Services & Obituaries

At her residence, surrounded by family, Natalie passed away on February 27, 2018 in her 95^th year.  Dear sister of Norma Lewis (Robert) and Gerald Erskine of Ottawa. Predeceased by her older brothers Robert and Jack Erskine.  Also survived by Bob Erskine, Chris Lewis (Sharon), Natalie French (Chris), Leslie Miller (Peter) and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Natalie was a strong, lovely, intelligent and fun lady.  Known by many as simply ‘Aunt Nat’, she valued her independence and was fiercely loyal to family and friends.

The daughter of Len and Lottie Erskine, Natalie was born at home on Dufferin Avenue in 1923 and was a lifelong resident of London, Ontario.

In her early years, Natalie enjoyed dance lessons and horseback riding on weekends. After graduating from Beal Technical School, she began a long career as a skilled stenographer, and worked at the Bank of Montreal for over 35 years.

Natalie developed a passion for skiing and, as a Founding Member of the London Ski Club, volunteered for many years as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Directors. 

When Natalie was a young woman, her Aunt Bea treated her to a lengthy European vacation and thus began her passion for travel.   Every year Natalie would have at least one trip planned, and ended up traveling throughout the world, always learning about the history and culture of the countries she visited. In her later years, she loved to settle in to a good book and looked forward to her visits to the Public Library.

Natalie was loved by many and will be dearly missed by many.

A special thank you to the staff at Longworth Retirement Residence for their care and compassion during this past year. 

Friends will be received by the family from 9:30-10:00 am on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 am.  A private family internment at Woodland Cemetery will follow. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Boler Mountain, formerly known as the London Ski Club, P.O. Box 20051, 431 Boler Road, London, Ontario N6K 4G6. 

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

JAGER, Theresa….

Unexpectedly on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Victoria Hospital, London, Theresa Jager in her 96th year. Beloved wife of Hans J. Jager for 77 years. Cherished Oma of Michael Jager (Lisa) and great Oma of Krista, Emma and Mia. Predeceased by her son Hans D. Jager (2007). Cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service held. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBERTS, Gerald Roy….

Peacefully with family, at Parkwood on Sunday, February 25, 2018, Roy passed away in his 96th year. Beloved husband of Dorothy B. (Robinson) Roberts. Dear father of William John Roberts and his wife Bonnie of Appin and Cynthia Victoria Pisek and her husband Mike of London. Also loved by his grandchildren Brandice Robertson and her husband Mitch and Kaley Pisek. Dear brother of Beverly Norris and her husband Victor of London and brother-in-law of Henry Topham of London. Predeceased by his sisters Dorothy Bywater and Shirley Topham.

Roy enlisted in the Air Force during WWII, he flew Lancaster bombers in England (Goose Squadron) and flew operations over Germany and Egypt. Roy later joined the Army, serving from 1939-1972. After the service, Roy worked at Bell Telephone and also as an electronics engineer with a private business.

He enjoyed many hobbies, specifically music, playing the trumpet, golf, reading and crossword puzzles. Roy liked to travel, he traveled to Germany and Italy. Roy loved all swing music (Louis Armstrong, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey) and classical music (Beethoven, Mozart).

Roy was proud of his family and his wartime achievements. He can be described as modest, happy and cheap.

His advice: “Mind your manners, stay in school and be kind to others.”

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Parkwood for their excellent care over the years. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will take place in the spring. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com   
 

NEWMAN, Margaret Ferna (nee Chessman)….

Passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Saturday, February 24, 2018 in her 87th year. Wife of the late Mitch Newman (2012). Survived by her children Paul (Patti), Jeff (Wendy) and grandchildren Jennifer, Dan, Sarah (Jeff) and Kari (Kyle) and 6 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received by the family from 12:30 – 1 pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 pm. Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London-Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHILVERS, Alice …

Peacefully with family by her side, we are sad to announce the passing of Alice Chilvers on Friday, February 23, 2018 at University Hospital in her 52nd year. Much loved daughter of Marjorie Chilvers and the late Bill Chilvers. Missed by her cherished friend Nelson. Loving sister of Wendy McBride and her husband Raymond, Debbie Pangborn and her husband Steve, David Chilvers and his wife Patricia and Peter Chilvers and his wife Michele. Cherished aunt of Michael, Dawn, Justin, Darren, Stephanie, Joanne, Lee, Heather, Katie, Nicole, Elizabeth and Adam. Predeceased by her nieces and nephews Douglas, Christopher, Melissa and Kelly. Alice will be missed by many great nieces and nephews. Alice lived life with self determination, her greatest joy was family and friends. The family wish to send a special Thank you to Community Living London and the caring staff at Dissing House for their wonderful support and care over the years. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00pm. Inurnment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to Community Living London, 190 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N5Z 3L1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Winnifred “Win”Cowling….

Shortly after celebrating her 101st birthday Win Cowling passed away peacefully Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich, Ontario. Win was born in Birmingham, England and came to Canada at the age of 4, with her parents, Joseph Wilfred King and Lilian King. Win and her younger sister Pauline Druery grew up in Toronto, and it was there that Win met her future husband, Harry Leonard Cowling. The couple spent 62 years together, mainly in London, Ontario, where they raised their children, Merilyn Bowman and Wayne Cowling. The family spent summers at their cottage on Halls Lake, and Win and Harry spent many winters in Florida. She loved hosting gatherings and her legendary apple pie will be missed by all who tasted it. Win was also a longtime member of the New St. James Presbyterian Church congregation in London. Win was predeceased by her husband and children. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Linda MacLeod, Mark Bowman (Julie), Patti Clark (Cathy), Heather Bowman (Derek), Michael Bowman, Sharon Cowling, Brian Cowling (Heather) and Gary Cowling. She will also be missed by her 13 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff of Blue Water Rest Home for their many years of care. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held one hour prior (12-1pm) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, South, London. The Celebration of Win’s Life will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 1pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ELDRIDGE, Angus …
Passed peacefully on Monday, February 19, 2018 in his 95th year. Beloved husband of the late Mary Annette. Cherished father of Bill of London, Peter of Arkansas and Carol of B.C. Devoted Papa to Jamie, Jodi, Coleen, Stacey, Daniel and great papa to Eric, Mary and Julie, Owen and Kinsey. Dear friend to Jean. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Society of London, P.O. Box 640 STN K Toronto, ON, M4P 9Z9.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, March 3, 2018 where friends and family will have the opportunity to share memories and stories from 2-4pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com      

BRIANT, Norman …
With family by his side, on Family Day, Monday, February 19, 2018 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Mary Briant for 67 years. Dear father of Kathy (Don) MacBean, Debbie (Cary) Lee and Colin (Sandy) Briant. Devoted poppa to Heather (Justin), Darryl (Erin), Erin (Alex), Jeff (Brittany), Laura , Gord and Corrie.  Also, great poppa to Owen, Mya, January and Piper.  Brother to Melvin (Lily) and the late Orville. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 5-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Friday, February 23, 2018 at noon. Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to London Regional Cancer Centre, 790 Commissioners Road East P.O. Box 5165 London, Ontario N6A 4L. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com      
      ” Despite great odds he fought to the end so he could enjoy his family and life ”

Barbara Anne Swinden (nee Richardson), 83, of London, Ontario passed away on Sunday February 18, 2018. Beloved wife of Bruce Swinden. Adored mother of Beth Muir (Doug) and Dave Swinden (Suzy). Proud Grandmother to Cheryl Wonderham (Mike), Jocelyn Raikes (Matt), Anthony Muir (Amanda) and Tyler Swinden. Great Grandmother to Kaiden and Kalliope. She will be remembered for the sparkle in her eyes, her engaging smile and the class she exuded in all she did.  As an R.N. (graduate of Woman’s College Hospital), caring for people was her priority. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service to take place at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 3pm with an hour of visitation prior (2-3pm). Donations may be made to the Arthritis Society,400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2 or Alzheimer Society of Canada, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FRENCH, Glen….

Peacefully surrounded by his family at Marian Villa, London, on Saturday, February 17, 2018, Glen French in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of the late Eileen (Thompson) French (2011). Loving father of Virginia Bint (David) of Mount Forest and Bonnie McNichol (Brian) of London. Proud grandfather of  Valerie McNichol (Jordan) and Danielle McNichol. Missed by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Goldie French. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Marian Villa for their loving attention. Dad was a kind and generous person who always thought of others before himself. He made this world a better place. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior (1-2pm) on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Glen’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2pm, with Reverend Kenji Marui officiating. Dad will join Mom in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Calvary United Church – Memorial Fund, 290 Ridout Street South, London ON N6C 3Z1 or The Rotary Club of London, Attn:  Sandy Ronson, P.O. Box 29056, London ON N6K 4L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com