Obituaries & Condolences

RUPERT, Ronald Everett……

Ronald Everett Rupert died peacefully on May 30, 2021 after a brief illness. Ron was born in Niagara Falls on February 2, 1929 to parents Everett and Elsie Rupert, and big sister Verna (1927 – 2020). Younger brother Gary (Judi) joined the family several years later. Elsie told of how “little Ronnie” was an active child who could be found up in trees, on roofs or climbing what could be climbed. The family moved to Fort Erie when Ron was a teen. He worked at a local grocery store, and while there, was invited to join the Ontario Provincial Police. He worked as a police officer from the early 1950’s until his retirement in the mid-1980’s. He enjoyed his work as a police officer in the Forensic Identification Unit and went to work for Woodstock City Police for ten years following his retirement from the OPP. He continued to work after he left the Woodstock Police doing local courier deliveries until he was into his 80’s.

Ron met his wife Nadine (1932-1998) while recovering from a broken ankle, an injury he received in a motorcycle crash. Ron and Nadine are survived by Kathryn Baverstock (Stephen), Melanie Fugard (Ross) and Craig Rupert (Tina) and two grandsons Jeff Rupert and Patrick Rupert. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Ron was an active man who enjoyed being involved in his community over the years in Scouts, Ham Radio, Masonic Lodge, Shriners to name a few. He had a sometimes twisted sense of humour and enjoyed shocking people with his stories. He was shot shortly after Kathryn was born so had a scar from that. He enjoyed showing his long scar that “started” on his shin and “ended” on his belly. Of course it wasn’t one long scar. He spent every summer weekend in his RV at a campground in Bayfield and then Port Huron Michigan for many years. These weekends were spent with old friends and fellow “cop buddies”, relationships he valued and enjoyed.

Ron gained a new freedom when he moved from his house to an apartment in December 2018. He travelled to BC on his own that Christmas to visit Kathryn, Melanie and his brother Gary. Shortly after that, he travelled to Nova Scotia to visit Craig. He published a book, True Crime Cases, at the age of 90. He finished writing a second book this year (to be published) and had started on a third. That was pretty impressive for a guy who wasn’t the best student in his younger years.

Ron was active until the last few days of his life. A broken hip only slowed him briefly and he grudgingly learned to use his walker. Being the stubborn independent man he was,  this was a challenge, as was using other supports he needed.  The pandemic meant he couldn’t be as active socially as he’d have liked. He did enjoy the support and companionship of Millie McLaughlin. The family is thankful to Millie for being a good friend to Ron. No service is planned for Ron at this time. Friends are encouraged to remember him by raising a mug of beer or a glass of red wine. As an expression of sympathy donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London and Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

CLARKE, Mara….

Passed away peacefully with the love of her family around her at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in her 70th year. Beloved wife of Robert W. “Bob” Clarke; proud, devoted Mother of Rob (Deanna) and Chris (Dominika). Mara loved being a Grandma more than anything, she treasured her four grandchildren, Matthew, Cara, C.J. and Caden.

Loving daughter of the late Karolina Lusins Dawidowski and Janis Lusins. Mara was born in Nottingham, England and came to Canada as a child. She grew up in Parkdale and had fond memories of Sunnyside, Pickin’ Chicken and The Ex. She met Bob in Parkdale and they were married for just over 48 years. Mara and Bob raised their family in the GTA and always kept family close.

Dear sister of Wanda (the late Robert) Miller and the late John (Teresa) Lusins. Loved and deeply missed by her nieces and nephews; Bobby (Joan), Krysten (Mike), Michael, and Jennifer (Ryan), Roban (Greg), Elizabeth (Wayne) and Lianne (Carlos). She loved to love all her great nieces and nephews near and far away and hug & hug the ones nearest including Teagan, Juliana, Joshua, Jacob and Greyson.

She will be remembered for so many things; her love of any sport that her kids or grandkids were playing, her love of reading, even her Yahtzee game. Most of all, the way she cared for everyone and her ability to give the very best hugs was endless!

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mara’s life will be held post COVID restrictions in Toronto. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto at a later date. In Mara’s memory, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DART, James “Jim”….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Thursday, May 20, 2021 James “Jim” Dart passed away in his 77th year. Beloved friend and companion to Sandra Jury for 62 years. Beloved father to Michele (Randall) Winslade and Karen Haughey (Darren Gibson). Proud grandfather to Brittany Winslade (Ryan Helwig), Miranda Winslade (Angie Turbill), Candace Haughey and James Haughey. Loving great-grandfather to Bryan Helwig. Cherished brother to Sandra and Bill Mask and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Daryl and Randy Dart and parents Syd and Jean Dart. Cremation has taken place and at Jim’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London and Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BUTTERS, Brenda Tamson….

Peacefully at Chartwell White Eagle Long Term Care Residence, Toronto, Brenda Tamson Butters (née Wood) passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in her 79th year.

Brenda was born in 1942 to Evelyn Bullock and Harvey Wood. Brenda is survived by her cherished husband Kenneth Caskenette and is the proud Mom to her two children Michelle Oros (Tim) and Christopher Butters (Trish). She is known as Gramma B to her adored grandchildren Lauren, Lindsey and Avery Butters.

Brenda had a passion for work and a very successful professional career in the field of healthcare. Graduating from the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1963, she worked her way up the chain to the position of President and CEO of Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, which she retired from in 2004. Brenda gave much of her time to volunteering and was very passionate about serving on various boards such as Casey House and the Ontario Lung Association. Additionally, she spent numerous years working as a surveyor for the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation. She felt very strongly about the continuation of quality improvement in the healthcare industry. Brenda and her husband Ken loved to travel and spent much time at their house in the south of France, along with visiting many other countries abroad. She had a vigor for life and always expressed an abundance of enthusiasm for whatever she took part in. Her energy will be sorely missed.

A private family service with interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham, Ontario, will be held in the near future. In Brenda’s memory, donations may be made to the Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto, ON M5A 4C2 where she worked as a volunteer and was a true lover of animals, especially all the cats. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

Passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home. Surrounded by her loving family, Elisabeth surrendered after a long courageous battle against cancer on Saturday, May 15, 2021, just one week after her 61st birthday. Cherished friend of Greg Penney. Beloved mother to sons Kyle Zehr, Chad and Drew Hoffmann. Dear daughter of Horst Guilhauman (Nancy) and Elisabeth Guilhauman. Fondly missed by sisters Theresa Cisecki (Rick Reinhart), Katharina Trautrim (Erwin), Magdalena Guilhauman (Guido), and brother Simon Guilhauman (Amy). She will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Elisabeth was born in Soltau, Germany and immigrated with her family to Canada as a young child in 1967. The family settled in the Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario area until her departure in 1986 to Windsor, Ontario to study and receive a degree in law. She would eventually settle in London, Ontario where she excelled in Life Coaching and found pleasure in painting landscapes. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

The family has honoured Elisabeth’s wishes to be cremated and a celebration of her life is being planned for a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

JAMES, Barbara….

Barbara James passed away on Wednesday April 21, 2021 in her 91^st year, as the spring blossoms she loved so much were being dusted with snow.

She was at peace, with her loved ones by her side: daughter Cathie, son David and his wife Marie, who was a second daughter to her. Barbara’s husband Haydn was taken 28 years before her, but he never left her heart for a moment.

Barbara was one of those rare people who touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, compassion and humour. Jaime, Evan and Chantal were blessed to have her as their beloved Grannie. She was a devoted sister to Terry and Gill Dickinson, and aunt to Joanna, Robert and Amanda.

Barbara was born and lived in Wales before coming to Canada in the late 50s. The close friends she made here became family. Gerda Jensen and Gill Pinkney were like sisters to her, and Haydn Jensen was a beloved nephew.

Special thanks to the 5^th floor cardiac unit at Victoria Hospital for their care and attention.

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

FRIESEN, Elizabeth….

On April 2, 2021, Good Friday, Elizabeth Friesen passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. Beth was born in Leduc, Alberta; met her husband while teaching at the Fisher River Indian School in Manitoba; and spent most of her life in Vancouver, BC. She and Al had four children, were active members of Trinity Baptist and White Rock Baptist churches, and made many great friends.

Beth was a creative and loving mother who raised four distinctive children. She had a quick wit, a love of stories, and a desire for knowledge and understanding. Many will remember her as quite a character, with a deep curiosity about the people she encountered. Her joy was to connect with others, and with a little luck, to make them laugh. Even in her stays in the hospital near the end, the nurses and doctors often commented on how charming and humorous she was.

Describing the last few years, which she spent in Ontario, Beth said, “I’m so happy because I’m near the kids” – Barb and Pat. Her last moments were spent holding Barb’s hand.

Beth is predeceased by her loving husband Al, and her eldest son Roger. She is survived by Roger’s partner, Brigitte Rahn; son Randy Friesen and partner Susan Bolman; Randy’s daughter Natasha and partner Annabree, and 2 sons, Jerram, and Cormac; her daughter Barbara and husband Patrick, and sons, Thomas, and Christopher and partner Emily; and daughter Patty and husband Patrick, and sons Adam, and Nicholas.

Cremation has taken place. Donations in Beth’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 551 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 0N8. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

ERVASTI, Magaret…..

On March 29, 2021 after a short and very courageous bout with cancer, Margaret Anne Ervasti (Meyers) passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Hospice, London. Margaret was born in London in 1953 to Roy and Alma Meyers. She was a lover of the outdoors, and spent many hours hiking with her husband of 40+ years, Thomas Edward Ervasti. She was also an avid Blue Jays fan. Margaret was a dedicated 40-year Management employee at The Bank of Montreal and helped many people in her various branch postings around the London area. She is sadly and very greatly missed by her husband, Thomas, and his family. She was close to her sister, Lynda, and her husband, Wayne Buck, of New Hamburg. Margaret greatly enjoyed visits with Lynda’s and Wayne’s sons, daughter, and their children. There will not be a funeral, and cremation has occurred. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London ON N6A 5M2 and The Canadian Cancer Society P.O Box 640 STN K, Toronto ON M4P 9Z9, are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

FLEMING, Joan….

At Parkwood Institute, London, on Sunday, February 21, 2021, Joan passed away peacefully in her 65th year. Loving wife of Ed (Edmund) Fleming. Proud Mother of Kelly Fleming and Marisa Fleming (Jonathan). Beloved grandmother of Declan Jamieson, loving daughter of Wilma and the late Wilfred, and cherished mom of her beloved dog, Jack. Pre-deceased by brother Tom (Jo-ann), dearly missed by siblings Kathy (Ted), Barb (Terry), Mike, Carole, and Lorraine (Dave). Dear sister-in-law of Chris, Imelda, Carmel, John, Joseph, Gary, Caroline and Ethel and predeceased by Earl, Lillian, Vince and Syl. She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. At Joan’s request, there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Joan to the Parkwood Institute Palliative Care Unit, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or your local Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

DICKIE, C. Grant 

Passed away peacefully on February 19^th, 2021 at Parkwood Hospital in his 82^nd year after a lengthy illness. Loving husband of Pat of London. Cherished father of Jamie of St. Thomas. Dear brother to Lynn of Chatham and brother-in-law to Ila of Petrolia. He will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Grant practised law first in Woodstock and then in London with the firms McLennan, Flynn & Driesman and Little and Jarrett.  Grant was an avid reader who enjoyed curling,  golf and watching sports on TV.  Cremation has taken place and at Grant’s request, no funeral service will be held. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Grant are asked to consider the Terry Fox Foundation 200-250 Ferrand Drive Toronto ON M3C 3G8, London & Area Food Bank 926 Leathorne Street, London ON N5Z 3M5 or Mission Services of London 459 York Street, London, ON N6B 1R3. .  Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com