Obituaries & Condolences

FRIESEN, Elizabeth….

On April 2, 2021, Good Friday, Elizabeth Friesen passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. Beth was born in Leduc, Alberta; met her husband while teaching at the Fisher River Indian School in Manitoba; and spent most of her life in Vancouver, BC. She and Al had four children, were active members of Trinity Baptist and White Rock Baptist churches, and made many great friends.

Beth was a creative and loving mother who raised four distinctive children. She had a quick wit, a love of stories, and a desire for knowledge and understanding. Many will remember her as quite a character, with a deep curiosity about the people she encountered. Her joy was to connect with others, and with a little luck, to make them laugh. Even in her stays in the hospital near the end, the nurses and doctors often commented on how charming and humorous she was.

Describing the last few years, which she spent in Ontario, Beth said, “I’m so happy because I’m near the kids” – Barb and Pat. Her last moments were spent holding Barb’s hand.

Beth is predeceased by her loving husband Al, and her eldest son Roger. She is survived by Roger’s partner, Brigitte Rahn; son Randy Friesen and partner Susan Bolman; Randy’s daughter Natasha and partner Annabree, and 2 sons, Jerram, and Cormac; her daughter Barbara and husband Patrick, and sons, Thomas, and Christopher and partner Emily; and daughter Patty and husband Patrick, and sons Adam, and Nicholas.

Cremation has taken place. Donations in Beth’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 551 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 0N8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ERVASTI, Magaret…..

On March 29, 2021 after a short and very courageous bout with cancer, Margaret Anne Ervasti (Meyers) passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Hospice, London. Margaret was born in London in 1953 to Roy and Alma Meyers. She was a lover of the outdoors, and spent many hours hiking with her husband of 40+ years, Thomas Edward Ervasti. She was also an avid Blue Jays fan. Margaret was a dedicated 40-year Management employee at The Bank of Montreal and helped many people in her various branch postings around the London area. She is sadly and very greatly missed by her husband, Thomas, and his family. She was close to her sister, Lynda, and her husband, Wayne Buck, of New Hamburg. Margaret greatly enjoyed visits with Lynda’s and Wayne’s sons, daughter, and their children. There will not be a funeral, and cremation has occurred. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London ON N6A 5M2 and The Canadian Cancer Society P.O Box 640 STN K, Toronto ON M4P 9Z9, are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FLEMING, Joan….

At Parkwood Institute, London, on Sunday, February 21, 2021, Joan passed away peacefully in her 65th year. Loving wife of Ed (Edmund) Fleming. Proud Mother of Kelly Fleming and Marisa Fleming (Jonathan). Beloved grandmother of Declan Jamieson, loving daughter of Wilma and the late Wilfred, and cherished mom of her beloved dog, Jack. Pre-deceased by brother Tom (Jo-ann), dearly missed by siblings Kathy (Ted), Barb (Terry), Mike, Carole, and Lorraine (Dave). Dear sister-in-law of Chris, Imelda, Carmel, John, Joseph, Gary, Caroline and Ethel and predeceased by Earl, Lillian, Vince and Syl. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. At Joan’s request, there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joan to the Parkwood Institute Palliative Care Unit, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or your local Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DICKIE, C. Grant 

Passed away peacefully on February 19^th, 2021 at Parkwood Hospital in his 82^nd year after a lengthy illness. Loving husband of Pat of London. Cherished father of Jamie of St. Thomas. Dear brother to Lynn of Chatham and brother-in-law to Ila of Petrolia. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Grant practised law first in Woodstock and then in London with the firms McLennan, Flynn & Driesman and Little and Jarrett.  Grant was an avid reader who enjoyed curling,  golf and watching sports on TV.  Cremation has taken place and at Grant’s request, no funeral service will be held. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Grant are asked to consider the Terry Fox Foundation 200-250 Ferrand Drive Toronto ON M3C 3G8, London & Area Food Bank 926 Leathorne Street, London ON N5Z 3M5 or Mission Services of London 459 York Street, London, ON N6B 1R3. .  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HUMPHREY, Edwin….

With broken hearts, Aaron and Reagan announce the peaceful passing of Edwin Charles Humphrey, husband and father, at the age of 73.  Ed passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Victoria Hospital, London with Reagan, his wife, by his side.  Reagan was so very thankful to be with him.  He is survived by the love of his life, Reagan (Jeannie) Humphrey and his son, Aaron Humphrey.  Ed passed away after a diagnosis of cancer.  He did put up a very good fight but in the end, he was not able to conquer the horrid disease.  He is also survived by his mother, Cora Cnockaert of St. Thomas, Ontario.  He will be remembered by his grandchildren, Molly Humphrey Domville, Keegan Humphrey and Camille Humphrey, all of Toronto.  He is remembered as well by his brother-in-law, Donald Weekes and his wife, Lorraine Weekes of Glencoe, Ontario and remembered by his sister-in-law, Jan May, from Ft. Saskatchewan, Alberta.  Also remembered by cousins and many, many friends from Ontario and Alberta.  Predeceased by his son, Edwin Daniel Humphrey of Toronto, in 2014.  Also predeceased by his father, Jack Humphrey, from West Lorne, and his parents-in-law, Ollie and Maurice Weekes of Glencoe.  With much gratitude to Eddie’s medical team, Reagan and Aaron wish to thank the London Regional Cancer Program and all the doctors and nurses and staff at LHSC who cared for him with kindness and warmth.  Cremation has already taken place.  A celebration of his life will be held at a date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eddie may be made to the Regional Cancer Program in your area if anyone wishes to do so.  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at wwww.cremationlondon.com

DORRINGTON, Nancy Ann….

Peacefully at her residence, on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Nancy Ann Dorrington passed away in her 76th year. She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Michael Hanes of Orangeville. Loving mother of Lela (Jamie) Deans and Brandon (Marilyn) Dorrington. Proud Nana of Ava, William and Sarah. Predeceased by her parents Walter and Ethel Coolen, and her brother Winston “Skip” Coolen. Nancy will be remembered for her vibrant personality and sense of humour by family and many friends. She loved to spend time outdoors in the sunshine gardening, antiquing and traveling. Cremation has taken place and an interment will be held at Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge at a later date. Donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 and would be gratefully appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BURNETT, Gordon….

How do you measure a life well lived?
By the love that surrounds you in life and the love that keeps you alive after death.

Gordon Richard Burnett died peacefully in the Palliative Care ward at Parkwood Hospital, London, on the morning of February 9th, 2021 in his 73rd year. Gord lost his two-and-a-half-year battle against esophageal cancer while surrounded by the love and support of his wife, Darlene Burnett (nee Garnham) of nearly 44 years, and daughter, Brianne Horner. In addition to his wife and daughter, Gord will be deeply missed by his two grandsons, Nathaniel and Liam, his son-in-law James and his best buddy Perry. He also leaves behind siblings through blood and through marriage, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In 2014, Gord retired from Ipex Inc, previously Multi Fittings, after a forty-seven-year career where he began as a draftsman and eventually settled in quality control. Before cancer took its toll, Gord was an active member of Rowntree Memorial United Church, he bowled in a senior’s league, and enjoyed spending his retirement travelling, eating good food and spending time with his family.

Gord will be cremated, and a celebration of life for immediate family will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkwood Hospital’s Palliative Care Ward, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or to Rowntree Memorial United Church, 156 Elliott Street, London, ON N5Y 2E9 in Gord’s memory. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

SWALES, Bob….

Peacefully with his family by his side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Robert “Bob” Swales passed away in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Donna Swales for 63 years. Loving father of John, Darren (Lise), Guy, Lionel “Ed” (Phyllis), Melody Legacé (Denis) and Doug. Cherished grandfather of 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Len (Ruth) of Appin, the late Marie Welch (Doug) of Strathroy and the late Sandy Adlam (the late Max) of Sarnia. Bob will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Bob worked at Kelvinator for 10 years and 27 years at London Transit where he was known as Swampy. He loved playing baseball with Huff & Puff and was an avid hunter and knew how to make people laugh. He will be sadly missed by all. Cremation has taken place and a future Celebration of Bob’s life will be held when it is safe to do so. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Apr 15, 1989 – Jan 29, 2021

After surviving the many hardships he faced in life, Tyler is now at peace and pain free with his loved ones. Tyler is survived by his mother, Joanne and his father and stepmother, Bill and Kim. He will be greatly missed by his brother, Steven, sister-in-law Emily and his nephew, Archer. He is also survived by his grandparents, Papa and Claire as well as Grandma, Uncle Gary, many great-aunts, great-uncles and cousins. He will be sadly missed by his godmother Rosie. He leaves behind stepbrothers, Nathan and Josh and stepsister, Natasha, Uncle Fred and Aunt Sonia and Aunt Sherry as well as cousins Amanda, Kyle and Blayre and a number of nieces and nephews. Tyler is predeceased by Grandpa Pinky and Nana Ruth and his Grandmother Eileen and Uncle Karl. He is also in the comfort of Tessa, Athena and Spooka – the pets he loved dearly. Tyler will be cremated with a memorial at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Orlóci, Márta (Mihály)….

Márta Orlóci, 87, passed peacefully at her home in London, Ontario on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Márta is survived by her husband, László Orlóci; her daughter, Martha Orlóci (Tim Goodison); and her granddaughters Kathryn Orlóci-Goodison (Alex Arbery) and Ruth Orlóci-Goodison; her younger brother Árpád Mihály (Penny) and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Csaba and Atilla and her parents.

Born to a forester and his wife in 1933 in a Székely village, Lövéte (Romania), Márta’s love for the forest came naturally. She met László at the University of Sopron (Sopron, Hungary) where they both studied forest engineering. Márta later emigrated to Canada with László. She completed her studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, from which she graduated in 1958. In February of 1957 Márta and László were married in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The couple moved to London in 1965, where they remained until Márta’s death.

As a daughter of the forests on the Hargita, Márta felt most at home surrounded by nature. As scientists, Márta and László (and Martha, once she had arrived) travelled the world together, visiting the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, the Gobi Desert of China, and much of what lies between. Márta had a particular fondness of Hawai’i, where the couple spent László’s sabbaticals. Her love for the forest, and indeed for all living things, survives in her family.

Márta fell in love with the Canadian Rocky Mountains early in her travels, and her ashes will be spread among those peaks and valleys. At Márta’s request, a funeral service will not be planned. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com