A look back at those we lost in the London region in 2024

We’re reflecting on 2024 and some of the notable residents of the London region who passed away over the past 12 months. These are their life stories.

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DAN SMOKE

Friends remembered longtime Indigenous broadcaster and educator Dan Smoke as a person who gave of himself freely and devoted his life to supporting Indigenous communities. His wife Mary Lou Smoke announced the death of “the love of her life,” due to complications of pneumonia and Type 2 diabetes in a social media post on Nov. 4. READ MORE

LOGAN HUNTER

A former London Knights player, and nephew of team owners Dale and Mark Hunter, he died in early February at age 39 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. The Oil Springs native played with the Knights from 2000 to 2004 and finished his OHL career with Peterborough in 2004-05. READ MORE

BARB DUNBAR

A beloved fixture in the London Free Press newsroom for 37 years, she passed away on Nov. 25 at age 70, a decade after she was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Said her former manager, Helen Connell: “She represented the heart and soul of a news organization.” READ MORE

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ARCHIE LEACH

The London entrepreneur who founded and sold hospital bed manufacturing businesses and was the visionary behind 100 Kellogg Lane died at home at age 70 with his family by his side in September. He had suffered from esophageal cancer. “He believed nothing was impossible,” said his daughter Martha Leach. READ MORE

BILL VIGARS

The St. Thomas native played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in Terry Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope, a planned cross-country trek that has endured as one of the most iconic events in modern Canadian history. He died in October at age 78 from heart failure, according to his obituary. READ MORE

SUSAN MUSZAK

London lost a business and media leader in Susan Muszak, who was remembered by her family as a fierce supporter of those she loved and held dear. Muszak, 62, the last publisher of The London Free Press, died suddenly in September after falling ill at her Grand Bend home. READ MORE

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SILVESTRO PALUMBO

An immigrant bricklayer, Silvestro Palumbo founded three construction and home building businesses in London, helped establish a private golf course and served as a pioneer in affordable housing. He died in July at age 88 after suffering a heart attack, according to loved ones. READ MORE

VAUGHAN PECKHAM

Friends, ex-players and loved ones mourned the death in April of longtime London volleyball coach Vaughan Peckham, who was remembered for his on-court expertise and his role in growing the sport locally, including as co-founder of the Forest City Volleyball Club . READ MORE

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