Louis ‘Lou’ Herman – B.A. M.Ed. Flannigan

On Monday, September 28, 2020, Lou passed away surrounded by family, loving care and the comfort of his home in his 95th year. Lou is survived by his devoted wife, Marjorie (née Thornton) of 67 years; sister June; brother Jim; nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his children Mary, Bonnie (Timothy Sprague), John and Peter Hockin. A proud and loving father, he never missed an opportunity to recognize them for their achievements. He was dearly loved by four grandsons, Andrew (Andonia), William (Daniele), Matthew, Ian (Shea); and three great-grandchildren, Dylan and Kaitlyn Hockin and Charlie Hockin. Grandpa Lou will always hold a special place in their hearts. Predeceased by parents Lettia and Norman Flannigan; brothers, Lloyd and Melvin; and sister, Thelma. Lou was passionate about fiddle music and the family’s musical talent was well-known and appreciated in the Crumlin and Thorndale communities. His career in education spanned 37 years in the West Nissouri, Dorchester and London communities during which time he served as principal for the London Board of Education for 18 years. With his kind and patient manner, Lou always had a special rapport with children, especially exceptional children. He pursued graduate studies in special education at Arizona State University from 1964-65. For seven summers, he instructed special education teachers for the Ontario Ministry of Special Education. After retirement, he embarked on a second career in real estate, culminating in a CRA designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada in 1995. Lou had a never-ending curiosity of the world around him. Having an exemplary work ethic, he was also a meticulous craftsman and proud of two family homes he planned and built with his father-in-law, Louis Thornton, a notable stonemason. Even when he encountered the most difficult health challenges later in life’s journey, he had a ready smile and saw the glass as half-full. The family is deeply grateful to the exceptional and dedicated care workers who attended to Lou at home through the years. A private family interment service will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held when conditions permit. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON  N6H 2B6 (>https://www.stgeorgeslondon.ca) or the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, 4500 Blakie Road, Unit 117, London, ON N6L 1GS (>https://parkinsonsociety.ca/).