Services & Obituaries

KELLY, James B.

With sadness we announce the passing of our Father James Kelly on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the age of 91 at University Hospital. Predeceased by his loving wife Gloria of 62 years. Devoted Dad to Paul of St. Albert, Alberta, Brad and his wife Phyllis of St. Albert, Alberta, Tim and his wife Eleanor of London and Scott of London. Beloved Grandpa to Jonathan, Katelynn, Megan, Aaron, Josh, Sarah, Michael and Shannon. Dear brother-in-law of Margit Ridgeway of Scarborough. Predeceased by his sister Dorothy Jenkins and his brother Bill Kelly. Greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. James will also be missed by many other family and friends.  After a 32-year career with London Life, he enjoyed 30 years of retirement. He was a long-standing member of Westview Baptist Church. We wish to thank the nurses and doctors of the 6th Floor Medicine at University Hospital for all of their care and concern.  Friends are welcomed for visiting on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the A. Millard Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Westview Baptist Church, 1000 Wonderland Road South, London, ON N6K 3S4 at 11:00am.  Interment to take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2001 Dundas Street, London, ON N5V 1P6.  Donations can be made to the Westview Baptist church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SOANES, Valerie Gail (nee Derksen) …   Valerie passed peacefully after a long struggle with cancer on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 in London Ontario. Valerie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 19, 1955 to Herbert (deceased 2007) and Elsie Derksen (Kehler). In 1976, Valerie married Brian Soanes in Thunder Bay, Ontario and together they raised their son Darryl (predeceased in 2005) and daughter Allison (Soanes Park) (Rusty). She is survived by her mother Elsie, husband Brian, sisters Dianne (Frank Grant), Pamela (Tom Francis), brother Daniel and grandchildren Jalen Soanes, Elias and Shannon Park. A celebration of Valerie’s life will take place at the Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London on Friday, November 10, 2017, from 12:00pm to 2:30pm . Interment will take place, next to her son, at 12:00 pm on Friday, November 17, 2017 at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere Boulevard, Winnipeg, Manitoba. A private reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society – Brain Research, 123 St George Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3A1. Special thanks to Dr. Hahn and Lyn Kligman at the London Cancer Centre and the tremendous work of the nurses and support workers at both Victoria Hospital and Parkwood Institute. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CALDWELL, Jacqueline Leona…

On Sunday October 29, 2017 surrounded by her family and her faithful rescue cat ‘Lulu’, Jacqueline died peacefully in her home at the age of 93. Predeceased by her parents Harry and Florence May of London and by her husband of 61 years Ross Caldwell. She is survived by her sons Paul (Marilyn) of Brantford and Stephen of Vancouver BC and Paris ON, her grandchildren Haley (Steve) Barton and Wesley Caldwell and her great-grandson Max Barton.  She also leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law Bev and Herb Ballantyne, her niece Jackie Campbell and her nephews Peter Ballantyne and Michael and Derek Scott. Jacqui graduated from South Collegiate where she excelled in English and was London’s first female cheerleader. After dancing professionally and attending Brescia College she devoted herself to family and friends as a creative homemaker and superb hostess and to her community as a generous volunteer and supporter of the arts. A gifted athlete, Jacqui enjoyed golf and curling and was an avid follower of figure skating and tennis. She loved summers in Grand Bend and Muskoka and winters in Sandestin, Florida. Jacqui was a truly gracious lady who will be fondly remembered for her infectious charm, warmth, thoughtfulness, intelligence and humour and for her unwavering sense of style. Hopefully, she is now reunited in the arms of her adored ‘Rosie’, gliding gracefully across a dance floor somewhere in eternity. Visitation to take place at 1pm on Saturday, December 2, 2017, with a service of remembrance beginning at 2pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, South, London. In lieu of flowers donations to The National Ballet of Canada, 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto ON N5V 3KA would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DRYBURGH, Ian…..

Peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Saturday, October 28, 2017, Ian Dryburgh in his 62nd year. Beloved husband of Liz Dryburgh for 39 years. Loving father of Matthew Dryburgh (Dominique), Michael Dryburgh (Janice) and David Dryburgh (Lyndsey). Cherished grandpa of Regan, Logan, Clayton and Brooke. Dear brother of Gord Dryburgh (the late Marg) and brother-in-law of Evelyn Beauchamp (Eddie) and Brad Kellow (Sharon). He will be missed by his nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Friday, November 3, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The celebration of Ian’s life will take place in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:30am. 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

Cobbe, Jeffery Allan …
Suddenly on Friday October 27, 2017 at the age of 52. Loving son of Barbara and the late Charles “Chuck. Cherished brother to Lisa Thompson and Nancy Cobbe. He leaves behind a very special friend Bonnie Cobbe and his furry companion Bella. He will also be missed by many family and friends.  Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 3-4pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  There will be no funeral service. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GRAY, Don….

The family of Donald McKechnie Gray is saddened to announce his sudden passing on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the age of 91. He was a much-loved husband to Mona (nee: Flood) for 66 years. Father to Dawn Wilson (late Mac), Deb Chedore (Phil), Diane Browne (Jim), Dena Gray (Alex). Special Uncle to Linda Stevenson. Brother in Law to Betty Warwick, Shirley Breckelmans, and late Marie Slack. A wonderful Papa to Lindsay Squires (Steve), Kelly Sauvè (Steve), Kim Novia (Freeborn), Courtney Lantz (Adam), Caleb Browne (Raena). Blessed to be a great Papa to Odia, Katelyn, Owen, Logan and Charlotte. Predeceased by his brother William, and sisters; Isabel and Margaret. Don was a dedicated employee of the London Free Press for 45 years and was a member of the Ashlar Masonic Lodge No. 610 A.F. & A.M. He was a passionate woodworker who built everything from the family cottage in Ipperwash to birdhouses for countless friends and family. He was proud of his woodworking skills but even more he was proud of his family. He was always surrounded by women and he loved it! He lived a wonderful life and will be missed. Cremation has taken place. The family would like to welcome friends for visiting on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London and on Monday, October 30, 2017 one-hour prior (12-1 pm) to the funeral service being conducted at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers donations to London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCLAUGHLIN, Bruce Wayne…
Suddenly at home on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the age of 66. Devoted father of Treena McLaughlin and Julia McLaughlin. Caring grandpa to Amanda (Steve), Jayden, Jaileigh and Jillian. Great grandpa to Princeton, Preston and Perseus. Beloved brother to Barbara, Sandy, Doug, Judy, Debbie, Diane, Linda, Nancy and the late Rick. Predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Vera McLaughlin. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 6-9pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family internment to take place at a later date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHUTE, Flora Hope…
Flora Hope MacLeod Chute, born Chilliwack, BC, February 25, 1924, died Windsor, ON, October 24, 2017. Raised on a farm near Embro, Ontario, trained as a nurse at Victoria Hospital in London, lived with her husband and family in Tottenham, Owen Sound, Port Hope, Aylmer, Thamesford, Harriston, and in Simcoe, where she also practised as a nurse. Spent her final years in London and Windsor. Beloved wife of the late Max Chute for 63 years. Proud mother of Patricia Jeflyn Chute of Windsor, Richard Chute and his wife Anne of Port Franks, and Mary Chute Crawford and her husband James Crawford of Ottawa. Dear grandmother to Lauren and Macdonald Laplante; Nicole and Josh Chute; and Evelyn and her husband David Kroft, Sabrina, and Leigh Crawford. Great grandmother to Katelyn Park and Arielle Crawford-Arkaifie. Dear sister of her late brothers, Al and John MacLeod. She died as she lived, with great generosity of spirit, humour, kindness and love. Friends are welcomed for visiting, one hour prior (2-3pm) to the funeral service at 3pm on Friday, November 17, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations to the David Suzuki Foundation, 102 – 179 John Street Toronto, ON M5T 1X4 or Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, 551 Adelaide Street West Toronto, ON, M5V 0N8 Canada, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WOOD, Gladys Mellicent (nee Horton) …
Went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Born on July 29, 1917, she lived to happily celebrate her 100th birthday this past July. Born in Lorchmont, MI to Nellie and Leonard Horton. In 1927 her family moved back to Canada and then to London in 1930. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, John (Jack) Wood; sister, Edith McClure (Fred); her brother, Leonard Clifford Horton (Jessie). She thoroughly enjoyed being a homemaker, making delicious pies, entertaining family and friends, teaching her first grade Sunday School class for many years, serving in many activities at Wortley Baptist Church alongside her husband, sending cards, and spending time with dear friends and of course, her family who meant so very much to her. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who so faithfully prayed for her entire family and friends all through the years.
Left to cherish her memory are the children, Marlene (James) Sheldrake and Ray (Lora Lee) Wood; her four grandchildren, Andrew (Cindy) Sheldrake, Amanda (Jeff) Groat, Christi (Josh) Straub, Lindsay (Luke) Hunter and Ryan Wood; her eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary LaPointe; several nieces and nephews. A private family burial has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 10:15-11am on Friday, October 27, 2017 at West Park Church, 955 Gainsborough Road, London, where the funeral service will be held at 11am. Donations can be made to the Teen Challenge, 9340 Sharon Road, London, Ontario, N6P 1R6 or the Gideon’s International 501 Imperial Road North, Guelph, ON N1H 6T9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com   

ROBINSON, Gail Marie (nee Foreman)…
With her girls by her side, on Friday October 20, 2017 Gail passed peacefully. Loving wife of Brian Robinson for over 38 years. Beloved mom to Amy (Ruben) and Elizabeth Anne. Treasured grandma to Lily and Andre. Predeceased by her brother David (Diana). Gail will also be missed by many other family and friends.  Friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the A. Millard Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church, 55 Foxbar Road, London (off of Wellington Road South) at 3pm. Cremation to follow. If wished, donations can be made to A Book For Every Child 251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario N6A 6H9. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com