Services & Obituaries

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.

COOPER, Beverly Ann (nee Tracey)…

July 22, 1943 – August 10, 2019

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Beverly Ann (nee Tracey) Cooper in her 77th year. Dearly missed by Steve Pysznyj. Beloved mother of the late Cheryl, Dennis and Paul. Cherished daughter of the late Eugene and Mary Tracey. Very loved sister of Dennis Tracey (Sonya), Joan Hannifan, Wayne Tracey (Pat), Larry Tracey (Sharon), Dale Tracey (Janice), Kathleen Brooks (Keith), Patricia Putman (Fred), Dawn Vermilyea (Nathaniel), and Carol Chamberlain (Tim). Forever missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A memorial for Beverly will be held at a later date in Read Ontario. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLIS, Rexford “Dusty” …
Peacefully, at the age of 85 at Babcock Community Care Centre in Wardsville on Friday, August 9, 2019. Beloved husband to Janet “Jan” Willis for 49 years. Cherished dad to Laura Snoeys (Paul). Treasured Pops to Drew, the late Stephan (2000), the late Paul (1989), Amber, Hayley, the late Paige (2010) and Mallory. Will also be missed by his nephew Ryan Willis. Cremation has taken place and a private family Interment to follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PATEY, Charles “Eddie” …
Peacefully at home surrounded by friends on Sunday, August 4, 2019 in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of the late Rita (nee Cousineau) Patey. Best friend of Michelle Gonsalves. Uncle to Yvonne Dunphy. Will also be missed by Dave & Sue Jackman, Carma & Carlos, Bernadine & George, Kevin & Angela and Heather & Mike. Visitation will take place from 12:30-1:30 pm on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1:30 pm. Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLIAMS, Gwendolyn “Gwen”
Peacefully passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the age of 81, Gwen of London, ON. Dear mother of Doreen Madevu (Edmund) and Rose Peterkin (Paul). Devoted Gran to Themba and Wendy Madevu and great mother to Keenan Madevu.  Caring sister to Wilson.  Friends will be received by the family from 9-11 am on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Graveside service to follow at Woodland Cemetery, London starting at 11:30 am. If wished, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FLETCHER, Harold Charles….

At University Hospital, London, on Friday, August 2, 2019, Harold Charles Fletcher in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of the late Stella (nee Castilloux) Fletcher (2008). Predeceased by his parents Charles and Leona (nee Gilroy) Fletcher and sister Irene Black. Brother-in-law to Isobelle Keighen and Ovila Castilloux. Uncle to Lorraine Roy and her husband Gilbert, Marcel Dagenais, Craig Black and his wife Sharon, Mike Black and his wife Sharon, Lee Black, Faye Black and many great nieces and nephews. Many thanks to all the staff at University Hospital, 9th floor for the kindness and care provided. A private family gathering will take place at a later date. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to SARI Therapeutic Riding, 12659 Medway Road, Arva, ON N0M 1C0. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DICKSON, Kathleen “Kaye” …
Kaye passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at her home in Stratford. Kaye had the opportunity to travel the world and had just returned from a trip to Iceland with family in March. Predeceased by her husband Ron (1992). Kaye is survived by her children Chuck (Ellen), Linda (Marc), Sue (Barry) and Cheryl (Fred). She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren Elizabeth, Patrick and Autumn. She leaves behind her “grand” dogs, cats and horses that she loved. Born on Pelee Island, August 17, 1933. She will be missed by her sister Erma (Walt) of Warren, Michigan and predeceased by her two brothers John (Marguerite) and Delbert Elford. Kaye loved meeting people and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

HAUGHTON, Kathleen “Kathy” Margaret (nee Cregan)….

To our deepest sorrow, after a long and spirited fight, our forever loved Mom, Grandma, Nana and Oma has crossed over. Kathy was born in Liverpool, England in the beginning of April in 1928 and was in her 92nd year. Mom passed on Tuesday morning July 23, 2019 at Meadow Park Nursing Home, London.

Wife of the late Kenneth “Ken” Haughton – December 2009. Predeceased by her parents and sister Eileen. Leaving behind with so many wonderful memories is son Rory Haughton and his wife Brenda, and daughter Kimberly Wolff and her husband John. Grandchildren Shaun Haughton, Shannon Haughton (Jordan), Shayla Wolff and Braxton Wolff (Wendy). Great grandchildren Ayden and Parker Jordan. Nieces Angela and Jackie and nephew Michael in England. Forever friends, always as family, in the Ottawa area. Many dear friends from childhood in England, army life in Whitehorse, Germany and London, work at Victoria Hospital and the London Gardens, travels all over the world and her Long Term Care Home.

Kathleen’s legacy will be her lifelong dedication to and love for her family and dear friends. Mom will always be missed and cherished. Kathleen was a beautiful person whose positive outlook, generous nature, kindness to all and easily made friendships will leave so many with lasting memories. Her strength to overcome has inspired everyone whom she met. She will always be one of the strongest women we have known. We will always remember her strength and determination, always! We are grateful for the kindness and compassionate care Mom received while at Meadow Park in London. The Honour Guard farewell was truly a very fitting send-off for a truly remarkable lady.

Honouring Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Her desire was for a private family gathering which has also taken place. Donations in Kathleen’s name to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Mom was for decades donating to so many… her fondness was to the SPCA and the Heart & Stroke. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“Hoping we’ll meet again in God’s Garden”

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”
-A. A. Milne

BEAVERS, Clarence …
After a long and courageous battle, we say goodbye to a wonderful man on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Joan Beavers for 54 years. Dear dad of Meagan Beavers and Karen (Dan) Beavers. Predeceased by his daughter Heather Beavers, his siblings Alice, Mervin, Keith, Leland, Mildred, Gladwin and Warren. Clare was a kind and sweet soul who loved his family.  Clare, a Christian, never spoke unkindly of others.  For 30 years, Clare dedicated his life to Kellogg’s, so much so that in the storm of 1977, he did not want to miss work.  He walked 6 km in the snowstorm, to find the plant shut down, so he turned around and walked the 6km back home.  Clare loved his Northern Ontario camp.  He spent years turning a tar paper shack, into a Canadian paradise.  Clare enjoyed fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling and even tapped maple trees to put golden goodness on many breakfast tables.  Through the years, Clare loved his Black Labradors. Clare battled cancer for many years.  He pushed through dozens of surgeries and procedures.  But he was sadly defeated and lost his battle.  We would like to thank Dr. Razvi and his extraordinary team for all their support, and the amazing staff on the 8th and 10th floors of University Hospital.   Thank you to the Palliative care team including Dr. Koivu, and to Dr. Schmitt for his unwavering compassion.  Thank you to many family members and friends who visited with Clare during his last weeks, supporting Joan, Meagan and Karen.  Private family interment to take place at St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys. Family, friends, neighbours and co workers are asked to gather for A Celebration of Life that will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 1-4 pm at Civic Garden Complex, 625 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6K 4T1. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation -Urology Fund in Support of Residency Training Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Hospital, Room A1-015  268 Grosvenor Street London, ON N6A 4V2 or to the Canadian Wildlife Foundation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON K2M 2W1. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com