Obituaries & Condolences

HARVEY, Lesley Dawn (nee Lochead)….

Peacefully with family by her side, Dawn passed away at home at the age of 61 on Friday, March 27, 2020. Loving mother of Daniel and Thomas (Emilee) Harvey. Cherished sister of Barb (Mark), Cyndie (Dave) and Lloyd (Sabi). Adored daughter of Grant (Patricia). Predeceased by her mother Norma and stepfather Bruce. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Passed peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Victoria Hospital in London at the age of 65.

She will be dearly missed by her children Phillip and Lindsay, sisters Patricia and Judie and niece Kelly; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Those who wish to make a donation in memory of Phyllis can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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

HEARNDEN, Michael…

Unexpectedly, Michael Hearnden passed away at the age of 63 on Friday, January 24, 2020. Michael resided in London for the past 4 years. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Survived by his 3 siblings, nephew, and aunts and cousins. Michael enjoyed his employment and fellow co-workers at Lowe’s. Many thanks to the wonderful team of nurses and doctors at Victoria Hospital, London for their excellent care of Michael. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place in the spring. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BLAIR THORNTON HARRISON
June 6, 1935 – January 21, 2020
Blair passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the age of 84, with his youngest daughter at his side. Blair resided at Henley Place, London, Ontario where he was cared for in the last year of his life as dementia took a deeper hold of him. He leaves his cherished daughters, Lesley Harrison (Stephen Zolf), Janet Harrison and Megan Harrison; his treasured grandsons, Drew Harrison (Kelli Forbes), Ben and Elliott Zolf, Nick Harrison; Blair’s loving sisters Wynne (Polermo) and Penelope Harrison (deceased 2004); and his dear brother-in-law Stephen Woodward and nephews Kevin and Scott Woodward. Blair was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Anne (Elizabeth Anne Woodward), who passed away in 2013. They were devoted to each other. Born in Montreal, Blair was named after his grandfather Sir Henry Thornton, the first president of the Canadian National Railways. When Blair was an infant, his family moved to Coral Gables, Florida. Blair spent his childhood revelling in adventure and a love of nature. As a young man, Blair moved on his own to London, Ontario in the early 50s. He became an Ontario surveyor and proudly “measured much of Ontario” for several years. Blair returned to school and received his Master’s in Education and Teaching degree. Blair was a natural teacher. Even when he retired, he was always “teaching” (just ask his family and friends!). His boundless interest in others and his curiosity for the world at large kept him engaged with everyone whom he came in contact with. Blair and Anne moved to Simcoe, Ontario in 1977. They committed much time and energy serving their community and each received provincial awards for their dedication. Blair’s last career was in real estate. For fifteen years he helped families buy and sell homes – if they weren’t already friends, they were by the time the deal closed. For Blair it was another great opportunity to meet people. He was a long-standing member of The Simcoe Rotary and received the Paul Harris Fellow International Recognition Award. Blair spearheaded many conservation efforts including the Fowler Toad, it’s Easy Being Green and the Lynn Valley Trail. Blair’s love of nature was a lifelong pursuit. He knew the tiniest details of countless birds and animals and he was a bit of an armchair arborist. Blair’s passion of the outdoors is instilled in his daughters and grandsons. A lifetime of memories hiking, camping and canoeing fills our hearts; he will forever keep us company on our future treks, whether walks in the woods or hiking up mountains. Blair embraced his hobbies, among them, photography, woodworking, stained glass artwork and poetry. He wrote many lovely pieces over the years, ironically remembering one of his favourite lines – “the brain is on the wane”. Blair sang in church choirs and plays and just about anywhere. He had a beautiful full voice and it was one of his most lasting attributes. Even a few days before he passed away, he passionately sang Yellow Bird to his daughters. Most of all, we each lost our biggest fan. Blair was full of praise, advice, encouragement and interest in everything we did. He put each of us in a warm spotlight, a light which seems a little less bright right now. We will so miss our champion. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at Henley Place, whose warmth and devotion to Blair will not be forgotten. Funeral Service to be held Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church, 80 Colborne Street South, Simcoe, Ontario, followed by tea. Memorial donations can be made in Blair’s honour to the Terry Fox Foundation. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WILLIAMS,
Scott….

Suddenly on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, Scott Williams passed away in his 58th year. Beloved son of Bob and Charlene Williams. Much loved brother of Holly Williams. Scott will also be greatly missed by his extended family and close family friend Sylvia. Scott’s major hobby was puttering around with electronics, small engines and motors. He was a very kind and generous person and always had a soft side for animals. Cremation has taken place and an informal gathering in honour of Scott will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1-3 pm at the A. Millard George Reception Centre (located on the southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. The family wishes to thank the health care teams at Parkwood Mental Health, the CCTC Unit at LHSC Victoria and especially the helpful and thoughtful team at Trillium Gift of Life Network and would appreciate anyone wishing to make a donation to consider them. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

RIEL, MARY MARGARET “PEGGY”…

Surrounded by the love of her family, Peggy was peacefully called to be with her Lord on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at the age of 93, at Parkwood Hospital, London.

Cherished mother of Christopher Edwards (Kathy), Kim Edwards Fitzmorris (Ted), Richard Riel (Sharon), Joe Riel (Stephanie) and Jeff Riel (Judy). Loving and dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Predeceased by husbands Tom Edwards (1950) and Roy Riel (1996).

Peggy touched many lives in her years as a friend, foster parent, childcare worker, Anglican Church member and community volunteer.

Words cannot express our gratitude for the care and compassion she received at Parkwood Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s Memorial Church, 727 Southdale Rd. E., London on Saturday, January 25, 2020 for visitation from 10 to 11 am, followed by a memorial service in the church at 11 am. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment at a later date in Amherstburg, ON.

To brighten the lives of children, Peggy has requested donations be made to Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario, 207-551 Oxford St. W., London, ON N6H 0H9, in lieu of flowers. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

McFADDEN, Murray….

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Sunday, January 5, 2020, George “Murray” McFadden passed away in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Jayne McFadden for 52 years. Loving father of Robert “Bob” McFadden (Helena Melo), Sandra Blair (Willie) and James McFadden (Julie). Cherished grandfather of David, Kelly, Sydney and Cassady McFadden, Corey and Michelle Blair, Christian and Jenna McFadden and great-grandfather of Andrew, Ryan, Cassandra, Rylee and Lucas. Much loved brother of Sheila Morton (Don) of Seaforth, Bruce McFadden (Mary) of Grand Bend and Brenda Crawford (Bob) of London. Murray will also be missed by several nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Predeceased by his son Edward “Ted” McFadden (1988) and his parents Ralph “Farmer” and Margaret (MacDonald) McFadden. Murray dedicated over 40 years of service to D.H. Howden during his career. The family would like to send many thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospice and staff for taking care of Murray. Your compassionate care is immeasurable. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Murray’s Life will be held at Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London, on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 1-4 pm. Donations in Murray’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

BULL, Malcolm Hepple

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Malcolm Hepple Bull on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 in his 79th year. Predeceased by his parents Evelyn Margaret & Joseph Eric “John” Bull, O.B.E. and his two sisters Anne Colvin and Shirley Bull. We are grateful that he was able to spend his last five days at home with his family by his side. Malcolm will be missed by Anne, Jonathan, Jillian & Yoshinobu Takami, Jennifer & Aaron Ball, Jaclyn & Kevin Shelson, and grandchildren Emily & Claire. With his distinctive grin and twinkle in his eye, he enjoyed telling jokes or stories to anyone who would listen, especially if they were about his children. We are extremely grateful and proud to have had such a wonderful man for a father. There is comfort in knowing how special he was to so many others. Malcolm was born in Khartoum, Sudan, attended boarding schools in England, joined the Bermuda Police force at 18, emigrated to Toronto at 23, and started a sales career working his way from regional manager at Bristol Myers to vice-president of the former O-Pee-Chee Company of London. He continued his success with the creation of his own company Simply Candy Ltd. and in his “retirement”, he both invented and founded the Original Stick Chair, which has been sold around the world. We feel Malcolm had an extraordinary life and he was deeply touched by all of the kind words he received, as well as annoyed for “creating such a fuss for everyone”. We will miss him immensely and will be remembering him at a Memorial Gathering which will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019 from 12-3 pm at the Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London, with words of remembrance being shared at 12:30 pm. We welcome his friends, neighbours, and acquaintances to drop in and share a story for Malcolm. Online condolences may be sent to sales@stickchair.com.

Donations in memory of Malcolm may be made to the 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.

READ, Sydney ….
Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Monday, December 10, 2019 at the age of 92. Syd is the beloved husband of Dorothy Read for 70 years. Father of Craig Read (Anne Fleming-Read) and Kevin Read (Marg). Proud grandparent of Mackenzie and Spencer, Emily, Caitlyn and Aaron and great grandsons Ellis and Arlo.

Sydney was an avid Scottish country dancer, golfer and a long-time supporter of the Grand Theatre and the London Symphony Orchestra. Sydney shared his devotion as a member of the Metropolitan United Church congregation and as a baritone in the senior choir for more than 60 years.

Friends and guests are welcomed to visitation on Monday, December 16, 2019 one-hour prior (2-3pm) to the funeral service being held at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London at 3pm, with reception to follow. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HESSE, Nancy Linda Marie….

It is with great sadness the family of Nancy Linda Marie Hesse (nee Rogers) announces her sudden passing on Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 at the age of 68 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A 15 year employee at Giant Tiger in Strathroy, her laughter and singing will be sadly missed by all those who knew her. Nancy is survived by her children, Sally Hesse of Ottawa, Melinda (Mike) Szusz of Maynooth and 3 grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Eileen (Gord) White of Fonthill, brother James Rogers of Fonthill, sister-in-law Elizabeth Rogers of Sarnia and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Harry and Dorothy Rogers, sister Ruby Janzen, brother Jeffrey Rogers, sister-in-law Barbara Rogers and brother-in-law Henry Janzen. At her request cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com