On Friday, July 16, 2021, Alastair MacDonald, loving husband (and best friend) of Dorothy, father of Jennifer MacDonald (Alvin Wong) and Megan Beecroft (J.J.), pae to Travis and dog dad to Takoda, passed away at the age of 78.
 
Alastair was born on May 27, 1943 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Louis and Ethel MacDonald. As a young man Alastair trained as a Reservist with the Royal Regina Rifles. He later graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Physics in May 1968. On May 22, 1976, he married Dorothy Foy. They raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and lived in Flamborough, Ontario where Alastair worked as a mathematics teacher at Waterdown District High School. In 2002 Alastair, Dorothy and their younger daughter Megan moved to Tillsonburg, Ontario.
 
Al was a proud and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 153, helping with the Poppy Campaign every year. Alastair was a fiercely proud Canadian and loyal supporter of the Legion. His jokes, stories and welcoming spirit will be missed in the canteen.
 
Donations to the Royal Canadian Poppy Fund are gratefully appreciated by Al’s family and can be made at www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign/donate-to-the-poppy-fund
 
Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com.

Passed away at London Health Science Centre Victoria Site on Thursday July 15, 2021 at the age of 80. 
  
Beloved wife of 62 years to Norman Parker. Loving mother of Terri Lee Parker and Rob Parker (Marg). Cherished grandmother of Rob McCallum (Tanya), Christopher Byford (Shannon), Brandon Parker and Ryan Parker. Great grandmother of Serenity, Harrison, Scarlett and Aiden.
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She will be missed by her siblings Bonnie (the late Ken) Wilkinson, Nadine (Doug) Work, Peter (Sheila) Belanger and Jeff (Gayle) Belanger.
 
As per Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
 
Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Carol's obituary notice on Facebook.

What would Marie Miller want in a tribute? Well, to start with, she wouldn’t want one at all! Marie was a quiet, intensely private person. She never wanted to be the center of attention and never ever wanted to have her picture taken. But we believe we should celebrate her life. So, I’m sorry Mom, I know you would want everything to be private but we want everybody to know how great you were so you will continue to be an inspiration to the lives of everybody you touched.

Marie Miller was born on August 12, 1937 in a rural community in the Ottawa Valley. She was married at the age of 19 to Robert Miller (nicknamed R.A.). They were married 65 years (Quite an accomplishment these days). She had two children: her son Stacy, who is married to Joan, and her daughter Tracy, who is married to Ken. She also had 5 grandchildren, Jaime, Alex, Braxton, Conrad, and Griffin, and three grand dogs, Bia, Bolo and Murphy.

Marie’s legacy is her family. She was the undisputed matriarch of our clan. Her focus in life was her family. She was the person you would call if you had a problem and needed a compassionate ear. You knew that she would listen and that you were always going to get an honest answer, whether you wanted it or not. But you also knew her advice came from a place of love and concern.

When we were kids, she was always our biggest cheerleader. Mom would always tell us “You can do it”. There are so many phrases we hear every day that are so Mom. “You are no better than anybody else but nobody else is better than you” Or “Smarten up!” You knew that you had to be polite and respectful to others or risk getting the “wrist grabber”. We were taught to treat with everybody with respect. As we had kids of our own, she passed all of these lessons down to her grandkids who she adored.

Marie taught us that family is the most important thing in life. She loved any occasion where we all got together and she especially loved the Christmas holidays. It was a big deal at our house. She always had presents bought for everybody and said that we should just save our money and not spend it on her. In her final days, she told us how important it was that we continued to support each other and that if one of us was in need then we all better be there to help … no questions asked. She told us that we had to make it a priority to all got together in the future. Mom, we will keep that promise.

Mom loved to go out to dinner. From Ruth’s Chris, to Nero’s, to Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Marie was always ready to go out and always ready to try new things. She loved the Thai place in Niagara or the Tapas place in Blue Mountain. It was so cool to have a mom that was ready to try new things.

Marie was always ready to go on a road trip with her kids and grandkids. Any opportunity to go on an adventure with her family. When you called and asked, “Do you want to go to Windsor for the weekend?” the answer was always “Sure! I just have to do my laundry and get my hair cut and I’m ready to go!!” Whether it was a trip to the casino or to Blue Mountain Marie, she was happy to go. She loved playing the slots. She taught us her slot rule; if you win, keep playing that machine a few times because it will hit again. I don’t know how many times I followed that rule and won. I know going forward I will think of her any time we go on a road trip.

Marie was not a fan of social media. If she wanted to talk, she would call. She did learn to text but it just didn’t replace a phone call or a visit. She also really enjoyed Sunday dinners at home with family, but she always had to have her meat dry and burned! And of course, she said she didn’t need dessert, but always managed to find some room to enjoy a piece or pie or cake. There was always time for tea and we recall her saying that whenever you didn’t feel well, toast and a cup of tea was all you needed to get better.

A couple of years ago Mom started having back pain. Then in December of 2020 she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and debilitating form of blood cancer. Over the following 6 months Marie went through countless tests and endured chemo and radiation. Through it all she displayed tremendous class and grace. Any time you came down she was so happy to see you and wanted to know about your life. She was kind and appreciative to every healthcare worker that helped her. Through it all, she stayed strong. Despite a valiant effort, the cancer treatment was not successful and in June of this year she was moved to palliative care. In the end, she decided to go out on her own terms. She was absolutely the strongest woman you could have had the privileged to meet.

Mom said that maybe there was a reason for her illness. She thought that it brought the family closer together. She was so right. We all came together to support her however we could. We had discussions with each other that we would have never had in any other circumstances. All of her grand kids came from across the province and country to spend time with her. She knew how much we all loved her and we are all grateful we had the opportunity to tell her that. There was a saying she loved which we will always remember. “Man plans and God laughs”. You think that you can plan and control how life will go. But, just like Mom said in her final days, sometimes you need to just realize what is truly important and focus on that.

Mom often told us about her mother. She would recall how her mom was somebody you could always talk to. How you could always just drop in and stay as long as you wanted. She said she thought of her mother every day. We know it will be exactly the same with our mom. We know that when we have to make a decision, when we go to the casino or when there is a family get together, Mom will be watching.

If you want to join us in this tribute to Marie, please make a donation to Myeloma Canada. Marie would want us all to pay it forward and help them find a cure.

Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Marie's obituary notice on Facebook.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeff on Tuesday April 20, 2021, at University Hospital in London. 
 
Much-loved and deeply missed by daughter Erin Cormack (Eugene), son Kyle Cormack (Courtney) and granddaughter River. Always loved and cherished by best friend Tina Valentino. He will also be forever missed and remembered by nephew Tylor, aunts, uncles, cousins and many beloved friends including dear friend Dan Flannery caring for Jeff this past year. 
 
Jeff is now at peace with his mother Beverley (Taylor) and stepfather Edward Duffney, son Jake Cormack, brother Steven Cormack, sister Lori Cormack and nephew David Cormack.
 
He will be in the hearts of those he knew forever. 
 
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date when covid permits. 

Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Jeff's obituary notice on Facebook.

​ Passed away peacefully at the University Hospital, London on Tuesday March 30, 2021, in his 91st year.

Born in Natal, British Columbia, son of the late Guerino and Anna (Pascotta) Truant. Len was retired from Bell Canada as a telecommunications engineer.  He also loved golf, reading, and he enjoyed being helpful with anything that needed fixing.

Beloved husband of the late Ruth (Ryerson) Truant, who predeceased him in 2014. Loving father of Linda Truant (Thomas Geng), Susi Eberhard (Steve Szabo) and Rick Truant. Cherished grandfather of Carrie Thornton, Ricky Thornton, Michael Truant and Rosalind Eberhard. Great grandchildren Ben Gyurics and Adam Gyurics.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at a later date.
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Messages and condolences may be left at www. forestcitycremation.com

Suddenly on February 23, 2021, just beginning his 40th year, Jeffrey (Jeff) Gordon Doan. 

He'll be missed by Mother Ana Doan (Doug); son Dylan, brothers Mike (Lisa), Adam (Meghan); aunts, uncles, nephew; nieces and many close friends. Predeceased by Father Paul Doan (2016).

Jeff will be remembered for his kind and giving spirit, love for family and friends, strong views and his love of football.  He made friends all over the world.

​Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Jeffrey's obituary notice on Facebook. 

As a result of a stroke and subsequent complications, Norma Louise Holland (Boyd) slipped peacefully away with her Daughter, Ariel (Al Beaudoin) holding her hand, as well as her son, Kirby (Sally Inns), quietly speaking words of love and reassurance via virtual message, on Feb 22,2021 in her 84th year. 
 
She will be warmly met in heaven by her parents Nicholas and Lillian Boyd, as well as her brother Gordon. She also will be reunited with first husband Trevor S. Holland (1990), second husband, Frank MacDonald (2008), and step-son Dan MacDonald (2015).
 
Norma not only was a cherished and loving mom, but also a proud Grammy to Amy (Keaton) & Alyssa (Nathan) Beaudoin, as well as Samantha and Jessica Holland. She was also a special “Noma” to Shawn and Tegan MacDonald. She leaves behind sister Jean (Al) Rogowski of Deep River, Ontario,  sister-in-law, Carol (Al)Moody, in Calgary, Niece Colleen, Nephew Derrick and her loving cousins in Winnipeg. She will be sorely missed by all her friends from the Kiwanis Senior centre who provided her with days and years filled with day trips, luncheons, games, music, laughter and smiles. She also will be missed by so many  dear friends and neighbours, many who were just like family,  from Winnipeg and in London,  who often called to visit,  would wave when she was out, give encouraging words or lend a helping hand for so many years - you all know who you are !
 
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held when Covid so permits. In Lieu of flowers,  those wishing to honour Norma are asked to consider a donation in her memory to one of the following organizations:
Lambton Centre, a Christian Outreach Ministry dedicated to enriching lives through summer camp programming   @ https://lambtoncentre.com/get-involved/
 or The London Humane Society   https://www.hslm.ca/tribute-memorial-donation/

Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Norma's obituary notice on Facebook.

March 7, 1941 – Jan 27, 2021

Peacefully at Alexandra Hospital, Ingersoll, with Joan by his side and shortly after a visit with his family.

Survived by loving partner and best friend Joan MacLeod, Sisters; Eleanor (Mel) and Sandra (Charlie 2020), Brothers; Jim (Joanne) and Robert (Carole 2007), Son Keith (Anne 2020) and Daughter Tracy, Grandson Dylan and Granddaughter Michaela.

Predeceased by parents, Brothers Bill (2015), George (2012) and Sister Florence (2007), wives Sandra (1994) and Arlene (2008).

​Cremation has taken place. Donations to any charity of choice are greatly appreciated. Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com.

March 12, 1941 – January 23, 2021

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Windel announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the age of 79 years. 

Lovingly remembered by her partner, Robert Mann and her children, Colin and Catherine (John).  She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Rachel and Madeline.  Mary is survived by one brother, Jack (Marilyn), and sisters, Gail (George) and Nettie Lou, as well as many nieces and nephews.   Mary is also fondly remembered by Les (Tamara) Mann and family.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Calvin and Dorothy, and siblings, Bill, Paul and Reginald.

Mary was a member of the Ontario Harness Horseman Association, and was a registered licensed groomer with OHHA.  She was also the former president of Winning Ways. Mary was an avid animal lover throughout her lifetime. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the LHSC, University Hospital for their care and compassion.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary’s name to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, Ontario N5V 3K5.

​Messages and condolences may be left at www.forestcitycremation.com. Please visit Mary's obituary notice on Facebook.