Obituaries & Condolences

LASKEY, Roy “Gub”….

Passed away at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, June 13, 2020, Roy “Gub” Laskey of London in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Lynda (Evans, Smale) Laskey for 44 years. Loving father of Randy Laskey (Nickie), Karen Smith (Steve), and step-father of Brian Smale. Cherished grandpa “Gub” of Beckie, Jessica, Jay W and Candace and great-grandpa “Gub” of Brodie, Alexis and Emily-Ann. Dear brother of George (Ann) and brother-in-law of Gwen Laskey and Val VanderHoven. Son-in-law of Phyllis Evans and the late Murray. Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Clifford and Ruby Laskey, his brother Bill Laskey and sister Sharon VanderHoven. Gub worked as a printer for the Federal Government for 35 years. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Food Bank or London Humane Society or Wesley-Knox United Church. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Gregory Joseph “Greg” Simpson

August 23, 1948 – June 10, 2020

Born in Sidney, BC as the first child of Joe Simpson and Annabelle Galloway, Greg and his two beloved sisters, Wanda and Nadine, were raised by Joe’s older sister, Clara, and Clara’s husband Bert Butterick. To Greg, ‘Aunt and Unc’ were Mom and Dad. Clara and Bert have long since passed, but have no doubt welcomed him with open hearts all over again. Greg leaves behind three daughters – Abby, Jacqueline, and Nikki Simpson, as well as son-in-law Aaron Carlson, and Judy (nee Graham) Simpson, the mother of his children and far and away his one great love (you just had to hear him talk about her), though they hadn’t been legally married for 30 years.

Family meant everything to Greg from the start. In high school, he introduced his good friend Jim Sinclair, the bass player of the Broom Town Band, the first he ever managed, to his sister Wanda. Jim and Wanda’s longevity as a couple gave him cause to take pride in telling this story for the next 60 years. He also leaves behind a half-brother, Mark Woolley, half-sister, Mavis Lopez, sister-in-law Robyn Graham Cherrie, nieces Kathy Sinclair and Amy Sinclair Erb, Tova Barnett, Michaela and Meredith Woolley, Natalie and Lauren Cherrie, nephews Natty Simpson and Elijah Barnett, great-nephews and great-niece Lachlan, Wolffy, Freddie, Makai, and Avery. He also loved Martin Barnett, Blair Erb, John Lucas, Brian Edwards, Celina Ronayne, and the Lumleys.

To Greg, his friends were family, too, and his daughters always knew that he had a small, benevolent army of music-loving hippies who respected everything from his knowledge to his loyalty, his optimism and his seemingly endless stash of pot. He loved them all. He considered almost everyone he met, in any capacity, an instant new friend. He spent 55 years in the Canadian music business, mostly in London, Ontario, in capacities that ranged from talent management to radio programming, conference facilitation to consulting. Biographies of his career and accomplishments already exist, which his daughters have noted in the days since his passing with pride and gratitude. Greg never made millions, but there was an air to him not unlike George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, if George, like Greg, had remained an unabashed optimist: The richest people you know are those so deeply loved. As Jacqueline noted recently, apart from obscure music trivia, Greg’s gift was love. He made sure that everyone he loved knew it every chance he got. If you gave him even a hint of an opportunity, he’d tell you how much he loved his three daughters, and how proud he was of everything they did. He was the recital-going Dad, the one at every after-school sports meet, the one who took your call after midnight when you wanted a ride home from the mall with your friends, who never insisted you use your bus tickets instead. We’re grateful to the neurologists and nurses at University Hospital who supported our family through this, with ongoing pandemic regulations, and to those who have reached out to us to offer support and condolences.

Plans for a Celebration of Life in London will be arranged for a time
after social gathering restrictions have eased. His ashes will be laid to rest
near his hometown, with Aunt and Unc. Charitable donations in his name have not
been pre-arranged, but Greg was an ardent supporter of the Forest City London
Music Awards and the Great Lakes Blues Society. Above all, though, Greg would
want you to live to love, as he did, and wouldn’t ask of you much more. Arrangements
entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online
condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

On Friday, May 15, 2020, Ferencz “Frank” Piroska in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Irene Piroska. Father of Dorika Gegeny (Alex Gegeny) and Francois Piroska. Grandfather of Alex Jr & Amy Gegeny, and Brandon & Eric Piroska. Great Grandfather of Cole Piroska. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the McCormick Home, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PARKER, Kathleen…

Peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law by her side, on Friday, May 8, 2020, Kathleen Parker passed away at the age of 79. Beloved wife of the late Paul Parker (2012). Dear mother of Stephen Parker and his wife Rosa and Liz Dubois and her husband Greg. Survived by her sister Pamela Hall. Kathleen was a dedicated participant in the Sunday morning Thai Chi group at Westmount Shopping Centre. The Parker family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Stephanie Austin for her care and compassion, and to the nurses at St. Elizabeth’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Kathleen’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STOCKER, Heinrich “Henry”…

We are terribly saddened to announce the sudden passing of Heinrich “Henry” Stocker. 

Henry
was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. 

Henry
was born on February 23rd, 1955 in Sarmenstorf, Switzerland to Heinrich and
Maria Stocker. He married Carol Lynne Footwinkler on September 25th, 1981 in
London, Ontario. Their daughter Chantal, Henry’s pride and joy, was born on
February 14, 1984 in Dubendorf, Switzerland. Their granddaughter Frances was
born on July 31, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario.

Henry
was a skilled tool and dye maker by trade. He was the proud owner and operator
of his own tool and dye shop in London, Ontario for seven years. 

Henry
is survived by his wife Carol Stocker; his father Heinrich Stocker; his
daughter Chantal McSheffrey; his son-in-law Ryan McSheffrey; his granddaughter
Frances McSheffrey; his siblings Maria Stocker, Vreni De Boni, Heidi and Marcel
Meier and Hugo and Doris Stocker; his nieces Manuela Leal, Cornelia Viceconte,
Ramona De Boni, Jasmine Stocker and Andrea Hibbert; his sister-in-law Linda
Hibbert; his extended family Zachary Hibbert, Mickey De Vivo, Milena De Vivo,

Miguel
Leal, Cristiano Leal, Diego Leal, Diana Leal, Fabio Viceconte and Emma
Viceconte; and his friends Adrian and Petra Beeler and Hans and Liselotte Naef.

Henry
lived mourning the loss of his late mother Maria, his nephew Graham Hibbert,
his brother-in-law Hugo Huber and his brother-in-law Andrew Hibbert. 

The family offers the following tribute: “Henry was a good, honest and hard working man who loved and sought to protect his family above all else. His kind nature and caring spirit will forever remain in the memories of his loved ones.”

A small gathering for the immediate family was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences and a full version of obituary shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEWART, Robert “Rob”….

Peacefully, with family by his side, at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, Robert “Rob” Stewart passed away in his 63rd year. Loving father of Michael Stewart (Kimberly), Robert Stewart (Amy), Megan Bilotta (Bruno) and Adam Stewart (Jessica). Cherished Grandpa of William, Arden, Emily, Robbie, Tanner, Victoria, Brianna, Natalie, Peyton and Logan. Much loved brother of Debbie Oakley (Ian). He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Born and raised in Markdale, Rob loved nothing more than being outdoors. Rob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his family sharing stories of his outdoor adventures. Although Rob loved being outdoors, a Leafs game or Nascar race could always bring him inside. Rob had a very strong work ethic. Rob spent most of his working life as a supervisor at Terra Footwear in Markdale, but was most proud of his time spent as a volunteer firefighter on the Markdale Fire Department.

Cremation has taken place. For those wishing to make a donation in Rob’s name, please consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FINNERTY, Michaelina “Lena”….

Michaelina “Lena” Finnerty, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in London. She is survived by her sons Wayne Finnerty, Ron Finnerty and Brendan Finnerty, and her daughter Shelley Finnerty. She was a grandmother of five grandchildren; Michael, James, Gregory, Melanie and Samantha, and one great grandchild; Ezra. Lena is also survived by nieces; Iris and Diane, three daughters-in-law; Connie, Liliana, and Nancy and by many other family members and friends who loved her very much. Lena loved her family and was a hard worker at heart. Her humour, quiet nature and happy soul will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Lena’s memory may be made to your charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PENTECOST, Ian….

Unexpectedly at his residence, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, Ian John Pentecost of London, formerly of Parkhill and Guelph, in his 66th year. Born in London, England to Ernest and Sarah Pentecost (both deceased), he was the proud father of Derek (Jody) Pentecost of Parkhill and Sean Pentecost of Grand Bend. Cherished grandfather of Jayden and Gage Pentecost. Beloved brother of Brian (Marg) Pentecost of Burlington, Avril (Ross) Brown of Guelph and Gillian (Mike) Melong of London. He is survived by nieces and nephews in Canada and England. He will be remembered by his sons’ mother, Joanne Pentecost and the Walper family. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at Byron United Church. Donations in Ian’s memory may be made to Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London, ON N6K 2K5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STAFFORD, Hilda “Joan”….

Peacefully, after a brief illness, as in her favourite hymn Jesus called Joan to “Come to the Lakeshore” on Monday, April 6, 2020, to be rejoined with the love of her life, Grant Stafford of 59 years marriage. Joan was most proud of her sons and the life she lived with her husband Grant. She was a strong independent woman who; loved to laugh, play bingo with her sister Shirley & sisters-in-law Susan & Janet, enjoyed politics, her church & choir, and most of all her time spent with family.

Joan & Grant raised 3 loving sons whom they were very proud of; Terry (Grace), Ken (Dawna) and Victor (Kathy) who also went on to raise Joan & Grant’s grandchildren, Christine (C.J.), Melissa (Cheysson), Christopher (d.), Kenny Jon (Karissa), Greg (Desiree), Tyler (Brooke) & Leah…. And great grandchildren; Aidan, Mikaela, Mia & Miley, Ally, Kailee and Skylar.

Joan was born in River John, Nova Scotia to Gardner & Marion “Mary” Brown nee Langille. She was one of 7 children and is survived by her youngest brother Blaine (Susan) Brown & family, sisters-in-law Eleanor (brother Ken (d.)) Brown & family, Janet (brother Arnold (d.)) Brown & family, nephews and family of Shirley & Ray Boutilier. Predeceased by her sister & closest friend Shirley Boutilier and sisters Mildred & Evelyn.

Joan held a special place in her heart for the following: Bill & Sharon Wilson & family, Richard Brown, Jeff Brown, Glen & Barb Boutilier and special friends Laurie Irving (d.) & Lisa Shaver. Joan also loved and was loved by her furry friends, Rambo, Marley & Sofie.

In 1964 after retiring from the Navy, Grant and Joan moved to Barrie, Ontario where they lived, worked and raised their family. They returned to Nova Scotia in 1988 and called River John home. They lived there together until Grant’s passing in 2016. Joan continued to live in their home until November 2018 when she moved to London, Ontario. Joan’s family was blessed to have been able to spend extra time with her during her return to Ontario where she was able to enjoy her 80th birthday celebration in Barrie, surrounded by her immediate family and friends and meeting her great grandchildren for the first time. Later Joan was unable to travel long distances. However, she was able to enjoy many visits from family & friends from all over Ontario. She was the happiest having Saturday & Sunday family dinners, phone calls from Barrie and Nova Scotia, scenic drives, music… lots of music and a renewed sense of belonging through family & community. While Joan will be greatly missed, her spirit will live on through all of our fond and loving memories of her.

A special thank you to Dr. Robert Bush, Tatamagouche, NS, the staff at Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence, Dr. Bhooma Bhayana and LHSC medical staff for their tender and compassionate care.

Joan’s life will be celebrated in Barrie, ON and River John, NS – dates yet to be determined. For donations in Joan’s memory please consider Salem United Church, in River John, NS, My Sisters’ Place, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 or your charity of choice.

Joan’s final resting place will be beside her husband Grant in Hamilton Cemetery, River John, NS.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex,
519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ELLIS, Dana Christine…
September 1, 1974 – April 7, 2020

Heaven gained a BEAUTIFUL Angel today. We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our loving and beautiful daughter, stepdaughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter and niece, Dana, suddenly with her Father by her side on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020. She is the beloved daughter of Laura (Peter) Landa and Dan (Shelley) Ellis. Beloved sister and sister-in-law of Brandon Ellis and his wife Josie. Beloved granddaughter of the late Ruby & Samuel Taylor, the late Florence Ellis and Charles Ellis, the late Don & Florence Avery and Eileen & Ian Landa. Dana will truly be missed by her loving Aunts and Uncles, Cathy (the late Bart) Forbes, Christine (Paul) Park, Eric (the late Bev) Taylor, the late Timothy Taylor, Sue (Kevin) Reimer, Cathy Spoiala, Lynda (Fred) Logan, the late Rick Avery and Randy (Rose) Avery as well as her many cousins. Dana will be missed by her loving partner John Duly, her loving felines Dewey and Miss Scarlet and her many friends. A private family viewing will take place with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. As, ourselves and Dana would want everyone to stay safe during these trying times of COVID-19. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us with their expressions of sympathy, prayers and kind words. Donations in Dana’s memory may be made to your local animal rescue. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com