Services & Obituaries

Beacom, James “Jim”
1937-2024

Passed away peacefully at his residence with family by his side on Friday, September 6, 2024, in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Geraldine Beacom (nee Vacher) for 50 years. Dear father of Christine Beacom (Rodney), Steven Leonard and Jeffrey Leonard (Carolynn). Predeceased by his sons Michael and David. Loving papa of David (Heather), James (Sarah-Jane), Karley (Nick), Victoria (Javier), Nicole (Taylor), Charlene (Jeremy), Hakan, and Tehya. Loved by 14 great-grandchildren. Cherished brother of Joan Cooper and Elizabeth Beacom. Predeceased by his parents John and Myrtle. Predeceased by his siblings, Jack Beacom, Ivan Beacom, Rhoda Green, Jacqueline Amos, Helen Green, Florence Shaw, Beverly Kilby, Carol Fitzsimmons and Daisy Hodgetts. Jim will be sorely missed by his family and will be held dear in the hearts of many extended family members and friends. A family visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GORMAN, Harold F…

Peacefully, with his loving family by his side, Harold F. Gorman passed away at Dearness Home, London, September 4, 2024 in his 89th year. Predeceased by his loving parents Harold W. and Lily Gorman. Harold is survived by his siblings Rick Gorman (the late Karen), Linda Quinn (Garnet) and Bob Gorman (Becki). He was adored and loved by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his niece Kim and nephew Brad. A special thanks to Lisa, Phillip and the Alice Saddy Association for their help and support with Harold over many years and to the friends that took Harold to his beloved hockey and baseball games. Thank you to his Dearness Home family for their love, care, and support. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10-11 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Harold, donations can be made to the Alice Saddy Association, 457 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S8 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ASHBY, Donna..

April 17, 1940 – September 2, 2024

Donna Ashby passed away peacefully the morning of September 2, 2024, at Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario surrounded by her family.  Donna will always be remembered for her kindness and caring to her family, friends, and anyone that she had the pleasure to meet.  Even though Donna was reduced in her activities of living due to dementia in later life, she always was a bright light while under long term care and will be sadly missed by all her Glendale family.

Donna was born in Winnipeg, and then later moved to Toronto, London and St. Thomas.  She enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Texas, spending time with family and friends, and of course bingo!

Beloved wife of George for 64 years. Loving mother of Brent (Kelly) Ashby and Heather (Jason) Ashby-Buckingham. Dear grandmother of Daniel (Jessica), Sarah, Emma, Colton and Bret. Dear sister of Ernest Johnston (Evelyn). Also survived by her brother-in-law Phil. Predeceased by her parents Paul and Daisy and by her sister Carol Allison.  Donna will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

George and family want to thank Glendale and their incredible caregivers for their kindness over the last six years.  You brightened the final years of Donna’s life and were a support to her husband George and her entire family.  You will not be forgotten.

In accordance with Donna’s final wishes, she will be cremated and a reception to celebrate her life will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, located on the southeast corner of the parking lot at 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00- 3:00pm.

Donations to the Alzheimer Society in memory of Donna are greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JONES, Carole…

It is with profound sadness that Evan Jones says goodbye to his devoted and much-loved mother, Carole.

Carole Jones died on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Oak Terrace, Orillia, in her 88th year. The only child of Carl and Audrey Dilamarter, she was predeceased by her husband, Derwyn Dixon Jones (2005), the ninth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. She is survived by her son, Evan; her daughter, Paula (Pierre); and her god-daughter, Hilary Anderson.

Carole lived an unassuming life centred around her family, the Church, and her deep appreciation of music and literature. Her early years were spent in Windsor, Ontario, where she was raised, educated and taught secondary school. All of this changed one Sunday morning in Church when she caught the eye of the new bachelor priest who had recently been appointed to St. Barnabas in Windsor. Marriage soon followed and during their honeymoon in Muskoka, they fell in love with a small property near Dorset where they would later build a cottage and centre many of their family’s life-long memories.

After living in Windsor and Brockville, Carole, Derwyn and their young family moved to London, Ontario, where they put down roots. Since the deterioration of her health in 2017, Carole has been lovingly cared for by the staff of Grandwood in London and Oak Terrace in Orillia, where she was faithfully visited every day by Evan.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside celebration of life will take place at a later date in spring 2025. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul’s Cathedral Memorial Fund, 472 Richmond Street, London ON N6A 3E6; The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto ON M4Y 3G2, St. James Westminster Anglican Church Foundation, 115 Askin Street, London ON N6C 1E7; or Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Hartridge, Allan

Born January 08, 1958,

 Passed September 01, 2024,

Allan is pre-deceased by his mother, Catherine and father, Leslie.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Catherine “Cat”, his sister Larrane Hartridge (Ken), brother Leslie Hartridge  (Cheryl) and  Allan’s twin brother Ronald Hartridge. His niece Mackenzie Hartridge (Jordan), great niece Rose and nephew Scott Hartridge. His cousins, Ian Marshall, George Marshall (Kay), Elizabeth Donaldson (George) and other extended family in both Scotland and England.

Allan has been cremated, there will be no visitation or service, final internment will be determined at a later date. Allan loved the water and kayaking. Motorcycles as well, everything from Italian dirt bikes to Honda Gold Wings. He had a wry sense of humour and when you would least expect it, he would catch you out with a hilarious and brilliant observation. Allan was a skilled self-taught mechanic. His innovation was amazing, he could fix anything and make something from nothing, in this regard, he was a magician.He built an incredible Hot Rod from scratch using almost entirely discarded ‘parts’ and components, there are very few machines on earth like this one. Most people would have described these ‘parts’ as junk, but not Allan, he had this uncanny ability to re-mould, re-shape and re-build. He was an incredibly brave, wildly industrious, honest and caring man.

If there is such a thing as a former life, then Allan was a Viking, all the ‘parts’ fit.

For the now.

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

Scorgie (nee Brown), Susan Jane

Susan died peacefully at home on August 10 after a  two-year battle with cancer.  At the end, she was calm and completely at peace. She had lived a full, happy, and rewarding life. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.  Susan is survived by her husband Russell, sons Blair (Corinne) and Craig (Kelly), grandchildren Adeline, Elliott and Bram, and sister Karen Cochran (Dave).

Susan was born in Toronto to parents William and Ruth Brown.  She lived in Willowdale (North York) before moving to Beaconsfield (Montreal) during high school and later attended McGill University.  Sue met Russ one summer, while working in Banff, then later at McGill.  Upon graduation, Sue began teaching in Montreal and the two were married.

Several years later, they moved to London where Sue taught in Elgin County.  When her sons were born, she dedicated several years to caring for her children.  Afterwards, she built a rewarding career in office administration, management and bookkeeping, including at First-St. Andrew’s United Church.  Over the years, Sue volunteered for several noteworthy social causes and sat on the boards of directors of William Proudfoot House and Original Kids Theatre.

Sue was active and social.  She enjoyed skiing, back-country canoe trips and camping, tennis, badminton, golf, and pickleball.  She routinely participated in walking groups, book clubs, and a coffee group.  Susan loved to travel, and had the good fortune of venturing throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Great Britain, and Europe.  For many years, she enjoyed family time and skiing in Ellicottville, NY and some winter months in Hilton Head, SC.

She loved her backyard at home, the gardens and the birds, and the sunsets over the lake at Bruce Beach (Kincardine).  These were especially important during her sickness.

Susan will be dearly missed.  A celebration of her life will be held soon.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation would be appreciated. Susan’s choice for memorial donations was the London Health Sciences Foundation in support of The Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at London Health Sciences Centre. Website: lhsf.ca/inmemory. A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184, entrusted with arrangements.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Warren (Rutledge), Bernice

Our beloved Mom and Grandma, Bernice Hilda, passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 26, 2024, at Wellington Terrace, Long Term Care in Fergus, Ontario.  She was in her 93rd year.

Mom will be forever remembered by her daughter, Brenda (Greg) Middaugh and “Grandma’s pride and joy”, Remily Middaugh (Brent). Bernice will also be lovingly remembered by her extended family and many friends.

Bernice is predeceased by her son, Brian Leonard (1978) and her first husband, Bruce (2005).   Also predeceased by her brother Vernon James (2022) and parents Sarah and William Ellis.

Bernice had the joy of marrying Edward Warren at the young age of 72.  They shared 5 beautiful years together until his passing in 2010.

Bernice’s faith was always important to her.  She enjoyed her time at St. Alban’s Anglican Church in London, where she travelled and sang with the Albaniers.  Throughout her life, she had a variety of careers.  Mom started out working in the office and later demonstrating and selling kitchen appliances at Simpson’s. Later in life, she studied and practiced both nursing and real estate. Mom had an active role in starting the London chapter of MADD, after the tragic loss of her son in an accident. She loved to travel and struck up friendships everywhere.  In her heart, home was always London Ontario, but she moved closer to family in 2017.

Our family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Wellington Terrace, Fergus, Ontario, who laughed frequently with Mom over the last 8 months.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, MADD Canada (London chapter) or the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PETERSEN, Paul Karl… (b. 06 January 1952)

Peacefully, early on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Paul passed away with Derek by his side.

Soulmate to Derek S. Butt, of 21 years (as of July 25). He leaves behind his former wife Laura, his two boys  Mark and Carl, his grandchildren William, Hannah, Lily, and Chloe, and his remaining brothers and sisters, and their families. Also a brother-in law, Alexander, and his son Nicholas, and Derek’s parents Darrell and Kathleen, and Dagmar (dec.)

Paul grew up on a farm, just outside of Barrie, Ontario.  He was good student in school, focusing on Music and Languages.  A rarity today, Paul went to work for “Hydro”  almost right out of high School, after a few part time jobs. There, he quickly found his niche, took courses, and quickly rose through the ras4443ks working most of his 30 year career for the IESO, as a systems operator, doing load prediction and computer modeling of hydro needs, as well as writing prediction software for the same, which was his forte.  He loved music, and tinkering with all manner of electrical devices, and later found a love of travel.

Paul lived a many faceted life.  He married Laura, and they raised two sons Mark and Carl in Burlington ON. He played organ for Brant Street Baptist for many years and amassed a huge collection of scores and book music, a collection he held onto throughout his life, along with his Korg keyboard, and his Aunt’s accordion (she had been a missionary in SA when he was young).

After his sons left home, he and Laura separated amicably as Paul became aware that he was “two spirited” and that, although he never regretted being husband and father, his disposition to that role was over for him, although he was supportive and cared for his grandchildren greatly.

In 2003, as he approached retirement, Paul met Derek and found in him a different kind of soulmate.  A second strong bond of love, and kind of family life pursued, as he and Derek  made a new life together in London, ON., and traveled, gardened, rode their motorbikes, entertained new friends, and family, all the while Paul supported Derek’s career as a high school teacher. This second chance at love, was something he thought he’d never have again, nor in that format, and mostly his greatest fear was that he would lose his first family – he did not, and his boys, and their children, remained an integral part of his life, as they accepted his choices, and were happy that he was happy!  Derek joined Paul in retirement, 8 years ago, celebrating it with him on a 31 day cruise from Germany to the Panama Canal, and they had just celebrated their 21^st anniversary in the ER of Victoria Hospital, on July 25^th. 

Paul we all loved you, in so many different ways and roles, and you will be deeply missed.  Rest in peace knowing you live on in all of our hearts!

Expression of sympathy can be left digitally via the webpage of A. Millard George Funeral Home in  Wortley Village, or with Derek (falccros@gmail.com). Donations in memory of Pa­ul may be made to the charity of your choosing ,(with his preference being that it be grassroots and local).

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

CADOGAN, Joan….

After a courageous battle with health issues, Joan Aileen Cadogan passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024, just 15 days shy of her 89th birthday. Predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years Elson Cadogan whom she is reunited with in heaven. Loving mother to her son Nigel (Heather) Cadogan and her daughter Sharon (Hilton) Senior. Survived by her siblings Coral, Phyllis, Rudolph, Rosie and Arlene (Keith). Cherished grandmother of Emily, Anthony, Tyra, Devin and Tyson. She is predeceased by her brothers Ormond and Keith.
Joan will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and extended family in Barbados, Canada and the United States. Very dear friend to many from the Caribbean community whom she had long-standing friendships. She will be very missed by those who knew and loved her so much. Joan was a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church; she was an avid listener of the radio and a fan of the London Knight’s OHL hockey team and enjoyed spending many afternoons watching soap operas.
Friends will be received by the family on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 9:30 am. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNIB or Diabetes Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ORLANDO, Angela (Morgese)…

Angela Orlando passed peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, in her 89th year. She joins her late husband, Frank Orlando, and brother Victor. Forever remembered by daughters Annemarie, Barbara, Catherine and son Frank, grandmother of Isaac, Michael, Elizabeth, Amanda, Matthew and Emily; loving daughter of Rosa diBenga.

Cremation has taken place. no service will be held. Donations to the Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph in St. Agatha would be appreciated by the family. ( https://thecarmel.ca/ )  online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com