Obituaries & Condolences

ELLIOT, Alastair….

After a brief hospitalization, we are sad to announce the passing of Alastair Douglas Elliot on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in his 94th year. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 68 years Christine, daughter Anne Bull (London) and sons Douglas Elliot and wife Teri (Fonthill) and Graham Elliot and wife Carol (Oakville). He was so very proud of his grandchildren Jonathan, Jillian and Yoshinobu, Jennifer and Aaron, Jaclyn and Kevin, Colin and Lenita, Andrew and Lucy, Christopher, David and Gordon. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a smile when he had zoom interaction with his great grandchildren Emily, Claire, Lily and Charles.

Alastair was a Professional Engineer (Mechanical), Alumni of University of Glasgow, who immigrated to Oakville with his family in 1966. He worked at the Atomic Energy of Canada and was instrumental in the wet lab research and investigative work of the early Canadian nuclear program.

After retirement, Christine and Alastair moved to Belwood on the outskirts of Fergus. The Scottish heritage of the area was really appealing to them both. They were Scottish country dancers, lawn bowlers and active church members firstly at Hopedale Presbyterian Church (Oakville), where dad was an Elder and a tenor in the choir, and latterly at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Fergus). They opted for a retirement apartment in London and have been happy in their twilight years, where they have been blessed with good health.

Alastair was a soft spoken, patient, kind, generous man who was both witty and smart. His family will miss him greatly. Post COVID, a family gathering of remembrance will be arranged.

Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467.

HUEHN, Donald
January 13, 1927 to December 26, 2020

Don was born to Oscar Adam Huehn and Iona Margaret (Steiss) in their kitchen in Conestogo. Oscar and his three brothers ran the Conestogo and Heidelberg General Stores. Iona, a landscape artist and proud of her heritage, did not give dad a middle name since “you only need a good Scottish first name”. Don is predeceased by his dear older brother, Stewart, (Jan 2000) and the love of his life, Ona Marion, a teacher (Nevill – April 2002).  They had 49 happy years raising Linda, Barry and Sandra. Later they were loving grandparents of Scott & Andrew Huehn, Adam & Rachel Sweanor, and Alex & Erin Kaak. Favourite early memories were of family camping with the original five. We also travelled the US and Canada from shore to shore. As empty nesters Don and Ona visited Australia, New Zealand, and Europe however the summers at their Lake Huron cottage with the grandchildren were their favourite times.

Dad was selected most outstanding all-round athlete at Elmira High and was the local team’s shortstop. He enlisted for WWII after graduating. Even at 85 he was zip-lining in Costa Rica and walking 13 kilometres on the beach. Until the age of 92, he would kayak and ride his two-wheel bike for hours.

He was a top seller at London Life for 33 years and was proud of his client retention rate and the gratitude he received from beneficiaries. He loved to tell the story that London Life almost didn’t hire him due to his high blood pressure. Instead, he hoped to reach 100, like his father, and might have done so except for Covid-19. He was friendly and sociable and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a 55-year member of Siloam United Church and a freemason of the St. John’s 209a Lodge A.F. & A.M. His dazzling smile, twinkling eyes and fondness for dancing captivated our mother and his loyalty (and almost as good as Mom—bridge playing) maintained their love. 

We wish to give special thanks to his nieces and nephews, (David, Barbara, Paul, Alan and Vicki), Richmond Woods Retirement Home and to his PSW, Mo Nisbet. They were there for him when he needed them. Donations for Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. A zoom memorial will be held Sunday February 7^th, 2021. Please contact Linda, Barry or Sandy for details. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEVELY, John Christopher….

It is with a very heavy and broken heart to announce that John “Johnny-boy” Stevely passed away at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, January 2, 2021 in his 51st year. Beloved husband of Catharine Peischl. Dear brother of Helen Hanke and Marion McQuaid. Cherished son of Jack Stevely. Predeceased by his dear mother, Ruth Stevely. John will be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of John’s life will be arranged at a later date. Donations in John’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JOYES, Mary….

Peacefully with her daughter by her side at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Sunday, December 27, 2020, Mary Joyes passed away in her 65th year. Loving mother of Kelly Challis and her husband Dusty of Strathroy. Cherished grandmother of Lincoln, Calista, Amelia and Parker. Much loved sister of Bill McDougall and his wife Mary of Owen Sound, Laura Hanley and her husband Paul of London and Joe McDougall also of London. Mary will also be missed by her nieces and nephews. Dear friend of Cheryl (Squires) Adomitis for 52 years. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Loreen McDougall. Mary was a fierce, independent woman who always wanted to do things on her own terms right up until the end. She will forever be remembered for her strength and determination.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Mary’s Life will be announced at a later date due to COVID-19. Donations in Mary’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

PERRY, Joyce Elizabeth

Peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Chateau Gardens, London in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Charles Perry (2014). Loving mother of Michael (Una), Brian (Yvonne), Robert (Joyce), Roderick (Susan) and David (Rolande). Sadly missed by 15 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Robert Ronald Hillaby

On the morning of Dec 1 2020, ironically at the Christmas Season that he loved so much, and with his loving family by his side, Bob Hillaby passed away peacefully after a long illness.  He was 82.

Born in Bridlington, England on Feb 6, 1938, Bob and his family emigrated to Canada in 1949 and the family settled in Sarnia.

In 1962 he and Connie were married and raised 3 children.  Bob taught all his children how to ride a bike, swim, garden, skate and fish and gifted them with sewing, ballet, piano  and hockey lessons. He also coached the hockey and baseball teams that his son David played on. Bob always loved history, woodworking and animals and could be seen daily walking his beloved dog Jody down the street , with his cat Buckwheat following closely behind.

Bob worked at Dow Chemical in Sarnia for 34 years. After retirement he enjoyed his crossing guard job and spending his winters in Florida.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Ronald Hillaby, his sister Zoe and his twin brother Gerard. He is survived by his wife Connie, loving sister Sheila ( Keith), daughters Chris (Dan), Jennifer (Charles), and son David (Maureen) as well as grandaughter Olivia (Mackenzie), and step granddaughter Leila ( Matt).

Cremation has taken place.  In lieu of flowers a donation to Pets Friends for Life (petsfriendsforlife.ca) or Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Ontario (russellrescue.org), would be so appreciated. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Extendicare LTC for their compassionate care over the last year or so. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BELL, Alexandrina “Sandy”…..

With heavy hearts, we grieve the loss of the family leader and matriarch Sandy Bell, on her 71 birthday. Sandy will be deeply missed by 4 generations, that were honoured to have known her love, grace and passion.  

Friends and family alike experienced her strong embrace and selfless dedication. She created lasting connections with everyone she met. Sandy was known to all as an independent spirit, who had a generous and kind nature. She was a proud mother and a loyal labour activist. Sandy provided a lifetime of wisdom and influence to her sister Joyce Bossence, daughters Barbra Dunn, Jackie Robinson (Bradley) Tracy McLeod, and Sherry McLeod (Todd). She will be forever loved by her grandchildren Eric McLeod (Katrina), Nicholas and Cameron Robinson and Kale McLeod. Sandy was great granny to Maria, Elijah, Eula, Scarlett and Jayden. She was cherished by Joe & Dylan, Matthew (Ashley) & Jeremy Bossence, Lucas, Katy, Auron, Paxton and Everly Bossence.  Fiercely loved by her chosen sisters Sandra Carricato, Jean Simpson, and Sandra Ross.

A future memorial service will be held, when we can safely gather to share stories of Sandy’s amazing life.  

Memorial donations can be sent to the London Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 2Z5, where Sandy was recognized for volunteering her time providing relief from homelessness.

LeMarquand, Leonard …

Peacefully on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, London. Leonard LeMarquand passed away in his 78th year. Predeceased by his parents Georges and Evelyn LeMarquand. Loving father of Lori McDougall (Mike). Loving grandfather of Megan and Mitchell McDougall, and great grandfather of Day-ton and Annabella and new baby on the way. He will miss his summers at his trailer in Port Glasgow as well as his many friends. No funeral service will be conducted at this time. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BUNT, Judith “Judy” …

Peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, November 13, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, Judith (Judy) Dell Bunt (nee Badgley) passed away in her 67th year. Beloved wife of Roger Bunt. Loving mother of Kelly (Ted), Holly (Jeff), and Michael (Maria). Cherished grandmother of Ava, Connor, Marley, Abigail, James, Raquelle, Jesse, Joseph, and Ruby. Dear sister of Jacqueline Bloodworth and her late husband Tom. Predeceased by Jackie’s twin sister Diane McAfee and her husband Doug McAfee, by her father and mother Jack Badgley and Maude Badgley (nee Griffith). Loved by nieces and nephews. Judy enjoyed her children and grandchildren, family gatherings, friends including Goodwill fellow employees, sunsets, flowers, particularly daisies, peaceful times, and her 40 years with her hubby. A special thank you to the London Regional Cancer Program and to all the Victoria Hospital 7th floor Oncology Department for love, warmth and professional care, as was exuded at Sister’s of St Joseph Hospice, London. A memorial service will be held in the future. Interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2, Philanthropies – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Relief, 1450 N. University Avenue, Provo, UT 84604. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GRIFFERTY, Pamela (née Burton)….

November 13th, 2020

In comfort and surrounded by those who love her most, Pamela Grifferty in her 75th year. Originally from Leeds, U.K., Pam leaves behind loving family spanning the globe.

Cherished mother of Michael (Amity) and Tracy. Devoted grandmother to Corbin, Christian, Rachel, and Carter. Beloved sister of Charles (Pat) back home in England. Pam is reunited in peace with her parents, Doreen and Bill.

Pam was known for her kindness and unfaltering love for her family. You couldn’t leave without a hundred hugs and kisses. A thousand “I love you”s followed you out the door. She will be forever missed.

We love you too, Mom; Grandma; Pam. Rest In Peace.

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