Obituaries & Condolences

ALLEN, Nancy…

Nancy Allen passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on Sunday, November 17^th, 2024 in her 61^st year.

To my dear courageous daughter from your mom:

You will be missed by all who loved you; your sons Bill and Lew who always made sure you had what you needed, who cared and gave you the love you needed. I know your boy’s dad Lewis will be thinking of you as well.

Your brother Paul and his wife Lesley both knew that the pain you suffered at times could be awful. Your sister, Ria, was able to help you at home with whatever needs she could. Ria was thankfully with you when you left us for your next journey.

Then there is Odin, your delightful grandson who will never know how funny you were, with the humor that always made us all laugh.

I won’t forget nor will I stop thanking your friends Ruth and John. They are really good people who both cared about you and made sure you got to appointments and made sure I was able to go with you. Thank you for caring for both of us.

Then comes the family on both sides. Aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews; all so caring and so many that we’ve stopped counting.

Finally, your dad Paul; he certainly enjoyed who you were. Like you, he left us 2 years ago. Like you, his body just couldn’t work anymore. Like you, he was very brave. You were so much alike.

All the people I have mentioned cared and loved you.

Nancy, I am writing this letter to you and looking at the painting you did for me of flowers which appear to be floating in the breeze. It’s so calming and beautiful. Another wonderful memory you have left me to feel in my heart. For now, I leave you with our usual goodbye- “Love you”.

Thank you for being you,

-Mom.

The family would like to thank the home care nurse, Nancy, along with the PSW’s and palliative care doctor for their compassionate care of Nancy. They always made sure her needs were looked after. To all those at Victoria Hospital, who did everything they could to help Nancy, you have the family’s greatest admiration for your work. Thanks to all of you.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

POWNER, Harold “Chas”…
Harold “Chas” Powner died peacefully at home on Monday, November 18th, 2024 in his 75th year. Proud father of Luke (Alicia-Ann). Beloved companion of Susan. Dear friend of Marlene (Jerome). Chas will also be missed by all of his other mates and relatives both here and in England.
Chas was a passionate Premier League soccer fan. He enjoyed spending time playing darts, camping in the great outdoors, gardening, travelling, and savoring a good box of Quality Street chocolates. Chas will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank the St. Elizabeth care team, Esa and Trevor, for taking such wonderful care of Chas.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life held at a later date. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

RANDALL, Sharon…

Sharon Randall passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters at University Hospital, London, ON, on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 in her 79th year. Beloved mother of Tracey (Jonah) Melville, Terri Smith and Treena (Jerry) Powers. Proud grandmother of Jordan, Ryan, Colin, Mitchell, Cameron, Logan, Morgan and Mads. Loving great-grandmother of Jack and Walter. Dear sister of Bill (Marion), Sandy, and Judy (Chris). She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.

Sharon had a passion for watching Judge Judy, cheering on her favorite baseball and hockey teams, and most of all, spending cherished time with her family. Her warmth and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the emergency and ICU staff at University Hospital, the Thorndale Fire Station, and Middlesex EMS for their compassionate care of Sharon.

Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

TROTTER, John James…

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, John passed away peacefully at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Roberta Trotter for 60 years. Proud father of Christine Chant (Chris) and Richard Trotter (Patti). Cherished Papa of Harrison, Georgia, Lachlan, William Chant and James, Thomas, Daniel Trotter. John was a longtime resident of Erin, ON and moved to London in 2018 to be closer to family, especially grandchildren, whom he adored. John started as a fuel truck driver in 1965 with BP, which later became Petro Canada. Throughout his 35-year career he was elected as the Local VP of Energy Chemical Workers Union, which advanced his career into management. He was promoted to Driver Trainer, Certified Accident Investigator, and eventually retired as Safety and Training Officer for Ontario Region. He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity, had an amazing work ethic, and was an avid Leafs fan. Cremation has taken place. As per John’s wishes, there will be no service. John did not believe in big farewells. Instead he would like those who knew him to offer a quiet toast to an old friend, colleague, neighbour, or family member (preferably with a cold beer). As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation-Palliative Care, 395 Carrie Street, Strathroy, ON N7G 3J4. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LIVINGSTONE, Heather..

Heather Livingstone passed away peacefully at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario on October 18th, 2024 in her 72^nd year. Loving wife of Graham Livingstone for 52 years. Heather will be dearly missed by her children Loranne (Jonathan), Erin (Phillip) and Darren (Beckie). Beloved grandmother of Brandon (Cristal), Matthew (Yanelli), Brett (Brandy), Ethan, Madelyne, Jake, Cole, and Will. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren Brady, Eladia, Vincent and Jacob.

The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospital and Parkwood Hospital for their compassionate care.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HAYTER, Donald…

Donald Hayter Jr. passed away suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London, on October 26, 2024 in his 60th year. Don will be dearly missed by his fiancée Alycia Hancox. Loving father of Kyle and Zachery Hayter. Cherished brother of Margaret (Steven) Seely and Sherri Hayter (Wayne Pacey). Fun uncle to Morgan Martin, Brett Flanagan, and Chris Hayter. Don will also be missed by his great nieces and nephews.

Don was a warm, fun-loving man who left a lasting mark on everyone he met. He was a proud member of AA for over 30 years, a skilled welder, and a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens and NASCAR. In his younger days, he enjoyed baseball, and his love for sports was only surpassed by his deep love for his children and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff in the CCTC department at Victoria Hospital, London, for their compassionate care for Don.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life for Don held at a later date. Donations in memory of Don may be made to Diabetes Canada. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

TROTECHAUD, Kevin…

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin Trotechaud on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, at University Hospital, London, Ontario, at the age of 62 years.

Kevin was born in Chatham, Ontario. Growing up Kevin loved playing hockey, lacrosse and most of all football. Kevin managed a long successful career in the oil and gas industry beginning his career on rigs in southwestern Ontario. In 1985 Kevin accepted a position as Operational Manager with Computalog (a precision drilling corporation) and moved to Alberta where he remained during the rest of his career. Kevin was so grateful that he had the opportunity to further his education through the companies he worked for, attending The University of Alberta, as well as completing the Ivey Management Program at the University of Western Ontario. Among many accolades, Kevin also holds a patent for a device that is used in the oil and gas industry. Kevin continued his successful career with his last position as Vice President at Alta-Fab Structures.

Kevin was a loving brother, father, and friend. He was very determined, intelligent, compassionate and hard working. He overcame obstacles with grace and a positive outlook. Kevin loved spending time with family, friends, music, going for runs, boot camps, hiking, being by the water and mountains and spending time with his dog Nash who was always by his side.

Predeceased by his parents Morris and Teresa Trotechaud and his brother Terry. Loving father of his children, Trevor and Adam. Loving brother of Kathy Ellis (Roy – deceased), David Trotechaud (Marjorie), Tracey Watson (Grant), Kim Trotechaud-Allen (Craig), Julie Rhodes (David) and Deb Trotechaud (Jason Sleziuk). Kevin will also be missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, his extended family and his close friends from Ontario and the West coast.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered condolences and support during this difficult time. Kevin will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A celebration of Life will be held at Links of Kent
120 Indian Creek Rd W, Chatham, ON N7M 2E2
Sunday, November 3rd
1:00pm-4:00pm

Donations can be made in support of McCormick Home through the McCormick Care Foundation https://www.mccormickcarefoundation.ca/tribute-giving In memory of Kevin Trotechaud. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ELDRIDGE, Donna…

Donna Eldridge passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in her 66th year. Daughter of Lillian Eldridge. Survived by her siblings Arthur Eldridge (Laura), David Eldridge (Beth) and Sandra Ford (Joe). Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father Karl Eldridge, her brother Edward Eldridge and her long-time partner Ron Rawson. Cremation has taken place and a private inurnment will take place at a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In Donna’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 ST. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

The Fallen Limb – Author Unknown
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times,
the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived
while I was strong.
Continue my heritage,
I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely
the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest.
Remembering all,
how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions,
no matter how small.
Go on with your life,
don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly,
so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes
we’re together again.”

Gurney, Gwendolyn “Gwen”…

Peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Gwendolyn Gurney passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024 in her 86th year. Beloved wife of the late Charles Gurney (1984) and long-time companion of the late Walter Beijer (2017). Loving mother of Dave Gurney and his partner Lisa Barr and Steve Gurney. Dear sister of Mervin Elgie and his wife Jan. Dearly missed by her nephews Matt Elgie and his wife Irene and Rob Elgie. Gwen was a devoted and cherished mother who loved unconditionally. She was a long-time employee of Cummins Optical, and enjoyed tending to her gardens when she retired. Gwen was happiest at her family cottage in Port Franks, making many trips with the kids and later with Walter joining them. Cremation has taken place, and a private family interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Gwen, donations may be made to Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program), c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WESTON, James “Jim”…

James “Jim” Weston passed away peacefully at the Parkwood Hospital Veterans Care Unit in London, Ontario, on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, in his 80th year. Jim will be dearly missed by his wife Bea of 53 years. Loving father of Glenda and Andrew Weston. Cherished grandfather of Saraann. Jim will also be missed by his family out West and down in The Maritimes.

Jim served proudly in the Royal Canadian Navy for 25 years, with part of his career being a UN Peacekeeper. He was posted in a number of cities and countries around the world. One of his postings was in Germany, where Jim, Bea and their children, lived for 3 years. He was passionate about collecting stamps and loved spending time with his Labradoodle, Coco, often treating her to Timbits. Jim will be remembered for his service, hobbies, and the love he had for those around him.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff on the 3rd floor Kent-Essex unit at Parkwood Hospital for always going above and beyond in their exceptional care and compassion towards Jim.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 from 10am-11am at Parish of Holy Trinity St. Stephens Memorial, 727 Southdale Road East, London, ON. Service to follow at 11am in the chapel. Private family interment to take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Parkwood’s Veterans Care Program, https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now (please ensure you select the veterans care program when donating online). Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com