Obituaries & Condolences

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.

Gordon Llewellyn “Wayne” Forbes died peacefully at his home in London on July 25^th, 2021 in London Ontario at the age of 82, surrounded by family and faithful little dog Willow.  

Wayne is survived by his partner of 45 years Sandra Morrison and her daughter Cheryl of London; Sons Dale, Kerry, Robert and Chris and families of Pembroke.  Wayne had two remaining sisters Susan and Monica. He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Charlotte, brother Phil, sister Gordean, daughter Jane, former wife Marilyn and grandson Braden.

Wayne was born in Lion’s Head Ontario to Gordon and Charlotte Forbes. After several years in the Airforce, Wayne moved to London where he met his second wife Sandra, through friends. Shortly after moving to London, Wayne began working for The Canadian National Railroad as a conductor and had many a good story about riding the rails. After training as a chef at Fanshawe College, Wayne worked for several years at Genest Detention Centre until his retirement.

Wayne loved animals, gardening, cooking and bowling, and will be missed by his tennis buddy Maria.

Thank you to my sister Pat and her husband Leroy, our family nurse Annie, our families, neighbours and friends who loved and respected Wayne.

If you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider a charity of choice, SaveMeRescue or Animal Alert London

A Celebration of life is scheduled for a later date.

Togtema,  Tetje (Terry) (nee Hofstra)………..  

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London ON, Wednesday July 28, 2021. Terry went to be with her Lord and saviour Jesus Christ at the age of 90 years. Born in Sexbeirum, Friesland, The Netherlands on February 15, 1931. 

Predeceased by Kornelis (Casey) Togtema her loving husband of 38 years; son Gerald Togtema and great grandson Jensen Togtema. Lovingly remembered by her son John (Helene) , daughters Katharine Longo (Frank) and Cynthia MacDonald (Mark), and Brenda Wyma (John Clarke) . Grandchildren Cosmo (Stephanie), Kees (Ola), Korey (Mavis), Frank (Laura), Gregorey (Melissa), Whitney, Joseph (Jenna), Colin, Ross, and Alison. Great-grandchildren Olivier, Sullie, Mali, Frankie, Denham, Grace, Lennon. Brother-law John Hogendoorn, niece Annette Geldbert (Gerry).

Private family service will be held on Sunday August 1, 2021. Interment to follow in Bolton, ON at a later date. Terry was well known for her kindness, compassion and many years of volunteer pastoral care visits in the community. Donations in Terry’s memory can be made to Youth For Christ (yfclondon.com) Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FLINT, Bryan….

Bryan Howard Flint, 59, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 10, 2021 in London at Victoria Hospital. Bryan was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He enjoyed listening to music, spending time with his family and grandchildren, watching Kung Fu movies and going to his church, The Atonement Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of Canada, which he attended every Sunday. Bryan is preceded in death by his father and mother, Morton Flint and Marion (nee Clayton) Flint, his grandparents, his sisters Teresa and Angela, and his brothers Stephen, Darren and Anthony. Bryan is survived by his daughter Talia, his sisters Missy, Sonya and Marty, his brothers Corey, Mouchie and Trevor, and his grandchildren, Lj, Marqelle and Halo. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses and team at the London Health Sciences Centre short term stay unit. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ROWLAND, Mike “Rollie”….

Mike Rowland passed away at Victoria Hospital, London, on Thursday, July 8, 2021 in his 64^th year. Predeceased by parents Eileen and Ray, grandchild Jacob, and brother Rick. Survived by daughters Charlene and Colleen, grandchildren Lex, Mike, Jak, Dalton, and Noah and his siblings Pat, Al, Debbie, and Tom. 

Mike was a great lover of all sports and actively played volleyball with best friend Bob and softball with all of his friends at the Huff n Puff League. Mike will be sincerely missed by all of his co-workers at the Bag Lickers Union. 

Mike was a great father, grandparent and friend. He had a kind soul and a soft heart and behind a gruff straight forward exterior loved many and would do anything for his friends and family. A celebration of his life will held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 2-6 pm at 450 Ronald Street, London. 

In lieu of flowers his daughters respectfully request that donations be made in his honour to the East London Optimist Club. Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JURY, Sandra “Sandy”….

Peacefully at her residence on Sunday, July 4, 2021 Sandra “Sandy” Jury passed away in her 77th year. Predeceased by her beloved friend and companion of 62 years James Dart (May 20, 2021). Beloved Mother “Mema” to Michele Winslade (Randy) and Karen Haughey (Darren Gibson). Proud and loving grandmother to Brittany Winslade (Ryan Helwig), Miranda Winslade (Angie Turbill), Candace Haughey and James Haughey. Loving great-grama to Bryan Helwig. Beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Joanne Gormley, Donna Doughty and Sharron Mitchell, brother Bob Jury and parents George Jury and Evelynne Hodgins (Harold). Cremation has taken place and at Sandy’s wishes no funeral service will be held. In Sandy’s memory, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Clinic, 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

GUNN, Donald “Don”….

On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, Donald Edward Gunn, in his 73rd year, passed away at Victoria Hospital in London, after a brief battle with cancer. Loving spouse to Susan Lee. Fondly missed by sons Devon (Pia) and Colin and step children Josh Broderick (Christine), Christine Fordyce (Shayne), and Jeff Lee (Andreanne). Devoted grandpa to Audrey, Spencer, Myla, Emily, Katelyn and Kendall. Predeceased by parents Ted and Alice Gunn. Big brother to Blair Gunn (Alyson) and Lee Hamilton. Brother-in-law to Donna Lovie (Larry), Ann Russell (Doug), and the late Mary Tavener (Ernie). Son-in-law to Helen Desjardine (Emerson). Will be missed by his many nieces and nephews.

Don was born and grew up in London, Ontario. He worked as a lithographer in London for Specialized Packaging Group for 44 years. He enjoyed travelling, boating, fishing, wood working and peanut butter. He was always up for a project or lending a helpful hand and spent most of his time with family and spoiling his grandchildren. He can be fondly remembered heavily accesssorized with rings, watches and various pocketknives.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5 would be very much appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SMYTH, William “Bill”….

Peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, William “Bill” Smyth passed away peacefully in his 93rd year. Bill was the beloved husband of the late Sheila (nee Gray) (1999), and the cherished father of Allyson (Bob), Gordon (Joanne), Ian (Kaaren) and Scott (Kirstin). He was the beloved and proud grandpa of Adam, Michael (Laurie), Shannon (Patrick), Lauryn, Alex, Darby and Tessa and loving great-grandfather of Noah. Also loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his father, Gordon (1935), his mother Margaret (1977) and his brothers Robert, Patrick and Darcy, and his sisters Grace, Mary and Sally.

Dad was a proud, independent man known for his kindness, charm and wit. He brought a smile to everyone lucky enough to come in contact with him. He took great pride in his children and their families and always enjoyed his time with them, but his happiest times were spent with his beloved Sheila. They spent many years together traveling both near and far and sharing memories of those journeys would always put a sparkle in dad’s eye.

A man who curled and played golf for recreation, his true passion was to play bridge, although perhaps a little too competitively for those at the table with him. He was a voracious reader who also enjoyed his extensive collection of DVDs including numerous action thrillers and classics. Dad grew up in Oshawa, Ontario where he decided that a career with GM was definitely not for him, and spent his career at the Ontario Department of Highways/Ministry of Transportation, where (according to dad) he had a hand in building just about every highway in the province of Ontario.

Dad lived a full life, but some of his spark left him with the passing of mom 23 years ago. With his last two years limited by his health and Covid restrictions, he is now at peace, and he’s with Mom. Rest in peace, Dad.

Cremation has taken place and at Bill’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In Bill’s memory, donations 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