Services & Obituaries

Ross, Ruth Caroline

Ruth passed away Arbor Trace Memory Care on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 100. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late G. Allan Ross. Loving mother of Ellen Anne Denomy and her husband Michael. Missed by her grandchildren Brandon Denomy (Michelle), Melissa Denomy and great grandson, Lucas Denomy.

Ruth was born at home at 64 Chapel St. Woodstock Ontario to Homer R. Kitt + Oley Burgess Kitt. She was the youngest of 3, sister of the late Warren B. Kitt and Joyce E. Howes.

Ruth was a long time member of the London YM/YWCA where she was an avid swimmer, former lifeguard, and synchronized swimming judge. She was an accomplished artist, photographer and world traveller. Ruth always had a library book on the go. She loved cats!!

Ruth’s family would like to gratefully thank all the wonderful Staff at Arbor Trace for the excellent care and attention pared to Mom. At Ruth’s request then will he no funeral or memorial service. Cremation has taken place. Interment at Hillview Cemetery in Woodstock, Ontario. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Ruth are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DORAN, Thomas…

In Loving Memory

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Doran, who left us on February 7, 2026, in London, ON. Born on September 11, 1942, in Ireland, Thomas carried the warmth, humour, and spirit of his homeland with him throughout his life. In 1965, he bravely crossed the ocean to begin a new chapter in Canada – a journey that shaped not only his own life, but the lives of all who came to know him.

Thomas built a proud career at Sears Canada, where he worked for over 30 years. His dedication, work ethic, and easygoing nature earned him lifelong friendships and the respect of everyone he worked alongside.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Edith, his son James (Doreen), and his cherished grandchildren Jesse, Liam, and Thomas, who will forever hold his guidance and love close to their hearts. He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Michael (Teresa), sister Kathleen, sister-in-law Eileen, brothers-in-law Gary and Wayne (Irene), sister-in-law Hilda, and his many nieces and nephews. Thomas was predeceased by his father Jim, mother Minnie, brothers John and Patrick, sister Mary, brothers-in-law Oliver and Edward, and sister-in-law Eileen.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation to share stories and honour a life so well lived on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2:30 pm in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Ontario SPCA 16586 Woodbine Avenue, Stouffville, ON L4A 2W3, reflecting Thomas’s lifelong compassion for animals.

Thomas will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His memory – and the Irish stories he loved to share – will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Reid, Linda

Linda passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at Oakcrossing Long Term Care, in her 74th year. She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela and Amanda, their families with seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She leaves behind her brother, Douglas Nutt and partner, Lynne, of West Lorne, ON. Cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Ingersoll Rural Cemetery in the spring.
Her family thank the staff at PeopleCare Oakcrossing for their compassion and support over the last four years. And we thank the staff of Parkwood Hospital for the years of care for our Mom.
Friends and family are welcome to attend our gathering at the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery in the spring.
Please share your fondest memories of Linda and remember to be kind to everyone you meet, as we never know what each of us are living through.
Donations can be made in her memory to organizations that support mental health services. Thank you.
Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Boone, James Edward

After a long and rich life, James Boone died peacefully on January 29, 2026, at 98 years of age. Jim was born on July 31, 1927, the second and youngest son of Frank and Helen Boone. He grew up in Hamilton Ontario, with his fun-loving older brother Frank Jr. While Jim excelled as a student in school in Hamilton, his heart and soul was focused on two things: football during the school year and life at Onondaga Camp during the summer, where his favorite activity was canoe tripping, especially in Algonquin Park. Jim spent many precious years at Onondaga, first as a camper, subsequently as a counsellor, and ultimately on the board of directors. Another life-long passion of Jim’s was fishing. It started when, after camp each year, he accompanied his parents to a lodge on Lake of Two Rivers, and all three would spend a couple of weeks fishing.

In 1945, following in his father’s footsteps, Jim entered medical school at the University of Toronto. After graduating in 1951, and completing residencies in Cincinnati and Boston, Jim was invited to join The Hospital for Sick Children, first as a senior resident and then as the chief resident. In 1965, Jim accepted a full-time position at SickKids where he started the pediatric rheumatology program and went on to act as the director of the pediatric residency training program.
Throughout this intensive medical training, Jim dated the love of his life, Joan Dauphinee and they were married on May 24, 1958. Joan and Jim had three sons, Tom, Charlie, and Peter. Jim fully shared his passion for the outdoors with his family, especially at a water-access cottage on Chandos Lake, just north of Peterborough. The kids would spend the month of July at the cottage and then the month of August at Onondaga Camp, giving Joan a much-needed break from the chaos of three young boys.

Meanwhile, as a member of the board of directors for Onondaga Camp, Jim met the trailblazing recreational canoeist Eric Morse, who inspired him to organize a canoe expedition down the Hanbury and Thelon Rivers in the Canadian Arctic. This journey covered hundreds of kilometers of demanding whitewater and involved navigating ice-choked stretches of several vast lakes before concluding in the Inuit community of Baker Lake. In 1969, this was a truly epic undertaking, and its legacy still inspires a spirit of exploration and adventure within his family and friends today.
In 1973, Jim accepted a position as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Chief Physician at War Memorial Children’s Hospital in London Ontario, which he held for 20 years. He was a highly effective and respected chair, who assembled a team of outstanding physicians and researchers. He proudly led the creation of an independent pediatric emergency service and founded the Children’s Health Research Institute. Despite this remarkable level of commitment, Jim still found time to paddle several northern Canadian rivers with close friends, including the Coppermine, Nahanni, and Hood.
When Jim and Joan retired, they remained in London and enjoyed summers at their cottage in Bayfield, Ontario. Jim took up fly fishing and he spent countless hours both in the Bayfield area and on many other rivers in Canada. An annual event became a trip to the Elk River near Fernie, BC, often with Joan, family, and friends. Jim made his last float, dry fly fishing for Elk River cutthroat trout at age 97. He also immersed himself in competitive croquet as an avid member of the Bayfield International Croquet Club. Both Jim and Joan deeply valued the support and companionship of their many friends in the Bayfield community during their retirement years.

Jim always remained a wonderful partner for Joan, especially after she developed dementia in later life, it was heartwarming to see him take such loving and patient care of her. After Joan’s passing, Jim deeply valued the support and companionship of his many friends in the Bayfield community. Jim’s enthusiasm for life was infectious; he devoted himself to education, medicine, family, and friends, and took particular delight in time spent in the outdoors. Jim will be profoundly missed by his three boys, Thomas (Renée), Charles (Erica) and Peter (Amy); his grandchildren, Hannah (Maitland), Kyle (Amy), Claire (Philippe), Spencer, Jocelyne, Jonathan, Alexander and Caroline; and his five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. The family is planning to have a private celebration of life, this summer. Donations can be made to the Children’s Health Foundation or the Canadian Canoe Museum.

KALUSCHNY, Maria…

Maria Kaluschny passed away peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in her 103rd year. Maria was predeceased by all four of her sons, most recently Alex Laguta in 2024. A visitation and funeral for Maria will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church, 465 Horton Street East, London. Friends may gather starting at 11:00 am to pay final respects, and the service will begin at 12:30 pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. A reception will follow in the church basement after the interment. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Piggot, Joan

Peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Queens Village in London, Joan passed away in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Piggot. Loving mother of Michael (Dee), and Mark (Marie). Dear grandmother of Ben Piggot. Predeceased by her siblings Hazel Greaves, Ruby Campbell, Margaret Maynard, and Burton Sprague. Joan will be lovingly remembered by her family.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 1:00 – 1:45 pm where the funeral service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 pm. Future interment at Woodhull Cemetery, London.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Joan may be made to Ivey Eye Institute through St. Joesph’s Health Foundation or to Byron United Church. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROWN-HARRETT, Jacqueline Rose “Jackie” (nee Angus)…

Jackie passed away peacefully in her sleep at Dearness Home, London, on Friday, January 30, 2026 in her 87th year. Beloved wife of James “Jim” Harrett for 23 years. Loving mother of Reverend Ryk Brown (Reverend Saoirse McTaggart), Greg Brown (Jennifer) and step-mother of Tammy McRonald (Jason) and Ryan Harrett. Dear grandmother of Leanne, Ewan, Jennifer (Chris), Brian, Laura, Michael, Zachary and Kenneth (Sarah) and missed by great-grandchildren Charlie and Riley. Also missed by her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her first husband Kenneth “Ken” Brown (1998) and sisters Mae (Pete) Gow and Margaret (Bob) Herdman. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00-11:45 am at Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 342 Pond Mills Road, London, ON N5Z 5E1. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm. Future interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalmers Presbyterian Church-Care and Share Program. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Park-Syme, Ann Elizabeth

April 16th, 1953 – January 21st, 2026

The family of Ann announce her passing on January 21st, 2026 at Victoria Hospital in London Ontario. Ann’s battle with cancer ended peacefully with her family by her side. Ann is survived by her loving partner Dave, his son, daughter and his grandchildren. Beloved children Stephanie (Brian) & Jamie. Cherished grandchildren Reaghan and Jacob. Ann was a loving sister to Bill (Evelyn), Lyn & Walter. Amazing aunt to Jennifer (Ian), Shanna (Mark) & Jeffery (Amy). Great Auntie to Carly, Liam, Sophie, Cohen and Sloane. Predeceased by mother Barbra, father Hugh, sister Bryna and Good friend Tom.

As a young adult Ann was an accomplished horse back rider and competed in the royal winter fair. She graduated from Guelph University and very much enjoyed gardening and shared in the activity with loved ones. As a retiree she worked as a school photographer. Throughout her life she brought with her joy & laughter. Very dedicated to her family, Ann was an exceptional grandmother making dreams come true. She was adventurous and loved to travel with family. Someone who was outgoing, kind and humourous she will be greatly missed. Her loving spirit will forever live on in the hearts she touched the most.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 1:00 – 1:45 pm. A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 2:00 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ann may be made to a Cancer Society of your choosing and would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Birch-Atkinson, Graham

Peacefully on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at University Hospital, London, Graham passed away in his 66th year. Beloved husband and loving soulmate of Rhoda Birch-Atkinson. Proud and supportive father of Jason Birch-Atkinson, Spencer Birch-Atkinson (Sarah and grandson Ronen), and daughters Christine, Shelly, Chelsea and Rachelle Birch-Atkinson. Adored brother of Tim Birch-Atkinson. Predeceased by his mother Jacqueline, older sister Julia and younger brother Christopher.

A hardworking mechanic by trade, Graham had a natural gift for tinkering with machines and fixing just about anything. He was known just as much for his sharp wit and hilarious sense of humor as he was for his big heart. He loved stand-up comedy and laughter and there was never a dull moment when Graham was around. If you were ever stuck in a ditch–literally or figuratively–he would be the first person there to pull you out.

Graham didn’t have the easiest life, and he would be the first to admit he didn’t always make the best choices. But through it all, he shaped his wife and children into the strong, resilient and compassionate people they are today. His legacy lives on in their strength, their humor and their ability to persevere.

Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Graham may be made to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JANCEY, Claire…

Claire Jancey passed away peacefully & quietly on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 90. Dearly beloved wife of the late Dr. Robert Christopher “Bob” Jancey (1996). Much loved mother of Keren (Robert), Christopher (Liana), Jeremy and Adrian. Cherished grandmother of Peter, Sophie, Parker, Michelle, Jake and Adam. Also survived by her brother Alan (Maureen) and his family. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 1:00-1:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow with future interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Claire’s memory may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON K2M 2W1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com