Obituaries & Condolences

GAMBLE, Jamieson “Jamie”

It is with very heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jamie on February 13th, 2022. He was 58. Beloved son of the late Robert (2002) and Patricia (2013). Predeceased by his brother Bobby (2019). Adored spouse of Donna Genttner. Cherished father to Vienna (Matt), Spencer and stepchildren Kelsey and Shane. Special grandpa to Oakley and Kinsley. Jamie leaves behind stepmother Colleen, sister Tina and brother Matt.

Cremation has taken place. As per Jamie’s wishes no service will take place. Donations in memory of Jamie can be made to London Regional Cancer Program, c/o 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

WALL, Elizabeth Diane…

Our precious mother, Elizabeth Diane Wall (born January 3rd, 1949), passed away peacefully on February 16th, 2022 after a brief but brave battle with cancer.  Leaving behind to mourn are her 3 children, Michelle (Trevor), Peter (Laura), and Marie (Colin), her 6 grandchildren, who were the joy and light of her life: Andrew, Matthew, Henry, Madison, Cooper  and Benjamin, as well as her  4 brothers and 7 sisters,  and countless nieces and nephews who were all very special to her.

Elizabeth took a piece of us with her but left all of us a piece of her heart.  She was a devoted mother, incredible nana and most caring aunt, sister, and friend.  She never made an enemy but made friends wherever she went.  She will be truly missed but remember her with smiles and laughter.  That is how she left us.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Elizabeth  may be 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

Beautiful Star the hope of light
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains ’til the break of dawn
Into the light of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem, shine on

We are sad to announce that our father Ronald McIntosh passed away peacefully at Maitland Manor, Goderich on January 31, 2022, just 4 days shy of his 86th birthday. Predeceased by his wives Kathleen (1997) and Eunice (2011). Survived by his children Liz, Paul, Don & Sue, Gail & Randy Bender, Ruthann & Darryl Hoegy, Tim, Tracy & Bob Brown, his grandchildren Derek & Ricki Hoegy, Curtis McIntosh, Justin & Nicole Hoegy, Deborah Hamilton, Ashley Hoegy & Zack, Amanda Hoegy, Tyler Hamilton, Colton Bender and Austin Bender. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Heidi Bedard, Madelin Walden, Patrick Walden and Sean Walden and his great-grandchildren Shannon, Mason, Bentley, and Lincoln. He is survived by his siblings Eric & Arlene McIntosh and Nancy & Bill Milson and several nieces & nephews. Predeceased by his parents David, Lillian & step-father Sandy Pepper, and his in-laws Jim & Anna Johnston. As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Ron can be made be made to Maitland Manor Resident Council, 290 South Street, Goderich, ON, N7A 4G6 or Clinton Public Hospital Foundation, 98 Shipley Street, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0 and would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DALLYN, Douglas “Doug”…

On Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Victoria Hospital, London, in his 79th year, Doug entered into eternal rest with his family by his side.

Loving husband of Eileen. Beloved father of Melanie (Rob) and Lisa. Proud Poppop of Arianna. Uncle of Gary, Diane, Mark, Richard, William, Stephen, Michelle, and Stacey. Great Uncle of Brandie, Samantha, Gregory, Chelsea, and Megan. Brother of Joan and Michael. Predeceased by brothers Jack and Ken, and parents Thomas and Marie.

Doug lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. He had a selfless and kind heart, a strong work ethic and was always willing to lend a hand or tell a good story. Born in Vancouver, BC in 1943, he grew up on his family’s farm in Richmond. He graduated from UBC with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Advanced Nuclear Physics. After graduating, he joined S.S. Kresge Company as a trainee and worked his way up the ladder as a faithful employee until he retired as a K-Mart Manager in 1998. After five years of retirement and leisure, he’d had enough of that and went back to work at Giant Tiger for almost seventeen more years. He had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader and read at least five books a week in his spare time, sometimes even finishing two a day (if they were well-written and exciting!). On his final day, he even joked that he had likely read over 12,000 books in his lifetime. Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy was Doug’s favourite book and he loved to re-read it. Doug took an interest in both music and sports from a young age. He played the piano and the French horn, and loved to brag that he was asked to play the piano at his middle school PTA meeting and his sister Joan’s wedding. He loved to dance and enjoyed cutting a rug on the dance floor. He could often be found on the golf course, but somehow claimed that every set of clubs he had ever owned had a defect in them! Doug also enjoyed bowling and curling. His favourite games were bridge, crib, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Doug was an excellent cook and also loved baking; he really enjoyed his desserts! There was never an empty chair at his table. Doug cherished family road-trips and always looked forward to new adventures. Doug and Eileen spent 51 wonderful years traveling and experiencing life side-by-side. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place. Details of his celebration of life, to be held in the summer of this year, will be announced at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Doug may be made to The War Amps, 2827 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 0C4 or The Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Baker’s Lane, Markham, ON L3P 3G8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

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