Stuart Gordon Strain

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Stuart on July 14, 2026 at Parkwood Institute, London at the age of 85 after a challenging journey with cancer.

Stuart is the beloved husband of 64 years to Marion (n­­­ée Nerden), and loving father of Cary (the late Cindy Kicks), Stephen, and Sean (Jana Fear). Adored grandfather of Brandon, Justin (Sydney Patterson), Claire, Tyler, and Sadie (granddog), and dear great-grandfather of Alexia and William. Much-loved brother of Florence (the late Wayne ‘Rocky’) Jeffrey, Frederick (Elsie) Strain, Donald (Joyce) Strain, Audrey (the late Ronald) Shepley, and brother-in-law to Louise (Donald) Murdoch. Predeceased by sister, Louise (the late Herbert) Hind.

Born to Roy and Gertrude (Holland) Strain; Stuart was raised in the Chatham area as the youngest of six children. In 1962, he married his love, Marion, and together they were blessed with three healthy sons. Though London, Ontario, was home, Stuart’s decades-long career in heavy construction equipment sales took him across Southern Ontario. In 1982, he founded XR Equipment Ltd., which he operated for more than twenty years before easing into retirement.

Stuart was a dedicated Mason and held the honourary 33rd degree, the highest honour awarded by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite. A proud member of Centennial Lodge No. 684 in London, Ontario, he also volunteered for many years with the London Valley Consistory Club. He received the Fred Kingsmill Gold Award in recognition of his commitment to helping those in need and upholding the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Outside of work and his Masonic commitments, Stuart enjoyed golfing, spending time with his cherished family, and savouring his favourite Scotch.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff and physicians at Victoria Hospital and Parkwood Institute for the exceptional care Stuart received over the past several months.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Northview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A Masonic Memorial Service under the auspices of Centennial Lodge No. 684 A.F. & A.M. will be held at the beginning of the Celebration of Stu’s Life, with a celebrant service at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Interment will take place at Siloam Cemetery at a later date.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Stuart are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Donations to the London Valley Consistory Club (c/o 160 Victoria Avenue East, RR 1, Crediton, ON N0M 1M0) are also appreciated but are not tax deductible.