Obituaries & Condolences

WELKER, Roland ….

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, with family by his side, Roland Welker died in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Barbara Macdonell. Dear father of Katie (Craig), John (Rebecca) and Ian. Cherished grandfather of Allie and Cameron. Roland is lovingly remembered by his siblings Ernestine (Joe), Helmut (Diana), his brothers-in-law Martin and Ted, and his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Annemarie and Luise.

Roland’s great passion was sailing—he loved the open
water and the wind and the little jobs involved in making sure every line,
halyard, and knot was just right. Calm seas do not a good sailor make and
Roland has navigated through difficult seas for a long time now. Throughout the
peaks and valleys Roland always maintained his calm demeanour and his measured
and loving approach to life and family.

Roland is embarking on a new journey—he is now sailing
in calm waters with steady winds into new adventures.

The Welker family wishes to thank all those who provided
medical care to Roland over the years, in particular Dr. Perry, Dr. Vincent,
Dr. Davies, Dr. Hameed, and Ann Schuur for their exceptional care and
compassion. Donations in Roland’s memory can be made to Water for People or the
Thames Talbot Land Trust. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London &
Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.

KELLEY, Dean Adrian….
1961-2020

Dean A. Kelley of London, ON passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at the age of 58. Born in Montreal, QC he was the son of the late Peter and Doreen (Gamble) Kelley.

Dean graduated from Queens University in 1984 with a B. Economics degree. Dean had a career in management at Athlete’s World, where he was called upon to open several new stores throughout the province. He was also known for training several employees who moved on to higher career advancements.

During the summers Dean spent his free time on the golf course and during the winters he enjoyed travelling to sunny destinations. An avid sports’ fan, Dean loved the Montreal Canadians. He was most proud of his two daughters, Leslie and Laura, and he also enjoyed the company of his dog Speedy.

Survived by his wife and best friend of 32 years, Valerie Kelley; daughters, Leslie Kelley and Laura Kelley both of London, ON; sister, Jocelyn Kelley of Vancouver, BC; and brother, James Kelley of Edmonton, AB.

Due to current restrictions a private memorial service will be held. Interment will be in Cataraqui Cemetery, Kingston, ON at a later date. Sympathy donations in Dean’s name may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church, 55 Hincks Street, St Thomas, ON N5R 3N9.

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

BARNES, Peter…

On June 13, 2020 at University
Hospital, we sadly said goodbye to Peter Barnes in his 68th year. Beloved
husband of Anne Barnes. Beloved father of Sue (Bill) and Lee-Anne (Jay).
Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Megan and Kayla.  Adored son-in-law of Jean
Webster.  Peter will be fondly remembered by his siblings Dennis (Anita),
Ron (Pauline), Bill (Robin), Tim (Debora), Joan (Stacy) and sister-in-law
Barb.  Peter will be remembered by many brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s,
nieces, nephews and friends.  He will be sadly missed by his close friends
Jack and Lee.  Predeceased by his mother and father Gloria and Fred, and his
brother Mike. 

Peter had many jobs
over the years, last being at University Hospital, Department of
Radiology.  He loved this job and made many friends there.  In
conjunction with Rob Mazza and Brian Devries, they ran the LHSC Rec Club where
they organized volleyball and baseball teams and for many years a golf
tournament where they raised funds for the hospital.  He was
affectionately referred to as ‘Dr’ Barnes or ‘Doc’ by many family and friends. 

He played baseball in his younger years until age caught up
with him; some being OOFBT, Pete’s Sports and Canadian Pools.  After his
‘career’ ended in baseball, he played volleyball and golf.  Made many
friends through all these sports. 

One of the biggest milestones in his life was the
discovery of a ‘gem’ with Jack and Lee called the Oar House.  Many good
times and many new friends. 

Special thanks to the 4th and 9th floor University
Hospital medical staff who took excellent care of Peter in his last three
weeks.  Special thanks to his doctors; Dr. Nichols, Dr. Fingers and Dr.
MacDonald. 

Anyone who knew Peter, knows that he wanted a big party to celebrate his life.  Sadly, due to the current pandemic, this will not be possible at this time.  Hopefully later we can celebrate his life with family and friends.  Cremation has taken place.  Donations in Peter’s memory to Parkinson Canada or London Humane Society would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com. 

“You
fought a valiant fight Pete!”

LASKEY, Roy “Gub”….

Passed away at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, June 13, 2020, Roy “Gub” Laskey of London in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Lynda (Evans, Smale) Laskey for 44 years. Loving father of Randy Laskey (Nickie), Karen Smith (Steve), and step-father of Brian Smale. Cherished grandpa “Gub” of Beckie, Jessica, Jay W and Candace and great-grandpa “Gub” of Brodie, Alexis and Emily-Ann. Dear brother of George (Ann) and brother-in-law of Gwen Laskey and Val VanderHoven. Son-in-law of Phyllis Evans and the late Murray. Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Clifford and Ruby Laskey, his brother Bill Laskey and sister Sharon VanderHoven. Gub worked as a printer for the Federal Government for 35 years. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Food Bank or London Humane Society or Wesley-Knox United Church. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Gregory Joseph “Greg” Simpson

August 23, 1948 – June 10, 2020

Born in Sidney, BC as the first child of Joe Simpson and Annabelle Galloway, Greg and his two beloved sisters, Wanda and Nadine, were raised by Joe’s older sister, Clara, and Clara’s husband Bert Butterick. To Greg, ‘Aunt and Unc’ were Mom and Dad. Clara and Bert have long since passed, but have no doubt welcomed him with open hearts all over again. Greg leaves behind three daughters – Abby, Jacqueline, and Nikki Simpson, as well as son-in-law Aaron Carlson, and Judy (nee Graham) Simpson, the mother of his children and far and away his one great love (you just had to hear him talk about her), though they hadn’t been legally married for 30 years.

Family meant everything to Greg from the start. In high school, he introduced his good friend Jim Sinclair, the bass player of the Broom Town Band, the first he ever managed, to his sister Wanda. Jim and Wanda’s longevity as a couple gave him cause to take pride in telling this story for the next 60 years. He also leaves behind a half-brother, Mark Woolley, half-sister, Mavis Lopez, sister-in-law Robyn Graham Cherrie, nieces Kathy Sinclair and Amy Sinclair Erb, Tova Barnett, Michaela and Meredith Woolley, Natalie and Lauren Cherrie, nephews Natty Simpson and Elijah Barnett, great-nephews and great-niece Lachlan, Wolffy, Freddie, Makai, and Avery. He also loved Martin Barnett, Blair Erb, John Lucas, Brian Edwards, Celina Ronayne, and the Lumleys.

To Greg, his friends were family, too, and his daughters always knew that he had a small, benevolent army of music-loving hippies who respected everything from his knowledge to his loyalty, his optimism and his seemingly endless stash of pot. He loved them all. He considered almost everyone he met, in any capacity, an instant new friend. He spent 55 years in the Canadian music business, mostly in London, Ontario, in capacities that ranged from talent management to radio programming, conference facilitation to consulting. Biographies of his career and accomplishments already exist, which his daughters have noted in the days since his passing with pride and gratitude. Greg never made millions, but there was an air to him not unlike George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, if George, like Greg, had remained an unabashed optimist: The richest people you know are those so deeply loved. As Jacqueline noted recently, apart from obscure music trivia, Greg’s gift was love. He made sure that everyone he loved knew it every chance he got. If you gave him even a hint of an opportunity, he’d tell you how much he loved his three daughters, and how proud he was of everything they did. He was the recital-going Dad, the one at every after-school sports meet, the one who took your call after midnight when you wanted a ride home from the mall with your friends, who never insisted you use your bus tickets instead. We’re grateful to the neurologists and nurses at University Hospital who supported our family through this, with ongoing pandemic regulations, and to those who have reached out to us to offer support and condolences.

Plans for a Celebration of Life in London will be arranged for a time
after social gathering restrictions have eased. His ashes will be laid to rest
near his hometown, with Aunt and Unc. Charitable donations in his name have not
been pre-arranged, but Greg was an ardent supporter of the Forest City London
Music Awards and the Great Lakes Blues Society. Above all, though, Greg would
want you to live to love, as he did, and wouldn’t ask of you much more. Arrangements
entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online
condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

On Friday, May 15, 2020, Ferencz “Frank” Piroska in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Irene Piroska. Father of Dorika Gegeny (Alex Gegeny) and Francois Piroska. Grandfather of Alex Jr & Amy Gegeny, and Brandon & Eric Piroska. Great Grandfather of Cole Piroska. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the McCormick Home, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

PARKER, Kathleen…

Peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law by her side, on Friday, May 8, 2020, Kathleen Parker passed away at the age of 79. Beloved wife of the late Paul Parker (2012). Dear mother of Stephen Parker and his wife Rosa and Liz Dubois and her husband Greg. Survived by her sister Pamela Hall. Kathleen was a dedicated participant in the Sunday morning Thai Chi group at Westmount Shopping Centre. The Parker family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Stephanie Austin for her care and compassion, and to the nurses at St. Elizabeth’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Kathleen’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STOCKER, Heinrich “Henry”…

We are terribly saddened to announce the sudden passing of Heinrich “Henry” Stocker. 

Henry
was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. 

Henry
was born on February 23rd, 1955 in Sarmenstorf, Switzerland to Heinrich and
Maria Stocker. He married Carol Lynne Footwinkler on September 25th, 1981 in
London, Ontario. Their daughter Chantal, Henry’s pride and joy, was born on
February 14, 1984 in Dubendorf, Switzerland. Their granddaughter Frances was
born on July 31, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario.

Henry
was a skilled tool and dye maker by trade. He was the proud owner and operator
of his own tool and dye shop in London, Ontario for seven years. 

Henry
is survived by his wife Carol Stocker; his father Heinrich Stocker; his
daughter Chantal McSheffrey; his son-in-law Ryan McSheffrey; his granddaughter
Frances McSheffrey; his siblings Maria Stocker, Vreni De Boni, Heidi and Marcel
Meier and Hugo and Doris Stocker; his nieces Manuela Leal, Cornelia Viceconte,
Ramona De Boni, Jasmine Stocker and Andrea Hibbert; his sister-in-law Linda
Hibbert; his extended family Zachary Hibbert, Mickey De Vivo, Milena De Vivo,

Miguel
Leal, Cristiano Leal, Diego Leal, Diana Leal, Fabio Viceconte and Emma
Viceconte; and his friends Adrian and Petra Beeler and Hans and Liselotte Naef.

Henry
lived mourning the loss of his late mother Maria, his nephew Graham Hibbert,
his brother-in-law Hugo Huber and his brother-in-law Andrew Hibbert. 

The family offers the following tribute: “Henry was a good, honest and hard working man who loved and sought to protect his family above all else. His kind nature and caring spirit will forever remain in the memories of his loved ones.”

A small gathering for the immediate family was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences and a full version of obituary shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STEWART, Robert “Rob”….

Peacefully, with family by his side, at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, Robert “Rob” Stewart passed away in his 63rd year. Loving father of Michael Stewart (Kimberly), Robert Stewart (Amy), Megan Bilotta (Bruno) and Adam Stewart (Jessica). Cherished Grandpa of William, Arden, Emily, Robbie, Tanner, Victoria, Brianna, Natalie, Peyton and Logan. Much loved brother of Debbie Oakley (Ian). He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Born and raised in Markdale, Rob loved nothing more than being outdoors. Rob was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his family sharing stories of his outdoor adventures. Although Rob loved being outdoors, a Leafs game or Nascar race could always bring him inside. Rob had a very strong work ethic. Rob spent most of his working life as a supervisor at Terra Footwear in Markdale, but was most proud of his time spent as a volunteer firefighter on the Markdale Fire Department.

Cremation has taken place. For those wishing to make a donation in Rob’s name, please consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FINNERTY, Michaelina “Lena”….

Michaelina “Lena” Finnerty, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in London. She is survived by her sons Wayne Finnerty, Ron Finnerty and Brendan Finnerty, and her daughter Shelley Finnerty. She was a grandmother of five grandchildren; Michael, James, Gregory, Melanie and Samantha, and one great grandchild; Ezra. Lena is also survived by nieces; Iris and Diane, three daughters-in-law; Connie, Liliana, and Nancy and by many other family members and friends who loved her very much. Lena loved her family and was a hard worker at heart. Her humour, quiet nature and happy soul will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Lena’s memory may be made to your charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com