Services & Obituaries

ARMSTRONG, Shirley ….
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, on Saturday, December 16, 2017, Shirley Armstrong passed away in her 79th year. Dear sister of Dorothy Long. Missed by her nieces Ruth Wall, Lisa Mitchell, Tracey Blokker and nephews, Jim Long and Randy Armstrong. Predeceased by her brother Joseph Armstrong (2010) and her brother-in-law Walter Long (1997). Shirley was a parishioner at Hillside Church for many years. A funeral service will take place at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to Hillside Church, 8 Kingsford Crescent, London, ON N6C 4E3 or Elmwood Place Long Term Care, 46 Elmwood Place, London, ON N6J 1J2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAREHAM, Rosina Iris “Mac”….   
Peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in her 88th year with family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Bareham for 58 years. Loving mother of Sandra Hyatt, Lynn Morrison (Dennis), Cathy-Jayne Cooper (Richard), and Deborah Rankin (Greg). Caring Nana of Shawn, Shelley (Brian), Jennifer, Christine, Scott (Lori), Elizabeth (Tim), David (Cathy), Derek (Annie) and Alisha. Treasured Greatnana to 9 children. Predeceased by her sons-in-law Terry Hyatt, James Bromley and Ted Moore. In keeping with Mac’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-663 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALLEN, Juanita….
At St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, Juanita Allen (nee Bernard) passed peacefully after a short illness, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Allen (2004) Dear mother of Juanita Nicholson and her husband John of St. Thomas, Arlene Basson and her husband Roger of St. Thomas, Carla Plekan of Burnaby, B.C., Liana Allen of Fort Myers, FL and Laurel Allen of Port Moody, B.C. Much loved Grandma of Craig Nicholson and his wife April, Cheryl Kissoonchand and her husband Deon, Wade Basson and his wife Chantall, Kendall Lingelbach and her husband Cody, Oksana Plekan, Reid Allen and Hannah and Katie Florell. Great-grandmother of Cade, Avery, Payton and Colby Nicholson, Allie and Reese Lingelbach, Owen Basson, and Mia and Devin Kissoonchand. Dear sister of David Rea of Stouffville. Predeceased by her brother Bawne Rea. Good friend of Margaret Cameron. Cremation has taken place with interment of cremated remains in Aylmer Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Juanita’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GARDNER, Sheri…

Sheri Gardner, of London, ON, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2017 at age 60, after a lengthy illness with ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of Flo and the late Gary (1985) Gardner of Delhi. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother Flo, brother Greg (Jane) and their children, Scott and Erin. She also leaves behind many wonderful loving and caring friends whose support has meant the world to her. Born April 1st, 1957 was a day well suited for someone with her sense of humor and enjoyment of life. An avid believer in what you sow is what you reap, Sheri spent many hours giving back to her community by volunteering for such organizations as: Junior Achievement, London Lesbian Film Festival, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, Rogers TV and Thames River Rally. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  As well as one hour prior, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, to the funeral service being held in the chapel on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Sheri’s life will also take place on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, 17 Talbot Street, Delhi at 11:00 am with reception to follow. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a donation to ‘My Sisters’ Place’, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 or a charity of your choice may be made in Sheri’s memory. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Janet Evelyn May Horner

On January 5, 1935, Janet Evelyn May Horner was born in London, Ontario as the third born and youngest child of Mabel (Wilson) and Stanley Horner who had previously imigrated from England as children with their families, settling in Hespeler, Ontario. Janet’s parents had relocated from Hespeler first to Windsor where her father, Stan, worked for Kelvinator Detroit. It was in Windsor that both her older brother Richard, and older sister Ruth were born. Just before Janet’s birth the family had relocated to London, Ontario where Stan began working at the Canadian London Kelvinator Plant, in charge of shipping and receiving. While living on King Street, in London, Stan was able to walk to work. It was also at this time that the family began attending Central Baptist Church, London. Janet shared many good memories of times spent with the church family of Central Baptist. She was baptized by Pastor Logsdon. Janet’s mother, Mabel, went on to play the organ at the church for 35 years.

Janet attended Lady Beck Elementary School until grade 3, and then continued at Ryerson Elementary School when the family moved to their home on Christie St. in North London. After completing High School at Central Collegiate, London, Janet attended Normal School (Teachers’ College) for one year in 1955.

Janet began teaching Elementary School in Windsor in 1956. She taught 7 years in Windsor, while taking her B.A. by extension from Western University. When Janet left teaching, she went to Wheaton College, Illinois, to complete a 2 year Masters of Church History program. While attending Wheaton College, she was a house mother to a small dorm and also secretary to the chaplain.

Upon her return to Canada Janet’s growing interest in social work led her to work for the Children’s Aid, Oxford County for 2 years. While working there she visited schools on behalf of the children. It was at this time that she remembered people asking her if she might be interested in guidance counselling. Janet returned to teaching. In 1966 she was hired to teach High School English, History, and Guidance at Dunbarton High School in Pickering Ontario. She eventually became full time Guidance and went on to finish her career in Guidance at Pickering High School from 1986 – 1991. Janet retired in 1991.

In the years that followed, Janet was active in her Church, Wishing Well Acres Baptist (now Grace Point). She was involved in creating an ESL program and taught ESL for many years, as part of a program that continues in growing numbers today. Janet served on committees for women’s programs and gave many years to developing and maintaining the church library.

Janet loved to travel and she leaves behind countless photo albums of trips taken with friends and family to prove it! Courtesy of Aunt Janet, her many nieces and nephews had opportunities to see many parts of the globe and experience travel along with trips to concerts and plays that would often be the catalyst to bring the family together. Aunt Janet faithfully remembered birthdays, anniversaries and special events of all her family even as numbers of great nieces and nephews grew far beyond easy tracking!

Janet was a reader. She spent many hours in bookstores, picking up books of interest on politics, history and travel. She would often be the one to pass on to others information or books of interest that she thought would be helpful to them.

Janet quietly lived out her faith. Her sense of humor and humble selfless ways were a bright spot to many. She lived life enjoying the simple pleasures of spending time with family and friends, and serving others. Even in the more difficult days of failing health Janet graciously accepted her circumstances taking comfort in thoughts of heaven and the promise of eternal life through her faith in Jesus Christ. “When the nights sometimes seemed so long, this brought much encouragement. “

We, Janet’s family, will miss her dearly, but look forward to our great reunion with her in heaven. We are so thankful to God for the many years He allowed us to share our lives with her. It is our delight to celebrate her life!

HORNER, Janet Evelyn May…
Peacefully in her sleep at her residence on Sunday, December 10, 2017, Janet Horner went home to be with her Lord and Savior in her 83rd year. Cherished sister of the late Richard Horner (Marjorie) of Nova Scotia and Ruth Rowe (the late Gerry). Dear aunt of the late David Horner, Philip Horner (Eileen), Deborah Horner-Richardson (Kevin), Esther Roorda (Doug), Scott Rowe (Mary Ann), Anne Wong (K-H), Mary Goral (Michael), Jane Greenwell (Garry) and Paul Rowe (Karissa). Predeceased by her parents Stanley and Mabel Horner. Janet will also be dearly missed by her great nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 9-11 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A memorial service will be held at Grace Point Baptist Church, 3143 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 1:30pm. Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LUTTERMAN, Dorothy….

Dorothy Marion Luttermann (Hayward) passed away peacefully in London on Friday, December 8th, 2017 at the age of 79. Dorothy was a loving and generous mother to Marcus (Jenni), Tom (Marian) and Annette (Todd). She will always be “Gran” to Julien, Madeleine, Sacha, Noah and Danika. Dorothy will be missed by her dear sisters Elizabeth (Bob) and Susan (Stu), nieces and nephews, Linda, David (Christy), James and Christopher. Dorothy graduated from the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 before becoming a mother. After losing the love of her life, husband Rudi in 1979, Dorothy returned to nursing, caring for patients in their own homes through the Red Cross. She always treated everyone with the greatest respect, valuing the diversity and richness of human thought and culture. Living most of her life in the “Forest City”, Dorothy enjoyed the beauty of the trees as they changed with the seasons and played host to birds and other wildlife. She was a resilient and compassionate woman; a sharp hand with a cryptic crossword, and had a loving hand with the knitting needles – to keep us all warm! One of Dorothy’s pleasures was to share her great love of literature, whether it be serious poetry, classic plays, or comic witticisms. Reading aloud was always a delight to her patients and to her children and grandchildren when they were young. She will live on in the happy and caring times we had together.

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
-Emily Dickinson

Dorothy’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the very caring and compassionate health professionals who helped Mum so much on her last day. Interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 10 am. A Celebration of Life will be held next spring in London, when the flowers are in bloom again. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STRIKE, David…

With his daughter by his side on Friday, December 8, 2017, David Edward Walter Strike in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Imogen Ruth Johanna (Barth) Strike for 62 years. Loving father of Vanessa Martine Strike (Stephen). Adoring Papa of Christian David Strike (Kailagh) and Anikah Rose Strike-Sapp and Great-Papa of Blaise. Dear brother of Molly Sandle (Ted). Missed by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Rosemary, Joan, Doris, Mary and Olive. As per his Military Service Record, David was “a reliable, hard-working, trustworthy, conscientious man, honest and of sober habits. He is willing and cheerful and has carried out his duties in a very efficient manner”. No words have ever been so true about a person. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Goldszmidt, Dr. Karen Lo and the amazing staff at McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. Friends will be received by the family from 1-2pm on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Southdale Road East, London ON N6E 1A1, where the funeral service will be held at 2pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London ON N6A 3A1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Donald….

On December 7, 2017, Donald Russell Smith passed peacefully at University Hospital in his 88th year. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Elizabeth Iris Smith (nee Trafford). Loving father of Linda Glassford (John), Richard Smith (Krystyna), Donna Smith (Brent), Patricia Postma (Mike) and Kathy Stallaert (Eric). Cherished grandfather of Brad, Kim, Robert, Jim, Jennifer, Mark, Leah, Jill, Alex, Melissa, Adam and David, and great-grandfather of Ronan, Kieran, Kalani, Carly, Bryce, Kayla, Izzy, Caidan, Evie and Hannah. Caring brother of Mary Kotanko. Also missed by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his two sisters; Dorothy Pamplin and Edna Racher. Don retired from the OPP as Traffic Sergeant District 1 after 32 years of committed service. Donald was an honourable man who leaves behind a legacy of hard work and family values. A private family funeral service to be held with interment in Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAKER, Harold Stanley
Peacefully surrounded by his family, in his 91st year on December 6, 2017. Beloved Husband of Joyce for 64 years. Cherished Dad of Sherri Cheadle (Burns), Tracey Baker (Andy) and Marci Kosac (Tony). Proud Grandfather of Kyle, Elysse, Greg (Karen), Richard, Ben, Jake and Lily. Brother of Thea, Dorothy, Vernon, and Raymond.  Predeceased by Viola, Ernest, Roy, Hazel and Neil. Friends will be received by the family from 10am on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin St, London, ON N6C 1E7, until the funeral service at 11am. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. James Westminster Anglican Church or the London Consistory Club (Masonic Lodge), 243 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6A 4V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Harold Baker celebrated milestones reached by few:  64 years of devoted marriage,  45 years of an illustrious banking career, and 32 years of spectacularly industrious retirement. Harold and Joyce both hailed from Meaford, and were married in 1953. Harold served the Toronto-Dominion Bank throughout his working years, beginning in Toronto, followed by transfers taking his family to Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and, finally, Sudbury where he ended his career managing one of the largest commercial centres in the TD system.  Long after retiring, Harold still received Christmas cards from his employees whose careers he helped shape.

As a father of three daughters, and grandfather to six grandchildren and one great grandchild, Harold was fiercely proud of his family. Large family Sunday dinners prepared by Harold and Joyce were the best start to every week. Children and grandchildren were encouraged, challenged, and taught many practical lessons through Harold’s entertaining dinnertime stories from a life of business, service and outdoor pursuits. Those lessons paid huge dividends, as befits a banking family – Harold and Joyce felt blessed by having each grandchild celebrate graduation from University.

Harold served the community as a Mason for over 50 years, working tirelessly in numerous volunteer roles to help people in need. In recent years, much of that work involved rebuilding wheelchairs, and he accepted his last position at 87 yrs of age as Logistics Co-ordinator of hospital beds in the London area.  Harold was organizing the moving vans last week. 

Although community service was a big part of his life, Harold also made time for some well-deserved recreation. Apart from the golf course, Harold spent his three decades of retirement in his favourite place – his workshop.  The bear claws, the wooden toys, the Christmas reindeers all poured out of the bandsaw!  His second hobby of gardening was equally productive – we all had countless big, juicy home-grown tomatoes in every meal during the summer months.

Harold and Joyce enjoyed close to 15 years of their winter home in Lakeland, Florida and also travelled to Greece, Alaska, Panama Canal, Bahamas, Hawaii, Portugal, Prague and Amsterdam.  Summers were celebrated with family trips trailering in Quetico and later many hours with Joyce refurbishing a log cabin on Shebandowan Lake, near Thunder Bay.  Summer mornings were fishing in his beloved 12’ boat, and evenings were saunas and bridge.

Harold made nine trips to Hudson Bay for duck hunting and a multitude of fishing trips to Lake Nipigon.  The van of four men in their 80s driving away from London enroute to the North would make anyone smile.

“15-2, 15-4”….”one no trump”.  Harold enjoyed countless games of cribbage, euchre, and was an avid bridge player.  No one came close to beating Harold in crokinole – even last year in games against his grandsons.  If Harold was not at the card table, he was cheering on his grandsons in hockey rinks, soccer pitches, lacrosse arenas, basketball and volleyball courts. Harold was constantly in motion, and got Joyce into the action when they took up square dancing in Florida and the CNE.

With a life so balanced between career, community, family and countless friends, it is no wonder Harold’s greatest legacy is his ability to tell stories.  And stories abound.  “Have I told you about the time…?

PAVAN, Tony….

Unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, December 3, 2017, Anthony Pavan of London, in his 66th year. Spouse of Sandra Marie Pavan (Thompson). Loving father of Michael Anthony Pavan and Tara Marie Pavan (Max Guerin). Cherished brother of Michael Pavan (Estelle), Jerry Crawford (Joyce Persad) and Lesley Pavan (Brad Stevens). Tony loved a good read as much as he enjoyed a spirited debate. When not doing those things, he enjoyed outdoor pursuits; hunting, fishing and cottaging with his family. Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited for a Celebration of Tony’s Life at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 6-9 pm. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1 or the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 410-245 Englinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 3J1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“Experience is the teacher of all things.”
-Julius Caesar