.

Predeceaded in death by his parents Peter and Mary (nee Syrnyk); sisters Leona (Louis) Gwodz, Beth (Mike) Melnyk, Verna (Frank) Norquay and Nell (Walter) Pacholok; brothers Joe (Pauline) and Victor (Vicky).

Further survived by nieces, nephews and other caring relatives.

Stan was also blessed with cherished friends.  He will be greatly missed by Carlos Flores, Rocco Brigante, Hans Wendt, Peter Pastor and many more.

He had a very successful career in real estate management that lasted for several decades.

Stan spent the majority of his life in Toronto. He loved the city and was a strong patron of the arts, especially musical theatre and opera.  He was also quite the movie buff.

He was equally competitive on the tennis court as he was talented in the kitchen.  A truly fantastic tennis player and an exceptional cook.

He loved to travel with his friends. New York City was always top of his list!

His family and friends supported him as dementia took hold.  A special thank you to his personal support worker Ali Sarvghad-Razavi who gave him his final wish of staying in his home as close to the end as possible.  Thank you, Ali, for your kindness and tireless dedication to his care.

Stanley passed with dignity, respect and pride.  A great long life lived.

We will celebrate Stan’s life this summer in Toronto.  Details to follow for friends and family.

Please consider a donation to celebrate Stan’s memory to organizations that he loved.

Tennis Canada – www.tenniscanada.com

Canadian Opera Company – www.coc.ca

“Dad, your guiding hand will be on my shoulder forever.”

BERUBE, Marco…

The loving family of Marco Berube are heartbroken and announce his unexpected passing on December 25, 2021 at 54 years of age.

Marco was a most beloved and revered husband to Elizabeth Berube, caring Father to Sydney & Marcel, doting Grandfather to his three grandchildren Tayah, Jace and Nova and adored by his furry four-legged babies Bella and Baillie.

Born in Beardmore, Ontario on July 27, 1967 to loving parents Yvette and Marcel Berube, Marco is survived by his siblings Jocelyne (Pierre) Turcotte, Michelle (Robert) Bois, France Madge, Martin (Julie) Berube, nieces & nephews Natalie, Lynn, Suzanne, Jason, Nancy, Justin, Jennifer, and Joshua.

As a young athlete Marco excelled on many local Thunder Bay sports teams and was most passionate when he was playing hockey. After graduating from Churchill High School a number of American college hockey scholarships were extended with Marco choosing to remain close to his immediate family. Marco played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with the St. James Canadians and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the for the Weyburn Redwings becoming a league All-Star and returning home to play for the  Thunder Bay Hornets  an experience that resulted in many life-long friendships.

Dedicated to continuing his personal physical work ethics after his hockey career, Marco established Peak Roofing in Thunder Bay and developed a respected reputation amongst the regions contractor community that was served well by his commitment to high quality service and indicative of his resilient personality. Recognizing an opportunity Marco & his family relocated to London Ontario and he was extremely proud of his son’s accomplishments in being drafted into the OHL, playing in the QMJHL and playing hockey professionally in Europe. Not one to rest on his own achievements, Marco’s presence was most respected at North-Western Ontario government buildings as a Building Technician, in London’s hockey rinks as an HVAC Technician and most recently with the Ontario Realty Corporation as a Facility Technician in many Southern Ontario locations. The outdoors have always been a precious place for Marco where he was most at ease, particularly the time spent camping with his family, friends and acquaintances and reminiscing with Liz around the campfire. Our friendships and treasured memories of Marco’s life will endure and always hold a special place in our hearts.

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

DEWAR, Tammie…

At St. Joseph’s Hospice, London Ontario on Friday, December 17th, 2021. Tammie Anndolyn Dewar of Prescott, Ontario; age 61 years. Beloved wife of James Dewar of Maxville Ontario. Loving mother of Brandie Corrigan (Trevor Arrand), Tanner Corrigan (Debbie Bossyt). Stepchildren, Jamie Dewar (Jon Colby), Shamus Dewar (Tawnya Leingang), Tessa Dewar. Survived by brother, Sheldon Laffoley of Brockville and sister,  Laurie Levere of Digby Nova-Scotia. Nieces and nephews; Curtis Levere, Taycie Levere, Katelyn Levere and Brittany Levere of Nova-Scotia, Devany and Dawson Laffoley of Brockville.  Grandchildren; Parker Salz, Alexsa Kerr, Claire and Annelise Corrigan, Vincent and Lillian Dewar, Evangeline Love, Zaiden and Macie Colby all of London.  And grandchildren; Chance and Savara Williamson, Julian and Scarlet Courneyea and Zackrey Wiskin, all of Kingston Ontario. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  As expressions of sympathy Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Cremation London & Middlesex entrusted with arrangements 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

VAN DELINDER, Jim…

July 18, 1935 – December 8, 2021

James Philip Van Delinder passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the age of 86.
Jim was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce (nee Sakalo) (August 24, 2021). He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his daughters Lori White and husband Greg, Sandra Field and the late Janice Vodden and late husband Paul. He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren and their families; Angie Spalding, Michelle Lewington, Ryan Field, Kevin Field, Emily Greenwood, Michael Fisher and his eleven great-grandchildren. Jim was born in Windsor, ON to Philip & Irene Van Delinder and was one of three children.

Jim lived with his wife Joyce and together they raised their 3 daughters in Georgetown, ON prior to moving to Guelph, ON. He began his career as a “Milkman” and as good luck would have it, he landed his first Sales Rep position with Heinz a few years later. His good nature and ease with people quickly earned him promotion after promotion …. Jim retired in his early sixties as Vice President of a large multinational food company with many fond memories of a rewarding career.

A special “Thank You” to the extraordinary staff at Victoria Hospital, London for their kindness and compassion during his three weeks in their care. Sincere appreciation to all staff at The Village of Arbour Trails, Guelph for going “over & above” and treating Jim with respect, dignity and excellent care as his health rapidly declined and his care needs increased.

Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, 117-4500 Blakie Road, London, ON N6L 1G5 or the MS Society Southwestern Ontario, 20-1100 Dearness Drive, London, ON N6E 1N9 would be greatly appreciated. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com