Obituaries & Condolences

BENNETT (nee Reed), Anne….

With heavy hearts we announce the loss of our dear Anne in June 2022 at peopleCare Oakcrossing, London. Anne was born Sybil Anne Reed in Galt (Cambridge) in October 1942, though she lived most of her adult life in London, raising her son and working many years for Sifton Properties. Predeceased by her beloved son Brent Morgan. She will be sadly missed but forever remembered by her sister Sherry Macfarlane, her niece Lauren, and close cousins Elizabeth White, Marion White, Susan Hart Norman and their families, as well as the Reed family, her tennis family and many dear friends. A special thank you to the Norway Spruce staff at peopleCare Oakcrossing and to Dr. McNair for their thoughtful care of Anne in the past three years. Anne loved to create and decorate in her home and garden. This was a favourite passage she carried with her:
” And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain.
And futures have a way of falling in midflight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you do have worth
And you learn and learn
With every goodbye you learn.”

Cremation has taken place. Anne will be laid to rest, along with her son Brent, in the Reed family plot in Cambridge, Ontario. A celebration of Anne’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GRYS, Carolyn Estelle (nee Taggart)……

Carolyn, 73, passed away July 1, 2022 in Palliative Care at London’s Victoria Hospital from colon cancer. Carolyn was the loving and passionate wife of Ted, her husband for 49 years. She was the caring and affectionate mother & mother-in-law, to David & his wife, Meghan . Dear niece of Marian Pratt of California. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Estelle Taggart of Oakville.

Carolyn had a bevy of close friends, to whom she stayed connected on the telephone, every afternoon for hours. She was a Registered Nurse, but it was her many years at Kingsmill’s that she cherished. Carolyn has been cremated and to abide by her wishes, there will be no funeral or Celebration of Life. If you wish to commemorate Carolyn, please donate to the Salvation Army or Mission Services. The family thanks all the caring and compassionate staff at Victoria Hospital who looked after Carolyn. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MARSHALL, Arlene….

It is with great sadness the family of Arlene Elizabeth Marshall (nee Fagan) announce her passing at Kensington Village Long Term Care on Friday July 1, 2022 in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Willson Marshall (1967). Dear Mother of Maureen Haynes (David) of London, ON, John Marshall (Deborah) of Oro Station, ON and Barbara Thomas (Robert) of Nanaimo, BC. Loving Grandmother of Paul (Melizza), Robert (Heather), Meredith (Mike), Owen, Virginia (Vincent), Fraser and April. Great Grandmother of Kaitlyn, Aiden, Lucas, Lily, Travis, Kadence, Sebastian and Olivia. Great Great Grandmother of Max. Predeceased by her brothers Robert Fagan and Cyril Fagan Jr. Survived by brothers Gerald Fagan and Dennis Fagan. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was born in London, ON, on Sept 8th 1927, daughter of Cyril and Norah Fagan. Arlene’s working career included office work at London Hosiery Mills and at Millard George Funeral Home. She was an active member of the Kinette Club of London, ON and the Miniature Enthusiasts Club of London, ON. Other passions included painting, crafting and antiquing. In keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Sincere appreciation is expressed to Dr Whynot and the nurses and staff of Kensington Village and Long Term Care for their kindness and compassionate care of Arlene. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Robert “Bob” Alexander McKee on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the age of 81, in London. Loving father of Sherry McKee (Frank) of Connecticut, Christine McKee (Gus) of London and Shelley McKee (Rob) of Calgary. Cherished grandfather of Michael and Morgan. Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Deanna and Marjorie, and brothers Don and John, and survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was retired from Labatt’s and enjoyed golfing, playing cards at the local legion and ‘puttering about’. Bob was a handyman and always enjoyed helping out friends and family. Bob suffered from Lewy Body Dementia for the last several years. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at McCormick Home for the wonderful care they provided to him. A private family service will take place at a later date. Bob’s final resting place will be his favourite fishing spot in Georgian Bay. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHITFIELD, Bradley James “Brad”….

Peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Victoria Hospital, London, Brad passed away 3 days before his 54^th birthday.  Loving partner of Diane for 3 years.  Dear father of Owen, Zachary, Aaron and Peyton. Cherished brother of John, Rob and Frank.  Brad is survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents John and Margaret.  Brad will be missed by many extended family members and friends. Brad was always very fond of animals having many furbabies throughout his life.  He liked watching many different sport teams including Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Cowboys, Toronto Blue Jays and the London Knights. Brad and Diane would enjoy watching wrestling together. He was a down to earth, fun-loving man, who had a heart of gold. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex,  519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CHIDIAC, John…

With great sadness, we announce the passing of John E. Chidiac.

On the morning of Monday, May 30, 2022, he died peacefully while holding the hand of his cherished wife of 65 years, Elsbeth (née Döppert).

John was the beloved father of Barbara Ann (John) of Waverley, ON, Peter (Jennifer) of London, ON, and Gerald of Prince George, BC.

He was the grandfather of Carla, Anna, Robert (Alexa), William, Sara (David), Steven (Hailey), Sean, Madeline, Bianca, Kevin, Kellie, Jaron (Elise), Josef, and Mary, and the great-grandfather of Calvin and Maddox. He was the uncle of John (Adrienne), Frank (Helen), Mary Jo, Mary Claire (Greg), Margaret (Mike), Jeanne (Peter), Eileen (Michael), Cathy (Ken), Donna, Norman, Mark, Michael, Lisa (Bill), John (Felicia), Jim, and Amy.

John was born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA on May 2, 1933 to Syrian immigrants Naim and Amina (née Bastori) Chidiac. John is pre-deceased by all eight of his siblings, Eleanor, Salim, Mary, Janet, Pearl, Anthony, Buddy and Norman, as well as his nephew Norman Iozzio.

John lived life to the fullest and believed in the innate goodness of every person. He understood a principle often forgotten in the world today, that one can disagree with someone and still love and honour them as a sacred human being. He was a lifelong learner, and he loved a hearty meal, a healthy debate and a good joke.

He spent his career as an executive with Massey-Ferguson, Canada Wire and several other corporations, but was a philosopher at heart. During his retirement he focused on doing good for others. He enjoyed volunteering for the Knights of Columbus, the Dorothy Ley Hospice and other charities, and he brought much joy into the life of every member of his close-knit family, especially his grandchildren.

John was the model of a life well-lived. He was filled with love and kindness, and he left the world with a legacy of goodness, decency and respect.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 1 pm, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 2 pm at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, London. Private inurnment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.

Donations in memory of John may be made to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, 220 Sherway Drive, Etobicoke, ON M9C 5N6, or the Covenant House Toronto, 20 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M5B 2P3. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

COCHRANE, Brian……..

Surrounded by loved ones at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday, May 30, 2022 in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of the late Carole Cochrane (2020). Dear father of Vicki (Pete) and Erik (Julia). Loving grandfather of Noah, Josh, Tegan and Hayden. Brother of Patricia Peters (Gary). Predeceased by his parents Ronald and Catherine Cochrane. Beloved Uncle of Alicia Smith (Darrick), Lindsay McQuiggan (Brent). Beloved great uncle to Hunter, Hudson and Sydney.
In keeping with Brian’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brian may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto Ontario, M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PISARSKI, Michelinne…..

Suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London on Sunday, May 15, 2022, Michelinne passed away at the age of 63. Loving mother of Susan Carroll, Scott Carroll and the late Tammy Carroll (2017). Cherished grandmother of Jamie Carroll, Emily Carroll, Hailey Carroll, Damien Carroll and Sebastian Carroll. Great Grandmother of Feenyx Carroll, Desmond Carroll. She will be missed by her furbaby Gator. Michelinne was a loving and caring mother, grandma and great grandma who enjoyed spending all of her holidays with all of us, her favourite holiday was Christmas. She always enjoyed watching all the kids opening their gifts but also liked all the good food and family time. Michelinne had a love for shopping whether it was in a store or at one of the local festivals were you would often find her buying one of her band t-shirts that she loved to wear. She was well known for her great sense of humour, always making others laugh and having a good time. She loved to dance and listen to good music. When her kids were younger, she often enjoyed sharing her love for painting ceramics and making crafts with them which she was very good at. Michelinne was an amazing lady with a big heart and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Cremation has taken place and at this point no service will be held. In memory of Michelinne, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B1Y6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Norton, Dr. Peter…

1942-2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr. Peter Robert Norton on May 10th 2022 in Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gillian, his son Michael and daughter Kathy, his granddaughters Erica, Naomi, and Emma, and by his sister, Juliet.

Peter was born in a small village in war-time England to parents Robert and Ruth Norton. He attended the University of Nottingham and obtained a B.Sc. in 1963 and a PhD in Chemistry in 1966. He and Gillian travelled to Ottawa in 1967 intending to spend just two years there to further his research career. They both fell in love with life in Canada and lived in Ontario for the next 55 years. His research career took him from the National Research Council, Ottawa, to McMaster University, Hamilton, to Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories and finally to Western University in London where he was a professor and research scientist from 1986 until his retirement in 2011. His scientific career was important to him, and he took rightful pride in recognition bestowed on him by the likes of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Chemistry. His real passion, however, was mentoring students and young professionals and he drew great pleasure from watching their success.

In 1991 he and his wife bought an old wooden cottage at Bruce Beach near Kincardine on the waterfront of Lake Huron. In 2000 they built a house on the site and he and Gillian retired there. The Bruce Beach house was truly his happy place and he loved walking the beach and the wonderful views of the lake and sunsets from the deck, preferably with a drink in hand and surrounded by the company of family and friends.

Peter embraced Canadian winters and loved skiing and snowshoeing on the Niagara Escarpment in the Collingwood area.  When home he was a lover of classical music, especially chamber music. His music collection evolved from vinyl, to CDs, to streaming, and he attended live concerts whenever possible. He had a passion for sports, particularly soccer and F1 Racing, and he still followed the FA cup and UEFA Champions league from England.

He was intensely proud of his two children and their accomplishments and delighted in his 3 granddaughters who live in Edmonton and Vancouver. He made the most out of every visit and followed their exploits.

Peter was cultured, intelligent, curious, and kind. He was a great story-teller and raconteur and could entertain friends and strangers alike with humorous anecdotes and explanations of scientific phenomena. He loved good food, good drink, and good conversation. Astronomy was another passion of Peter’s, and sometimes an evening’s entertainment ended with stargazing over the lake through his telescope. Peter was a big personality who made an impression on every room he entered.

He will be greatly missed.

No service is planned at this time. A celebration of his life may be arranged in future. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PLEASENCE, John Beverly…

John passed away in his home in London, with family by his side, on Thursday, May 5th, 2022, in his 80th year. Predeceased by his wife, the love of his life, Charlene (nee Dent) Pleasence and by his parents Joe and Clarice Pleasence of Chatham. Loving father of Alicia Pleasence (Ben Cekuta) of Toronto and Lara Pleasence (Chris Jones) of Montreal. Proud and supportive Grandfather to Pasha and Toren of Montreal. Beloved brother-in-law of Michael and Edna Dent of Chatham. Adored uncle of Sean, Shellee and Shannon. A close and devoted companion to Sheila Rideout.

Born in Chatham in 1942, John grew up in the hospitality industry working in his family’s hotels – The Rankin and The William Pitt. He attended Michigan State University then continued his career with Commonwealth Holiday Inns moving up the ranks to Senior Vice President.

He loved spending time at the family cottage in Rondeau Park, where he enjoyed boating and fishing. Even when he left the hospitality industry, it never left him. Being invited to eat at John and Charlene’s was like dining at a Five Star restaurant serving up multiple courses with accompanying wines, on beautifully set tables – which was always a trademark of John’s. He was also known for his plaid shirts and his love of ironing “everything” including his jeans, to ensure a perfect crease. He and Charlene loved their years traveling North America by motorhome and cruising various parts of the world.

After the loss of his wife, his daughters are so thankful for the love and support that he found with Sheila Rideout, who helped renew his zest for life and travel.

John was a gentleman and a “gentle man” whose kindness and consideration for others made a huge impact on everyone he met. He will be greatly missed and in keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at “Shelly’s Tap & Grill” located inside the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, 591 Wellington Road, London, Ontario on Monday, June 6th, 2022, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of John can be made to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada, 420 East Street North, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com