Services & Obituaries

JOHNSON, Joan….

Peacefully surrounded by family at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Tuesday, December 25, 2018, Joan Johnson in her 94th year. Beloved wife for 68 years of the late Walter T. Johnson (2014). Cherished mother of Gail McNeilage and her husband James of Dresden, Carol Ellison and her husband Guy, Tom Johnson and his wife Rosita, Pamela Johnson-Levstik and her husband John, and Deborah Cann and her husband Bob all of London. Very proud grandma to the late Blair McNeilage (Serina Wilson), Tara (Ted Greenway), Lindsay (Troy Verriez), Courtney (Nick Simpson), Erica (Steve Chiras), Andrew Johnson (Michelle Gibson), Ryan Johnson, Kristen Levstik, Andrea Levstik, Robert Cann (Catherine) and Brittany (Kris Sayers). Beloved great-grandmother to 12 and great-great-grandmother to 4. Dear sister-in-law of Edward Johnson (Mary) and Marilyn Johnson. Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sisters Christine Hamm (Merlyn) and Roberta Jean Stewart, brothers Hazen Stewart (Erminie) and John Westley Stewart and sisters-in-law Phyllis Byway (Walter) and Mary Beaurone. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will take place on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CROUCHER, Tessa Ann …(nee Conner)
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tessa on Monday, December 24, 2018 in her 74th year. Beloved wife of the late Harry Croucher. Loving mother to Lesley and Nicole (George) Copp. Adored nana of Leanne and James Copp. Caring sister to Joanne, Debbie, Tish and Alex. In keeping with Tessa’s wishes cremation has taken place. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOWN, Harold Russell….

Harold passed away on Monday, December 24, 2018 at University Hospital after illnesses related to cancer in his 78th year. He was the beloved husband of Lois for 51 years. Father to Heather (Ron) Koolen, and Michelle Down-Coghlin. Loving grandfather to Talia, Caleb and Delilah. Predeceased by mother Irene (nee Linton), father David, aunt Elizabeth “Lizzie” and brother Stanley (Helen). He will be missed greatly by his nieces, nephews, extended family and especially by his feline friend, Felix. The family is extremely grateful for the amazing care provided by the compassionate nurses and doctors at University Hospital. Harold was an employee of Kelloggs for 33 years and took a great interest in music, especially the keyboard and bass guitar. He loved being able to bring joy to any room through music and enjoyed his years playing in small bands with his friends. After his retirement, you could find him every Thursday night playing pool with his buddies at the Moose Lodge. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, December 28, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Harold, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9, Diabetes Canada, 1400-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TOWNSEND, Melanie Adaire …

Melanie Adaire Townsend, 50, died Wednesday, December 19, 2018 in London, Ontario with her husband by her side. She was born May 2, 1968 in Windsor, Ontario to Ada Fraser and Tom Townsend. That was also the city where she met her husband and partner of 22 years, Troy Ouellette. Melanie treasured their son, four-year-old Declan. Melanie spent childhood summers with her grandparents in Rondeau on Lake Erie. She grew up in Windsor with Ada and step father, Allan Macpherson. She attended Kennedy Collegiate and, after earning a B.A. from Western University and an M.A. in history from the University of Windsor, she began her career in the visual arts there, working at the Art Gallery of Windsor under Robert McKaskell, Helga Pakasaar and Nataly Nagy. She subsequently became Curator of the Walter Phillips Gallery in Banff where she established lifelong friendships with many in the national and international arts community. In 2004, she moved to Museum London as Head of Exhibitions and Collections. There, she became a respected colleague and beloved friend to whomever she met. She was a board member of the Ontario Association of Art Galleries and active with numerous charities. Her interests included: family, gardening and working with artists. Because she grew up in Windsor she was sometimes known as the “Blue Collar Curator.” Melanie is survived by her son, husband, father and step father, and by her loving aunt, Carol Bishop. The family is looking into establishing an arts scholarship in Melanie’s name. More details will be available at the memorial. Friends will be received by the family for Visitation from 2-5 pm and 7-9pm on Friday, January 4, 2019 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Charlie …
Suddenly although peacefully on Sunday, December 16, 2018 in his 84th year. Beloved husband of Jane Smith (nee Archer) for 50 years. Devoted father to Andrew (Rachelle Martin) and Teddy (Kendra). Treasured Grandpa Charlie to Caroline, Christina and Amelia Martin-Smith. Charlie will be missed by his many friends, bowling, bridge buddies, and Temagami and London neighbours. Always a teacher (in The Thames Valley Board) even when not actually at work, Charlie helped to lighten any mood with his non-ending supply of witticisms, stories, and jokes. He was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, hunter, Eagle Scout, and sensitive lover of poetry, reading and music. He had his pilot’s license before he could drive a car and was a true historian on the subject of World Wars I and II. Charlie is now furthering education by donating his body to science at  Western University. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The May Court Club of London, 594 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B1W8 www.maycourtlondon.ca or to First- St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B1X6.  A private gathering to take place. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MEINEN, Kina….

Surrounded by family in her 94th year, Sietskina “Kina” Meinen was called home to be with her Lord on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, London. Beloved wife of the late Ytsen Meinen (1974). Loving mother of Siska de Leeuw and her husband Arnold, the late Ubbo Meinen and his wife Marian and Albert Meinen and his wife Tammy. Cherished Oma of Wayne de Leeuw (Sonya), Sylvia Sikkema (Henry), Fiona Maxwell (Duncan), Jonathan Meinen (Andrea), James Meinen (Kim), Gregory Meinen (Jourdan), Daniel Meinen (Ashley), Matthew Meinen (Ainsley), Benjamin Meinen (Rachel), Nicole VanderVeen (Ivan), Lexi Gabel (Dylan), Chelsea VanGurp (Jonathan) and Natasha Meinen and great-Oma of Kaija, Jaedon, Joshua, Rebecca, Sarah, Nathan, Renae, Reid, Lochlann, Kingston, Scarlett, McKenna, Barrett, Cadence, Brynn, Griffin, Teagan, Everly, Easton, Beatrix, Edmund, Madeline, Hailey, Colton, Grayson and Kinsley. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews in Holland. Predeceased by her two sisters Lucia VanderVeen and Annie Smith. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 2:30-4:30 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11 am at Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church, 266 High Street, London. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Christian School, 7 Howard Avenue, London, ON N6P 1B3 or the Anchor Association, 361 Thirty Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHAW, Arlene “Pat” …
Passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at University Hospital, London in her 82 year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Mervin Shaw (2010). Loving mother to seven children, Doug (Heather), Janet Horton (John), Deborah (Jerry), Tom (Marian), the late Ken (Sandy), Chris (Stacy) and Steven (Lisa). Grandmother to 19 and Great-Grandmother to 20. She will be missed by her siblings Carolyn Thomson and Lynda (Verne) Fralic. Sadly missed by dear friend, Eva Hodgins. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 from 3-5 pm at the A. Millard George Reception Center (located on the Southeast corner of the funeral home parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. Cremation has taken place. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 150-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or the Canadian Diabetes Society, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SPINDLER, Katherine “Beth”….

Passed peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, London at the age of 50. Beloved daughter of Don Spindler and the late Katherine McCoy (2018). Loving mother of Andrew and Christopher. Cherished grandmother of David, Mason and Aidan. Much loved sister of Kim (George) Bowes. Will be missed dearly by her partner Barry Rusher. Katherine will also be missed by her nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by her son Anthony (2001). Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Donations to the London Regional Cancer Program would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALFERINK, Bernard (Bernie) …

Bernie Alferink peacefully passed away at University Hospital, London on Wednesday, December 12, 2018  at the age of 85 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  Bernie is happily reunited with his loving wife Dora Alferink, daughter Susan Zender, parents Hank and Gay Alferink and siblings Bert and Ena Alferink.  He will be greatly missed by his son and daughter-in-law Philip and Linda Alferink, son-in-law Carl Zender, his grandchildren Kevin (Emily), Cassandra, Sierra (Jamieson) and Dustin, and by his great grandchildren Owen and Lina.  Bernie will also be dearly missed by siblings Hettie, Hank and Bob, and by many family and friends. Bernie was full of life and beamed with positivity.  He was devout in his faith and served as a Priest in the New Apostolic Church for many years. Bernie will be remembered as being incredibly humble, generous, and hardworking.  Bernie’s family will receive relatives and friends during the visitation held at the New Apostolic Church, 795 Third Street, London ON N5V 0A2 on Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 10 – 11am.  The funeral service to celebrate his life will be immediately following the visitation at 11am.  Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLIFFORD, Ann….

Peacefully at her residence with her family surrounding her, on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, Elizabeth “Ann” Clifford in her 78th year. Beloved wife of Terry Clifford for 57 years. Loving mother of T.J. Clifford and his wife Pascale of Ottawa, Amy Clifford and her husband Jean Pierre Giroux of Gatineau, Jake Clifford of Grand Falls, Newfoundland and Katie Lee and her husband Tysen of Toronto. Dear grandmother of Emily, Cassidy, Maxim, Ella, Ava, Olivia, Charlotte and Mackenzie. Also missed by her sister Jane Barrett of Toronto. Predeceased by her parents Donald and Katharine Davison. Ann devoted her life to service and continually helping others, especially over 28 years acting as the “Den Mother” for the Global Vision program, among many other volunteer positions. The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bill McKeough, the day staff at Saint Elizabeth and the night staff at VON. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 10-11 am at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London, where the funeral service will be held at 11 am. Interment at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Global Vision, 1667 Moffat Avenue, London, ON N5W 2A1. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com