Maurice "MO" Charles Delves
May 21, 1938 – December 31, 2025
Maurice Charles Delves, lovingly known as Mo, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Sarnia, Ontario. Born in London, Ontario, on May 21, 1938, Mo lived a life defined by service, hard work, and integrity. Mo served the City of London for 35years as a Platoon Chief and Director of Training with the London Fire Department, a role he held with great pride and professionalism. He was also a dedicated farmer in Middlesex OVERVIEW County for over 50 years, raising his family in the country and instilling strong values rooted in honesty and responsibility.
An avid sportsman, Mo loved hockey and was a proud Standardbred horse owner. Above all else, he was the steady heart of his family—offering guidance without judgment and love without limits. He shared 65 wonderful years with his wife and lifelong partner, Barbara, working side by side on their farm and enjoying their shared passion for harness racing.
Mo will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Barbara (McCallum); his daughters Catherine Ready (Lonnie), Robin Cooke, and Carrie Soto (Ben); his grandchildren Justin Ready (Chelsea), Jason Ready (Jasmin), Jarrett Ready (Olivia), and Lauren Lenhart; and his thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Kathleen Delves. Mo will also be fondly remembered by his sister Gail Rees and family; his brother Eric Delves, as well as Stuart and Judy McCallum and family and John McCallum and Diane Wilkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bluewater Health Foundation.
A service to celebrate Mo’s life will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home London on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 with visitation from 11 am to 1 pm, and the service to begin at 1pm. Cremation will follow.
~His life was well lived, his love deeply felt, and his presence will be forever missed. ~
Robert “Bob” Kingdon
September 25th, 1944 - November 22nd, 2025
Robert “Bob” Kingdon, 81, of Sarnia, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, at University Hospital in London due to complications from heart surgery.
Born on September 25, 1944, to Beatrice (Avery) and Lloyd Kingdon. Bob was the loving spouse of Joan Brown. He was the proud father of Kim Quackenbush (Don) and Shawn Kingdon, and stepfather to Leanne Reinelt (Mark), Karrie Bortolussi (Joe), and Dean Chester (Joanne). He is also survived his first wife and mother to Kim and Shawn, Valerie Monger.
ob was a cherished grandfather to Hailey Wickens (Jayden), Ariana Quackenbush, Aliya Quackenbush, Jaxon Quackenbush, Jera Bortolussi (Andrew), Jessica Bortolussi, Joslyn Brenner (Cole), Christian Reinelt (Kate), and Tyler Reinelt. He was a loving great-grandfather to Felix Reinelt, Avery Reinelt, and two great-grandchildren expected in 2026: Baby Wickens and Baby Reinelt.
Bob is predeceased by his second wife, Anita Kingdon, his brother Terry Kingdon, and his twin brother Don Kingdon. He is survived by his siblings Lloyd Kingdon Jr. (Pat), Sue Kelly (Dan), and sister-in-law Carol Kingdon. He will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A lifelong athlete, Bob loved being active. He was an avid golfer who proudly achieved six holes-in-one. He spent years as a skilled fastball pitcher, enjoyed winters in Florida, played high school football, and was a dedicated woodworker who took great pride in every project.
ob was a respected pipefitter with Local 663, where he devoted 50 years of service, and he was a longtime member of Moose Lodge #1046.
He will be especially missed by close friends Eric Howson, Duke Curran, Bob Johnson, and Bunny, along with many others whose lives he touched with his humour, kindness, and loyalty.
Bob will be remembered for his quick wit and humour, and his presence will be profoundly missed but forever carried in the hearts of all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at SidePockets (Stokes Inland), 1202 Lambton Mall Rd., Sarnia, on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (donations made online or cheques only at the funeral home please).
Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Ross Alexander Dark
June 28th, 1939 - December 28th, 2025
Ross Alexander Dark passed peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025, surrounded by love and memories of a life well lived.
Ross was a proud, long time member of the Local 663 Pipefitters Union, where he built not only a career but lifelong friendships grounded in hardwork, loyalty, and camaraderie. He carried the same dedication into every part of his life.
A devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan, Ross especially cherished his time in Dunedin Florida where he eagerly followed Spring Training and soaked up the sunshine, then joy of the game he loved so much. His passion for sports ran deep, he was one of the last surviving members of the 1957-58 Sarnia Legionnaires Championship team, an achievement that he held with quiet pride.
Above all else, Ross was his son's biggest supporter. Whether it was hockey or lacrosse arenas, near or far, he was always there - cheering loudly, offering encouragement, and never missing a chance to show his unwavering pride. His presence was constant and support unmatched.
Ross was known for his easy laugh, warm heart, and love of good company. The Mayor of McDougall Court could always be found sitting in his lawn chair in the driveway. He was always up for a beer, a story, and a good time with friends and family with a rendition of “You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille” to happen at a moment’s notice. Those moments of connection will be remembered fondly by all who shared them with him.
Ross leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, passion, and love, qualities that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Beloved husband of Lucille Dark for 67 years, Loving father of John (Annette) and Michael (Jodi) Dark. Cherished Grandfather of Taylor Hardy, Mackenzie Nap, Ryan Dark, Jarret Dark, and seven Great Grandchildren. Predeceased by parents Wellington and Phyllis, brothers Charlie, Lloyd, and Don. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted through Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line Sarnia.
August “Gus” Martin Leenders - Former Resident
December 14th, 1933 - January 22nd, 2026
Gus has left this world and rejoined his life dance partner, Myrl (February 2021). Born on December 14, 1933, in Boekel, Netherlands to parents Johannus (deceased 1982) & Huberta (nee Van den Boogaard, deceased 1957) Leenders.
The complete family of 11 sailed to Canada in 1950. Gus met Myrl (nee MacKenzie) in 1967 at a Valentine's Day dance in Sarnia, married on October 21, 1967, and had been dancing together until her passing. Had over 54 years together spending as many weekends as possible dancing in Michigan and Ontario at whatever venues where polka/waltz music was playing. They had travelled many times to the East Coast to visit Myrl's sisters and their families as well as the growing Leenders families. Been employed by Belton from April 1953 and retired in 1991.
Dear brother of the late Marie VanWerde (John); Liza Vermeulen (the late John); late Joe (Freda); late Andy (the late Ann); late Albert (Kathleen); Eugene (Willie); Herman; Richard (the late Gladys). He also leaves behind his extended East Coast family; sisters-in-laws Myrta and Karen (the late Lloyd) as well as many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.
Visitation to be held at SFH - McKenzie & Blundy Chapel, 431 Christina St. N., on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00. Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Benedict's Church, 1011 Oak Ave, Sarnia, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. (A livestream will be available at the start of the service - https://youtube.com/live/eeCnmO7HANI). Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Children's Rotary or Bluewater Health or a charity of your choosing would be appreciated (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Diane Marie Gagnon (nee Milner)
April 15th,1950 – February 2nd. 2026
Diane Marie Gagnon (nee Milner) passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind her devoted husband of nearly 56 years, Serge; her 2 loving children Suzanne (Sam) and Tony (Amy); four cherished grandchildren. Dakota, Kiran, Jasleen and Arjan.
She was predeceased by her parents Maynard and Ethel Milner as well as her older brother Hartley. She is survived by her other siblings Brenda, Joan, Rick and Clyde.
Following high school, Diane became a hairdresser, met Serge on 27 January 1969 and married in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia on 27 June 1970 she followed her Air Force husband through 18 moves including 4 postings in Nova Scotia, 3 postings in Ontario, one each in Germany, Virginia (USA) and Florida. Throughout these years she became an accomplished interior decorator with a very successful business named ‘Finesse Decorating’.
In her active life as a devoted mother, grandmother, wife and professional decorator, she always had a contagious radiant smile and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved hosting dinners at home and was an expert social events coordinator. She was loved and admired by all who knew her, always creating wonderful memories.
She traveled extensively to different parts of the world including all European countries, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and many US states. She loved nature and exploring the different cultures and traditions. Before her illness, she was an avid hiker, gardener and enjoyed partaking in social events to meet people and to dance her heart out. She truly loved living life to its fullest.
She had a heart of gold and was gifted with a blessed soul. Diane will be sorely missed but will always be remembered, honored and cherished.
In her memory, donations may be dedicated to the Canadian Cancer Society or the St Joseph’s Hospice.
