Services & Obituaries

PHELPS, Arthur D…

Passed away peacefully at McGarrell Place, London on March 7, 2019. Beloved husband of Frances (nee Jackson). Loving father of Marsha (Paul), Mark (Nora), Matt (Suzanne) and Margo (David). Will be dearly missed by grandchildren Justin, Kirstie, Sean, Chelsea, Samantha, Kelsey, and Christine. A private family service will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRENTON, Bruce …
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of an extraordinary man on Monday, March 4, 2019 at the young age of 68. Devoted father of Melanie, Jessica, Tara, Michelle, Katie and Kristie. Grandpa to Chloe, Nevaeh, Hudson, Meadow, Christopher, Amelia, Bentley and Paisley.  Bruce will also be missed by his dear brother Dave, his wife Beverly and their daughter Kelly. His sister Marguerite who he loved dearly and his best friend Johnny “Music Man”. Ron Skelton and the entire Skelton family for whom he had devoted 32 years of his life while gaining another family. As well as, his estranged wife Barb Brenton. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life to take place at Angus Glen Golf Club, 10080 Kennedy Road, Markham on May 4, 2019 from 6:00pm to 2:00am. Further details available at https://michellebrenton.wixsite.com/celebratingalifebruc . Donations can be made in his name to The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Lodge, 545 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2H8 or Ronald McDonald House Charities, 240 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1W5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BALFOUR, Jean…

Peacefully at The Village of Glendale Crossing, London on Monday March 4, 2019 Jean Balfour in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Roy Balfour (1995). Caring mother of Janice Balfour of Toronto and Nancy Balfour (Peter van den Hogen) of London. Predeceased by her sister Ethel (Don) Coyne of Wardsville. Jean will also be missed by Sarah (Graham) Meta and Sabrina (DJ) Summers and their children Beatrix and Wyatt, Liam and Myla.  Cremation has taken place. A family interment will take place in the spring. Donations may be made to Thames Valley Children Centre, 779 Base Line Road East, London, ON, N6C 5Y6 or Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, 305-1101 Kingston Road West, Ajax, ON L1T 3A1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

POWELL, Vivian…

Vivian was a native of Brantford, Ontario. Vivian (Brownie) loved fastball and was a pitcher in her teens and early twenties taking her RCAF Women’s team to the 1956 European finals. Vivian joined the Canadian Air Force as a young woman and enjoyed her time serving, both in Canada and overseas. Throughout her life, Vivian was loving, extremely witty, kind hearted and always had a warm smile to brighten any day. Vivian had a deep, genuine interest in people and their lives always asking about others and welcoming everyone into her heart and home.  Vivian enjoyed her career with Ontario Nurses Association, where she grew and enjoyed many lifelong friendships as well as honed her mad crossword skills.

Vivian, in her 86th year, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in London. Beloved wife of Jerry Powell for 63 years. Loving mother of Greg (Heather), Guy (Barb), Denise (William), and David (Caroline). Dear sister of Bernice Cohoe, Clara Cook, Lorne Brown, Robert Brown and sister-in-law of Johnny Powell and Donna Kenner. Pre-deceased by her parents, Clarence and Esther Brown, brothers Russell and Earl Brown, sister, Pauline Young, and brother-in-law, Tommy Powell. Vivian will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and many nieces and nephews and all she took such great care of. With respect to Vivian’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Donation’s in Vivian’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GORDON, Velma Malinda….

Velma Gordon passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care in her 102nd year. She is survived by her niece Ellen (Graham) Buller and her great nephew Mathew (Dawn) Buller, all of Pennsylvania, USA. She was predeceased by her sister Viola Salo, brother-in-law William Salo and a baby brother. Velma was appreciated and will be missed by her extended family, particularly Dwayne Rickard. She enjoyed her career teaching and maintained an active interest in how her former students were doing. Velma’s long life and wonderful spirit are an inspiration to all of us. A special recognition to Jack and Mary for being the most supportive and caring neighbours for 35 years and a grateful thank you to all of the staff at Mount Hope for the care and compassion that Velma received during her time there. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in Velma’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 2E1 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHUTTLEWORTH, Shirley …

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Dear mother of Lynda Shuttleworth of Santa Monica, California and Gerald Shuttleworth and his wife Lucie of Vancouver, B.C. Beloved sister of the late Ron Armstrong and his wife Loraine of St. Catharines, Marlene Glover, Geoff Weekes and his wife Gail of Calgary, Alberta. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Russell Armstrong, May Weekes and by her step father John Weekes. She loved her arts and crafts, did woodworking and made collage pins from vintage jewellery. She had a passion for dolls and an amassed large collection, including Anne of Green Gables dolls. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am on Wednesday, March 6, 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 11 am. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery, London.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8 or the Arthritis Society, 400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WELCH, Elizabeth “Bette”…

Peacefully at University hospital, London on Wednesday February 27, 2019 Elizabeth “Bette” (Perkins) Welch in her 98th year, went to be with her Lord. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth L. Welch (1983). Loving mother of Pauline Bachus (John) of Wallaceburg, Margot Bible (David) of Maple Ridge, BC. Proud grandma of Paul Bachus (Lori), Jason Bachus (Sandra), Andrea Sikora (Rob) and Philip Bible. Great-grandma “Babcie” of Alyssa, Shae, Sam, Haley and Liam. Predeceased by her sister Margaret Ball. Bette was a dedicated member to the First Lobo Baptist Church. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior (10-11am) on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where a Celebration of Bette’s Life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Private interment in First Lobo Baptist Cemetery, Komoka. Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 150-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or Arthritis Society, 400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FRIES, Reginald D…

Reginald Delbert, after a valiant fight, passed away peacefully at LHSC in London, on Tuesday, February 26th at the age of 90. An Old South boy from the beginning, Reg grew up on Southgate Street and attended South Collegiate from 1941-1945. He studied at Western (1947-1951) and earned a degree in Math and Physics. Reg worked for Bell Canada in Sudbury and Montreal (1954 -1967). Upon returning to London, he joined the London Board of Education and taught high school math from 1967-1991. In his retirement, he loved to golf, visit friends and family and take his Cadillac out west. Loving father of John Fries (Juliet), David Fries (Gaynor) and Kim McHugh. Proud grandfather of Jessica (Michael) Paa, Robert Fries, James McHugh and Jack and Marin Fries, and great-grandfather of Caroline and Eloise Paa. Predeceased by his parents Roy Fries of Lions Head, ON and Oneilia Fauria Fries of Louisiana. Fondly remembered by friend and ex-wife Mary Ann Fries, and friends from Highland Golf Club where he was a member for 50 years. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for April 12, 2019 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, London at 3:00 p.m. The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and PSWs who took good care of Reg at LHSC and a special thank you to Dr. Stocco for her guidance.

Rest in peace; we will love you forever.

WEST, Lorna Josephine…

Passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at her residence in her 85th year. Predeceased by her parents John (Jack) and Mabel (nee Winter) West, and brother John D. West. Survived by her sister Lois (James) Gauld, and nephews James (Lori) and Robert. Also survived by great nephews Jamie (Alana) and Geoffrey (Hannah Carter) and great great niece and nephew Emmalyn and Gibson. Lorna was a dedicated employee at GM Diesel/EDS for 35 years. At Lorna’s request, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff and residents of Longworth Retirement Residence for their care, compassion and friendship during Lorna’s time with them. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Donations in memory of Lorna can be made to the the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 150-633 Colborne Street, London, ON, N6B 2V3 or Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HARLING, Verna Margaret (nee Peters)…
Predeceased by her husband Garfield, daughter Lois Kelk, granddaughter Susanne Kelk, parents Gerald and Millie Peters, 4 brothers and 1 sister. Verna passed away at home on Saturday, February 23, 2019. She has reached the magnificent age of 96, with her formative years spent on the family farm in New Liskeard, ON. After marriage with Gar and starting their family many moves were made due to Gar’s career with Ontario Hydro. When he retired, they decided to enjoy the Florida snowbird experience for more than 15 years. Returning to full time residence in London they began to learn all about the condo life. After Gar’s passing Verna moved to Chelsey Park and that’s where she remained. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Marilyn other family and friends, but we believe that a new player has just entered the card game. Many thanks to staff at Chelsey Park, Senior Care by Angels, Von E shift and staff with CCAC for their care and support. A memorial service will be held at a later date in New Liskeard, ON. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com