Services & Obituaries

Hague, Ruth…

Peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at her residence in London, Ruth passed away in her 102nd year. Beloved wife of the late F. Dyson Hague (1990). Loving mother of Lyn Hague and Bob (Sheila) Hague. Dear grandmother of Nicolas (Ally) Hague.

A beloved member of her community, Ruth was deeply involved and supported the community she loved in London. She volunteered with the art galley and was a member of the garden club. She enjoyed sports, being passionate about golfing and curling. Her cottage, at Cedarhurst Beach was her cherished retreat, where she created lasting memories with family and friends. Deeply committed to political causes, she actively supported both provincial and federal campaigns. Above all, family was her greatest treasure. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Dyson, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. A special thank you to all her friends and neighbours as well as the ladies at WWMD Home Care who loved and supported Ruth in her wish to remain at home.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ruth may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184 entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STOKES, Judith “Judi” Ann (nee Keat)…

Judith “Judi” Ann Stokes (nee Keat) passed away peacefully with her sister by her side on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 76th year. Survived by much loved sister Nancy Keat, London. Predeceased by parents Alan (1993) and Lenore (2013) Keat. Remembered by her aunt and cousins in the Slade and Keat families. Also remembered by step-children Heather (Jeremy) Martin, Listowel; Douglas Stokes, Listowel and his son Connor; Iain Stokes, Huntsville and their father Arthur Stokes, Sarnia. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and interment will take place in Sarnia in the spring of 2025. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Isabel…

Isabel Jean Johnson passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Fredrick “Ted” Johnson (2015) for 67 years. Loving mother of Gail Johnson of London and Ken (Debbie) Johnson of Innerkip. Cherished grandmother of Mitchell (Amber) Johnson of Ingersoll and Matthew (Katie) Johnson of Fergus. Adored great-grandmother of Finn, Liam and Emily. Dear sister of Lawrence Chilvers of Lindsay. Predeceased by her siblings Walter Chilvers, Leonard Chilvers, Pearl Hunter, Irene Jewell, Ivan Chilvers and infant sister Hazel Chilvers. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception (located on the southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will be held at McIndoo’s Cemetery, Mariposa Township in the spring of 2025. In memory of Isabel, donations may be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 3250 Bloor Street West, East Tower, Suite 600, Toronto, ON M8X 2X9 or a charity of choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. K. Shu and also the ACE unit at Victoria Hospital, to ProResp, Medical Priorities and Silver Cross for the services provided in the home and the continued love and support from family, friends and neighbours. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MORIN, Bruno

With deepest sorrow we announce the passing of Bruno Morin on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, at home, with his loving family surrounding him. Born in Ham-Nord, Québec on January 17, 1938, he is survived by his three children: Sandra, Claude (Heidi Bohaker), and Joey (Julie Michels), and his grandson Alexander. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Claire (Lefebvre). Survived by three brothers: Marius, Gaston (Madeleine), Jacques (Cassandra), and two sisters: Mariette (Gilles Dumouchelle), Odette (Jacques Grilli). Predeceased by four brothers and three sisters. Also survived by two brothers-in-law: André Lefebvre, Raoul Lefebvre (Ghislaine), and one sister-in-law: Gisèle Lefebvre. Bruno and Claire moved to London in 1964 and raised their family here. Bruno worked for Davey Tree in London and then at Ford’s St. Thomas Assembly Plant near Talbotville, retiring in 2001. He treasured time with his family and friends. We all miss his good humour, warm smile, kind heart and amazing skill at cribbage. A visitation will be held Friday, December 6th, 2024 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 5:00 t0 8:00 pm, with family remarks and remembrances from 7:00 to 7:30 pm in lieu of a service. Private family cremation to follow with interment later at the Saints-Anges Cemetery in Ham-Nord, Québec. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, in memory of Bruno. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BENNETT, Joan

Joan passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at her residence in London. Beloved wife of George Edward “Ted” Bennett for 57 years. Loving mother of Dan (Elaine) Bennett. Cherished grandmother of Danielle Bennett and Tommy Bennett. Dear sister of Ginny, Dennis, Jerry, Pat and Bob. Sister-in-law of Fred Bennett. Joan will be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends. Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Joan’s wishes there will not be a visitation or service. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Joan may be made to a charity of your choice. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McKAY, Sharon Jeanette….

Sharon Jeanette McKay of London, Ontario passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in her 84th year. Cherished sister of Ross McKay (Rebecca) of London, Ontario and sister-in-law of Grant Hoffman of Edmonton, Alberta. Predeceased by her beloved twin sister Carroll McKay (2020) and her sister Janet Hoffman (2023). Adored Auntie of Jeremy (Joan), Jeffrey (Alana), Jonathon (Laura), Christopher (Stephanie), and Andrea (Christopher). Loved great-aunt of Jennabelle, Jossalyn, Keevie, Lexi, Parker, Greyson, Spencer, Kenzie, and Addison. Born in London, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Ross and the late Elsie McKay (Moore). Sharon was a devoted follower of her Lord Jesus. Her faith in God guided her in serving Him and encouraging others in a variety of ways, including foreign missionaries. For over 40 years she served as Office Administrator for Barry Moore Ministries. Her relatives and friends will greatly miss her but are thankful she is now in her Saviour’s presence in heaven. Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Road East, London on Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 pm. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed and available for viewing following the celebration via the Summerside Church Youtube Channel.Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. The family wishes to extend a warm thank you to Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his palliative care team for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in her memory to one of the organizations that in life she supported with her time and finances: Trans World Radio and TEAM of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DEKKER, Brechje “Berta” …

Peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Brechje passed away in her 91st year. Dear mother of Eleanor Vander Stelt of Stratford, ON, Ruth Vander Stelt of Quyon, QC, and Jan (Lynda) Vander Stelt of Brantford, ON. Loving grandmother of Katie (Brad), Annalise (Len), Mark, Daniel (Isabelle), Sara (Kris), Nico, Nathan, Kerri, Rebecca (Lawrence), Corine (Aman), Rachel, and Joshua (Billie). Beloved great-grandmother of Owen, Corbin, Brenna and Madelyn. Survived by siblings Marie (Chiel) and Cor (Ank) of the Netherlands. Predeceased by daughter Corinne, and three brothers and four sisters. Brechje will be remembered by many extended family members and friends in Canada and The Netherlands.
Born with a fearless heart and boundless determination, she achieved quite a feat-becoming the youngest person in her town to ride a motorcycle before the age of 10 when her father told her she could. This early passion for adventure set the tone for a life full of courage, creativity, and compassion. As an artist, she brought beauty and emotion into the world. Her voice graced countless weddings and funerals, offering comfort and joy during life’s most significant moments. Her creativity was not confined to music, she also enjoyed many types of handiwork. She painted the world around her with kindness and generosity, always seeking ways to uplift others. As a devoted mother, she poured her love and energy into her family, nurturing her children with the same dedication and passion that defined her life. She often found humour in difficult situations and freely shared it. Her commitment to serving others extended far beyond her own household. As a tireless volunteer, she was an integral part of her community, giving her time, skills, and heart to countless causes such as church, school and community.
A celebration of Brechje’s life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 1:00 pm. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed and available for viewing following the celebration via the AMG YouTube channel. Donations in Brechje’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BURKE, Eric

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Eric. He bravely fought a hard long struggle with drug addiction but after a set back he succumbed to his illness.
Eric was a gentle and very intelligent soul who could have strong opinions. He constantly had a need to research issues and learn. He was a skilled meticulous hard worker and was generous with sharing these skills to help family, friends and neighbours. He loved people, his family and tiger kitties.

Eric was such a comical person who will be deeply missed by his mother Chantal Beauregard, his father Robert and his big brother Anthony Burke. Predeceased by his siblings Justin and Melissa Matiszko. Eric will also be missed by his cousins Michael and Steven Jr, Aunt Lillian and Uncle Steven Falletta. He will be remembered by many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday December 7, 2024, at 2:00 pm led by Brother Carlos Ventura. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. A visitation will be held an hour prior from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Following the service a time of sharing memories and good thoughts will take place at the Jalna Branch Library, 1119 Jalna Boulevard, London from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. To honour Eric donations in his memory may be made to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Ila Gwendolyn (Moen) Thomas was born at Tofield, Alberta and died peacefully in London, Ontario at age 96, surrounded by family. She looked forward to her move to heaven to join Dave, her husband of 59 years; their first-born infant son Kevin; her parents Iver and Olfrid; her brothers Harold and Eldon; her sisters Hazel and Doreen; and other loved ones who had gone before her.

Ila was the third of six children born to Iver and Olfrid Moen, who themselves were born into large families of Norwegian immigrants who came to Canada at the turn of the 20th century to settle and farm in the area around Bardo, Alberta. A rich heritage of faith, family, community, and song infused Ila’s life from birth.

She attended the two-room Anderson school in Bardo through Grade 10 and went on to high school at Camrose Lutheran College, years she remembered with great affection. Her father was a strong advocate for education and careers for his children. So, at age 19, after one year of teacher’s training, Ila began her career in the one-room school at Woodlawn where she taught 27 children in Grades 1 through 8. During the next three summers she earned credits to complete her Alberta Teacher’s Certificate, and she continued to teach in Holden and Edmonton until her children were born. She returned to full-time teaching in Calgary in 1975 and was proud to earn her B.Ed. degree at the University of Alberta at age 55. She spent the last 10 years of her career teaching Grade 3 at Rosemont School and retired in 1989.

Ila participated in church life from early childhood, beginning at the Bardo Lutheran Church which stood on land donated by her grandfather. She had fond memories of going with her father to ring the church bell six times at 6:00 p.m. on December 24th to herald the beginning of Christmas. She met Dave in Holden where she was teaching school and he was working at the Royal Bank, and they were married at the Bardo Lutheran Church in June 1951. Ila and Dave were committed members of Lutheran congregations everywhere they lived (Edmonton, Calgary, & Innisfail, AB; Coquitlam, BC; London, ON), and Ila was active with the Evangelical Lutheran Church Women. Her faith was a lifelong source of strength and comfort. She began each day with devotional readings and ended each day with her bedtime prayers.

Ila and Dave welcomed Ila’s mother into their Calgary home after the early death of Ila’s father. Their first house, bought for $12,000 in 1958, also became the home base for Ila’s three younger sisters before they were married. She and her sisters remained close throughout their lives, and whenever they were together, the Moen sisters sang. Ila also sang in church and community choirs from childhood well into her 90s.

Like her mother before her, Ila had many interests and talents and these were expressed in myriad church and community activities, hobbies, and side gigs over the years. She sewed clothes for her children and their dolls and made quilts for all her grandchildren. She created hats, led girl guides and children’s choirs, played piano and ukelele. She talked a reluctant Dave into ballroom and square-dance lessons, gardened, walked, biked, hiked, skied, and golfed. She sold Tupperware, World Book Encyclopedias and Avon products. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Scrabble, card games, family reunions, road trips, and camping. Ila and Dave travelled extensively across Canada and the US, and around the world to Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and China.

Ila and Dave were loving and supportive parents to their five children, all of whom became responsible senior citizens under Ila’s watch. They adored their grandchildren and spent extended periods of time with all ten of them as they grew up. None of her grandchildren will forget grandma’s inventive birthday cakes and the sweet surprises they held. In her final years, nothing gave Ila more joy than the arrival of her great grandchildren. Their photos were proudly displayed alongside other treasures in her curio cabinet, and watching videos of their antics and accomplishments was a daily source of delight.

Ila and Dave surprised themselves and their family and friends when, in their late 70s, they moved from their long-time home in Calgary to a newly built house in Innisfail. Ila surprised them all again when, at the age of 90, she decided to leave Alberta and relocate to London, Ontario. She loved her bright apartment and the beautiful, treed grounds at Grand Wood Park, a retirement home just around the corner from the home of her daughter Cheryl and family. She made many friends among staff and residents there and was famous for her collection of striped sweaters and for singing in her strong alto at church services and musical performances. Ila was especially grateful for the close and supportive friendship she enjoyed with her neighbour, Maritha Fraser, during the six and a half years she lived at Grand Wood Park.

Ila will live on in memories cherished, stories told, songs sung, and recipes shared by her five children: Cheryl Thomas (Walter Friesen), Heather Thomas (Craig Millar), Robyn Thomas, Craig Thomas (Colleen Thomas), and Kerri Anne Thomas; ten grandchildren (Kelsey Andries, Jill Rajewicz, Lise Rajewicz, Leah Andries, Trevor Thomas, Molly Thomas-Lee, Duncan Thomas, Rachel Friesen, Liam Thomas, and Sonia Friesen), three great grandchildren (Willa, Eddie, and Camilo), her sister Peggy Nichols (Pat Nichols), and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

A celebration of Ila’s life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 40 Holmes Street, Red Deer, Alberta on December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Ila requested that people NOT wear black!

The service will be live streamed on the YouTube channel of the church (https://www.youtube.com/@goodshepherdlutheranreddee8615/streams) and posted there for later viewing. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, your local food bank, or a children’s charity of your choice, or plant a native tree in tribute to Ila’s long and full life on this beautiful earth.

SMITH, Frederick “Fred”…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, November 11, 2024, Frederick Charles Smith passed away quietly in his 85th year. Loving father of Michael Smith and his wife Rita of London, Dennis Smith and his wife Melissa of Grand Bend and Ernest Smith and his wife Teresa of Seaforth. Cherished grandfather of Dakota, Frank, Shayna and Cie; Kyle and Zander; Sierra, Ernest Jr., Caitlin, Amber and Keagan and great-grandfather of 12. Dear brother of Joan O’ Shaughnessy and her husband Everett of Lyn and Kenneth Smith and his wife Sharon of Brockville, and brother-in-law of Lorraine Smith of Brockville. Predeceased by his brother Cecil Smith (2023) and by his long time friend and companion Barbara Sweeny (2024). Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Fred was an avid rower and member of the Brockville Rowing Club and later the London Rowing Club. Fred came to London in June of 1965 and joined GM Diesel Division as an accountant, and later retired as a supervisor after many years of dedication. He was a member of the Canadian Army (Militia), Brockville Rifles 32nd Locating Battery. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion – Byron-Springbrank Branch 533. Fred was a Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge No. 64 A.F. & A.M. and was an Honourary Inspector-General 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the York Rite, a proud Shriner with Mocha Temple and was very active in the Mocha Temple Trumpet Band and Alumni. Cremation has taken place. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Kilwinning Lodge No. 64 A.F. & A.M. will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where visitation will follow from 7:00-9:00 pm. In Fred’s memory, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9 or the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, 4 Queen Street South, Hamilton, ON L8P 3R3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com