Services & Obituaries

SAVAGE, Ruby…..
Passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Village of Glendale Crossing at the age of 92. Beloved wife of the late Ted Savage (2015) and Fred Back (1971). Loving mother of Steven Back and his wife Rose and Martin Back. Dear Gramma and Great Gramma of Robert and Rachael Back (Raleigh and Meyer), Kevin and Lisa Back (Sebastian and Danika), Ryan and Rebecca Back (Kalib, Charlotte, Maddox and Hudson). Lovingly remembered by her two nieces and their families in England and the Back family relatives in the Hamilton area. Cremation has taken place. Private family interment. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Schlegel Villages Charitable Foundation, Attn:Glendale Recreation Fund, 3030 Singleton Avenue, London, ON N6L 0B6. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

VAREY, Cliff…..

Peacefully at Chelsey Park, London, on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, Cliff Varey in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Brenda (Webber) Varey. Loving father of Heather Jamieson (Gord) of Barrie and step father of Tracy Vien (Marc) and Todd Smallman (Lois)  all of London. Cherished grandpa of Amanda, Ashley, Matthew and Jacob. Dear brother of Edward Varey (Marj), Dennis Varey (Sandy), Gloria Varey and brother-in-law of Joan. Missed by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his brother Ron Varey. Cliff  enjoyed working for Tack Feeds for 37 years. The family would like to thank the staff at Chelsey Park and Richard and Mary Bird for all their care and help. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 10-11am at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London ON N6J 1L9, where the memorial service will be held at 11 am. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Church of the Epiphany – Memorial Building Fund. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOFFAT, Jessie Irene …
The Messenger and Moffat families are saddened to announce the passing of Jessie Irene Moffat, on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at Caressant Care, Woodstock, in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Thomas “Tom” Moffat (2005). Predeceased by her sisters Ellen “Chick”, Catherine and Lillian and her brothers William, Edward and John. Also predeceased by her brother-in-laws Gordon and John. Survived by her sister-in-law Doris, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Friends will be recieved by the family on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 from 12 – 1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place at 1 pm. Interment in Oakland of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide St N, London, ON N6B 3H8, or a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BUSIGIN, John….

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London, on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, John Busigin in his 99th year. Beloved husband of the late Tatiana Busigin (2013). Loving father of Nick Busigin (Gail) of Stratford, Anthony Busigin (Charlett) of Ocala, Florida, Andrew Busigin (Anya) of Toronto and Paul Busigin (Barbara) of London. Cherished Dyedushka of Matt (Jillian), Vanya (Joanna), Illya (Rudy), Tikhon, Xenia, Daniel, Mark, Marina, Christopher and predeceased by his grand-daughter Galina. Proud great-grandfather of Isabella, Isaac, Elizabeth, Anthony and Aria. Also missed by his nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all staff at Marian Villa for the kind and compassionate care provided. Prayers will be said on Monday, January 2, 2017 starting at 6:30pm at the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour, 140 Fairview Avenue, London ON N6C 4T8. The Liturgy will be served at 9:30am and the funeral service will begin at 11am, on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, with Very Reverend Vladimir Morin.  Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Marian Villa, Parkwood Institute, Main Building Room B2-147, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7 or to the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour. Arrangements entrusted to the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COWELL, Ronald Ransom
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital on December 26, 2016 comforted by the love and support of his family, Ronald (Ron) Ransom Cowell in his 90th year. A kind-hearted Dad devoted to loving his children Randy, Ron (Deborah) and Scott (Chris) Cowell, and Cathy (Cate) Barnes. Left with treasured Grandpa memories are Aaron & Amanda, Chris (Kelly), Sandra (Aaron) & Meagan, Shaun & Drew Cowell and Danielle Alexander & Kyle Barnes. Ron cherished his great-grandchildren Nevaeh, Vanessa, Cayden, Carson, Noah and Bowie. Older brother to Betty (Art) Clarke. Predeceased by his second wife Terry (2006). Fondly remembered by Terry’s family Adele (Doug), Colette (Don), Gisele (Mike) and their families. Dear friend to his first wife Dodey Gregory. Ron was a dedicated employee of the PUC Recreation Department for 25 years after having worked at Scott McHale Shoes for 24 years. Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, December 31 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association, 480 Egerton Street, London, ON N5W 3Z6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOURLAY, Donna…….

Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Monday, December 26, 2016, Donna (Rider) Gourlay of London. Beloved wife of the late Don Gourlay (2012). Proud mother of Michael of Toronto, John (Cathy) of Thorndale, Peter (Barbara) of Chatham, Paul (Barbara) of Yellowknife, NWT, Jeffrey (Deborah) of London, and Steven of London. Cherished Nana of Carl (Melissa), Reid, Eric (Heidi), Fraser (Alexa), Andrew (Marielle), Laura (Josh), Christina, Freyja (Jim), Ben, Joyce and Julie. Great-Nana of Katelyn, Gus, Hayley, Caleb and Matéa. Dear sister-in-law of Mary Yates and Jean Gourlay. Loving cousin of Patricia Hatch and Jane Thompson. Survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna and Don loved to square, round and ballroom dance. They were both executive members of several dance clubs throughout 40 years of dancing. She was an active member at Centennial United Church and Wesley-Knox United Church. Donna was involved in the Home & School Association. She enjoyed family gatherings and special occasions with her family. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, December 29, 2016, from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be conducted at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11 am, with Reverend Tracy Crick-Butler officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, 350-1101 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON L1V 1B5 or London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SNELL, Margaret “Bette” …
Peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2016 at Chelsey Park, Bette Snell passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of Raymond C. Snell for 64 years. Dear mother of Jeff Snell and his wife Dawn and Greg Snell and his wife Heather all of London. Cherished grandma of Matthew and his wife Sarah and Bradley Snell, and Graham and his wife JoDee and Devon Snell. Great-grandma of Aria Anne and Dominic Snell. Predecease by her parents Harry and Vera Smithson and her brothers Stanley and Fred Smithson. The family wishes to extend a special Thank you to the 3rd floor nursing staff at Chelsey Park for their compassionate care. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 7 – 9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will take place on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 11 am at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Stoney Creek Baptist Church – General Fund, 2225 Highbury Avenue North, London, ON N5X 4A4, would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com   

LUCILLE PHAIR  (nee Munro)…..

Lucille passed away peacefully, on December 23, 2016, in her 98th year. Her vivacity, sense of humour, generosity and loving kindness will be deeply missed by her extended family: Daughters Lana Phair-Sutherland (Jim), Georgia Phair (Ike) and son Michael Phair (Margot) as well as six adored grandchildren, 15 equally adored great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews. Lucille was predeceased by her husband of 62 years George Carlton Phair and her brothers Stewart and Donald.

Mary Lucille Munro was born in 1919 to Jack and Janet Munro near Florence Ontario. From an early age she was a musical prodigy and played a number of instruments as well as the church organ every Sunday. She later studied music in London, Toronto, Detroit and Boston. A multifaceted gal, she also played baseball for the Florence Chicks and was a keen skater. Her father gave her a car at 16, and at 18 she began her career as a music teacher in the rural schools around Florence. She was known to have a heavy foot on the gas, which persisted throughout her career as a music supervisor, racing from one school to the next across Chatham Kent.

In 1944 Lucille met Carl Phair, a flight lieutenant from Dresden Ontario, home for leave from PEI where he was training pilots. After a whirlwind courtship they married and moved to Charlottetown. After the war, they moved to Sudbury and then finally settled in Wallaceburg Ontario where they raised their family and participated fully in the life of the community.  In retirement, they continued to hone their golf games in Florida for many winters, and made dozens of friends with whom they played golf, bridge and traveled. From her 60’s to her 80’s Lucille could be found delivering Meals on Wheels to other seniors. In her 80’s she was “Shooting her Age” on the golf course until fate intervened and she lost a leg to venous insufficiency. Showing great determination and continued athleticism she learned to walk again in her mid 80’s and even returned to the golf course – albeit only to putt. She never lost her innate elegance and sense of style. To the despair of her doctors and therapists, there were no old lady shoes for her!

Lucille was a great storyteller, fuelled by her tremendous interest in people. In later life she was afflicted by dementia, but her stories grew only more interesting, delighting her family and her caregivers. The family would like to thank the staff at Chartwell London and at Willow HomeCare for their loving care of Lucille.

A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McFadden, Harold “Mick”….

Passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Victoria Hospital, London in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Diana for 66 years. Lovingly remembered by sister-in-law Donna and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Barrie, his sister  Marilou Lindsay and her husband David. Prior to ill health Mick was a Cancer Society volunteer driver for over 20 years, and  an active member of the Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club. Friend of Bill W. A Memorial Service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. Visitation one hour prior. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GRASBY, Carman Thornton….

Peacefully, on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at St. Marys Memorial Hospital, Carman Grasby passed away in his 88th year. Beloved husband of June Grasby for over 65 years. Dear father of Al Grasby and his wife Elizabeth and Bill Grasby and his wife Cathy. Proud grandfather of Sarah and her partner Martin, Matthew and his partner Staci, Luke and his partner Jill, and Paul and his partner Hannah. Predeceased by his brother Ronald Grasby. A special thank you, to the staff at St. Marys Memorial Hospital and the staff at Kingsway Lodge Retirement Home. Keeping with Carman’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 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