Services & Obituaries

SHEPARD, CONNIE…

In loving memory of Connie Shepard (nee Colleen Dolan), who passed away, on Thursday, October 31, 2024.  Predeceased by her first husband, Bruce, her daughters Barb (Tom) and Cath and her second husband John Murray. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Pat, and Jan (Brad); her grandchildren Matt and Kelly, Chris and Mellisa, Meg and Mike, Dan and Nicole and Andrew and Terra; and her great grandchildren Emma, Owen, Caitlynn, Allie, Graydon, Ivy, Amelia and Eden.

Colleen Dolan was born in Vasser, Michigan on September 11, 1924, to Ruth Warner. She was raised lovingly by her maternal grandparents Gus and Adelsi Warner until the age of five. She had many fond memories of life with her grandparents which included walks to the park with her grandpa and being called inside by her grandma.

She was moved to Detroit when her mother remarried.  She had a wonderful relationship with her brothers Howard, Bob and Larry which was maintained until their deaths despite living far away from each other.

When she started her first job as a teenager, her employer inadvertently misstated her name as Connie.  As she had never liked her birthname, she was happy to be known thereafter as Connie.

During WWII, Connie attended a dance for troops in Detroit and met a handsome Lieutenant in the Canadian navy. His name was Bruce Shepard. Ever the gentleman, when she visited Bruce in Montreal, he paid for her room in a separate hotel from his and upgraded her return train ticket to first class. After a whirl wind courtship, common during the war, they married.

Connie loved and respected her father-in-law Alfred and mother-in-law Violet. In particular, Connie admired and was inspired by her mother-in-law’s sophistication and intellect.  She, in many respects, modeled herself after her Violet. She was great friends with her in-laws Dorathy, Doug, Bob and Terry. She was an avid card player and loved to win.

Connie wanted to marry a man who would be very good to their children.  She chose very well.  Connie and Bruce were wonderful parents to four daughters.

Connie took her commitment to her new country very seriously.  When Bruce indicated he was going to vote for John Diefenbaker, Connie decided it was time to become a Canadian citizen, so she could vote.  She always knew her own mind.

Bruce’s family had a long tradition of cottaging in Muskoka.  In the early 1960s, Connie and Bruce were able to buy a portion of Stonewall Island on Lake Muskoka and build a family cottage compound.  The cottage was a very important part of their, their daughters and grandchildrens’ lives for many years.  The close bonds among the members of the extended Shepard family are directly attributable to the vacation times shared on Stonewall Island.

For a woman whose family meant everything, the loss of Bruce and her daughters Barb and Cath to cancer was devastating; a loss that was always with her.

Pat, Jan and family would like to thank the exceptional women of Extended Families for watching over Mom in her final year. She considered them friends and the family were comforted knowing that she was cared for by a talented team. A celebration of life will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be served. She will be interned in a private ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Colorectal Cancer Canada or Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shard at www.amgfh.com

LAPIERRE, Janet…

Janet Lapierre, 44, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. A registered nurse at LHSC Victoria Hospital, Janet brought kindness, compassion, and quiet strength to her work, touching the lives of countless patients and colleagues. Her gentle nature and warm spirit were a source of comfort to those around her.

Janet was the cherished partner of Brian Sutton-Quaid for 14 wonderful years. She was the beloved daughter of John and Dorothy Lapierre of Brockville, and a dear sister to Dianne Lapierre (Buuan Lam) of Waterloo. Janet’s role as an aunt to Tyler, Sophie, and Norah Lam, and Quinn Remisch brought her much joy, and she was a beloved daughter-in-law to Ann Sutton and Robert Quaid of Grand Bend, as well as a sister-in-law to Colin Sutton-Quaid (Kat Remisch).

Janet’s love for the outdoors and the natural world was evident in her life’s passions. An avid runner, she achieved a remarkable feat in her first year of diagnosis by running a half marathon, exemplifying her resilience and determination. Her love of birds was more than a pastime; it led her to complete a Master’s thesis on song sparrows, humorously remembered as “Old birds sing the hits.” Janet found joy in birdwatching, particularly on long hikes, camping trips, and cycling adventures. Winters brought her to the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, activities she embraced with the same quiet enthusiasm that defined her life.

Janet’s heart also belonged to her family and her beloved dog, Jimmy, who remained a constant source of companionship and comfort. She will be remembered for her gentleness, her passion for nature, and her steadfast, caring presence. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In following Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 10:00 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via the AMG YouTube channel.

To honor Janet, donations in her name may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program), c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 (https://www.lhsc.on.ca/verspeeten-family-cancer-centre/donate-now), or to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 365 Bloor Street East, Suite 1501, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4 (https://donate.natureconservancy.ca/page/25744/donate/1).

In celebrating Janet’s memory, we honor a life lived with grace, courage, and kindness. She will be profoundly missed.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

THAR, Anna Juanita Joan…

At University Hospital, London on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Joan Thar in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late Donald Thar. Loving mother of Wayne (Pat), David (Lee), Brenda MacGregor and Brian. Proud grandmother of Christopher (Amy). Cherished great-grandmother of Kennedy and Taylor. Predeceased by her sister Pat (Ron) Keast and her brother Bob (Joan) Hudson. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Rd, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BLUE, Ann Patricia…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, Ann Blue passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in her 79th year.

Predeceased by her adored parents Vincent (1993) and Daphne (nee Smith) (2001). Loving sister of Tony Blue (Donna Moore) and Elizabeth Blue (Chris Hart). Dear aunt of Simon, Rebecca, and Leah (James Patterson). Proud great-aunt of nephew Landon and nieces Alessandra and Ainsley.

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1946, Ann lived a life full of resilience and love, overcoming challenges with strength and grace. Despite living with spina bifida, her physical disability did not define her but rather, shaped her unique perspective on life. Ann was a powerful force of positivity with a tenacity that inspired family, friends, and even strangers who had the privilege of meeting her.

In her early 20s, she emigrated to Canada to start her own life. Over the years, she made several trips back to the UK to visit family and friends as well as encouraging them to visit Canada. Ultimately, the rest of the immediate family followed Ann and settled in the area. Ann remained fiercely independent and lived in her own home until the end.

Ann spent many years working for Madame Vanier Children’s Services before health matters caused her to retire. She compensated for this by extending her education to obtain a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work from Western University and King’s University College, and by staying actively involved in the lives of her family. Her path to advanced education was inspiring for other mature students, and these efforts were rewarded with an Adult Learner Award from the London Council for Adult Education.

Ann absolutely agreed that she was a “crazy cat lady” and always had at least a couple of cats to keep her company. She loved Scrabble where her great command of the English language was a force to be reckoned with. Ann was known to wear a fascinator from time to time as she celebrated events in the lives of the Royal Family. It was no problem for Ann to get up early in the morning to watch televised events from the UK.

Cremation has taken place, and family and friends are welcome to join together for a memorial service on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via the AMG YouTube channel.

In memory of Ann, donations may be made to any of the following: the London Health Sciences Foundation, the Mature Student Advisor Bursary at Western University (Fund Number 880233 – https://www.westernconnect.ca/donateWestern.html), the Humane Society (London & Middlesex) or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com

CRAIG, Earl Gordon…

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, Earl Gordon Craig passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Paula Craig (2023). Loving father of Bill, Kerry (Suzy), Mike and John (Connie). Dear grandfather of Lindsey (Andy) and Craig (Lisa) and great-grandfather of Norah. Will be missed by Dawn Rigby and her husband Dave and Wade Rochefort and their families. Dear brother of Gary “Goose” (Joan) of Washago. A private family interment will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In lieu of flowers, sympathy donations may be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JORDAN, Marilyn…

Marilyn Ruth Jordan passed away at Waverley Retirement Residence, London on October 27th, 2024 in her 88th year. Marilyn is survived by her four children who already miss her – Kim Knowles (David), Katy Farrow (Brian Wallace), Michael Farrow (Janine) and Kristin Lepage (Charlie Kustermans) as well as grandchildren Matthew, Emily, Kassandra, Brittany and Julian and four great grandchildren Abbie, Aubrey, Logan and Adrian.

In her early working career, Marilyn taught piano and was a church organist. She had the first private piano lab in Ontario where she was able to teach 6 children at the same time. Later on as a single Mom, she got her teaching degree and moved her family to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where there were more teaching opportunities. She taught English and music at Breton Education Centre and she was also known for the high school musicals she directed including The Music Man, Paint your Wagon, and Brigadoon. She moved back to Ontario in 1985 where she taught at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute until retirement in 2000.

Marilyn was always very crafty and after retirement, she was an active member in London’s Embroidery Guild and participated in local craft shows selling her beautiful quilts, wall hangings and knitted hats and scarves.

Marilyn will be remembered for her many talents and achievements. She was a strong, independent woman, able to support her family and provide a loving household. She even renovated an old farmhouse in Cape Breton by herself.

She lived at Waverley Retirement Home since 2013 and the family cannot thank the staff and care workers at Waverley enough for the excellent care and attention they have provided for Mom.

Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations can be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BYWAY, David

Unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Sharon Mae Byway for 65 years. Dear brother-in-law of Lawrence (Sharon) Lamour. Loving Uncle of Laura (Joe) Gallagher and Alison (Kip) Sang. Fondly remembered by his great nieces and nephew Reagan Gallager, Siporah Sang, Jack Gallagher and Jada Sang. Dear cousin of Nancy (the late Roderick) Wilson and Janet (Mike) Hutchinson. David was a dedicated Mason and avid model car collector. David and Sharon were both long time fans of the London Knights. A private family interment will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy donations in memory of David may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

In Loving Memory of Norma Robinson

Norma Robinson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and family.
Born on April 5, 1930, in Port Stanley, Norma lived a remarkable 94 years. Moving from her family farm at the age of 14, she enrolled herself at Alma College in St. Thomas in 1944. Norma went on to become the first female Area Comptroller of Canada Bread in London, and was proud to have worked there for many years. Norma was a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who cherished her family above all else. She married Harley in 1986, and together they enjoyed their garden, golf and travel. Her legacy lives on through her children, Jo Anne Brodie (the late Gary) and Rob Fulton (Margaret) her grandchildren Heather Brodie (Jeremy Patterson) and Evan Brodie (Jill Bennett), and her 2 great-grandchildren Sal and Ray who were the light of her life. Her family invites all who knew and loved her to a celebration of her life, to be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London in the chapel at 10:30 am, with visitation 30 minutes prior at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COPELAND, Christopher..

It is with deep sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Christopher “Big Sexci” Blair Copeland on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in his 33rd year.  Chris has reunited with his sister Lindsay.  Chris is survived by his mother Wendy Copeland, his father Tod Williams, his wife Breanne Fralick-Copeland, his two children Lillian Katherine and William Reginald, his siblings Paige Erica, Lucas Daniel, his grandparents Sharon Williams, Lynda Copeland and Bill Copeland, and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Chris was a loving son, protective big brother, a superhero to his kids, caring husband, and a larger than life friend to all that he met.  We will always love you Chris!  Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm. Cremation to follow. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GILMOUR, William “Bill”…

Peacefully at home, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, William “Bill” Gilmour passed away in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Susan (nee McDonald) Gilmour (2007) for 52 wonderful years, Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service. He was the devoted father of Marg Hermann, Carole Gilmour, Tony Gilmour, and Michele Pegg and her husband Dave, all of London.

A proud grandfather, Bill cherished his time with his grandchildren Paul (Tanya), Krista, Jenny (Jarrett), Nathan (Kim), Damian (Andrea), Adrian and Lily, and was overjoyed to be a great-grandfather to Maiev, Maisie, Alexander, Athena, Rhea, Gray, Dräco, and Laughlin. Predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, Bill will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, family, friends, and neighbors both here and in Scotland.

Bill grew up in abject poverty but rose to become a formidable advocate for others, always standing up against injustice. During his long career at Ford, Bill was a proud member of the union, where he helped thousands of workers secure their rights. He carried the same passion for equality into his personal life, marching in rallies and standing in solidarity with those seeking fairness.

A lifelong athlete, Bill excelled in boxing and soccer, and his competitive spirit extended to table tennis and pickleball, though nothing came before his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his love for his family was unparalleled.

Bill’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his incredible storytelling, his kindness, and his passion for the world around him and those he loved and served. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, with future inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

In memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories, and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com

Click here to view Susan’s obituary https://amgfh.com/obituaries/119173/