Services & Obituaries

STRACHAN, Mary Ann …
Left too soon on Thursday, May 3, 2018 in her 69th year. Loving wife of Michael A. Strachan. Cherished mother of Jeremy. Caring sister to the late Betty Lou McClenaghan. Mary Ann will also be missed by many other friends and family in both Canada and Dalry, Scotland. In keeping with her wishes, cremation and a private family service to take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association, 639 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 3M2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STARLING, Wilson G.

Peacefully, at Victoria Hospital, London on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, Wilson Starling passed away at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Frances Starling. Dear father of Paul Starling (Nancy) and Brenda Lausanne (David). Loving grandfather of Alex and Madison Lausanne, Derek and Darby Starling. Predeceased by his son David, brother Ronald and sister Lavella Burke. Dearly missed by his daughter-in-law Julie, many family and friends. Wilson was lead singer of The Four Chorders, art dealer and owner of Cameo Galleries and had a love of travel, nature and the arts. Friends and family are welcomed for visitation on Saturday, May 5, 2018, 1-hour prior (10-11am) to the funeral service being conducted at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilson’s memory can be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ENGLAND, Robert “Bob” Cyril …
Peacefully, at the age of 76, on Monday, April 30, 2018. Loving father to Steve, Annecia (Tim) and Duane (Brenda). Devoted grandpa to Jasmine (Aaron) and Chris. Cherished great grandpa “Bob” to Hayden, Lilah and Madden. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 4, 2018 from 12:00-1:00pm at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London with a memorial service to follow starting at 1:00pm. Bob was an avid collector of trains and a long-time London Knights fan. He was known for his great sense of humor and joke-telling.  Donations may be made to the London Model Railroad Group, 69 Holborn Street, London, Ontario, N6J 1S3 or to the Meadow Park Nursing home, 1210 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 1B4. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.  

LUCY, S. Deborah….

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Deborah Lucy, on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, with family by her side, in her 70th year.  Loving mother of Kristin Ball and her husband Ryan.  Cherished Nonna of Ethan and Kyle.  Much loved sister of David Keast and his wife Heather.  Aunt of Matthew Keast and Erin Gray (Ray) and great aunt of Jordan, Makenna and Maya.

In true spirit, she fought her brief illness with strength, determination and dignity.  Leaving us far too quickly and well before her time, she will be deeply missed.

Deborah was a dedicated and passionate professor in the School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, who cared deeply for her students and her research.  Also serving the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, she worked to uphold the integrity of the profession.  

An athlete all her life, Deborah was a devoted member of the Rowbust Dragon Boat Racing Team, where she deeply valued the friendships, comradery and challenge of competition.

Above all else, for Deborah family was everything, especially her daughter and her two adored grandsons.

Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 1 pm.  Private family interment to follow in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice or by offering a random act of kindness in her honour. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BENDER, Marion….

Peacefully at Earls Court Village, London, on Saturday, April 28, 2018, Marion Bender in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Ernest “Ted” Bender (2006). Loving mother of Richard Bender (Debby). Proud Nanny of Greg Bender (Danielle) and Amy Lane (Zak) and great Nanny of Zephan, Abby and the late baby Jack (2017). Aunt of Barbara King (Rudy). Predeceased by her siblings Curtis King, Donald King and Edith Estee. A special thank you to Dr. Susan McNair and the staff at Earl’s court for their care and understanding during her stay. Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. Donations in Marion’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Stafford, Sharon Dale…
On Monday, April 23, 2018 we lost a wonderful woman at the age of 63. Childhood sweetheart and loving wife to Michael for 42 years. Devoted Mother to Melissa (Ian) and Michael Jr.(Jayme).  Nana to precious angels Caeden, Shaelyn, Westin and Melina. Caring sister to Gloria, Alan, Diane (Steve), Terry (Louise), Rhona (Mike), Fernanda (Ray), David (Lori) and Jimmy. Predeceased by her parents Floyd Fisher and Margaret Albert and brothers Wayne and Danny.  Sister in law to Larry (Tammi), Nancy (Don), and Wendy (Dwane).  Sharon will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.   In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 7:30 pm at The Byron-Springbank Legion, 1276 Commissioners Road West, London. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

BOOKER, Hazell Mary…

If you are reading this, I didn’t win the game, Lymphoma vs Hazell.  The game finished on April 23, 2018. We went to a tie breaker, but I was not successful. To my beloved sisters Gwenda, Barbara and their respective husbands Roy and Steve. Thank you for your never-ending support and love. Your lovely families have stayed in touch also.

To my many friends who have been with me throughout this journey that include Rudy K, Anne H, Maria M, Lyn M, Claudia F, Sybil & Darren, Pat C, Don P, Peter A, Betsy K, Michael & Debbie. Special thanks to my cousin Bob H & Deb especially as they will take care of Teagan, my dog and Miss Tilly, my cat. Your love for them means a lot. Thanks too for the kindness and care of Dr. J. Mangal and her talented team at the London Regional Cancer Clinic. I have one last trip planned as I’m going back home to England.

– GAME      –       SET     –      MATCH –   

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ELLIS, Jim….

Peacefully with family by his side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, April 23, 2018, Jim Ellis in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Dorine (Anderson) Ellis for 48 years. Loving father of David Ellis (Susie), Martin Ellis (Itohan) and Gordon Ellis (Julia). Cherished grandpa of Charlie, Madi, Ginny, Isabelle and Sophia. Dear brother of George Ellis (Beryl), Elsie Bowering (the late Eric) and brother-in-law of Beth Brown (Jack), Bill Anderson (Jan), Eunice Boyd (John), Jane Crawford and Mary Anderson (Bob). Remembered by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his siblings Doris, Bertha, Albert, Evelyn and Anne. Jim was an avid runner, outdoors person (camping and gardening), cycling, he had a great love for music and enjoyed singing. He was a kind and gentle person and enjoyed spending time with his family. A special thank you to the staff at the Village of Glendale Crossing and Victoria Hospital for their care of Jim. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 pm on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11 am at Saint James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, 4500 Blakie Road, Unit 117, London ON N6L 1G5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ELLIS, Heather……

Peacefully with family by her side on Monday, April 23, 2018, Heather (Males) Ellis of London in her 80th year. Beloved wife of Doug Ellis for 58 years. Loving and caring mother of Michele, Scott (Kelly) and Melissa (Paul). Cherished Nana of Colin (Naomi), Cameron, Nicholas, Lucas, Samantha and great-grandson Carsten. Fondly remembered as Mrs. “E” to Jordan, Phillip, Olivia and Vanessa. Dear sister of Lee Males (Deb), sister-in-law to Larry Ellis, Terry Ellis (Barb) and Gail Males (the late Denny). Remembered by her nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thank you to the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Hospital for their amazing care. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Heather’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 3-5pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South (located on the south east corner of the parking lot). As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation – Parkwood Institute – Palliative Care Unit. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com    

CRUICKSHANK, Lillian….

Lillian (Caughlin) Cruickshank in her 99th year, passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Monday, April 23, 2018. Beloved wife of the late Robert Cruickshank (1966). Loving mother of Nancy Phillips (Geoff), Dianne Sim, Brenda Baskett, Cathy Moffit and Dale Pineau (Stephen). Cherished by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Lewis Caughlin (Margaret Ann) and sister-in-law of Bud Lutman. Remembered by her nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. The Celebration of Lillian’s Life will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 10:30am, with visitation one-hour prior (9:30 – 10:30am). Private family interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com