Obituaries & Condolences

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

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