Obituaries

On January 19, 2021 the world lost a good man. William Douglas (Doug) Rivers passed away peacefully under the wonderful care of the staff at Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario. Doug was in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Mary Eileen Rivers (Jeffery), dear father to daughters Barbara (Ben), Cathy (Rob) and loved grandfather of Paul, Lisa, Travis (Amanda) and William (Majse). Doug was a tremendous example for all, conducting himself with a quiet grace. He was unwavering in his ethics, had a rare ability to see the good in all people, and had a great sense of humour, qualities… Read complete obituary here.

Passed at home on January 2, 2020 at the age of 66. Beloved brother-in-law of Catherine Hemsworth of London. Robert will be fondly remembered by his nephew James Hemsworth of London. Predeceased by his siblings Johanne Hemsworth, Joseph Hemsworth and James Hemsworth and his parents Joseph and Anne (Walker) Hemsworth Cremation has taken place. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London will take place at a later date. Cremation & Celebrations entrusted with arrangements (519-963-4003).

After a year long fight with cancer on December 12, 2020, surrounded by family Deborah Lynn Haskett (Needham) passed away peacefully at her home.  Remembered by Jim Haskett (husband), Mabel Needham (mother), Brad Needham and Shelley Rivard (brother and sister-in-law), Katie Needham (niece), Emily Needham (great-niece), Kayne Needham and Sam Kurtz (nephew and niece), Sharon Davis (sister in law), Shirley Colbert (cousin) and many more uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by Gary Needham (father).  Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.  Thank you to the palliative care teams from Dr. Cling, Para-Med… Read complete obituary here.

November 8, 1927 – November 11, 2020 Peacefully at home with her family by her side on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 of Ingersoll, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Eckhardt (1998). Cherished mother of Jeff of Herentals, Belgium, Nancy and her husband Gary Latimer of London, Jim and wife Kathy of Naples, Florida, and Carol Eckhardt of Woodstock. Proud grandma of Sean, Greg, Jill, Laura, Andreas, Jamie, and Jack and her great-grandsons, Nolan, Oscar, Gust, Louis, and Lex. Predeceased by infant daughter Gail Helen (1957), daughter-in-law Patsy (1996), sister Joy (2009) and brother Jim (1944). Keeping… Read complete obituary here.

At St. Marys Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 23, 2020 of Thorndale at the age of 79. Beloved wife of Donald Phillips for 60 years. Dear mother of Susan (Brian) Pratten of Thorndale, Don (Rene) Phillips of Thorndale, Ted (Julie) Phillips of London, Kit Kinney (Rob Ward) of Belmont, Bob Phillips of London, David Phillips of Thorndale, Michelle (Eldon) Campbell of Stratford, and Kim (Jim) Judge of Mount Brydges. Loved grandmother of Alex, Jeremy, and Kate; Sarah, Rachel, and Kelly; Bart, Jason, and Sam; Ashley, Brent, Shyla, and Ayden; Jonathan; Brandon, and Owen; Jaxon and Emma; and also remembered by… Read complete obituary here.

At London Health Science Centre (LHSC) – University Hospital on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 of London and formerly of Sudbury at the age of 88. Beloved wife of Leo Robert Niemi married 65 years. Loving mom of Darrell Niemi (Terry Purvis) of Sudbury, and Brent (Geraldine) Niemi of London. Adored grandma of Jessica Niemi (Eric Levert) of Timmins, Pearl and Daisy Niemi of London. Dear great-grandmother of Drake. Lois was a devoted school teacher for the Sudbury School Board for 35 years. She will be remembered for her open-door policy and her whole hearted efforts (large and small) to make… Read complete obituary here.

Peacefully at LHSC – Victoria Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 of London, at the age of 82. Cherished mom of Timothy and Donna Puckett, Lee-Anne and Paul Charlton, Perry Puckett, and Keli-Lyn and Andrew Lockyer. Proud g’ma “mom” of Jennifer, Sheena, Aryanna, Dani, Sydney-Lyn, and Bryan and great-g’ma of Aiden, Emma, and Evan. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Bonnie and Rich Patton. Much loved aunt of Chris Patton. Predeceased by her brother Terry Benbow, niece Tara, and nephew Michael. Keeping with Judy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment Woodland Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation… Read complete obituary here.

Following a courageous battle with cancer, Will passed away quietly at home on September 9, 2020, surrounded by his family and dearest friends at the age of 67. He is survived by his loving wife Cherryl, daughters Emily (Jon), Mary (Scott) and stepdaughter Crystal (Jamie). Grandsons Crosby, Quinn; Eli, Leo and Oli. Sister Joy, sons Doug (Stephanie), Matt (Carollyn), Jake (Lisa) Aunt Yvonne, Uncle Ron and Families. Predeceased by his mother Peggy (1926-1990), father William (1916-2001) and brother-in-law Doug Currie (1947-2014). Will was an amazing husband, dad, grandad, brother, uncle and cherished best friend of Bob, Jan, Gary and Cathy…. Read complete obituary here.