Services & Obituaries

READ, Betty….

On Wednesday, November 29, 2017, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Read passed peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London in her 87th year. Beloved wife of Robert A. “Bob” Read for over 66 years. Dear mother of Peggy Read of Burlington, Cathy Grasby (Bill) and Craig Read both of London. Cherished grandmother of Graham Janson (Sarah Couchie), Naomi Kuehnbaum (Adam), Heidi Janson, Erica Jewer (Tristan), Luke Grasby (Jill Audette), Paul Grasby (Hannah Bushby), Jessie Read, Adam Read and Cole Read. Much loved great-grandmother of Lincoln, Brielle, Chloe and Lincoln. Will be greatly missed by her nephew W. Scott Gray. Predeceased by her son David Read and her sister Jean Gray. Betty had a long and rewarding career in the legal secretary field. She took pride in her children and their families and was thrilled to become a new great-grandmother. Friends will be received by the family at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 1 pm. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to Wesley-Knox United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FERRIS, Arthur Wellington…

At the age of 97, Art passed peacefully from this world on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, content in the knowledge that he had lived a full and wonderful life. Beloved husband of the late (1986) Nancy (Thorington).  Partner and special friend of Shirley Craib. Loving father of Barbara Dale (the late Stan) (Bob), Barry Ferris (Bonnie), Santa Cruz, CA, Wendy Ferris (Dave), and the late Alan McGill (Rosey), UK. Adored grandfather of Sherri Davis (Blake), Brian Dale, Lianne Dale, the late Jasmine Ferris, Jordan Destun (Kim), Jesse Ferris and Robin Destun. Dear great-grandfather of Brett, Leah and Jacob. Brother of Keith Ferris (Frankie), Calgary. Predeceased by his siblings Joan, Lorna, Velma, Cyril and Ralph. It is said that “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” With Art’s passing, a world of knowledge has been lost. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 1-5pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11am with visitation 1 hour prior to the service (10-11am).  Cremation to follow. Donations may be made to Meals on Wheels London, 356 Queens Avenue London, ON, N6B 1X6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Nieciecki, Lukasz   “Luke ”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Luke on Sunday November 26, 2017 at the age of 30. Survived by his loving parents Ireneusz (Eric) and Julitta; his siblings Patricia and Nicholas. Luke will also be missed by many other family and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 12:00pm-1:00pm on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1:00pm. Cremation to follow. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CAMPBELL, Hylton…

Peacefully in his sleep, Hylton “Lloyd” Amos Campbell passed away Friday, November 24, 2017 in his 73rd year.  He is now in the loving care of his Lord.  Dearly loved Husband to his wife Carol Campbell for over 29 years.  Loved by Children Andrea (Christopher), Jennifer, Marlene, Elaine and Robert.  Beloved grandfather of Krystal, Janesha, Jordan, Kadeem, Tevin, Quincy, Aaliyah, Shamar, Britney, Jalisha, Christian, Briana, Malik and great-grandson Geoffrey. Uncle and Great Uncle to Jean Vassell (Natasha, Andrew), Janet Vassell, Robert Thompson (Charlene, Nina, Patricia), Michael Pinnock, Auville Duffus and Elizabeth Bucknor (Lea-jean, Lechelle, Lesanne) of Canada and many nieces and nephews in England, Jamaica, and United States. Loving Brother of siblings in Canada, England and Jamaica; Venetia, Rachel, Benjamin, Eddie, Eva, Salah, Arnold and Vita. Predeceased by parents Emily and Lorenzo Campbell, twin sister Nan and Brother Roland. Hylton was very passionate about God, his church and church family. The family would like to thank his church family and friends especially Bennett and Miller for all their support over the years. Visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Thursday, November 30, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Service at Living Fountain Christian Centre, 138 Wellington Street, London ON N6B 2K8 on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hylton’s memory may be made to the Living Fountain Christian Centre, Building Fund, 519-859-0274. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOLLOY, Stephen Patrick “Pat” …
After 97 years, Pat left us Thursday, November 23, 2017 knowing he had lived a full and blessed life. Predeceased by his wife Eileen (nee Hill) in 2010, Pat was a loving and generous father to his children Timothy (Kathleen), Peggy Frew, (the late John), Christine (Garry Hewett), Lynne (David) Brown, Adrienne (Ron) Pilkington, Thomas (Lisa) and Catherine (Perry) Hartin. Dad was Grandpa Pat to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren – all of whom seemed to know his special hiding places for the bags of treats. Born on Easter Sunday, April 4,1920 in Ormsby, Ontario, Dad spent his early years in farming and forestry.  He enlisted in the Army and went overseas during World War II.  Returning to Canada on a hospital ship that had to cross a North Atlantic full of German submarines Dad reached terra firma and spent the remainder of his life avoiding any form of boating. Pat’s family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Parkwood Veterans Care – thank you for the care, compassion and friendship you shared with Dad throughout the past several years. Friends are welcomed for visiting one hour prior (9:30-10:30 am) to the funeral service taking place on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:30 am in the chapel at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family internment will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donation’s in Pat’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WALLACE, John W.

John (Jack) Wallace passed peacefully after a short illness on Thursday, November 23, 2017. His family and friends remember Jack’s sense of humour and outgoing personality, which he displayed throughout his 90 years. He expressed a desire to join his late wife and love of his life Madeline (Hollingsworth) Wallace in another dance. They shared a passion for dancing and traveling the world. He will be greatly missed by his children Janis Wallace, Mark and Cheryl Wallace, and his grandchildren Andrew Hillman and Laura Male, Anthony Wallace, and Rachel Wallace who were the stars of his universe. He made them laugh, he made them aware of their history and he made them appreciate a good story. Jack was first a printer with a keen eye for colour and typography. He moved into community relations at The London Free Press because of his love of people. After retiring, Jack often volunteered in the print shop at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, sharing his stories and skills with visitors. Special thank you to all the staff at University Hospital and to his long-time friends at the Gartshore and throughout London. Friends are welcomed for visiting one hour prior (2-3 p.m.) to the Celebration of Life that will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation London, 180-663 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or the London Community Orchestra (Young Artist Program), 815-520 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3R2, are greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KNIGHT, Mavis ….

Mavis passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, surrounded by family, in her 95th year on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. Beloved wife of the late Derek Herbert Knight (1993). Dear mother of Wendy Knight. Predeceased by her son Jon Knight (2008). Also survived by her daughter-in-law Joy Knight-McIntyre and her husband Bruce. Dear grandmother of Michelle Marshall and her husband Andy, David Knight and his partner Sandy, Jason Parker and his wife Tera, Rob Parker and his wife Jaclyn and also missed by her 11 great-grandchildren. Mavis was an active member of the Hamilton Road Senior Centre. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place in the chapel on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 1 pm. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mavis’ memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLITS, Verna Irene…
(nee  Bowie)
Peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, Verna Willits of London and formerly of West Lorne, Ontario in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Phil “Willie” Willits for 68years. Loving mother of Phil Willits (Vicki) of Kincardine and Perry Willits (Iryna) of London. Proud grandma of Phil Willits Jr. (Brenda) and Joel Willits (Caitlyn), Jim Willits (Tracey) and John Willits. Also loved by her great grandson Wesley and her great grand daughter Poppy. Predeceased by her siblings Ila, Leta, Florence and Reg. Verna and Phil had a passion for dancing and she loved to play the piano. Friends will be received by the family on Monday, November 27, 2017 one hour prior (12-1pm ) to the funeral service being conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery, West Lorne. If wished, donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON N6B 1S4 of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 21 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 1Y6. Online condolences, memorial and photophores shared at www.amgfh.com

WANAMAKER, Katherine Gertrude –
Peacefully at Marian Villa, London, on Saturday, November 18, 2017 passed away in her 96th year. Beloved mother of Stephen and his wife Karen, and the late Linda Wanamaker (2016). Predeceased by Richard (2004), her husband of 62 years. Cherished grandmother of Damon and his wife Vincie, and great grandson Nate. Very special “Mother” to Maidy and Bob Keir, and “Grandma” to their children Welby, Shelley, and Colleen. Remembered fondly by nieces Carol Ann and Judy, and nephews Charles and Richard. Sadly missed by her close friends Sandie and Jean. Katherine enjoyed the frequent family vacations to New Brunswick, Myrtle Beach, & Florida, many years of watching The Young & Restless, new red sweaters at Christmas, and the daily crossword and jumbled word puzzles. She was sharp witted and a voracious reader, who was very in tune with current events, and able to share with you the latest Blue Jays scores. She enjoyed retelling interesting stories from her early life, and lived vicariously through the experiences of family and friends. Kay was always intrigued by the latest antics of her great grandson Nate. A special thanks goes to the 4th floor staff at Marian Villa who provided such devoted care and compassion to “Miss Kay”. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Interment and graveside service following cremation December 2, 2017 in the family plot in Hampton Rural Cemetery, Hampton NB. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, c/o Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road, London ON, N6C 0A7 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com.

Elinor Elizabeth (Libby) Brawn, nee Clarke  
    
On Saturday, November 18, 2017, Elinor Elizabeth (Libby) Brawn passed away quietly in her sleep at her home in London, Ontario following a lengthy illness. Libby was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia to Karl and Blanche (nee Lawrence) Clarke as the middle child between her older brother Ritchie and her younger sister Linda, moving soon after to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Upon graduating from Dalhousie University with a BSc, Libby moved to London, Ontario and started working as a Lab Technician at Westminster Hospital.  Her brother and sister also ended up moving west from Halifax to Montreal and Toronto respectively, and in those early years there were many trips back and forth and family visits.  As their respective families grew up and changes ensued, they weren’t able to stay as close, but Libby continued to love and care for her siblings and would cherish the opportunities that they did have to see each other.  It was while working at Westminster Hospital that she met her husband Clarence Brawn and they were married for almost 40 years before his death in 1996. Together they managed to raise three rambunctious boys, Stephen, Christopher and David. Table manners, politeness and respect for elders were not just expected but demanded in the Brawn household under Libby and her parenting style which could be called “traditional” with no sparing of the rod (or wooden spoon in this case) and where “washing your mouth out with soap” was not a figure of speech. There was also with a lot of fun and humour in the house and despite the consequences for misbehaving, none of the boys ever questioned how much they were loved.  During those earlier years, children were expected to play outside. After the boys completed their chores, and yes, there were chores, the boys would hear the familiar refrain ” I don’t care what you do, but you are doing it outside and I don’t expect to see you inside again until dinner. It was a time when the neighbourhoods were safe, and if Libby didn’t have eyes on us, the neighbours and friends’ mothers always did…most of the time. It may seem unreasonable today, but the boys actually spent the day outside playing football and kick the can and building tree forts and exploring the woods that existed back then and just being boys with their friends. Libby played an active role not only in the boys lives, but in the lives of all of their friends growing up, many of whom stayed in touch with her as adults and all who can still recount stories about Libby from their formative years. Libby loved to cook and entertain and was never as happy as when she had prepared a full gourmet meal for a house full of friends and relatives. Her other passions were bridge where she was Life Master several times over, curling at the Ilderton Curling Club where she was always proud of her Eight Ender and golf that she played as long as she was physically able. Her biggest passion however was laughter and she never missed an opportunity to indulge, even when it was at her own expense. Libby is predeceased by her husband Clarence, and parents Karl and Blanche Clarke and is survived by her brother Ritchie (Diana) Clarke and Linda (Garth) Manning, as well as her three boys Stephen (Kate), Christopher (Liisa Freure) and Dave (Julie) Brawn, and by seven grandchildren, Michael, Caitlin, Kurtis, Kendra, Sarah, Wilson and Abigail as well as many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. A service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 23,2017. Donations are being accepted to the CNIB,  747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 2R6 or the Lung Association, 2-639 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 3M2. We are inviting all who knew her to come to a Celebration of Libby’s Life at the Byron Freehouse, 1288 Commissioners Road West in Byron at 6:00 pm on November 23, 2017. Please bring some amusing Libby stories to help us laugh and say goodbye to a very special woman. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com