Kevin Darryl COAD (’97) passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home in London on January 29th, 2025, in his 47th year. Survived by his mother, Wendy Noble, his twin brother Paul (’97), his sister Erin Coad (’03) (Chris Shantz). Kevin will also be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and his many friends. Kevin enjoyed spending time cheering on his favourite sports teams and playing golf. His infectious laugh and kind nature will be missed deeply.
Gerald (Gerry) Lawrence BROCK (’57) passed away February 3, 2025. Survived by his wife, Carol (née Carey) (’58), daughter Brenda Strople (Scott), son Brian (Linde), sister Nancy Brock, grandchildren Christy (David) and Michael (Ashley) and great-grandchildren Lillian and Jack. Note: his brother-in-law, Bill Carey (’57), passed away less than 3 weeks later. For half of his career, he taught for the London Public School Board. From 1972 – 1981 he was a teacher and principal at Faith Academy in the Philippines. Along with his teaching staff, he created and developed a unique adventure program – an annual week of Outdoor Education that continues to this day. He also taught at the London Christian Academy, was principal of Heritage Christian school in Lindsay and completed his career as special Education teacher back in London. During retirement he team taught Bible studies with his wife.
Barbara (Pittaway) EDMONDS (’61) passed away February 14, 2025. After graduating from Western in 1965 with an Honours Degree in Mathematics, and attending Althouse College of Education in 1966, Barb taught at Oakridge Secondary School in London, and Jarvis Collegiate Institute in Toronto. Barb also loved music, receiving her associate degree in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Always looking for a challenge, in 1999 she decided to learn to play the oboe. The New Horizons Band was just starting at UWO and she became a charter member, continuing to play her oboe for twenty years. A hardworking and generous host, Barb’s way of caring for people was special. Her generosity included making thousands of cookies over the years for UWO medical students during their exams. After surviving breast cancer, she was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in 2019. Treatment induced a remission and gave her another 6 years of life before she succumbed to pneumonia. She is survived by Merrill Edmonds, her beloved husband of over 58 years, as well as her two children Brian (’87) and Marcia (’89), and three grandchildren. Also missed by her sister Lucille Robson (’52).
Clare KNECHTEL (’56) passed away February 21, 2025, after challenging Parkinson’s disease for almost two decades. Survived by his wife and best friend Carole (Thomas) (’58), two children, Patti and Dave, five grandchildren and a recent great-grandson. Predeceased by his brother Bob. Born in a one-room log cabin in Embro, Clare’s early years involved life on the farm. Later, the family moved to Stratford and then London and attending SCI. During these years an exceptional hockey career was blossoming. After playing in Sarnia and St. Catharines, he received an invitation to the Chicago Black Hawks training camp. Clare, however, decided to pursue a career in business. He led the Robert Hunt Corporation until 1981, after which he founded Knechtel Millwork Limited (KML). Over the next 20 years KML grew to have over 450 employees. Recognized as an Industry Pioneer by the Canadian Window and Door Association, Clare received the Loewen Award for his outstanding service to the industry. In his personal life, he committed to being a big part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives and was always there to lend a hand. Described as “a mentor to many from all walks of life” Clare “donated and gave his time to numerous causes he cared for”.
William (Bill) James CAREY (’53) passed away peacefully at home in London, on February 21, 2025, in his 91st year. Survived by his wife Helen; predeceased by his first wife Gladys and a grandson, Zachary. Loving brother of Carol (Carey) Brock (’58) and sister-in-law, Nancy Brock. Predeceased by his brother-in-law Gerry Brock (’57). Dear father of three and step-father of two. Also survived by five grandchildren who adored their “Bup.” Bill had a rewarding career as a dedicated elementary school teacher, VP and Principal. Many of his students kept in touch reminding Bill of his positive influence as a mentor and friend. Faith and Family always came first. In retirement he enjoyed travel, sports, acting, music and church activities.
Marilyn Anne (Radcliffe) KNOWLES (’52) passed away March 6, 2025, in Collingwood. Predeceased by her devoted husband Henry (Hank) (’52) (d. 2016).Survived by her daughters Krista (Craig) and Lori, four grandchildren and her siblings Carolyn Sugden and Russell Radcliffe. After attending Teachers College, Marilyn taught elementary school in London before moving to Toronto, where she established a Reading Readiness Program for the Toronto School Board. In 1960, Marilyn and Henry moved to New Haven, CT where Marilyn researched childhood development. Upon returning to Toronto, she introduced a school-readiness program based on children’s developmental stages. After raising her family, Marilyn resumed her career in public education. She was elected and served three terms as a North York School Board Trustee. This led to a 10-year career with a multinational consulting firm during which she twice received the firm’s Excellence Award.
Marilyn and Henry retired to Collingwood where Marilyn’s skills led her to leadership roles in multiple community organizations. “Loyal, kind and generous” her many friends will remember her “intellectual curiosity, community involvement, and love of parties and dancing”.
Sandy (Hamilton) SNELGROVE (’58) passed away March 25, 2025, age 86. Devoted wife to Dr. Jack M. Snelgrove, cherished mother of three (Elizabeth, Michael (Andrea) and David (Ed) and beloved “nanny” to Alexis, Jack and Samantha. Predeceased by herd brother John. Following high school, she applied for a job at the Bank of Montreal where the man who hired her would become in 1963. After living in Toronto while Jack completed his dentistry degree, they returned to London to raise their family. Sandy gave her time, generously, to various organizations including May Court Club, London Regional Art Gallery, Grand Theatre, and Parkwood Hospital. She was a board member of the Women’s Christian Association and served as its Chair from 1986 to 1988.
In the mid-eighties, Sandy opened her own commercial gallery in downtown London. She took great pride in representing local artists and contributing to London’s vibrant art scene. When not busy raising her family, volunteering, and running her business, Sandy dedicated time to her favourite hobby of gardening. Friends and family will remember her for “her radiant smile, eternal optimism, and her pure, kind heart”.
Andrew David HORGAN (’20) passed away in an accident in Ottawa on March 31, 2025. A “brilliant, funny, musical, and caring young man”, Andrew had lived in Ottawa on and off since 2020, studying computer science at university and recently working as a proofreader. He explored nature throughout the city and Gatineau and took stunning photos. He was a frequent visitor at the National Gallery and climbing gyms. He talked and played online games daily with his sister, Julia (’23), who is devastated to lose her anchor in life. He also leaves behind the rest of his family who had so much more love to give him: parents, Karen Lowry & David Horgan, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
Barry F. (“Bubba”) NELLIGAN (’70) passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Campus, on April 19, 2025, in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Mary (née Golby) and father of Beth (Ryan Smith), Anne, and John (Kayla). Dear brother of Terry (the late Judy), Mary Lynne (Ron Bankes, ’71), Lorraine, Pat (’76) (Leigh, nee Jeffery, ’78), Chris (’77) (Anne), and Tina Methot (’79) (Don). Predeceased by his brother Brian. Proud Grandpa to Cohen, Henry, and Dylan. Bubba’s kindness, wisdom, and quick wit will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and clients.