Obituaries & Condolences

BALANGO, George….

Peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 8, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London Ontario Canada, George Frank Balango passed away in his 71st year.

While starting a new life in North America after fleeing war in Europe, George was born in Kansas City, Missouri USA to Joe and Gizella Balango. The family would eventually migrate to Canada, settle in, and call Southwestern Ontario, Chatham Kent home. George excelled in school and his intellect earned him numerous awards for his academic performance in numerous areas of study. 

He played competitive hockey and baseball in Chatham and also enjoyed hunting and fishing in the area with his brother, Joe, and his brother-in-laws. He studied at University of Waterloo and graduated to become a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. 

George was passionate about history, sports, and his Catholic faith. His legacy lives on within the City of London and other areas of Ontario where his career remained as a Land Use Planner for 45 years. Many buildings and developments will remind us of him, his hard work, and his pride. 

George was loved by many, especially his children Renee (Paul), Jonathan (Lauren), Jana (Brendan), his sister Kathy (Henry), and his brother Joe (Darlene). Cherished by many cousins, nieces and nephews across Canada and Grampa to Anna, Marcus, Kate, Ella and Blaire. He was also a close friend of Katelyn and Richard. He will be dearly missed by all. 

Husband of the late Anita Balango and son of the late Joseph and Gizella Balango. He will be remembered as someone with a gentle heart and who always enjoyed spending time with his family. 

In George’s own words he has now “Gone Home”. Rest in sweet peace. We love you now and forever. 

Thank you to the Staff on C7 at Victoria Hospital and everyone who cared for George during his treatment, as well as the Community of St Joseph’s Hospice for your kind and compassionate care. 

A memorial mass will be held at St. Michael’s Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London, on Friday October 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.

If you wish to attend the service please register by clicking here. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the church website here. A private interment and celebration will be held at a later date.

In his memory, sympathy donations may be made to MS Society – Southwestern Ontario Chapter, 20-1100 Dearness Drive, London, ON N6E 1N9, London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or St Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road London ON N5X 2T1

MILLER, Dale…

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dale John Miller, QC, on September 29, 2021, in his 91st year. Predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Freda (Lamb) and his sister, Shirley. Survived by his son Ron and daughter-in-law Denise, son Harvey, daughters Nancy and Shelley, granddaughters Megan, Laura, and Julie, sister Gail and sister and brother-in-law Verla and Bobby.

Dale was born in Nakina, Ontario, to Herma and Harvey Miller. Originally from the Baldwin/Sunderland area, Dale’s father worked for the railroad in Northern Ontario and Orillia, eventually settling in Beaverton where they opened Miller’s Flowers, a large flower business that supplied Toronto stores and northern Ontario in the 1950’s.

Growing up in Beaverton with his sisters, Dale enjoyed playing hockey, fishing and hunting. He met his wife, Freda, at high school and once married they moved to Toronto where Dale attended law school at Osgoode Hall.

Along with his partner, Wesley Brandon, Dale worked at Brandon & Miller law firm in Cannington where they lived and raised their family. Both Dale and Freda were active in their community spending winters at the rink for the kids’ hockey and figure skating, snowmobiling, and curling and summers at the ballpark, golfing, or hosting pool parties in their backyard.

Dale was instrumental in organizing the annual hockey exchange between Cannington and Pittsburgh – a huge success that provided many memories and long lasting friendships. An avid hunter and fisherman, Dale loved to take his friends and family to his hunt camp north of Sudbury… initially by boat but later by plane once he got his pilot’s license so he could get there faster! Unfortunately, one of these flights ended with a forced landing in a small lake where they were rescued by a Hercules helicopter sent from the Air Show in Toronto. No one was injured luckily, but this was one of the many stories that came out of Dale’s adventures.

After being appointed as Queen’s Counsel and meeting the Queen and Prince Phillip, Dale took an early retirement and he and Freda built their dream home in Bayshore Village where they enjoyed many years on the water entertaining family and friends and watching their grandchildren grow up. Dale always loved the water! From the cottage on Thorah Island to the homes in Florida, fishing and boating were a daily event. He loved Lake Simcoe – a lake he knew like the back of his hand and fondly reminisced about until his passing.

As season ticket holders since opening day of the Blue Jays, Dale and Freda enjoyed going to games… especially witnessing the World Series Championship – twice! Dale was also one of the people who submitted the name “Skydome” when the stadium was built.

When the children were young, the family camped across Canada and travelled to Europe to visit Dale’s sister. Dale and Freda loved to travel logging long hours driving across Canada and the U.S. Dale’s favourite trip was the drive to Alaska where they slept in the van and watched bears catching salmon in a river. They also enjoyed adventures in Russia and the British Isles.

A brief move to Orillia was brought on by the illness of his beloved wife, Freda, and after her passing, Dale eventually settled in Lagoon City with his fishing boat, spending his days on the lake until his move to a retirement home in London, where he lived a few years before his passing.

The family thanks the many friends and neighbours who have provided support to Dale during his time in Orillia, Lagoon City and London. Many thanks to the staff at Grand Wood Park and Mount Hope in London for the care provided during his stay. Thanks to Dr. Soch, Dale’s long time physician in Orillia, Dr. Noakes, North York General, and Dr. Vesprini, Sunnybrook Hospital. In accordance with Dale’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. There will be a private interment at Necropolis Cemetery, Cannington. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GARDINER, Alison…

Unexpectedly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, Alison (nee Nicolson) Gardiner passed away in her 53rd year. Beloved mum of Jenna Gardiner. Dear daughter of John and Irene Nicolson. Alison will also be missed by her extended family and friends. Alison was always known as a strong, hard worker and worked at Kellogg’s for a number of years. She was also an avid animal lover, so anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of her is asked to consider an animal based charity such as the Humane Society of London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. Cremation has taken place and at this time no service will be held. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PERKINS, Craig (71 years) …….

On Saturday, September 4^th, 2021 after a long and hard battle with a lung and muscle disease, Craig passed peacefully in Palliative Care at Alexandria Marine Hospital in Goderich. Ontario. 

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years Linda and their three sons, Jeff (Holly), Brad , Steve(Ronald) and granddaughter Mya.

Craig was born in Acton, on August 8, 1950 to the late Tom and Freida Perkins and was the beloved brother of Karen Lazenby (Bob) and Kevin Perkins(Sharon).  He was also preceded in death by his sister Colleen Cole(Ken).

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Goderich Hospital, University Hospital in London, Victoria Hospital in London and Parkwood Institute in London for the tender and professional care they gave to Craig during his stays at these hospitals over the last three months. 

Cremation has taken place in London and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to be advised.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the hospitals listed above in Craig’s name or to a charity of your choice. 

A memorial of pictures for Craig has been posted to this link https://youtu.be/LtHW0XyvC8w

MORALES CALVO, Antonio “Tony”….

Unexpectedly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, August 23, 2021, Antonio “Tony” Morales Calvo passed away in his 66th year. Loving father of Yisel and Sander. Beloved brother of Pura, Lourdes and Alexis. Cherished uncle of Marco, Rachel, Nathalie and Alex. Dear friend of Jorge Morales, Elia Lopez, Aurelio Borges, Lourdes Maqueira, Laura Maqueira and Jose Angel Lopez. Predeceased by his parents Heriberto and Migdalia. Cremation has taken place and at this time no service will be held. In Tony’s memory, donations may be made to a favourite charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ST. AMOUR, Sheri…

With the heaviest of hearts, we sadly announce that on August 18th, 2021 Sheri St. Amour (nee Kenney) passed away at the age of 56 years. Sheri is survived by her husband John St. Amour, her children Shaelyn, Connor, and Tristan St. Amour and siblings Raymond (Sue), Maureen, Jim (Rose), Allan (Judy), David (Sandy) Kenney as well as many nieces and nephews. Sheri was preceded in death by her father and mother, David and Mary Kenney, and her beloved triplets Shannah, Brennan and Colin. Sheri was born in January of 1965, in Windsor Ontario and she was a graduate of Sandwich Secondary School and the University of Windsor. After graduating she had a long career in banking where she made many lasting friendships and progressed to be an accomplished financial advisor. Among Sheri’s many talents were her musical abilities as she was a classically trained pianist with the Royal Conservatory of music. She taught piano lessons privately and most recently with Montessori Mozart’s. She inspired many young talents and left a lasting impression on all the lives she touched. She loved her family and life beyond measure and her radiant smile brightened the hearts of everyone who knew her. Sheri left this world with the knowledge that she was surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends and passed peacefully with her loving husband by her side after a very hard and long battle. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the nurses, doctors and PSWs who tenderly cared for her at Victoria Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospice in London. All of Sheri’s caregivers recognized the beautiful soul that Sheri possessed and shared the honour they felt to have been charged with her care. Cremation and a family celebration of Sheri’s life and have already taken place. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, 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

SZIELASKO, Horst Hermann…

It is with great sadness that the family of Hermann Szielasko announce his passing. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Hermann immigrated to Canada from Germany with his wife Patricia and child in 1968. Making London, ON. his home, he participated in the Lyra Choir London for 20 years, became an accomplished wood carver and a proud fisherman with WOFGPA. A private gathering was held with family prior to cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Lung Association. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

COLCLOUGH, Jim…

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, after 16 months battling cancer, James “Jim” Colclough passed peacefully at home surrounded by his devoted wife and daughters. He is now in his eternal home with his Lord and Saviour. Beloved husband of Marie (nee Dobrenski) Colclough, loving Father of Kathy Shamas (Jeff) and Lisa Hill (Mark), cherished Grandfather of Amanda Draves (Matt) and Benjamin Shamas. Dear brother of Marie Fretz (Lloyd) and Jeannette Faw (the late Ron). Dear Brother- in-law to Bob Dobrenski (Elaine), Mike Dobrenski (Kathy), Carolyn Palframan (Rick) and Ken Dobrenski (the late Jeannette). Jim will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a loving and caring Husband, Father and Grandfather. His favourite pastime was dancing with Marie, his wife for almost 61 years. He was a loyal friend who sacrificed his time for many and served the Lord in everything he did. He will be missed by so many family members and friends. A private service for family, as well as live stream, will be by invitation. In memory of Jim, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or Byron Community Church, 336 Glenrose Drive, London, ON, N6K 2A8. A special thanks to Dr. George Kim, Nurse Florence, Dr. Michael Borrie and the cancer team at LHSC. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Peacefully at Kensington Village on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 Mary (Woodcroft) Elkington in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Gordon Elkington (1995). Loving sister of Leonora Johnson (Bill), Dolores Woodcroft, Jack Woodcroft (Betty), Bart Woodcroft (Bernie) and Paulette Bakelaar (John). Predeceased by her siblings Colette and Bob Hayes, Leo and Ruth Woodcroft, Donna and John Cassar, and Mike and Ginnie Woodcroft. Dearly missed by her nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Kensington Village for the excellent care of Mary. As an expression of sympathy, those wishing to make a contribution can make a donation to Kensington Village Long Term Care, 1340 Huron Street, London ON N5V 3R3. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex 519-858-2467. Online condolences accepted at www.cremationlondon.com

ROSS, Elaine, Ruth…

On August 1, 2021, Elaine Ruth Ross in her 80th year, passed away at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital due to heart and former cancer radiation problems. She will be missed by her loving husband George D. Ross of 45 years, her son David R.K Bernard, her daughter Sandra B. Wischlinski, and her step children Deborah Lynn Bes, and Gregory D. Ross. She will also be fondly missed by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Elaine was employed by the Bank of Montreal for over 25 years. Her position was “A Trust & Investment Services Administrator” at BMO Private Client Services. She also, after retirement from the bank became a successful cruise ship consultant traveling to many interesting places in the world. Cremation has taken place in London Ontario. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Heart and Stroke Association would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex.