Obituaries & Condolences

SMITH, Ralph…

Unexpectedly with his wife by his side, Ralph Smith of London passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 in his 91st year. Ralph was the beloved husband of Irene for nearly 70 years. He was the proud and supportive father of Kevin Smith and Sandy Perry and her husband Larry. Dear Papa of Kaley Bill. Predeceased by his sister Ruth Curtis (the late Lyle). Ralph will also be missed by his five nephews, one niece, and his many friends and neighbours.

Ralph worked for Suncor, finally retiring as Manager of Real Estate and Development of Western Ontario after 36 years. After his retirement, he spent many years as a treasured volunteer with Children’s Aid and the Power and Sail Squadron. Ralph loved taking the family to Florida when they were young and later in his marriage travelled extensively with Irene. He was an avid curler, but sailing was his great passion, becoming a long-term and valued member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club. The Smith family wish to thank their dearly loved neighbours for all of their support, especially over the last few years.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Ralph’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Mocha Shriners, 468 Colborne Street, London. In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

BERTHELOT, Rod…
Rod passed peacefully on January 25th, 2024, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario in his 84th year. He is predeceased by his wife Jackie (2023).
Rod is survived by his sons, Chris of London and Shawn (Chelsey) of New Brunswick. Proud grandfather to Braden and Killian.
Beloved brother to Cass Mills, Georgette Dorion, Louis Berthelot, and Larry Berthelot. Special uncle to Francine Jones.
Rod will be missed dearly by his friends Jean Yves and Lisa Leblanc, Keith and Linda Tigman and so many more cherished friends and family in Ontario and New Brunswick.
The family would like to thank Dr. House, Dr. Pautler, Dr. S. Ernst and their amazing staff.
Thank you to the 3 exceptional nurses in the CCTC. Chelsey, who welcomed him and took time to talk to with him. To Kyllie, who helped him through the nights and to Jamie who made sure his last day on earth was comforting and comfortable.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Brunswick. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LANGILLE, Sherri

SHERRI LYNNE LANGILLE, age 59 of London, ON, formerly of Wallace, NS, passed away on January 22, 2024. Sherri was the chosen daughter of John and Pearl Langille. She was predeceased by her son, Eric, mother, and sister, Cindy. Survived by her father, brothers, Robert and Jerry, nieces, Stephanie, Nicole and Candice, nephews, Vernon and John, great nieces and nephews. Sherri had Huntington’s disease which made much of her life difficult. The family thank the good Lord, the Province of Ontario and Mount Hope Centre, for caring for Sherri. Donations to the Huntington’s Society, Mount Hope Centre or a charity of the donor’s choice will be gratefully appreciated. A family graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Lindsay, Ontario at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

WHALEN, Jean…

Jean Catherine Whalen (nee. Wilcocks) passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on January 14th, 2023, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Rodrigue Whalen (2004) for 53 years. Jean will be missed by her children Michael (Dorothy) of St. Thomas and Mary-Anne (Luci) of London. Dear sister to Ron (Eunice) of Parkhill. Proud grandmother of Chris, Jessica, and Joel. Loving great-grandmother to Jacob. She is predeceased by her daughter Catherine (2009). She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.

Jean brought joy to countless friends and family members with her joy of darts and her remarkable talent for crafting beautiful wooden creations. She proudly worked at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario as an RNA for 20 years. Jean’s passion for these pursuits left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and she will be fondly remembered for her skill, creativity, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jean may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

NOLAN, Laurence “Laurie”…

After a life well lived, the Lord took home Laurence “Laurie” Marie Viola Nolan, on January 14, 2024, at the age of 69. Laurie peacefully passed away surrounded by her children and is now reunited with her beloved late husband Lloyd Sr.

She will be missed by her children, Helene, Della-Rose, Richard, Emily, Lloyd Jr and step daughters Angie, Jen and Karen. Her surviving brother Leonard,  grandchildren, and friends will miss her warm love and spirit.

Laurie was full of life, loved bingo and lived for her kids. Still having a laugh right till the end.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

HELBIG, Hardy…

August 5, 1961 – January 14, 2024

Our dear, kind, funny and gentle Hardy passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, after a brief battle with liver cancer. He will be tremendously missed by his siblings, Horst “Richard” and Susan; his brother-in-law, David; niece, Hali and her fiancé Taylor; as well as the many friends he met along his journey.

Hardy was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan to his proud parents Heinrich and Wilhelmine but lived most of his life in Kettleby and Aurora, Ontario and spent his later years in Toronto. He was delighted to live in an apartment in his niece Hali’s home during his last years.

Hardy loved his sports – his beloved teams included the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Bills, Toronto Argonauts, Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Raptors. He greatly treasured his sports memorabilia, collecting the team’s caps and proudly displaying them at home. He was thrilled when his niece, Hali took him to his first and only Toronto Maple Leafs game in 2021. He turned out to be a good luck charm, as they won 3 – 0!  Another of his favourite excursions included the Toronto Car Show, which his brother Richard took him to numerous times, where he enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of one or two exotic cars!

Even during some troubled times during Hardy’s life, he always bravely adapted to his circumstances and accepted change with grace. He handled his diabetes, kidney disease and cancer valiantly.

Hardy taught us to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life: getting excited for the next big game, guessing when the first snowfall would be, looking forward to a great meal.

He also took time to show his deep appreciation for all kindnesses given to him this during his life.

Hardy had numerous jobs over the years, including over 20 years working as a wood turner in Aurora. In his later years, he did volunteer work at furniture and food banks, something he kept up even when his health was waning.

In the last few months of his life, the staff at Toronto General Hospital and Mount Hope care facility in London were tremendously kind, understanding and supportive – our family would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Hardy will always be remembered as a special guy who could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them laugh. As so perfectly put by Hali’s fiancé, Taylor, Hardy was “a man who saw only the good in every situation and left a positive mark on every person he came into contact with (a minor celebrity on our street). He had much love to give and was greatly loved in return. May you finally rest comfortably, Hardy.”

Hardy will have a simple cremation and no service, but will be interred in the spring at beautiful Kettleby Cemetery beside his beloved mom.

We will miss him tremendously and remember him and his infectious smile forever. We love you Hardy!

Hardy was a former committed volunteer at the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, and so enjoyed the community, kindness and the friendships he experienced there over the years. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honour Hardy, a donation to Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, 1219 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON M6H 4C2 would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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

Hardy – “You were better than all of us.” 

ROBLES COLLANTE, Fausto Julian…

Our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and dear friend Fausto Julian Robles Collante has suddenly departed from this life and into the arms of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2024, surrounded by friends and family. His love, compassion, humility, and guidance will be sorely missed.

Fausto Julian was a beacon in his community and recognized for his generosity, kindness, and perseverance. He was always ready to render aid with a calm smile. The quintessential gentleman.

Cremation has taken place. A Mass will be held in his honour at St. George Parish, 1164 Commissioners Road West, London, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11 am.

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

BUCHANAN, Anne

Suddenly yet peacefully on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at University Hospital, London, Anne passed away in her 84th year. Beloved wife of the late John Buchanan (2009). Dear mother of Brad (Charity) Buchanan and Brent Buchanan (Tracy Bossence). Loving grandmother of Josh, Chris, Lucas and Katy. Dear sister of David (Gladys) Nesbit, Alice (Robert) Moore, Mary (Ronald) Buchanan, John (Ann) Nesbit and Robert (Kim) Nesbit. Survived by her brother-in-law James Buchanan. Predeceased by her sister-in-law Lorna and brothers-in-law Roy and William. Anne will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Anne was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity/St. Stephen’s Memorial Church. Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Holy Trinity/St. Stephen’s Memorial Church, 727 Southdale Road East, London on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Anne may be made to London Regional Cancer Program or Holy Trinity/St. Stephen’s Memorial Church. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

LOGAN, George…

George Wesley Logan passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones in London, Ontario, the evening of January 10th, 2023, in his 86th year. Loving husband to Evelyn for 67 years. George was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings.

George loved gardening, fishing, and woodworking. His skilled hands crafted beautiful woodworking pieces that showcased his craftsmanship. George’s love for these pursuits enriched his life and left a legacy of joy and creativity for all who knew him.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of George may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 1599 Hurontario Street, Suite 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com

“I once had something special that money couldn’t buy, I had a special person but I had to say goodbye. If I were asked one question, why I thought the world of you, I could give a million answers and they all would be true. The heart ache and the sadness may not show. People say it lessens but little do they know. Meet me in my dreams and talk to me once more and ease this everlasting pain that makes my heart so sore. The road without you is so long, a tear for every mile, but I know one day when I reach the end, you will be waiting for me with a smile.” -Unknown

CHEVERIE, Faye

Faye passed away peacefully on Sunday January 7^th, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London. Faye passed away at the age of 79 years.

Beloved wife, now and forever to Peter Noble Cheverie. Cherished and loving mother to her daughter Kristy Cheverie, her son Peter C Cheverie and his wife Kim Cheverie. Proud and loving Grandma to Rochelle Cheverie, Peter Ryan Cheverie, Logan Cheverie, Jordan McLean, Jessica McLean and Jake McLean. Great Grandmother to Isla McConnell. Loving sister to Nelseda, Garfield, Paul, Fred, Tom, Joe Predeceased by her brother David and sister Lois.

Faye and husband Peter were married in 1965 and throughout their marriage they lived in many homes due to Peters Air Force career. During a 3-year posting to England a highlight was attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. After this Faye and Peter finally put down roots in London Ont. Faye was an avid reader, loved being outside, loved her dog and was happiest around her family.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Faye may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com