Services & Obituaries

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

GOWAN, Gwendoline…

Surrounded by her loved ones, Gwendoline Marie Gowan, our precious mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11th, 2024, at the Village of Glendale Crossing Long-term Care Home in London.

Born August 25th, 1924, in London, England, Gwen emigrated to Canada after WW II to start a new life here. Beloved wife of Bud Gowan (2015) for 62 years, treasured mother of son Paul (Susan) Gowan of London and daughter Gail (Peter) McMahon of Dwight, Ontario; adored ‘Gramma’ to Joshua (Steph) Gowan of London and Amanda (Jon) Huson of London, Kristin (Andrew) Kerr of Pembroke, Nicole (Bill) Robinson of Kincardine, and Colin McMahon (Lauren Halasz) of Coburg. Gwen was fondly known as ‘Gigi’ to her great grandkids who brought her much delight: Norah, Naomi, and Felix Huson; Elexa and Elyssa Gowan; and Ethan and Audrey Kerr – three sets of twins plus one!

Always gracious and kind, she was blessed with good health and many amazing friends. She sought to put others before herself. She greatly enjoyed life travelling, curling, and spending time at the cottage in Grand Bend. We are so grateful for her faithful loving care of dad and of all of us, her resiliency in good times and hard times, and a hundred other wonderful things we love about her shared at her 100th birthday celebration just a few months ago.

The family appreciates how the staff at The Village of Glendale Crossing Long-term Care Home gave kind, thoughtful care over the last two years. She will be dearly missed there by staff and her friends, tablemates, euchre partners, and fellow bingo players – they had such fun together. Thanks also to Parkwood Hospital and Longworth Retirement Home for their good care in the past.

A Celebration of Gwen’s Life will take place Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. We invite you to make donations in Gwen’s memory to Parkwood Hospital  or Sanctuary London to assist those who experience homelessness. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBINSON, Mary “Marlene”

Mary Marlene Robinson passed away peacefully on November 12th, 2024 in her 89th year. She was born September 13, 1936, in Whitby, Ontario to Russell and Genevieve Mollon. Beloved sister of Diane Thompson(Brian) and brother Paul Mollon(Anne). She is survived by her loving husband Gerald Robinson and sons Mark(Yvonne), Scott, Jeff(Laurie) and Steve(Heather) and grandchildren Eddy, Jeremy, Katlin, Matthew, Emery, Griffin and Blake. She will be dearly missed by her brother in law Dennis(Cathy) and sister in law Maxine(Walt) and many nephews and nieces.

Marlene married Jerry Robinson on October 6, 1962. Together, they became the parents of two sets of twin boys that kept her very busy throughout life. She never complained about driving to hockey, soccer or any event. She endured many summers of camping trips, pool parties, wrestling on the furniture, road hockey, teenage years and graduations. She always said raising 4 twin boys was easy. Mom, we know better, we were not easy, you were a gift. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, understanding and loving mother throughout the years.
For the majority of her career Marlene worked for Vic Young Insurance in Old South in London Ontario. She very much enjoyed those years working with the clients and staff. She continued to work with Vic when Marlene and Jerry moved to Port Stanley to start the next chapter of their life. Opening the Mitchell House Bed and Breakfast was a dream and passion for Marlene. Both Marlene and Jerry loved their 20 plus years in the small beach town.

Outside of work, Marlene was the ultimate rocker and roller. She enjoyed Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd and Joni Mitchell to name just a few. She loved her Friday night socials at our kitchen table with Peggy and friends. The house was filled with laughs, red wine and good vibes. Marlene was active in the community with bridge, horticulture clubs, and volunteering for Adopt The Highway, Mount Hope Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.

She wanted to give a special thank you to Kim McGregor and Cathy and all the staff at Longworth Retirement Home for their support over the last several years.

Marlene will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken by her passing. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. In lieu of Flowers or Donations, she asks that you celebrate her with a glass of red wine and play Warren Zevon, Keep Me in Your Heart.

On Thursday November 14, 2024, a Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at the Highland Golf and Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McCANN, Glenn Edward Thomas…
Glenn passed peacefully Monday, November 4, 2024, with family by his side. Born January 16, 1933, Utopia, Ontario, to Wilbert and Ruby (nee Stephens) McCann. Glenn was the beloved younger brother of Joyce and the late Roy Lister. He grew up on the family farm, where he was affectionately known as “Snow White” in his youth. Glenn was a man of great intellect and passion for the natural world. He attended the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Botany in 1955 and a Master’s in Soil Fertility in 1957. His career as an agronomic advisor spanned over 30 years with CIL Fertilizer, followed by an enriching tenure with DeKalb, where he shared his knowledge and love for agriculture.
In 1958, Glenn married his soulmate, Sandra Joy (Goodwin) Picton, Ontario (deceased 2022). They shared 64 beautiful years, filled with love, laughter, friendship, and adventure. Glenn and Sandra created a warm and loving home for their two children, Constance (Tom McFarlan) and Thomas (Sheila ). He was the cherished grandfather to Danica (Ben Wheeler), Mathew McFarlan, Jayme (Alex) Chester, the late Zachary McCann, and Jessica McCann, as well as a proud great-grandfather to Sydney Wheeler.
Glenn’s life was filled with passion for the things he loved. His life long passion was dancing. He was a featherweight wrestler during his university years, an avid tennis player, and a seasoned sailor. He also had a lifelong curiosity for photography, astronomy, and electronics. With his green thumb, he grew the “best-tasting tomatoes in the world” in his garden-a point of pride and joy he shared with family and friends.
Church and community were integral parts of Glenn’s life. He devoted himself to church council, ushering, and missionary work. He lived by his father’s values of honesty, kindness, and charity.
To his children, Glenn was fondly known as BCD, or “Big Cool Dad”-a testament to the loving and inspiring father he was.
Glenn and Sandra’s home was a place of joy and hospitality. They hosted elegant gatherings and cherished family celebrations that became treasured memories for all who attended. Whether it was birthdays, anniversaries, or New Year’s Eves, Glenn and Sandra’s warmth and kindness created bonds that lasted a lifetime.
Glenn lived by principles of integrity, kindness, thankfulness and compassion. He embodied these qualities, which he believed made for a good neighbour and a good friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he adored, and the many friendships he nurtured.
A service to honour Glenn’s life and memory will be held at Byron United Church at 12pm, Friday November 15th. In lieu of flowers, Glenn’s request was for people to plant an oak or maple tree and /or reach out to help someone in his memory. Or, you might want to take a dance lesson!! Glenn will be deeply missed, remembered for his love, his laughter, and the extraordinary kindness he showed to all who knew him. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WELCH, Kathleen “Kae”…

Kathleen Welch (nee Rake) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 in her 96th year. Beloved mother of Brenda (Harold) Mutter, Vikki (Mike) Searle, and Randy (Brenda) Welch. Predeceased by her son Larry (Lynn) Welch in 2008. Beloved Nan to 12 grandchildren, and loved Gigi to her great-grandchildren.

Kathleen was a long-term employee of the Board of Education. After her retirement, she enjoyed many active and fulfilling years. Kathleen will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Kathleen was a long-time resident of Byron. A private family interment has taken place at St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery (Byron). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FREEMAN, Ryan…

Ryan passed away, after a brief illness with pneumonia at Owen Sound Hospital, with his wife Tyna Hendriks by his side on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the age of 49. Father of Hunter, Emily, Jacob and Jackson and stepfather of Drew Hendriks. Son of Debbie Johnson (Ed) (late Randy) and Gary Freeman (Lynne). Brother of Marney Fitzgerald, Josh Freeman (Melissa), Kimberly Freeman and Cody Donkervoort (Taylor). Ryan will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was an artist at heart, he loved to create; he could make something out of nothing. He was always finding this and that and making a beautiful creation. Although Ryan had somewhat of an arduous life, he deeply loved his family and friends. He was a loving person who would always offer support and help to those who needed it. He loved to have fun, and he made sure annual events were celebrated and acknowledged. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A funeral officiated by Rev. Enrique Martinez will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow at St. Andrew Memorial Church, 55 Foxbar Road, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MONTEMURRO, Dr. Donald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Donald Montemurro in his 95th year on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at Victoria Hospital, London, loving husband to June (Dickey), father to Maria (Karl) Guinness and Andrea (Domenico) LoRusso and proud grandfather to Marco, Connor, Julia, Michael and Gabriel. Donald is predeceased by his parents Samuel and Rose (Orange) Montemurro of North Bay, brothers Richard and Reginald and sisters Rita (Morris) and Rene (Morrish). The essence of Monte was kindness and patience, with equal measures of creativity and discipline. His gentle nature and warm spirit were a source of comfort to those around him. He will be dearly missed by his loving family, longtime colleagues, friends and neighbours.

Monte was born in 1930 in North Bay, Ontario, the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in a large Italian family, worked as a paper boy, delivered yeast by bicycle, spent summers as an army cadet and working at a family-owned grocery mart/ice cream parlour in Sudbury. Monte left northern Ontario in 1948 for studies in Physiology at UWO, where he met June in the Wortley Village at Marshall’s Diner (now Mai’s Cafe). He completed his Masters (1954) and Doctorate (1957) of Physiology at UWO. Together Monte and June travelled for work and studies to London, England where he worked at the Chester Beatty Institute for Cancer Research, and to New Haven, Connecticut to study at Yale University, before settling back in London, Ontario to start a family and to take up a position at the Cancer Research Institute at Western University. He held a position as Professor of Neuroanatomy in the Medical School at Western University, was Chairman of the Anatomy Department and was awarded a medal of distinction for his teaching. Upon retiring from Western as Professor Emeritus in 1995, he began the next phase of his life as a loving grandfather, self-taught woodworker making beautiful furniture for their home and family and friends’ homes, and drummer as a member of the New Horizons Band. Monte and June took great care of and supported each other during 70 years of marriage. He was an avid card player, especially enjoying Hearts. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, photography, travelling and hosting memorable get-togethers at their home in Wortley Village.

A special thank you to all the members of the care teams at Westmount Kidney Care Centre and UH Renal Care Program. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17 at 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre located on the southeast corner of the parking lot, 60 Ridout Street South, London 519-433-5184. Remembrances and performance by Julia LoRusso at 2:00 pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

AYEARST, Richard “Dick”…

Peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinsons. Beloved husband of Barbara for 63 years. Proud father of Mark, Nanci-Colleen and the late Michael. Loving poppy of Nolan (Beth), Jed, and Bette (Daniel). Great-grandfather of Ellis and Maya. Predeceased by his brothers William and John. Education was Dick’s lifelong career. In retirement he had a small antique business. He was a 50-year member of the Legion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed dancing, camping, travel and a dinner club with friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Karen Lo and the staff at Chesley Park LTC. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass celebrated at St. George Parish, 1164 Commissioners Road W, London at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dick may be made to the Parkinson Society and would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com