Obituaries & Condolences

MARSH, Percy….

On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Percy Frederick Marsh of Lambeth, Ontario, passed away peacefully from complications related to the Coronavirus at the age of 72, at University Hospital, London. Percy was predeceased by his beloved spouse, Sharon Anita McKee (2011). Percy is also predeceased by his loving sister, Mary Bedard (2015). Percy will be remembered by extended family. Thank you to the nurses, physicians, and staff at Chartwell London Long-Term Care Residence and University Hospital for the excellent care they provided Percy. Cremation has taken place. In light of COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honour Percy can make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BLAIS, Jerome….

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long-Term Care, London, on Wednesday, October 28^th, 2020, Jerome Blais passed away in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Norma (nee McCleave) (2009). Father of Donald, Mark, and the late Kenneth. Grandfather of Danielle, Kieran, Travis, and Tristan and great-grandfather of Lilly and Paisley. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Jerome 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

LOWERISON, Richard “Ric”….

It is with immense sadness and grief that we announce the sudden death of Richard Roy Lowerison “Ric” on the evening of October 25, 2020 at the age of 63. He died at home shortly after 6:00pm, in the company of his family. We are comforted to know that when he died, while seated in his favourite chair, he did so instantly, without any awareness of the event, and without any pain.

Ric’s sudden and unexpected death has been a terrible shock for the family, and we are profoundly overwhelmed by his loss. The day started off as a regular Sunday with gardening and taking care of small tasks around the house. He was very excitedly planning a Halloween dinner for the family and scavenger hunt for his granddaughters and was very much looking forward to their visit on the coming weekend.

Ric was born in New Brunswick to Leland Lowerison and Barbara (Richards) Lowerison. He was their only child and spent portions of his childhood in Sackville, NB and Seeley’s Bay, ON. He attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB graduating with a B.Sc. in Chemistry. It was at Mount Allison where he met his wife and best friend, Gretchen (Wentzell). They raised three children together and celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary last year. When his first child was very young, Ric advanced his studies in chemistry and engineering at Concordia University in Montreal in order to launch his career in aerospace. He started in the area of materials and process engineering at Canadair (now Bombardier Aerospace) in Montreal. His career in composites and materials and process engineering took him to Bristol Aerospace (division of Magellan Aerospace) in Winnipeg MB, Bell Helicopter in Mirabel QC, Diamond Aircraft Industries in London ON, and finally Bombardier Aerospace in both Queretaro MX and in Toronto ON. Ric semi-retired from Bombardier in June of this year and was in the process of venturing with his depth and variety of aerospace expertise as an independent consultant. Aerospace was not only a career but also a passion.

Ric’s semi-retirement gave him an increased opportunity to engage in his favourite hobbies including reading, cooking, gardening, exploring small towns, researching various interests, listening to music, planning family get-togethers, and spending time with his grandchildren. He very much enjoyed quiet days that included leisurely reading, planning and cooking hearty and adventurous meals for his family, and good conversation. He appreciated all literary genres, but especially enjoyed science fiction and history. Quiet evenings were typically spent watching absurdist/satirical cartoons, documentaries, or British television, and engaging in contemplative philosophical discussions with his family. During the day, Ric could be found tending the garden, pruning trees and bushes, and enjoying the outdoors, especially with walks in the woods.

Ric Lowerison was exceptionally kind, gentle, brilliant, loyal and wonderfully curious. His strength of character and authenticity were exemplary. He was affectionate and wise, hard-working, impossibly generous, and extremely amusing to be around. He appreciated the simple things in life and was highly evolved socially, emotionally, and in his views of the world. He accepted people exactly as they were and prioritized family over all else. He could talk to anyone and make them feel at ease. He was an expert listener and could hold space for people, with his full presence, for hours. The well of his compassion and insight was bottomless. He lived a rich and fulfilling life, and we are heartbroken because he had so much optimism for future plans and so much more to contribute to this world.

Ric will be sorely missed by his wife, Gretchen, his children Carin (Matthew White), Michael, and Matthew (Elizabeth Song), his mother Barbara, and his three grandchildren, Berkeley, Heidrun, and Clementine as well as by all of his extended family and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his father in 2000.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ric’s Life will be held with family and friends at a later date. Remembrances may be made in the form desired by friends. Donations in memory of Ric may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or the charity of your choice.

Ric was well-loved by all who knew him. We were all incredibly blessed to have had him in the world and in our lives. Special thanks to the wonderful EMS team from Middlesex-London Paramedic Services, officers from the City of London Police Services, who were first to arrive, and the Coroner who assisted on Sunday. Their compassion and level of care was incredible. We felt very well cared for and it helped make a very difficult situation a little bit easier.

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

COCHRANE, Carole Marie Ghislaine…

Surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at University Hospital, London, Carole Cochrane passed away in her 68th year. Beloved wife of Brian Cochrane for 48 years. Dear mother of Vicki and Erik (Julia). Loving grandmother of Noah, Josh, Tegan and Hayden. Sister of Joanne Saurette (Ron), Danny Saurette (Micheline), Micheline Fontaine (Yvan), Andre Saurette, Guy Saurette (Ruth), Dennis Saurette (Faye). Predeceased by her parents, Emile and Lucienne Saurette, and her brother, Yvon Saurette. Beloved Auntie to many nieces and nephews, near and far. Keeping with Carole’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s memory 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. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

GARRETT, Denise…
Unexpectedly after a brief illness with cancer, with her dear friend Leah Weyerman by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, Denise Garrett passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the age of 50. Beloved partner of John Thomas. Dear stepmom of Terry, Joseph and Sean. Daughter of Louise Garrett and Bradley Garrett. Sister of Melissa, Nicole and Derrick (Le-Anne), and special aunt of Nolan and Dustin. Dear friend of Karen Groen-Chiccarelli. Cremation has taken place. Donation’s in Denise’s memory can be made to the London Regional Cancer Program or the Goodwill Industries. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

MORRIS, Gary H….

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Morris at the age of 65 on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in London, Ontario. Gary passed away peacefully at home where he was most comfortable. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jacqueline and his children Graydon and Rachel. Gary is also survived by his mother, brother, two sisters, many cousins and in-laws in both Canada, and the UK.

Gary was born in Montreal, Quebec and grew up enjoying playing sports and spending time with family and friends. Gary enjoyed a long career in the automation industry in Ontario, and was fortunate to work until his retirement. Gary was one who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, good books, reading the newspaper, working in his yard, and spending time with family, our good neighbours and friends.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local food bank. The family would also like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and PSW’s for their care and compassion. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-267. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

OLSEN, Kimberley “Kimmy” Michele ….

Suddenly with her family by her side on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Kimberley “Kimmy” Olsen passed away at Victoria Hospital, London at the age of 62. Beloved wife of Tim Olsen for 32 beautiful years. Dear mother of Jay Roy (Paige) and Darcey Harley Olsen and step-mother of Christopher and Ian Olsen. Loving sister of Karen Wright-Sickora and her husband Scott and Patricia Wright, and aunt of Casey Sickora. Kimmy will be missed by her favorite fur buddy Coco. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Kimmy can be made to the 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

YOUDEN, Laurence….

Peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Sunday, July 12, 2020, Laurence Youden of Strathroy in his 80th year. Loving father of Lori Rulton and her husband Robert. Cherished grandfather of Evan and Eric Rulton. Dear brother of Jerry Youden. Special friend and companion of Kathleen Stephenson and Laurence will also be missed by her family. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Laurence’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEWART, Wesley Donald…
Unexpectedly due to cancer, on Thursday, July 16, 2020 Wesley “Don” Stewart passed away the day prior to his 69th birthday. Beloved husband of Donna Stewart for 30 years. Dear father “Pop’s” of Keith Ackworth. Brother of Robert Stewart (Pat) and the late Brian Stewart (2007) and uncle of Jenny and Jeremy Stewart. Cremation has taken place. No funeral service will take place at this time. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHITE, Carol….

Unexpectedly on Friday, July 3, 2020, Carol White passed away in her 60th year, due to a tragic drowning accident in Kettle Point where she resided. Beloved wife and best friend to Rod J. White for 39 years (married 36). Carol is preceded in death by her father Douglas Clayton Halfpenny, mother Lyola Marie Halfpenny, father-in-law Ian Douglas White, mother-in-law Daphne White and brother-in-law Ian White. Carol is survived by her loving husband Rod J. White, daughter Katelynn Stevens and her husband Samuel, son Ian Michael White and his girlfriend Kate Matthew, and three grandchildren: Colton Xavier Carroll, Zoe-Jane Daphne Carroll and Iris-Rose Eleanor Stevens. Carol will be missed by her sisters and brothers, Elaine, Marilyn, Mike, Blair and Paul, along with all of her nieces and nephews, her sister-in-law Iona and husband Gary, and her brother-in-law Tim and wife Marcia. Cremation has taken place following her wishes. Due to COVID-19, no service will happen until a later date where a memorial will take place. Sympathy donations may be made to CMHA Middlesex, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Y6. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com