Services & Obituaries

La VIGNE, Stephen…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Stephen La Vigne passed away in his 62nd year. He is survived by his beloved wife Bridget La Vigne.

Cherished brother-in-law of Teresa and Gary Smith, and their children Fiona and Liam. Dear brother and uncle of Mark La Vigne and his daughter Kaitlyn, and Paul La Vigne, his wife Lorraine, and their daughters Kaylie and Lauren.

Stephen is predeceased by his loving parents Donald and Leona La Vigne.

In his youth, Stephen was an all-around athlete playing Hockey, Baseball, Soccer, and Football and excelled at all of them, especially Football.

Going to a Toronto Maple Leafs practice and meeting players when he was young was also a highlight for Stephen. He arrived home that day with a signed stick from Leaf’s goalie Johnny Bower.

He had a wonderful and varied career including working in guest services and being the incentive coordinator at Six Flags and working for the Colorado Rockies. He loved his job as the Front Doorman at the Hilton. It brought him so much joy because it allowed him to do what he did best – help people.

After he left his job at the Hilton, he continued giving back to our community by volunteering at the Senior’s program at the Boys and Girls Club of London.

Stephen loved country music and attending concerts. He was a great dancer; and he always gave the best spins and twirls. He also had a great sense of humour and would often quote lines from his favourite comedians and tv shows to lighten the mood during difficult moments.

Stephen loved to talk; and was a great storyteller. He often spoke of his many life adventures and of spending time during the summer as a child and teen in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.

Stephen was the best fur pawrent to our two beautiful dogs, Toby and Lucy. They were the best of friends and he was forever sharing his food with them and showering them with love.

Stephen loved with all of his heart and his number one priority in his life was his Bridget. He never missed an opportunity to tell people how much she meant to him. Even though he has left us far too soon, he will continue to live on in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

A special thank you goes out to the first responders including the paramedics, fire fighters, and police officers who responded. Also, thank you so much to the staff at Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion at the end of Stephen’s life. Bridget knew that he was placed in the best hands before God called him home.

Cremation has taken place. Because of his love for dogs, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to Happy’s Place Dog Rescue organization. Information on how to donate is on their website: https://happysplace.ca/

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

GRAHAM, Barry…

Barry Graham passed away peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London on July 22, 2025 in his 76th year after a short struggle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Preston and Grace Graham and survived by second cousins Megan Cameron and Susan Jane Dauphinee, both in Alberta. Barry was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. He was active in scouting, becoming a Queen’s Scout and attended the World Jamboree. He attended the University of Waterloo where he played football and enjoyed an active social life. After University he started a car cleaning company in Brantford, before moving to London where he started a second location. After selling the business, he moved on to Commercial Real Estate where he became a very successful, top producing agent at Royal LePage Commercial retiring in 2021. With a wide circle of colleagues and friends, Barry was well known in the London business community. He enjoyed sports and music and spent many hours cycling around London. He loved downtown London enjoying the parks and festivals and socializing with friends at the Runt Club. Barry lost his mobility and eyesight in recent years and was grateful for the care provided by the staff at Mount Hope. He very much appreciated the support provided by friends Knute Dohnberg, John Bonner, Greg Playford and especially Julie Medeiros, who visited him regularly and became a good friend and companion. Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 10:30-11:00 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Future interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford. Barry supported many important causes and a donation in his memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ABEL, Guy…

Guy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 70. Adoring husband of Christine Scaini. Loving and dedicated father of Adam, Alex and Mary Margaret. Lovingly remembered by Ash and Jessica. Brother of Brian and Scott. Predeceased by his parents Bill and Lily Abel. Guy will be fondly remembered by many cousins, friends and extended family. The family would like to thank VON, Paramed and the palliative care for their tremendous care of Guy over the years. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Canada. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. A prayer service will be held at 5:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 am. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Jon …

We are heartbroken to announce the unexpected passing of our special guy Jon Paul Johnson who departed Monday, July 14, 2025, in London at the age of 68.

The World’s Best Dad to Lily and Betty Johnson, he was dedicated to his daughters every second of every day. They will miss him forever and will never forget what his love and affection felt like.

Loving older brother to his cherished sisters Sigrun (Brian Hughson) & Sue (Barry Richard), the three of them shared a bond like no other. Eccentric and doting Uncle to his beloved nieces and nephew Kaelen Hughson (Lise), Roberta Hughson, Pauline Richard (Tom), Liam Zelinski and Alex Zelinski. Loving Great-Uncle to May, Ethan and Emma. Cherished co-parent and eternal partner-in-crime with Stephanie Mitchell.

Ceaselessly curious about the world, he had the mind of an engineer and the compassion of a Saint. He never stopped wanting to understand the world and how it works. He was patient and kind. Quiet when he wanted to be, he turned into a Grade A chatterbox as he got older and loved opening people up- even strangers at the grocery store. He had a one of a kind sense of humor and loved to make people laugh with a sly joke or funny text. Impossibly sweet, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body and just wanted everyone to get along.

A pylon-antagonizer, cigar smoker, world’s slowest driver, podcast blaster, expert small talker, prolific Facebook Reel sender, red sock wearer, movie watcher, storm chaser, book worm, and skilled cabinet maker, he will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to call him a friend or family.

He is predeceased by his mother Pauline Johnson (née Lidkea), father Stefan Johnson, and younger sister Sigrun Hughson, all far too soon. He carried their memory with him everywhere he went just as we all will with his.

A private family interment has taken place in Woodland Cemetery where he is resting mere steps from his mother and father in a warm patch of sunlight.

A public Celebration of Life will  take place at the German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Road, London, on Saturday July 26^th, 2025,  from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Visitors are encouraged to share memories of Jon over some pierogies and a bottle of Labatt 50. Canadian tuxedos are strongly recommended but not mandatory.

In lieu of donations or flowers, we encourage people to carry on his legacy of generosity by buying someone a coffee or helping a stranger who might need a bit of kindness.

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

P.S. Dad… We found the salt you weren’t supposed to have in your nightstand….

FRANKLIN, John Currier (1942-2025)

It is with deep sadness that we announce that John passed away peacefully at his home in London, Ontario on Wednesday July 16, 2025, in his 83rd year. John was born in Ottawa, Ontario, the only son of Katherine (nee Bartram) and Lieutenant-Colonel William John Franklin.

John is survived by his two sons, John Stuart Kenneth (Ken), and Patrick Currier (wife Kathy), his daughter-in-law Janet Hibbs, his daughter-in-law Julia Merry, and his cherished grandchildren Katie, Patricia, Sadie, Claire, Avery, and Emilia. He is also survived by the “love of his life”, his wife Kyle Anne MacDonald, his brother-in-law Roland MacDonald, his nephews, Samuel and Andrew MacDonald, and his niece Samantha. John enjoyed reconnecting with his dear cousins Bernice and Jean in recent years, and shared memories from the Franklin family’s history.

John lived a successful and accomplished life as a talented Engineer and Business Executive. He was a respected leader in several industries over the course of his business career, and most recently owned a leading manufacturer of HVAC and Indoor Air Quality systems and products called AIRIA Brands Inc. The company was well known and respected across North America under the brand name “LIFEBREATH”, and was successfully sold to an international conglomerate in 2022. John was extremely proud of his company; its reputation for quality, innovation and customer service, and most importantly, the team of people that contributed such value to its success. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his formidable intellect and wisdom, and for being a strong mentor, providing guidance and insights into varied topics such as investing, leadership, and business.

John enjoyed wonderful friendships with many; lifelong friends from his early schooldays at Lisgar Collegiate in Ottawa, to his engineering colleagues from Carlton University in Ottawa, to his Western University MBA/IVEY graduating class of 1971 in London, Ontario, to many close business colleagues, and dozens of friends – all across Canada, the United States and other parts of the world like Australia, New Zealand and the UK. John wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida with Kyle for many years, and loved his recent summers at the lake house overlooking Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario.

John loved Canada, the outdoors and travelling, and made it his life’s mission to explore and learn about every corner of this vast land. He enjoyed his visits to every province and territory at least once, was an early supporter of the Trans Canada Trail, and was passionate about promoting our country’s values, history and culture to everyone he met. John was devoted to and loved his sons, and organized many trips and outdoor activities so that they would develop the same love and appreciation for all corners of Canada. They played all types of sports together from volleyball and basketball, to baseball, canoeing, fishing and skiing to name a few.

John had an astonishing knowledge of history and geography – of Canada and the world – and would routinely share his vast knowledge with his family and friends. He so eloquently recounted Canada’s history and the importance of events that influenced our culture, traditions and identity. You’d never meet a man more proudly Canadian. He and Kyle travelled extensively in North America with their various business endeavours, and also travelled around the globe. They were fortunate to visit more than 55 countries in their pursuit of knowledge, history and culture, and good fun. He had great affection for Australia and New Zealand, and savored his visits to the wine regions down under and all around the world.

John enjoyed his time as a boat captain with his first boat, appropriately called “Endeavour.” He went on to treasure his time on the water with several more boats over the last 30 years, and especially cruising on his beloved motor yacht “Touch” with extensive travels to all corners of the Caribbean. Spending time on the open sea with his friends gave him great joy.

John was a keen philanthropist, and along with Kyle, felt deeply about giving back to the community. John’s admiration and respect for his father (a respected war hero in WWI and WWII who served as Canada’s Sergeant-at-Arms from 1945-1960) inspired his support for the Canadian Armed Forces, and in particular, our military Veterans. He and Kyle were the founders of the MacDonald-Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre at Parkwood Hospital in London, and give generously to the national Support Our Troops, Soldier On and True Patriot Love Foundations – in support of our Armed Forces members and their families. John and Kyle also proudly support the David Foster Foundation, dedicated to providing assistance to families whose children are undergoing organ transplants across Canada.

John will be profoundly missed by his wife, his family and his friends. A special thank you to all of the Doctors who cared for him over the years, and the team of nurses from Nurse Next Door for their attention and care. Thank you to Dr. Murchison and NP. Smith at Medpoint, and Dr. Kirk Hamilton and Dr. Ed Stack of the London Home Palliative Care team for their dedication to John’s care.
A Visitation/Memorial will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 (2-4 pm) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the True Patriot Love Foundation or the David Foster Foundation . Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. Notes of condolences may also be sent directly to the Funeral Home.

IRVING, Diane…

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Victoria Hospital, London. Beloved wife of the late Arthur “Ted” Irving (2003). Loving mother of Robert Irving (Tracey), Marianne Petovello (Rick), Tracy Irving (Reade Rintoul), Linda Smith (Ryan), Sarah Travnicek (Martin). Cherished Grandma and Biba of Alissa, Bradley (Haley), Amelia, Grace, Andrew, Sam, Mika, Ethan, Finn, Violet, Thomas, Lucy, Klara and Julie. Predeceased by her brother David Farrow (Patricia). Cremation has taken place and a future interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. In honour of Diane’s bright and joyful spirit, guests are encouraged to wear colourful attire.

Diane leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, inclusivity and care for others and her community. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Diane may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or World Vision Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BOYD, Audrey (nee Niblock)
Peacefully passed away at Mt. Hope Centre for Long Term Care, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in her 93^rd  year, after a long and slow decline in health. Audrey was born in Northern Ireland and came to Canada in 1959 with her husband Rev. R. Maurice Boyd. Loving mother of Leslie (Kerry), Heather (Murray), and Jennifer (Chris). She had 11 grandchildren and one great grandson.
Affectionately known to all of them as “Nanny”.
Audrey will be remembered for her quiet kindness and unpretentious personality.
A special word of thanks to the staff of Mt. Hope for their fantastic care.
A Memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church, 241 St. David’s Rd. West, Thorold, Ontario on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Community Church. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOLMES, Christine Anne…

Our beloved daughter, Christine Anne Holmes, has lost her battle in her 65th year on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 in London, Ontario. She was surrounded by her loving caregivers and family at Participation House. Cherished daughter of Margaret and William “Bill” Holmes. Sweet sister of Diane (Randy), Carol (Richard) and Donna (Marty). Inspiring aunt of Laura, Julie (Duncan), Benjamin, Kyrsten, Charles and Malcolm. She will also be missed by her friends and housemates, Cathy and Wendy, at Participation House. Extreme gratitude to PHSS for their loving care of Christine over the last 24 years.

Christine found joy in painting, knitting, soap making, crafting and assembling jigsaw puzzles. She was passionate about the colour purple, and her love for Elvis.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the palliative care outreach team, lead by Dr. Andrew Sripalan, VON eShift PSW’s, Paramed PSW’s and SE Health Nursing for their compassionate care of Christine.

Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2-4pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 1:30pm in the A. Millard George Funeral Home Chapel, livestreaming will be available on the A. Millard George Funeral Home Youtube Channel. The family asks that in honour of Christine, you wear her favourite colour purple to the visitation. Private family interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Christine can be made to PHSS Medical and Complex Care in the Community, 620 Colborne Street #101, London, ON N6B 3R9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MORRIS, Cheryl…

Passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025 in London, Ontario, after a lifelong journey marked by courage in the face of physical and mental health challenges.

Cheryl was deeply cherished by her parents, Clara “Kit” Morris (nee Hykes) and George Morris, whose unwavering love and dedication to her care shaped her life profoundly. In later years, Cheryl settled into a loving home at Crest Support Services, where she found friendship, care and community.

Though her life included many difficult days, those who knew Cheryl at Crest remember her for her quiet strength, moments of connection, and the simple joys that brightened her days. Her steadfast faith was a guiding light, providing her with comfort and hope.

Cheryl is predeceased by her beloved parents and her brothers, Leigh and Larry Morris. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Andrea Snow (Kyle), Alex Morris (Dana), Alexander Morris, Zachary Morris and Meriwether Morris.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Mom and Dad in the hereafter-where joy surrounds her, her struggles evaporate and she is forever embraced by the loving and nurturing spirits of her parents.

A private celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crest Support Services or to a charity supporting mental health or hearing loss.

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

John Frederick Booker

December 6, 1944 – July 5, 2025

Surrounded by his family, John Booker passed away at the age of 80 on July 5, 2025.  Born on December 6, 1944, to James (Jim) and Effie Ruth Booker, John lived a life marked by faith in Jesus, and a devotion to those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marj, and their five children, Greg (Rose), Andrea (Jeff Smith), Julia (Duane Wiltshire), Ben (Lydia), and Stephen (Christine).  He will be missed by his 12 grandchildren; Jackson, Emma, Bailey, Michael, Isaac, Noah, Lilah, Matthew, Jake, Elijah, Elle, and Will.

He is also survived by brothers Paul (Marie), and David (Marybeth), and was preceded in death by his sister, Grace Wilson.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ontario Bible College, John worked for a Christian publishing company, David C. Cook, before accepting the role of the Canadian Director of Scripture Union.  He returned to his passion of teaching prior to retirement and found great joy and fulfillment in teaching English to International students.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 5:00-8:00PM at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  A service to celebrate and honour John’s life will take place on Monday July 14, 2025, at 11:00AM at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London.  Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Byron United Church.  The family would also love for each person to pay forward an act of kindness to honour the values that John held dear.

Give thanks to the Lord, for his is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1