Services & Obituaries

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

CHALLONGEN, John Naojiro “Oji”…

With deep sorrow and heartfelt love, we announce the passing of John Naojiro “Oji” Challongen-a devoted husband, a doting father, a beloved son, and a cherished brother. Oji’s kindness, warmth, and quiet strength touched every life he encountered. He was a man you could always count on: steadfast in loyalty, generous in spirit, and gentle in heart. His presence brought comfort, and his friendship was a true gift to all who knew him.

Oji’s greatest joy was his family. As a loving husband, he stood by his wife with unwavering devotion. As a proud father, he adored his two beautiful daughters, who were the light of his life. He was also a treasured son, honouring his parents with deep gratitude and respect, and a supportive brother whose bond with his siblings was unbreakable. His love for family was sincere, enduring, and ever-present.

He is lovingly survived by his wife Vissa Gayle, his daughters Hiroko Zuri and Satomi Caige, his parents John and Dora Challongen, and his siblings Alain Isamu Challongen, Gail Mariko Challongen, Jenny Harue Challongen, Jake Mori Challongen, and Ken Ryuji Challongen.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at:

Church of the Good Shepherd
(Trinity Lambeth Anglican Church)
4307 Colonel Talbot Road
London, ON N6P 1R2

(Parking is available across the road at the Lambeth Lawn Bowling Club. Additional parking is permitted from 6pm to 7am at the Copp’s Buildall parking lot beside the church.)

Viewing:
Friday, November 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm until Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Mass Service:
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm

As we gather to remember and honour Oji’s life, we celebrate a man whose love was generous, whose friendship was steadfast, and whose memory will remain a guiding light in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

May he rest in eternal peace.

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

Paul Elgie….

Peacefully at his home, Paul Wayne Elgie went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025, in his 78th year. Cherished husband of Susan, and loving father of Sarah Ashfield (James McCrae) and Stephanie Micallef (Michael Skowfoe). Adored Papa of Brooke Micallef, and Liam and Mia Ashfield. Loving brother of David (Adrienne). Dear brother-in-law of Doug Buchan. Predeceased by his parents, Bruce and Hildegard Elgie and his sister Nancy Buchan. Beloved brother-in-law of Brian (Janette) Young, Margot Young, and Peter (Dorothy) Young. Paul will also be missed by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Paul had a deep love for his family, his church community, bird carving, and photography. He especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren and traveling the world with his wife, Susan.

A visitation with refreshments and fellowship will be held at Stoney Creek Baptist Church on Thursday, November 27, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, located at 2225 Highbury Avenue North, London. A private family interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London.

Donations to Stoney Creek Baptist Church or Compassion Canada are welcomed in Paul’s memory.

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

WOGAN, George

A remarkable gentleman, George Wogan passed peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the brilliant age of 101 at the Parkwood Veteran’s Care facility in London, Ontario. Throughout his life, George was a devoted husband to the late Betty Ann (2006) for 62 years and is survived by his children Dianne (Tim Corston) of London, Ontario; Larry Wogan of Amherstburg, Ontario; and Douglas Michael Schur (2015) of Dunnville, Ontario. George will also be sadly missed by his grandchildren Chris, Shannon (Darryl), Tara (Dave), Cindy (Mathew), and great grandchildren Justin (Emily), Jordan, Ed, Kate, Jacob, Emily and great, great grandchildren Chloe and Connor. George was born and grew up in Windsor, Ontario. He was trained as a navigator while serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Belleville, Ontario during the closing stages of World War II. Following the war, he became employed with Canadian Pacific Rail’s marketing division in Detroit, Michigan, until his retirement at which time he moved to London, Ontario. He spent his last years in the excellent care of the kind staff at Parkwood where he was a resident in their Veterans Care Program. George will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humour, phenomenal woodworking skills, his love of bingo, watching sports, and playing euchre. A private family service will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home in London at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation c/o the Veterans Care program. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WITHENSHAW (Fluter), Martin…

Martin Withenshaw passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on Monday, November 17, 2025 in his 72nd year. Beloved husband of Tom Stockdale. Also survived by his father George (Nadia). Dear brother of Julie Davey and her husband Craig, Wendy Phillips and her husband Lance and Lois Hathaway and her husband Jim. Marty will also be dearly missed by his numerous nieces and nephews and the Stockdale family. Predeceased by his mother Mary.

London Mourns the Loss of a True Community Champion: Martin Withenshaw. A bright light has gone out in London’s community. Martin Withenshaw’s influence on this city is undeniable. Whether you knew him personally or not, chances are you’ve felt the ripple effects of his passion – through his businesses, his advocacy, or the many community causes he championed. London is a stronger, more inclusive city because of Martin’s relentless commitment to doing good. Martin made his mark in many ways – from his work in the restaurant industry to owning the beloved Withenshaw’s Cheese Shop. But perhaps his most lasting legacy is his fearless advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. When Martin arrived in London over 40 years ago, this was not a city known for is inclusivity. But he set out to change that – and he did. Through his leadership with Gay Pride London, where he eventually served as President, and as a founding member of the Rainbow Optimist Club – the first LGBTQ+ Optimist Club in the world – Martin pushed the boundaries of what was possible. In 2019, he was honoured as the London Pride Grand Marshal, a recognition that meant so much to him and to the community he helped uplift. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Martin was colourful, bold, and sometimes controversial – but always driven by a vision of justice, belonging, and love. His efforts were recognized with numerous accolades, including the London Chamber of Commerce President’s Award, the Small Business Achievement Award, and the Red Carpet Gala Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and more. Martin’s life was the proof that it’s not always easy to create change – but with courage, conviction, and heart, it is possible. He showed us that one person truly can make a difference. He will be deeply missed – and forever remembered by the countless lives he touched, and the better, more compassionate city he helped build.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to honour Martin will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations in his memory may be made to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com