Services & Obituaries

Findlay, Lillian
At Victoria Hospital, London on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Lillian H. (Laidlaw) Findlay of London in her 84th year. Beloved wife of the late Allan B. Findlay. Dear mother of Allan Findlay and his wife Donna of London, Dan Findlay and his wife Brenda of Thamesford, Doug Findlay of London and Kris Cummings and her husband Gord of London. Dear sister of Norm Laidlaw. Dear sister-in-law of Norma Laidlaw of Belmont and John Findlay of Nova Scotia. Predeceased by Ken Laidlaw, Marion Baker (Jack), Penny Laidlaw and Judy Findlay. Also loved by her grandchildren Mike (Alisha), Mandy (Kyle), Mitchell and Karly (Seth) and missed by her great-grandchildren Ryland, Kohen, Kennedy, Ellowyn, Max, Layla and Lily. Lillian will be missed by her furry companion Ruby.
Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 11:00 am. Interment of cremated remains in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, c/o Mocha Shrine Centre, 468 Colborne Street, London, N6B 2T3 Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com

Zabala Perez, Sandra

Gone too soon on Monday, December 22, 2025, at STEGH, Sandra passed away in her 59th year.

Adored and supportive mother of Valeria (Sean). Cherished daughter of Maria Ines and Victor Manuel Zabala. Proud sister and aunt of Claudia (Juliana, Gonzalo and Mariana), and Carlos Andres (Samuel). Life companion of Manuel Gutierrez. Also survived by many cousins and extended family.

Sandra will be dearly missed by every person she crossed paths with. She was a friend like no other and was someone who gave endlessly. No matter the situation, my mom always found a way to help others.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis- St. Martin Parish, 46 Cathcart Street, London on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 10:00 am.

As an expression of sympathy in memory of Sandra a contribution would be appreciated at: gofund.me/d7ded52b3

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

BRENT, Frances Joan…

Peacefully, with her family at her side and in her 98th year, on December 18th, 2025. Loving wife of Donald (d. 2013) for 58 years. Much loved mother of Kathy and Bob Tandaric of London, Alastair and Lydia Brent of London, and Martha and Doug Stirling of Markham. Caring Grandma to Elizabeth (Derek) Askew, Laura (Martin) Vanderberk; Caitlin (James) Dobie, Kieran (Helena Pappagiannis), Hilary (Gabriel Cugelman); and Claire (Juan) Silvera, Ian (Christine) Stirling, and Robin (Brandon) Sharma. Also blessed with 12 great grandchildren.

Joan grew up in Toronto and attended Jarvis Collegiate, where she excelled in academics. She earned her B.A. at the University of Toronto, with a major in Anthropology. She became a teacher in Toronto and met her future husband there (on a blind date). They were married in Toronto in 1954, the day after Hurricane Hazel struck. Joan and Don moved to London shortly after when Don accepted a job there. They settled in Oakridge Acres, and later Sherwood Forest, where they would raise their family and be active members in the community. Joan returned to the teaching profession in her later years, as a kindergarten teacher at Bishop Townsend and Princess Elizabeth Public Schools.

Joan was a strong, intelligent, and determined woman. She will be remembered fondly by her family and those whose paths crossed hers, and will be missed by all.

We would like to thank the staff at the Village of Glendale Crossing in London for the wonderful and compassionate care Mom received. We are also grateful for the support she received from other support agencies over the past few years. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8 or The Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4. Arrangements have been entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

MILLER, James “Jim”…

It is with overwhelming grief that I announce the passing of my dear husband of 56 years, James Howard Miller. Surviving besides myself, Sally, a precious new addition – a doxie named Adele, brother-in-law Bob Hueston, nephews Stewart (Kay), Shawn (Kristie) and Seth Hueston, and niece Lorraine (Peter) Moor, along with dear friends and other relatives. Jim’s favourite job was at the Western Bookstore. He was an ardent reader, day tripper, diner and fanatic football fan. His hearty laugh endeared him to many. He was so reassuring, loving and kind. He would always end his calls with “God Bless and be well”. No funeral or celebration of life will be held per Jim’s wishes. Donations to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, or any Cancer or Heart Foundations would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOVER: Gladys Joan

Peacefully at Meadow Park LTC, London on Friday, December 12, 2025, Gladys Gover passed away in her 95th year.  Beloved wife of the late Ernest Gover (2010).  Cherished mother of Stephen Gover and his wife Sandra of London, Ann Child and her husband Mark of Maidstone and Carol O’Brien and her husband Don of London.  Devoted grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  Predeceased by her son David.  Gladys will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and friends and neighbours.  She was proud to be a nurse, she dedicated herself to caring for others through her work, her many volunteer efforts at her church, while finding joy in quilting, knitting, and sewing, and cherishing above all her family—especially her beloved grandchildren, to whom she was a wonderful and devoted grandmother. A special thank you to Meadow Park LTC for their kind and compassionate care. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will take place in the spring.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Community Living London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MATTHIAS, Edith

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Edith (Buss) Matthias on December 10th, 2025, at the age of 77.

Beloved wife and soul mate of Hans Matthias, mother to Tonya (Gus) and Niki (Jim), grandmother to Gregory and Nika, sister to Klaus (Ann) and Erich (Lisa) Buss. Predeceased by August and Auguste Buss, of Midland, Ontario.

Edie originally hailed from Midland, and came to London to pursue her degree at Western. She was a staple in the community, as a treasured teacher who touched the lives of many children in her years at Pinetree Montessori.

Edie enjoyed spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren, and loved to travel and adventure with her husband Hans, especially lounging by the pool at the Sandals Resorts and camping across the country. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, spending time in the garden, and doing yoga. She had a creative flare for things like sewing, knitting, needlepoint, crocheting, and was an incredible cook.

Edie will be remembered as an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, and loved the music of Elvis. She was frequently found at the hockey arena, cheering on her grandchildren. She always kept her mind sharp with daily crosswords and puzzle games on her tablet. We will always remember her as a soft spoken gentle soul, who loved a good joke and had an infectious laugh.

“We will miss you Edie (Mom/Oma), and your memory will always be in our hearts.”

All visitors are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of Edie, at A Millard George Funeral Home, on 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario, on Saturday December 20th, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the PSP Society of Canada (pspsocietycanada.ca) in Edie’s memory.

More information can be found at www.amgfh.com

BETKUS, Henry “Hank”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Henry “Hank” Betkus, who died at Victoria Hospital in London on December 7, 2025, in his 96th year.

Hank will be deeply missed by his children, Wendy Wood, Robert (Mary) Betkus, and Debra Knight. He was the proud grandfather of Terri Wood, Kyle and Georgia (Chris) Betkus, Jessica, Sarah and Chris Knight, and the great-grandfather of Emily Wood and Rio Pendray. He was predeceased by his former wife, Sheila Betkus.

Hank was the beloved partner of 38 years to Karen Young. He was the treasured second father to Gavin (Lisa) and Eric (Kristen) Young, and the much-loved Poppa to Spencer, Owen, Jaci, and Marlee Young.

Sharing a love for adventure, Hank and Karen spent many years travelling extensively throughout Canada, the United States, and much of Europe.

Hank was always an athlete. Growing up in Toronto, he played many sports, including Junior A hockey and baseball with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It was during those years that he met Jackie Robinson, forming a friendship that left a lasting impression on Hank. He often told stories of the days he spent sitting with Jackie outside the Montreal team’s dressing room, waiting for his turn to suit up after the white players were finished dressing.

Hank attended University of Western Ontario where he played Mustang Football and graduated with a degree in Physical and Health Education. Teaching became his calling. Over the course of his career—at Lord Dorchester, Montcalm, Westminster, and especially at South Secondary- Go Lions!—he inspired countless students. Coaching was one of his great passions. Whether it was hockey, football, track and field, or curling, Hank gave his athletes everything he had. He remembered them fondly, and many remembered him just as warmly.

Hank was a long-time member of the Highland Country Club and spent many enjoyable rounds of golf and countless hours curling both for pleasure and competitively. He was proud to have been part of three provincial championship teams.

Hank lived a long, full, and spirited life. In true “South” fashion, he left this world with a roar—on his own terms, with his dignity, humour, and stubborn spark intact.

Cremation has taken place. As he wished, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those who wish to honour Hank, donations to a charity of one’s choice are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAGGERTY, Thomas……

At his residence in London, on Monday, December 8, 2025, Tom Haggerty passed away at the age of 54. Loving son of Reverend Canon Marian Haggerty and the late Joe Haggerty (1992). Dear brother of Catherine Haggerty. Cherished uncle of Emerson. Tom will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Tom was a self-taught chef whose passion for good food was matched only by the joy he found in sharing his creations. He loved bringing people together through food, using his gift to create comfort, connection, and community. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with friends and camped in many provincial and national parks across Canada.Tom had a fondness for trivia, Sudoku, puzzles, and a variety of games, always appreciating a good challenge. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10 – 10:45am, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the Celebration of Tom’s life will be held in the chapel at 11am. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Salthaven. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FITCHETT, Faith

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Faith Fitchett on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward “Ted” Fitchett (2001), her sister, Beth Baysinger (2019) and brother, Paul Spencer (2019). Faith will be lovingly remembered by her children, Mark Fitchett (Deb), Kimberly Mitchell (Scott) and Andrew Fitchett, by her grandchildren, CJ, Rob, Carly and Chelsea, as well as her great-grandchildren, James and Natalie. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and was immensely proud of each of them. Faith will also be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Eleanor Sharkey, to whom the family is profoundly grateful for her unwavering love, friendship, and support.

Faith was an active member of the Byron Community Church, where her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many. She was a devout Christian, a veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan who never missed a game. She carried kindness and positivity for everyone she met, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A memorial will be held at the Byron Community Church, 336 Glenrose Drive, London, ON N6K 2A8, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 2:00pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Byron Community Church. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLARK, Brian….

Passed peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Friday, November 21, 2025 in his 67th year. Cherished son of the late Robert Clark (2002) and the late Dorothy Clark (2017). Dear brother of James Clark and his wife Marilyn, Dean Clark, Cheryl Clark and her husband Ron Tipping, Ron Clark and his wife Lynn, Christena McElroy and her husband Rick, Carol Marsh and her husband Paul, and Dan Clark and his wife Donna, all of London. Adored uncle of numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Brian will also be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Community Living London for all of their care, compassion and support for Brian over the years. They also wish to thank the 4th floor General Medicine and Palliative Care Teams at University Hospital, as well as Dr. Johnson of the Nephrology Team. Your time, effort, and compassion did not go unnoticed. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Living London, 190 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N5Z 3L1 or to Special Olympics Canada, 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com