Obituary of Earl Voaden

VOADEN, Earl William passed away into the arms of his Lord & Saviour on September 8th, 2024, in his 87th year. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Dean) Voaden for over 63 years. He was the proud father of Randy (Jeanette) and Douglas, and loving grandfather of Matthew and Emily. He was predeceased by his parents Chester and Mary (Coombs) Voaden, and his sister Eleanor Congdon. 

Earl was born on June 13, 1937, in St. Thomas, Ontario. He enjoyed living on the family farm just outside of Talbotville. After grade 11, Earl began work at Canadian Tire, where he served for over 55 years. At the early age of 19, Earl was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  This was just 34 years after the discovery of insulin, and Earl lived through all kinds of medical advancements. Earl met his "Sweetheart" Mary Emily just before Christmas in 1959, and they married on April 29, 1961.  Soon after, they built a bungalow in the village of Lambeth where they raised their two sons. They attended Lambeth Bible Church and Bryon Community Church.

When Earl wasn't working, he was in his garage rebuilding engines and doing car maintenance. He could also be found tinkering in his workshop. He did all the household repairs and maintained an immaculate yard. Earl especially enjoyed his automobiles, boats and 5th wheel trailer.

On November 25, 2021, Earl became a resident of Sunnyside Home, Riverside wing in Kitchener. He enjoyed calling Bingo, playing games, gardening, and making others smile with his “Howdy Doody” greeting and cheerful disposition. He experienced exceptional care by the skilled and compassionate team at Sunnyside nursing home.

Visitation will be at McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S, London (Lambeth) on Thursday, September 12th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 13th beginning at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon.  Interment will follow at Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery, St.Thomas, ON. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, Sunnyside Foundation, ShareWord (Gideons), or Byron Community Church.

Links for donations:

Diabetes Canada

ShareWord/Gideons

Sunnyside Foundation (FYI: You might like to click on this link. Earl is featured in the middle photo when he was gardening)

Byron Community Church