Obituaries & Condolences

BURNETT, Gordon….

How do you measure a life well lived?
By the love that surrounds you in life and the love that keeps you alive after death.

Gordon Richard Burnett died peacefully in the Palliative Care ward at Parkwood Hospital, London, on the morning of February 9th, 2021 in his 73rd year. Gord lost his two-and-a-half-year battle against esophageal cancer while surrounded by the love and support of his wife, Darlene Burnett (nee Garnham) of nearly 44 years, and daughter, Brianne Horner. In addition to his wife and daughter, Gord will be deeply missed by his two grandsons, Nathaniel and Liam, his son-in-law James and his best buddy Perry. He also leaves behind siblings through blood and through marriage, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In 2014, Gord retired from Ipex Inc, previously Multi Fittings, after a forty-seven-year career where he began as a draftsman and eventually settled in quality control. Before cancer took its toll, Gord was an active member of Rowntree Memorial United Church, he bowled in a senior’s league, and enjoyed spending his retirement travelling, eating good food and spending time with his family.

Gord will be cremated, and a celebration of life for immediate family will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkwood Hospital’s Palliative Care Ward, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or to Rowntree Memorial United Church, 156 Elliott Street, London, ON N5Y 2E9 in Gord’s memory. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SWALES, Bob….

Peacefully with his family by his side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Robert “Bob” Swales passed away in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Donna Swales for 63 years. Loving father of John, Darren (Lise), Guy, Lionel “Ed” (Phyllis), Melody Legacé (Denis) and Doug. Cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Len (Ruth) of Appin, the late Marie Welch (Doug) of Strathroy and the late Sandy Adlam (the late Max) of Sarnia. Bob will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Bob worked at Kelvinator for 10 years and 27 years at London Transit where he was known as Swampy. He loved playing baseball with Huff & Puff and was an avid hunter and knew how to make people laugh. He will be sadly missed by all. Cremation has taken place and a future Celebration of Bob’s life will be held when it is safe to do so. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Apr 15, 1989 – Jan 29, 2021

After surviving the many hardships he faced in life, Tyler is now at peace and pain free with his loved ones. Tyler is survived by his mother, Joanne and his father and stepmother, Bill and Kim. He will be greatly missed by his brother, Steven, sister-in-law Emily and his nephew, Archer. He is also survived by his grandparents, Papa and Claire as well as Grandma, Uncle Gary, many great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins. He will be sadly missed by his godmother Rosie. He leaves behind stepbrothers, Nathan and Josh and stepsister, Natasha, Uncle Fred and Aunt Sonia and Aunt Sherry as well as cousins Amanda, Kyle and Blayre and a number of nieces and nephews. Tyler is predeceased by Grandpa Pinky and Nana Ruth and his Grandmother Eileen and Uncle Karl. He is also in the comfort of Tessa, Athena and Spooka – the pets he loved dearly. Tyler will be cremated with a memorial at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Orlóci, Márta (Mihály)….

Márta Orlóci, 87, passed peacefully at her home in London, Ontario on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Márta is survived by her husband, László Orlóci; her daughter, Martha Orlóci (Tim Goodison); and her granddaughters Kathryn Orlóci-Goodison (Alex Arbery) and Ruth Orlóci-Goodison; her younger brother Árpád Mihály (Penny) and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Csaba and Atilla and her parents.

Born to a forester and his wife in 1933 in a Székely village, Lövéte (Romania), Márta’s love for the forest came naturally. She met László at the University of Sopron (Sopron, Hungary) where they both studied forest engineering. Márta later emigrated to Canada with László. She completed her studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, from which she graduated in 1958. In February of 1957 Márta and László were married in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The couple moved to London in 1965, where they remained until Márta’s death.

As a daughter of the forests on the Hargita, Márta felt most at home surrounded by nature. As scientists, Márta and László (and Martha, once she had arrived) travelled the world together, visiting the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, the Gobi Desert of China, and much of what lies between. Márta had a particular fondness of Hawai’i, where the couple spent László’s sabbaticals. Her love for the forest, and indeed for all living things, survives in her family.

Márta fell in love with the Canadian Rocky Mountains early in her travels, and her ashes will be spread among those peaks and valleys. At Márta’s request, a funeral service will not be planned. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ELLIOT, Alastair….

After a brief hospitalization, we are sad to announce the passing of Alastair Douglas Elliot on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in his 94th year. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 68 years Christine, daughter Anne Bull (London) and sons Douglas Elliot and wife Teri (Fonthill) and Graham Elliot and wife Carol (Oakville). He was so very proud of his grandchildren Jonathan, Jillian and Yoshinobu, Jennifer and Aaron, Jaclyn and Kevin, Colin and Lenita, Andrew and Lucy, Christopher, David and Gordon. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a smile when he had zoom interaction with his great grandchildren Emily, Claire, Lily and Charles.

Alastair was a Professional Engineer (Mechanical), Alumni of University of Glasgow, who immigrated to Oakville with his family in 1966. He worked at the Atomic Energy of Canada and was instrumental in the wet lab research and investigative work of the early Canadian nuclear program.

After retirement, Christine and Alastair moved to Belwood on the outskirts of Fergus. The Scottish heritage of the area was really appealing to them both. They were Scottish country dancers, lawn bowlers and active church members firstly at Hopedale Presbyterian Church (Oakville), where dad was an Elder and a tenor in the choir, and latterly at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Fergus). They opted for a retirement apartment in London and have been happy in their twilight years, where they have been blessed with good health.

Alastair was a soft spoken, patient, kind, generous man who was both witty and smart. His family will miss him greatly. Post COVID, a family gathering of remembrance will be arranged.

Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467.

HUEHN, Donald
January 13, 1927 to December 26, 2020

Don was born to Oscar Adam Huehn and Iona Margaret (Steiss) in their kitchen in Conestogo. Oscar and his three brothers ran the Conestogo and Heidelberg General Stores. Iona, a landscape artist and proud of her heritage, did not give dad a middle name since “you only need a good Scottish first name”. Don is predeceased by his dear older brother, Stewart, (Jan 2000) and the love of his life, Ona Marion, a teacher (Nevill – April 2002).  They had 49 happy years raising Linda, Barry and Sandra. Later they were loving grandparents of Scott & Andrew Huehn, Adam & Rachel Sweanor, and Alex & Erin Kaak. Favourite early memories were of family camping with the original five. We also travelled the US and Canada from shore to shore. As empty nesters Don and Ona visited Australia, New Zealand, and Europe however the summers at their Lake Huron cottage with the grandchildren were their favourite times.

Dad was selected most outstanding all-round athlete at Elmira High and was the local team’s shortstop. He enlisted for WWII after graduating. Even at 85 he was zip-lining in Costa Rica and walking 13 kilometres on the beach. Until the age of 92, he would kayak and ride his two-wheel bike for hours.

He was a top seller at London Life for 33 years and was proud of his client retention rate and the gratitude he received from beneficiaries. He loved to tell the story that London Life almost didn’t hire him due to his high blood pressure. Instead, he hoped to reach 100, like his father, and might have done so except for Covid-19. He was friendly and sociable and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a 55-year member of Siloam United Church and a freemason of the St. John’s 209a Lodge A.F. & A.M. His dazzling smile, twinkling eyes and fondness for dancing captivated our mother and his loyalty (and almost as good as Mom—bridge playing) maintained their love. 

We wish to give special thanks to his nieces and nephews, (David, Barbara, Paul, Alan and Vicki), Richmond Woods Retirement Home and to his PSW, Mo Nisbet. They were there for him when he needed them. Donations for Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. A zoom memorial will be held Sunday February 7^th, 2021. Please contact Linda, Barry or Sandy for details. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEVELY, John Christopher….

It is with a very heavy and broken heart to announce that John “Johnny-boy” Stevely passed away at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, January 2, 2021 in his 51st year. Beloved husband of Catharine Peischl. Dear brother of Helen Hanke and Marion McQuaid. Cherished son of Jack Stevely. Predeceased by his dear mother, Ruth Stevely. John will be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of John’s life will be arranged at a later date. Donations in John’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JOYES, Mary….

Peacefully with her daughter by her side at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, Mary Joyes passed away in her 65th year. Loving mother of Kelly Challis and her husband Dusty of Strathroy. Cherished grandmother of Lincoln, Calista, Amelia and Parker. Much loved sister of Bill McDougall and his wife Mary of Owen Sound, Laura Hanley and her husband Paul of London and Joe McDougall also of London. Mary will also be missed by her nieces and nephews. Dear friend of Cheryl (Squires) Adomitis for 52 years. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Loreen McDougall. Mary was a fierce, independent woman who always wanted to do things on her own terms right up until the end. She will forever be remembered for her strength and determination.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Mary’s Life will be announced at a later date due to COVID-19. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PERRY, Joyce Elizabeth

Peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Chateau Gardens, London in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Charles Perry (2014). Loving mother of Michael (Una), Brian (Yvonne), Robert (Joyce), Roderick (Susan) and David (Rolande). Sadly missed by 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Robert Ronald Hillaby

On the morning of Dec 1 2020, ironically at the Christmas Season that he loved so much, and with his loving family by his side, Bob Hillaby passed away peacefully after a long illness.  He was 82.

Born in Bridlington, England on Feb 6, 1938, Bob and his family emigrated to Canada in 1949 and the family settled in Sarnia.

In 1962 he and Connie were married and raised 3 children.  Bob taught all his children how to ride a bike, swim, garden, skate and fish and gifted them with sewing, ballet, piano  and hockey lessons. He also coached the hockey and baseball teams that his son David played on. Bob always loved history, woodworking and animals and could be seen daily walking his beloved dog Jody down the street , with his cat Buckwheat following closely behind.

Bob worked at Dow Chemical in Sarnia for 34 years. After retirement he enjoyed his crossing guard job and spending his winters in Florida.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Ronald Hillaby, his sister Zoe and his twin brother Gerard. He is survived by his wife Connie, loving sister Sheila ( Keith), daughters Chris (Dan), Jennifer (Charles), and son David (Maureen) as well as grandaughter Olivia (Mackenzie), and step granddaughter Leila ( Matt).

Cremation has taken place.  In lieu of flowers a donation to Pets Friends for Life (petsfriendsforlife.ca) or Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario (russellrescue.org), would be so appreciated. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Extendicare LTC for their compassionate care over the last year or so. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com