Services & Obituaries

Ellis, Patricia “Pat” …
We say goodbye to a wonderful woman on Friday, January 18, 2019 in her 70th year. Loving mother of Steve Ellis of London. Dear grandmother of Tianna Steinman, Camden and Declan Ellis and Jake Quinn. Dear sister of Mary Culloden of Belleville, Carol Hughson and Lloyd of Oshawa, Deb Raymond and her partner Farley of Norwood. Also missed by her friends at the Belleville Kennel Club and at the Trenton Dragon Boat Club. Predeceased by her parents Alvin and Mary Johnston. Devoted friend to Marg, Linda, Lori, Adrienne, Donna and Shelly.  Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to the Quinte Humane Society, 527 Avonlough Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RUSSELL, “Pat”….

Peacefully with family at her side at Westmount Gardens Long-Term Care, London on Tuesday, January 16, 2019, Patricia “Pat” (Ellis) Russell in her 90th year went to be with her Lord and Savior. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Russell (2014). Loving mother of Karen Reid (David), Bruce Russell (Ev), Gayle Russell, Geoff Russell and Shaughn Russell. Cherished grandma of Candice, Samantha, Michelle, Danielle, Laura, and great-grandma of Cassia, Nathan, Brooke and Emilie. Predeceased by her siblings Phyllis and Donald. Pat was a champion rollerskater and won Eastern Canadian Novice Pairs Championship (1950). She was an avid tailor and clothing designer. Pat was deeply involved in Wortley Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the staff at Westmount Gardens Long-Term Care for their exceptional care. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Pat’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 1pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 150-633 Colborne Street, London ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHEARING, Sheila …
We are sad to announce the passing of Sheila at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the age of 83. Sheila leaves her daughter Janice (Steve Mayne), son Peter (Rhonda Millikin) and grandson Marshall Mayne. She will be deeply missed by her brother and sister in law Dave and Dianne Smith, her nieces and nephews Heather, Chris, Sheila Jeanne, Lee, Kathy and Terry. Predeceased by her husband Rod, her sister Beverly (Bill) Corbett and nephew Stuart Smith. Sheila was born in New Westminster, B.C. She and Rod found their way to London after stops in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. Sheila was a longstanding member of St. James Westminster Church and the London Horticultural Society (45 years). She also had a long association with the Lambeth Horticultural Society, the Ontario Horticultural Association, the Civic Garden Complex, Western Fair horticultural displays and flower shows and many folks in gardening circles.  Memorial Service will be held at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON, N6C1E7 on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 1 pm. Cremation has taken place. In Sheila’s memory, if desired, you may make a donation to St. James Westminster Church Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Rees, Roland “Rolly”….

Peacefully with his family by his side at Parkwood Institute, London, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Beloved husband of Gail Rees (nee Delves) for almost 52 years. Cherished dad of Tammy and Michelle Rees. Brother of Marie Brown (the late Bob), Lloyd Rees (Lynda), Cliff Rees (Mary Lynn), Ken Rees (Susan) and the late Ruth Ross (Harvey) and brother-in-law of Maurice Delves (Barbara) and Eric Delves (the late Etta). He will be missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Clarence and Mary Rees. Dear son-in-law of the late Kathleen and Maurice Delves. Rolly was a proud retiree after 36 years at Ford Motor Company of Canada. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 10 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Rolly’s memory may be made to the Music Therapy Program in the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Institute, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GRIFFIN, Cynthia (nee Day)…

In the early hours of January 13, 2019, Cynthia Griffin (nee Day) passed peacefully in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth W. Griffin. Dear mother of Susan Lynn Charlebois and her husband Gerry of Bright’s Grove and Roy Kenneth Griffin and his wife Elaine of Port Stanley. Cherished sister of the late Joan Adolphus and Betty Garbutt, both of England. Beloved grandmother of Michael Charlebois and Jennifer Noordhoek and her husband Jay. She was a dedicated member of both Wortley Baptist and Westview Baptist churches. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will take place Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 11am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Cynthia may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 633 Colborne St #150, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITHERS, George Donald John …

On Friday, January 11, 2019 Don passed away in his 98th year. Beloved husband to Sylvia (nee Smith) of 71 years. Loving father to Sandra (Bob Fisher), Sylvia, Doug (Tammy) and James. Don will also be missed by his grandchildren Courtney, the late Mackenzie, Matthew, Travis, Tyler, Nate and Nicole, John, Mallory, Erik, Abby, Tom and their mother Debbie Smithers. Great grandpa to 6 children. Don served in WWII and was a minor hockey and baseball coach. Visitation on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 6-8pm and on Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 10-11am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, where the funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 11am.  Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to McCormick Care Foundation Dementia Services, 2022 Kains Road, London, Ontario N6K 0A8 or St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation Veterans Care Program, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Sharpe, Mary Janette (nee Wanless)…

Peacefully on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, Mary Janette (Wanless) Sharpe passed away at University Hospital at the age of 95. Loving mother of Fred (Marg) Sharpe of West Lorne, John (partner Lisa Trinnear) Sharpe of London, Paul Sharpe of Don Mills and mother-in-law of Wendy Sharpe of London. Cherished grandmother of Michael, Lindsay (Jason), David (Brittany), Sarah, David (Lucy) and Hayley. Great grandmother and great-great grandmother to Shelby, Brooklyn, Miley, Anden, Cameron, Aleah, Jimmy, Ciarsten, Bentley, Charley, Oakley, Mikayla, Lyric, Shea, Spencer, Ainsley, Colin and Blake. Predeceased by her parents, Arthur Wanless and Mary Maude (Doolittle). At Mary’s request, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place with a scattering of her cremated remains at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUNT, Darlene Ann…

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on January 8, 2019, Darlene Ann Hunt in her 69th year. Loving mother of Jessica Ingoglia and her husband Ryan of Dallas, Texas, Jason Doreen and his wife Sabrina of London and her son-in-law Jason Laham. Dear grandmother of 7 grandchildren. Also missed by her brother Brian Hunt. Predeceased by her daughter Christa Laham. Friends will be received by family at from 12pm-1pm, January 11, 2019 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1pm in the funeral home chapel. As an expression of sympathy, In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you consider making a contribution to https://www.gofundme.com/darlene-hunt. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

BLAIR, James Holt Finley “Jim”….

Jim passed away peacefully at home on January 4th, 2019 at the age of 87.  He was born in North Gower, Ontario and is predeceased by his wife Merle Blair and sister Mary Blair. Jim is survived, loved and remembered by his daughter Janet Blair, son Douglas Blair (Kim), granddaughter Lauren Wasyluk (Mike), grandson Michael Blair, great-granddaughter Waverley Wasyluk, brothers Donald and David Blair, sister Martha Blair, sisters-in-law Florence Caird (Dale), Judy Decker (Allan), Nancy Greer (Barry), his partner of many years Gloria Chute and her children Vickie Green, Fraser Chute (Cecile), Marilyn Chute (Bill) and grandchildren Jennifer and Kevin Green (Hilary), special friend June Hamlin and many friends in the community.

Jim was a mathematics teacher in London and Ingersoll as well as a world traveller and avid photographer, combining those passions on many trips. He was an active member and dedicated volunteer for decades with Metropolitan United Church, L’Arche London, Kiwanis, London Health Sciences Centre and the London Camera Club.

A celebration of his life will be held at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3P8 at 1 pm on Thursday, January 10th, 2019. In accordance with Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place and internment at the family plot in Kars, Ontario will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to L’Arche London, 4448 Colonel Talbot Road, London, ON N6P 1B6 or Metropolitan United Church. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BILCAR, Michael …
Passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 in his 67th year, Michael Bilcar of London. Predeceased by his parents Uros and Justina Bilcar. Father to Ashley Prince. Brother to Vera and Brian. Long time best friend of Kevin Rogers (Lesley). Cremation has taken place and A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com