Services & Obituaries

DeShane, Wes….

Suddenly but peacefully at his residence on Saturday, September 16, 2017, seven days before his 79th birthday. Wes lived with enormous passion and panache, belying his accountancy background. Passions included jazz, antiquing, cooking, shopping for the finest gourmet ingredients, cars and collecting anything that appealed to his impeccable eye. One of his earliest prizes was convincing his darling Louise to become his wife. He’d often say, “I married an older woman – one year and six days difference”. They shared over half a century and produced the next treasure of their life together, their son Peter. Wes’ panache stretched from his acumen in business dealings to the way he set up a table with perfectly polished goblets. His leadership on numerous charitable boards and his generosity in giving influenced many in London to follow suit. Wes DeShane had an enormous heart which ironically did him in as he bent down to confirm the bottle count in his wine cellar. Wes leaves many friends and admirers along with his sister, Noreen DeShane who shared his love of their family cottage on Long Point and his favourite niece, Wendy Sperry. His spirit will remain in our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife, Louise DeShane, his son Peter DeShane and his wife Jen. Loving grandpa of Barron and Raphael. Dear brother of Noreen DeShane and brother-in-law of Gilbert Sperry and his wife Joyce. Cherished uncle of Kathy Sperry and her partner Mark, Wendy Sperry and her partner John, Deborah Sperry, Greg Sperry and his wife Kim and their families. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The celebration of Wes’ life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 1 pm. As an expression of memorial, donations may be made to the Grand Theatre (www.grandtheatre.com) or Long Point Region Conservation Authority (http://www.lprca.on.ca/pages/1/Home). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILKINS, Jean….

Peacefully at home in London, Ontario, Jean Sima Wilkins (Fain), passed away at the age of 93, on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Predeceased by her husband James Alex Wilkins (1977) and sisters Yonna and Hanna. Survived by her sister Penny Hattan of England, 4 daughters; Agnes (Walter), Margaret (Joe), Audrey (Bill) and Janet. Also survived by her 6 grandchildren; Terry, Steven, Darrin, Corena, Graham and Timothy, also 12 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Jean was loved by all who knew her and shall be sadly missed. In keeping with her wishes, she will be cremated and a celebration of her life will take place in Montserrat, West Indies at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Gortworst, John Paul …

With heavy hearts the Gortworst family announces the passing of John Paul Gortworst on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the age of 47. John Paul leaves behind his mother Wilhelmina, brothers Edwin and Marcel. A big heartfelt thank you to the staff of Country Terrace who made his days as comfortable as possible. A family gathering of Celebrating his life has taken place.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

McFALL, Nancy….

Peacefully with family by her side on September 14, 2017 at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, Nancy McFall (nee Stapleton) in her 69th year. Beloved wife of John McFall for 43 years. Loving mother of Fran Monrad (Stephen) and Kristen McFall (Patrick Legault). Sister of David Stapleton (Linda). Aunt of Jeffrey and Joanna Stapleton. Predeceased by her brother Brooke Stapleton. Nancy will also be missed by her extended family. The family thanks Dr. Seema Luke and the St. Mary’s staff who provided care and compassion during Nancy’s time at Mount Hope. They also thank Tilly and Nabil from White Wings Home Care Services and Linda Olson and Al Pauli for their companionship over the years. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 2 pm at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London. Interment in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, 117-4500 Blakie Road, London, ON N6L 1G5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Keillor, Julia Jean Elizabeth…

Daughter of George and Florence May (Leathorne) Pressey went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Predeceased by her beloved husband Ken (2005) and her son Doug (2003).  Cherished mother to Wayne (Marilyn), Wendy (Allan), and mother in law of Mildred.  Devoted Grandma to Kelly (Steve), Jeffrey (Jody), Becky (Gord), Eric (Chris), John (Jennifer), Keren (Paul), Warren (Kari) and by her great-grandchildren Genna, Evan, Kerkeslin, Keaghan, Logan, Krista, Caleb, Makenna, Tekerra, Stephen, Rachel, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin, Jackson, Audrey, Elsa, Samuel, Alexander and Thomas. Jean will also be missed by many other family and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 12pm-1pm on Monday, September 18, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario, where the service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 633 Colborne Street #180, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GLINAVS, Vicky Ann (nee Henstock)…
February 23, 1955 – September 13, 2017
At Victoria Hospital after a brief struggle with cancer. Beloved wife of Guntis Glinavs and devoted mother to Erik Glinavs, loving sister to Kathy Berry (Peter), beloved (great) aunt to Kaitlyn, Jeffrey, Rhiannon, Sarah, Logan, Scarlett, Lucas and Landon and closest friend to Debra Cooper. Born in Wolverhampton, England Vicky came to Canada in 1957 with her parents, Eric Victor Henstock (2006) and Beryl(Powell)Henstock (2007). A graduate of the Fanshawe College Library Tech program, Vicky worked in schools in Chatham and Calgary as well as in the Calgary oil patch (HBOG and Alberta Energy). Returning to London she was a staunch supporter and hard working volunteer for London Lacrosse. Vicky was a voracious consumer of mystery, science fiction and fantasy novels, movies and TV series as well as an enthusiastic gardener, quilter and knitter. A lover of all pets, she will be missed most by her favorite Bengal “Princess” Nova. We are deeply grateful to Dr. M. Edels and Dr. A. Sugimoto and the nurses and caregivers of Vic 7th Floor Oncology and UH 4th Floor who cared for Vicky with kindness and dedication during her stay there. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Vicky’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 between 7:00pm and 9:00pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1 or ARF – Animal Rescue Foundation (arfontario.com), c/o L. Ristmae P.O. Box 3261, St. Mary’s, ON N4X 1A8 would be appreciated. Online condolences at amgfh.com

Conrad, Jean Marie (Bennett)

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jean on Friday, September 8, 2017. Predeceased by her loving husband Truman.  Cherished mother to Donna (David), Adrianna, Brian (Deborah) and Monica (Jan). Devoted Grammie to Ben, Nathan, the late Adam, Martha (Brian), Ken (Erica), Jamie (Erin), Tom, Christina (Jeff) and Jennifer (Philip). Amazing Great Grammie to 19 great grandchildren.  Survived by her sister Marilyn (Rudy) and predeceased by 8 siblings.  Jean will also be missed by many other family and friends. A special thank you to the Health Providers al LHSC and CCAC.  Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11:00am with Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 633 Colborne Street #180, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GRAY, Faye….

Faye passed peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Westmount Gardens in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Gray (2000). Loving Mom of Robert (Sheila), John (Laura), Ian (Valerie) and Richard (Mavis). A great fun Grandma of 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Will be missed by her extended family. Predeceased by her two sisters and three brothers. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where a memorial service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 pm. In memory of Faye, 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

GILLIAM, Lynne…

After a long and brave struggle, Lynne Gilliam (nee Dalton) passed peacefully in her 86th year at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London. Predeceased by her husband George Gilliam and brothers Bill (Pat) and John (Marilyn) Dalton as well as her step sister Mary. Survived by her children Mark (Jo-Ann), Stephen (Annora) and Grandchildren Cory (Jamie), Catie (Mike), Robyn (Dan), Jenica, her loving sister Kay, many nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. Cherished friend to her Wednesday night group where the “Porch Light was always on” as well as the congregation of St. George’s Anglican Church. She was the “adopted” Grandmother, Mother and friend to many. Lynne had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. She loved having company and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her neighbourhood parties, especially the balloon festival parties. Lynne was quite involved in her church and enjoyed reaching out to the seniors and other congregants of St. George’s Anglican Church. Sincere gratitude to Dr. Sharon Koivu, the staff of the Palliative Care floor at University Hospital, the CCAC, Dr. Robert Luton for his many years of care and the St. Joseph’s Hospice. She could not have received better care. Special thanks to The Reverend Canon Dr. Timothy G. Connor and the many friends that spent time with Mom during her illness. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 11 am at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON N6H 2B6. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George’s Anglican Church Renewal Campaign, St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOLDERSMA, Trudy (Geertrui), néé Beldman….

Passed away peacefully in London, Ontario at the age of 95. Trudy was born in Holten, The Netherlands, in 1922, and immigrated to Canada in 1950. There she met and in 1951 married her husband John; her sorrow at his early death coloured the rest of her life. In contrast to many of her generation, she worked outside of the house for many years, primarily as visiting homemaker for the VON; she was also secretary of Hamilton Christian High School, for which in 1973 the students dedicated their yearbook to her. For all of her 95 years she was a crusader for various causes and always had keen opinions about the world around her. During the course of her Canadian life she lived in many places and made friends in all of them: Winnipeg, Jarvis, Hamilton, London, Calgary, Sarnia, Strathroy, Grimsby, and finally London again. Trudy was predeceased by her beloved husband John Joldersma in 1966, her late-life special friend Harold Kampen in 2009, and her son-in-law Alan MacDonald in 2010. She is survived by her four children, Martin, Hermina, Clarence (Grace), Trudy (Bill), eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as well as her sister Miene (Barend) Kobes, her sisters-in-law Neeltje Beldman and Mies Beldman, her brothers-in-law Jan Wolters and Henry Joldersma, and many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received by the family from 10-11am on Monday, September 11, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario, where the service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11am. A private interment in Mount Hamilton Cemetery, Hamilton, Ontario.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to charity of choice. Correspondence can be sent directly to the funeral home. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com