Obituary of Samuel Everette Hearns

Hearns – Samuel of London, shortly after 11am, on Remembrance Day (Nov 11) of all days, Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran Samuel Everette Hearns, of Alderville First Nation, began his journey to the Spirit World passing away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 92. Our family is deeply saddened to share this news, but we know he was truly looking forward to reuniting with his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia. 

Born in Alderville, son of Charlotte Lake and Everett Simpson, he grew up in Cobourg, leaving school after grade six to shovel coal on a freighter, biding his time until he could join the CAF. He served for 28 years, retiring decorated as a corporal in the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. 

He met Patricia while she was serving in the RAF in England, and after a quick courtship he proposed to her across from Buckingham Palace under a full moon, marrying her in August of 1951. Later he was posted to the base in London, Ontario, and in the 70s, they purchased their family home. They remained there the rest of their lives, raising their kids and travelling across Southwestern Ontario and the midwestern USA for Pow Wows. 

His return to his Anishinaabe roots was another way to serve his community. He was truly honoured to be the Head Veteran at Pow Wows, Eagle Staff and pipe carrier, as well as a firekeeper. He mentored many people, from sharing his sobriety journey and walking the Red Road; to supporting students as a visiting Elder at Conestoga College; to teaching and mentoring at Warkworth, and other correctional institutions.

He had a trickster spirit, loved terrible jokes, road trips, kitschy trinkets and sharing his pizza crusts with the squirrels, but most of all he loved his wife and family. 

His legacy lives on in three daughters who will miss him terribly - Lorry Lourie (Brad), Rose Robinson (Rick) and Michelle Yeck (Bond), his seven grandchildren who gave him incredible joy: Erin Lourie, Mike Lourie (Breanna), Josh Robinson (Kristine), Jeremiah Robinson (Nicole), David Robinson, Sara Mai Chitty and Felicity Chitty, as well as his  great-grand children who brought out the kid in him: Mia Rae, Logan, River, Sage, Willow, Dallas, Lily, Bentley, Luke and Sydney.

Pop’s touched the lives of so many people, with his stories, love and sense of humour. His wisdom lives on through us all. 

A celebration of life to honour both Sam and Patricia will be held in the spring/summer.

 Our family would like to thank Aram Abdulla (Parameds)and Mary Ducharme (Home and Community Care Services) for their wonderful care for so many years. Another special thank you goes to Katrina Thibert of SOHAC for her care and kindness along with the numerous house calls she made when we needed her the most.

We encourage you to share your stories and how you knew our "Pops" through the online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Aboriginal Veterans Association (CAV).

McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

2240 Wharncliffe Road South, London, ON N6P 1L1 519-652-2020

Online condolences are available through www.mcfarlane-roberts.ca

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Hearns, please visit Tribute Store