Services & Obituaries

CUNNINGHAM, Daisy….

Peacefully at her home with family by her side on Friday, August 23, 2019, Daisy Cunningham in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Wally Cunningham (2012). Loving mother of Paul, Craig and Gail. Cherished grandmother of two grandchildren and great-grandmother of four great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Peggy Kitchen (the late Reverend Alfred E. Kitchen) and Deanna Webster (Brian). Predeceased by her sister Gertrude Caldwell (the late Reverend Thomas Caldwell). Daisy will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews and extended family. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In memory of Daisy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALMOST, Mary Kathleen…

Peacefully surrounded by her family at University Hospital on Wednesday, August 21, 2019, Kathleen Almost of London, Ontario in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Morley Almost (2015). Cherished and devoted mother of Mary Anne (Bill Dowding) of Coldstream, and James (Kate Brown) of London. Loving grandma of Anna (Milos Dobrijevic) and Beth (Nicolas Klise) Almost. Remembered by her nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents James and Lucy McWilliam and her siblings Jean Reid, Jack and Hugh McWilliam. The family will receive family and friends from 10-11 am on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Interment in Rosanna Cemetery, South Norwich Township. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7 or to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London, ON N6C 1J4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROSE, Rita Ann….

With heavy hearts, the family of Rita Ann Rose (nee Capitano) announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 65th year. Beloved wife of the late Charles Leslie “Les” Rose for 35 years. Loving mother of Heather Rose and Meaghan Higgins (Jason). Proud Nana of Mira, Zeya, Benaiah, Ethan, Bain, Kale and Reid. Cherished sister of Vic Capitano (Denise), Cathy Quick (Doug), Bernie Capitano (late Rowena), Phil Capitano (Debbie), Trish Andrew, Terri Capitano (Tim), John Capitano (Cathy), Don Capitano (Sharon), and Susan Fletcher (Scott) and sister-in-law of Denise Soall (Mark). Predeceased by her parents Victor and Catherine “Kay” Capitano and parents-in-law Dennis and Margaret Rose. Rita will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews and extended family. Rita was born in London, Ontario. She had a lengthy career of 35+ years at Canada Post. She became the biggest sideline soccer fan since meeting Les and continued as a fan watching her daughter and grandkids play. She loved going to the pub with her friends and thoroughly enjoyed her time around the pool and at the cottage with family. A heartfelt thank you to the Oncology and CCTC staff at LHSC for their excellent care during her courageous battle with leukemia. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 1-3pm at the German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Road, London, ON N6J 1H7. If desired, memorial donations at a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McLeod, Margery (Nee Doey)…
Passed away suddenly on August 19, 2019 at the age of 77. Loving mother to Marilyn (Mike), Douglas and the late Jim McLeod. Adored Gma to Andrew, Matthew (Joannie), Amanda-Lyn (Brodie) and Jamie. Great Gma to Gabriella, Nova and Sila. Predeceased by Ian Campbell McLeod. Caring sister to Paul (Sharon) Doey.  Margery will be missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 2-4 pm in the event room of 500 Ridout Street North, London ON N6A 0A2. Donations may be made to 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

Evelyn Isobel Baxter (née DesBrisay) died in London, on August 13, 2019 after a lengthy illness.

Born in Winnipeg in 1925, Eve was a gifted pianist. She earned her Diploma in Music Performance and Teaching from the University of Manitoba and subsequently taught music in the province’s remote and agricultural communities.

Her brother introduced her to Peter, her future husband; the handsome WWII veteran impressed her because he invited her to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. They married in 1949. While raising her young family, Eve taught music at Balmoral Hall in Winnipeg.

After the family moved to Toronto, Eve became a major force across Canada as a curator, arts administrator and advisor. Her vision has left its stamp on the Ontario urban landscape: Toronto-Dominion Centre and Metro Hall in Toronto and Constitution Square in Ottawa are among the many public art projects she administered. She helped develop major corporate collections-particularly Sun Life Assurance Company and Osler Hoskin and Harcourt. But above all, she is remembered by many visual artists across Canada for the time and support that she gave them.

Eve also believed in the power of volunteerism to build community. She sewed costumes for the Manitoba Theatre Centre, organized Art Gallery of Ontario volunteer committee exhibitions, played piano at the nursery school in her Etobicoke neighbourhood, helped organize Toronto’s Sesquicentennial and contributed leadership to the boards of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Julia Greenshields Home in Toronto and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound.
Despite the demands of a busy career, family remained Eve’s top priority; she loved fiercely, and instilled in her children and grandchildren her thirst for reading, learning and sports (she was a lifelong Blue Bombers fan).

Eve is predeceased by her parents, Charlotte Austen and Normand Rudolph DesBrisay; her sisters Ann, Charlotte Bean and Elizabeth Wilcox; brother, John; brother-and sister-in-law, Robert and Patricia; husband, Peter, and son, Andrew Peter Mackenzie.

Left to mourn and to remember her fondly are her son, John (Miranda); her daughters, Charlotte Jones (Kent); Susan; Mary (Robert Osthoff), as well as her grandchildren, Maggie Jones (Michael Nemec), Cary Jones (Nell Reis), Grace Park (Brinton), and Stephanie Baxter.
The family thanks the staff at Mount Hope for their care for Eve over the years.

Help us to celebrate Eve’s life at a reception on Saturday August 24, 2019 from 3-5 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre (located on the Southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the acquisitions fund of a gallery of your choice or the Canadian Mental Health Association, 534 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Y6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TUCKEY, Donald “Don” George …

Peacefully with family by his side on August 13, 2019 in his 95th year at Amica London. Beloved husband of the late Eleanor Jean (Courtis) Tuckey for 62 years. Dear father of Barbara Elliott and her husband Robert of Georgetown, Kenneth Tuckey and his wife Danielle of Cambridge and David Tuckey of London. Much loved grandfather of Christine and Matthew, Jonathan and Jacob, Clara, Olivia and Grace. Don lived his life to the fullest. Don was a navy veteran, serving in WWII. He was a lifelong member of Calvary United Church. Established Tuckey Hardware with his father in 1946 becoming one of the founding members of Home Hardware Stores Ltd. in 1964. Also, a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and a member of St. John`s Lodge No. 20 A.F. & A.M . Dad enjoyed many summers and sunsets with family and friends in Bayfield. A special thank you to the staff at Amica for their care and compassion. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel with visitation 1 hour prior to the service (1-2pm) on Friday August 16, 2019 at 2pm.  Private family interment to take place in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOYER, Rollande…

Rollande Doyer in her 96th year passed away peacefully on August 12, 2019 at Grand Wood Park in London, Ontario. Predeceased by her Husband Lawrence Faulkner. Loving mother of Jeanne Faulkner, Michelle Faulkner, Larry Faulkner and his wife Linda, Marcel Faulkner and his wife Josie. Dear grandmother of Christine, Liane (Brent), Lauren (Dan) and Amanda (Steven). She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren Tyler, Tayla, Tyrnan, Travis, Jacob and Sydnee. Donations may be made to the CNIB Foundation, 749 Baseline Road, London ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MERKLEY, Sharon….

Sharon Merkley passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the age of 68. Beloved wife of David Merkley for 47 years. Loving mother of Mike Merkley and his wife Nadia. Proud grandma of Lucca and Bianca. Sister of Janice Schmidt and Peter Alexander. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Margaret Alexander and her brother Barry Alexander. Cherished daughter-in-law of Ruth and the late Ray Merkley. Also missed dearly by Robert and Eileen Merkley, Alan Merkley and all her nieces, nephews and extended family. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family funeral service will be held. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

POULTER, Michael O…

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the sudden death of Michael O. Poulter on Saturday, August 10, 2019 after a short illness. Beloved husband to Caroline Schild-Poulter for 27 years. Caring Papa to Sarah and Julien Poulter. Loving son of Patricia and the step-son of the late Ulbe VanDyke. Brother to John Poulter, uncle to Charles and Matthew, and brother to Beth Poulter (Don Baker) and uncle to Claire and Patsy. Michael will also sorely be missed by many other family and friends. Born in Oshawa Ontario, Michael received his undergraduate degree in Pharmacology from the University of British Columbia. He continued his studies at McGill University where he received a PhD in Pharmacology. It was during his postgraduate research at the NIH in Washington DC that he met Caroline. The two were married in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1992 and relocated to Strasbourg, France where Michael continued his postgraduate research. In 1995 Michael returned to Canada, taking positions first at the National Research Council in Ottawa and subsequently at the Institute for Neuroscience at Carleton University, becoming head of the institute in 2003. In 2006 Michael relocated to London, taking a position as Scientist at the Robarts Research Institute and as Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at UWO. Michael was also an avid skier and sailor, a great bass player and an excellent cook.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of life will be held on August 28th at Idlewyld Inn, 36 Grand Ave, London Ontario from 2-5pm. Michael dedicated his life to epilepsy research and donated his time to Epilepsy Canada, as a Board Member and a Member of the Scientific Research Committee, with a mission to find a cure and enhance other research efforts across Canada. Donations to Epilepsy Canada, in his memory, will make a profound impact.
Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Le vrai tombeau d’un homme est dans le coeur de ceux qui l’aiment.