Obituaries & Condolences

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

Van Boxtel, Paul…

With great sorrow we wish to announce that Paul Van Boxtel of London, in his 83rd year, passed peacefully in London, Ontario in the early morning of December 7th, 2022.

Loving father of Maria, Nancy and Paul and beloved husband to Carole Van Boxtel. Paul will be forever remembered by his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 & the London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FLEMING, Brenda Joyce…

Brenda Joyce Fleming lived her life committed to making others’ lives better, her life in service to others is an example of caring that has no equal.

Brenda battled many obstacles in her life. She fought hard, with her husband Alex at her side, to battle the illnesses that eventually took her life on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Brenda was born to Sybil and Thomas Sowden on July 20th, 1949. She was one of 18 children in the family.

Brenda met Alex in Port Hope, Ontario and started their own family welcoming daughter Kimberly and son David.

Brenda and Alex moved their family to London, Ontario where she continued her work with the Salvation Army and became a mother-in-law to Jenn and Jim and the best grandmother to Hannah, Ella and Ian.

Brenda was the consummate hostess to everyone who had the pleasure to meet her. An open door and an attentive ear allowed Brenda to become many people’s confidant and friend. All those who were able to spend time with Brenda will miss her dearly. The void left by her in many people’s lives will be complex if not impossible to fill.

A service for Brenda will be planned for the Spring of 2023. Donations to honour Brenda can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CREAGMILE, William “Bill”…

Peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Victoria Hospital, London, Bill passed away in his 89th year.

Beloved father of David Creagmile and Kathryn Barrett (Chuck). Loving “Grampee” of Tonya (Kyle) and Samantha (Anthony). Cherished brother of Dorothy and uncle to her son, Grant. Supportive brother-in-law to Nancy. Predeceased by his brother Ken and his parents William and Lily.

Cremation has taken place with a private family interment at Siloam Cemetery, London. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Victory Legion, 311 Oakland Avenue, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 beginning at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider The Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Steve on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 93.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marlene of 41 years; children the late Stephen (the late Darlene), Lorraine, Sandra (Jim), Donna (the late Jamie), Tina, Nathan (Rachel) and grandchildren; Ashley (Matt), Adam (Danielle), Wesley (Lizzie), Ryan (Bekki), Kaitlyn (Simon), Kelsey, Shane (Natasha), Graeme and Isla. Steve will be missed by his 11 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews in Canada, Scotland, and England.

Steve loved spending time with his family, golfing, Manchester United, and enjoying a bevvie with his many friends at The Shack.

At Steve’s request, cremation has already taken place and there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, he asked that friends and loved ones raise a glass of your favourite beverages in his honour.

Here’s tae us; who’s like us? And damn de yen!

Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON or Parkwood Institute Palliative Care, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 5J1. A tree will be planted in Steve’s honour. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com