Obituaries & Condolences

PENTECOST, Ian….

Unexpectedly at his residence, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, Ian John Pentecost of London, formerly of Parkhill and Guelph, in his 66th year. Born in London, England to Ernest and Sarah Pentecost (both deceased), he was the proud father of Derek (Jody) Pentecost of Parkhill and Sean Pentecost of Grand Bend. Cherished grandfather of Jayden and Gage Pentecost. Beloved brother of Brian (Marg) Pentecost of Burlington, Avril (Ross) Brown of Guelph and Gillian (Mike) Melong of London. He is survived by nieces and nephews in Canada and England. He will be remembered by his sons’ mother, Joanne Pentecost and the Walper family. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at Byron United Church. Donations in Ian’s memory may be made to Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London, ON N6K 2K5. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

STAFFORD, Hilda “Joan”….

Peacefully, after a brief illness, as in her favourite hymn Jesus called Joan to “Come to the Lakeshore” on Monday, April 6, 2020, to be rejoined with the love of her life, Grant Stafford of 59 years marriage. Joan was most proud of her sons and the life she lived with her husband Grant. She was a strong independent woman who; loved to laugh, play bingo with her sister Shirley & sisters-in-law Susan & Janet, enjoyed politics, her church & choir, and most of all her time spent with family.

Joan & Grant raised 3 loving sons whom they were very proud of; Terry (Grace), Ken (Dawna) and Victor (Kathy) who also went on to raise Joan & Grant’s grandchildren, Christine (C.J.), Melissa (Cheysson), Christopher (d.), Kenny Jon (Karissa), Greg (Desiree), Tyler (Brooke) & Leah…. And great grandchildren; Aidan, Mikaela, Mia & Miley, Ally, Kailee and Skylar.

Joan was born in River John, Nova Scotia to Gardner & Marion “Mary” Brown nee Langille. She was one of 7 children and is survived by her youngest brother Blaine (Susan) Brown & family, sisters-in-law Eleanor (brother Ken (d.)) Brown & family, Janet (brother Arnold (d.)) Brown & family, nephews and family of Shirley & Ray Boutilier. Predeceased by her sister & closest friend Shirley Boutilier and sisters Mildred & Evelyn.

Joan held a special place in her heart for the following: Bill & Sharon Wilson & family, Richard Brown, Jeff Brown, Glen & Barb Boutilier and special friends Laurie Irving (d.) & Lisa Shaver. Joan also loved and was loved by her furry friends, Rambo, Marley & Sofie.

In 1964 after retiring from the Navy, Grant and Joan moved to Barrie, Ontario where they lived, worked and raised their family. They returned to Nova Scotia in 1988 and called River John home. They lived there together until Grant’s passing in 2016. Joan continued to live in their home until November 2018 when she moved to London, Ontario. Joan’s family was blessed to have been able to spend extra time with her during her return to Ontario where she was able to enjoy her 80th birthday celebration in Barrie, surrounded by her immediate family and friends and meeting her great grandchildren for the first time. Later Joan was unable to travel long distances. However, she was able to enjoy many visits from family & friends from all over Ontario. She was the happiest having Saturday & Sunday family dinners, phone calls from Barrie and Nova Scotia, scenic drives, music… lots of music and a renewed sense of belonging through family & community. While Joan will be greatly missed, her spirit will live on through all of our fond and loving memories of her.

A special thank you to Dr. Robert Bush, Tatamagouche, NS, the staff at Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence, Dr. Bhooma Bhayana and LHSC medical staff for their tender and compassionate care.

Joan’s life will be celebrated in Barrie, ON and River John, NS – dates yet to be determined. For donations in Joan’s memory please consider Salem United Church, in River John, NS, My Sisters’ Place, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 or your charity of choice.

Joan’s final resting place will be beside her husband Grant in Hamilton Cemetery, River John, NS.

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

ELLIS, Dana Christine…
September 1, 1974 – April 7, 2020

Heaven gained a BEAUTIFUL Angel today. We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our loving and beautiful daughter, stepdaughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter and niece, Dana, suddenly with her Father by her side on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020. She is the beloved daughter of Laura (Peter) Landa and Dan (Shelley) Ellis. Beloved sister and sister-in-law of Brandon Ellis and his wife Josie. Beloved granddaughter of the late Ruby & Samuel Taylor, the late Florence Ellis and Charles Ellis, the late Don & Florence Avery and Eileen & Ian Landa. Dana will truly be missed by her loving Aunts and Uncles, Cathy (the late Bart) Forbes, Christine (Paul) Park, Eric (the late Bev) Taylor, the late Timothy Taylor, Sue (Kevin) Reimer, Cathy Spoiala, Lynda (Fred) Logan, the late Rick Avery and Randy (Rose) Avery as well as her many cousins. Dana will be missed by her loving partner John Duly, her loving felines Dewey and Miss Scarlet and her many friends. A private family viewing will take place with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. As, ourselves and Dana would want everyone to stay safe during these trying times of COVID-19. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us with their expressions of sympathy, prayers and kind words. Donations in Dana’s memory may be made to your local animal rescue. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

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