Services & Obituaries

CURTIS, Kenneth …
It has pleased The Lord Almighty to take to his heavenly home. Unexpectedly, with family by his side on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Victoria Hospital, London, Ken Curtis passed away in his 72nd year. Beloved husband of Nancy Curtis for nearly 20 years. Dear father of George Curtis. Step-father of John Thomas, Timothy Thomas, Jenn (Paul) Van Diepen, Victoria (Shawn) Laker and Rose Whalen. Cherished Papa of Jordyn Curtis, Terry, Joseph and Sean Thomas, Paxton Laker and Maxwell Van Diepen. Brother of Marilyn (Bruce) Graham and John Curtis. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Ken will be missed by his bowling buddies. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 11 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Southdale Road East, London with Reverend James Scholz officiating. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SANDALL, Jeff….

At Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, Jeff Sandall of London in his 51st year.  Beloved son of Jim Sandall and the late Penny Sandall (2009). Loving brother of Judy Rawdon (Jonathan) of Nova Scotia. Wonderful uncle to Zachary and Joshua. Sadly missed by Heather Doxtator and her son Aidan. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 2-4pm, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London (south east corner of the parking lot). A private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to London Regional Cancer Program, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON N6A 5W9.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLIAMS, Jim …

Unexpectedly at Westmount Gardens Long-Term Care on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, Jim Williams passed away in his 77th year. Beloved husband of Carolyn Williams for over 50 years. Dear father of Scott Williams (Joni) and Jason Williams and his wife Laurie. Cherished Grandfather of Peighton, Jack and Cameron. Brother of Garry Williams and his wife Paulette and Marilyn Cann and her husband Keith. Jim was a long-time member of the Thames Valley Trail Association and an employee of the London Life Insurance Company. Friends will be received by the family at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 1- 3 pm. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1 or the McCormick Home – Day Program, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JACK’S DASH…

Jack, the only child of Delores and Harry Lodge, was born in 1945 in Blackpool, England. He always liked to joke that he had cousins all over the United Kingdom, but had no idea who they were because his family moved to Canada when he was three.

After arriving here, Harry and Delores packed Jack and all their belongs into a small pull trailer, criss crossing Canada as Jack’s dad worked odd jobs as a mechanic. Eventually, they settled on Dougal Ave. in Windsor, Ontario — right across the street from Jack’s earliest crush, Jeannie. For the next few years the childhood sweethearts were inseparable. Until, in grade three, Jack moved across town and the budding romance seemed destined not to be.

Jack went on to a distinguished career with Windsor Fire and Rescue. After served as a firefighter for over 25 years and collecting a number of commendations and awards, Jack moved to the training division (and training became his passion). Not only was he responsible for training new recruits, he also taught in the Firefighting program at St. Clair College. Finally, after years of fighting fires and training the next generation, Jack became Chief of the training department.

After his retirement, Jack stayed active in Windsor Fire and Rescue, spearheading an effort to keep retired firefighters in touch with their brothers and sisters. This effort had a wonderful, if unintended, consequence. While visiting an ailing retiree with some friends on the department, Jack recognized his childhood sweetheart from Dougal Ave. in a grade one photo.

He crossed an ocean. He crossed a country. And after a successful career and fifty years, he found his sweetheart from Dougal Ave. again. Reunited, the two picked up right where they left off, and married on 07/07/07 at 7:00 pm.

Although (like their time together on Dougal Ave.) Jack and Jeannie’s second chance at love was fleeting, it was rich in experience. Jack loved spending time with his new family, including John, Kathy and Andrew; John, our late Jane, Jonathan and Charlotte; Tina and Scott. And of course, Grandpa Jack aka Big Jack’s favourite pastime was always bragging about his grandchildren, Becca, Jackson and Emily, whom he loved dearly.

Rogers, Jill….
Passed away peacefully with family at her side on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Leamington Hospice at the age of 73. Loving Mum of Michelle (Paul), Tracey (Ron), and Sarah (Amos). Cherished Granny of Laura, Julia, Jesse, Tyrion, Nicole and Jayne. Sadly missed by her extended family and friends. Predeceased by her sister Sue. Jill enjoyed spending her summers at Lakewood Trailer Park with her friends. A Memorial Service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, South, London, on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 1pm. Donations in Jill’s memory may be made to the Hospice of Windsor & Essex County (Erie Shores Campus), 701-197 Talbot Street West, Leamington, ON N8H 1N8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TerHorst, John….
Passed away peacefully, at Victoria Hospital, on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Mary Anne. Loving father of Gerry (Nancy), and Jalna (Ron). Cherished grandfather of Kaitlyn, Rebecca and Charisma. Survived by family members both here and in Holland. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Friday, February 10, 2017 from 2-3pm, where the service will be held at 3pm. Cremation has taken place. In John’s memory, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON N6A 5W9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCCOLLIN, Phyllis….

At her residence in London on Friday, February 3, 2017, Phyllis (Brown) McCollin in her 78th year. Beloved wife of Edward McCollin for 51 years. Proud mother of Michael McCollin and his wife Rhobin of Banff, Alberta and Jason McCollin and his wife Becky of London. Loving grandma of Livia, Anthony, Jaidyn and Samarah. Dear sister of Ruby DaCosta of London. Aunt of Byron, Terrence, Glenda, Joan and other nephews in Jamaica. Predeceased by her sister Monica Osbourne. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Celebration of Phyllis’ Life will take place on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11 am at St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church, 55 Foxbar Road, London. Inurnment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to The Arthritis Society, 204-400 York Street, London ON N6B 3N2 or The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 301-375 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 2J5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BUIST, Rob…. 

Peacefully at his residence on Thursday, February 2, 2017, Rob Buist, in his 62nd year. Loving father of Abigail (Nicholas) and Riley. Dear brother of Dean Buist (Michele). Uncle to Scott, Ian, Tyler and Hayley. Remembered fondly by Michele Buist. Predeceased by his parents Hazel and John. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 1pm at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London (please meet at cemetery office). As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of London-Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Blackwell, Marilyn J.

With great sadness the family of Marilyn J. Blackwell of London announce that Marilyn accomplished life’s course and left us after a short illness on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in the peace and serenity of her home which was her wish.  She will be missed immeasurably by Bob, her loving and devoted husband and her very special friend since their first year together at The University of Western Ontario (now Western University) beginning in September 1958.  A proud native of Hamilton, Ontario, a graduate in Arts from Western and a Primary School Specialist who stood first in her class at Toronto Teachers’ College, Marilyn derived lasting satisfaction from her four years assigned to public school kindergartens in two of Toronto’s lesser-advantaged inner areas, providing her pupils a rich learning and healthy social environment where she employed her natural ability to unlock the treasures and talents within each child.  Her marriage with Bob of nearly 51years was one between equals who lovingly, respectfully and unconditionally supported each other and family.  Marilyn dedicated herself wholeheartedly to home-life and motherhood and cherished every day to her last, as gifts greater than no others, their three children Christopher and Peter Blackwell of Toronto and Wendy Blackwell Crane of Peterborough.  She held warmest affection for their spouses Sherrie Berdusco, Susan Blackwell and Jordan Crane, and complete love for her grandchildren Spencer, Darby, Alexandra, and Carson Blackwell, Andrew, Michael and Katie Blackwell, and Charlie, Hugh and Elliot Crane.  Throughout her life Marilyn evoked delight with her quick wit and extemporaneous piano renditions that ranged from hymns to standards.  Marilyn quietly enjoyed the distinction of being the three times great niece of Laura Secord, the accepted and storied Canadian heroine of the War of 1812 with the United States.  Marilyn was a member of Calvary United Church, London for 50 years.  At one time or another Marilyn was a member of The May Court Club of London and a member and president of The Service League of London at London Health Sciences Centre.

She was a special woman
Who knew the strength of gentleness,
Who gave the gift of thoughtfulness,
Who lived a life of kindness and love.
To the world she was just one;
To us she was the world.

A family service for Marilyn is planned for late spring or summer in Sundridge, Ontario on Lake Bernard where Marilyn’s parents began their summers over 80 years ago and where Marilyn spent every summer of her life, as have her children and her grandchildren.  To celebrate Marilyn’s life an invitation is extended for friends and acquaintances to visit and enjoy light refreshments informally with her family from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Spencer Hall (now Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre) which once served as Western’s women’s residence where Marilyn lived during her first year of university and which is located at 551 Windermere Road, London, east of Richmond Street. Donations to Marilyn’s favourite charity Childcan which supports children and families through childhood cancer or the charity of one’s choice would be gratefully appreciated. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bob Dunkerley, to personal support workers Abin, Christine, Cindy, Darlene, June, Ray, and Tanis, to Andrea Wappett (CCAC), to palliative care professionals Linda Stanley, Laura Waller and Dr. Natalie Hertzman, and most especially to the skilled, devoted and empathetic Sarah Cacilas. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COMPANION, Lillian Pearl….
Unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep, Lillian Companion passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 in her 81st year. Beloved mother of Darlene Companion (Carl), Ruth Ann Companion (Perry) and Rob Companion (Karen). Cherished grandma of Corrine and Connor Companion. Dear sister of Bruce McEwin and Peg Balsdon. Predeceased by her parents Mabel and Skin McEwin, and her brothers Ray, Jim and Jack McEwin. Friends will be received by the family on Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 1-3 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 1 pm at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian’s memory to the St. Michael and All Angels Memorial Fund or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com