Services & Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Kerstin Maria Bygden

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kerstin Bygden, who left this world peacefully on April 15 2025, two months short of the age of 99.

Born in Sweden in 1926, Kerstin grew up in Umeå, surrounded by the coastal beauty of her homeland, developing a lifelong love of travel, tradition, and family. In her early years, she studied Office Administration in Stockholm where she met and married Joel in 1946. Her sense of quiet strength, resilience, and grace became hallmarks of her long and meaningful life in Canada starting in 1952.

Together with Joel and young children Lena, Lars and Christer, Kerstin made the brave journey to a new country, embracing change and opportunity with her optimism and determination. She built a loving home in London, Ontario where Anders was born and where she raised her family with patience and wisdom, and never lost sight of the values she held dear-kindness, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Her hands were rarely still-whether in the kitchen preparing traditional Swedish dishes, in the garden tending to her flowers, or making hand-crafted gifts for her grandchildren. She excelled at sewing and handed down that gift to Lena and others. She passed down stories, recipes, and life lessons with the quiet confidence of someone who had truly lived. Her laughter, gentle smile, and calming presence will remain in our hearts always.

Kerstin was the cornerstone of our family-a source of love, patience, and quiet guidance. Her 98 years were filled with moments both simple and profound, and she met life’s challenges with unshakable grace and when the care for her aging parents was needed, she brought Joel and 6-year-old Anders back to Sweden for 12 years, knowing that Lars, Chris and Lena had been equipped to stay in Canada independently.

She is survived by Chris (Jane predeceased) & children Jennifer (husband Jonathan) and Laura (husband Kurt), Lars (predeceased) and son Eric and recently passed daughter Ingrid (husband Pat), Lena & Jack with children Christopher (wife Janis), Ryan (wife Pam), and Jamie, Anders & Karen & children Stefan (wife Allie) and Niklas, all who will forever cherish her memory.
Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind in the great-grandchildren’s lives she touched so deeply; Sarah, Lucas, Leah, Evie, Beau, Sam, Jack, Poppy, Kerstin. Kerstin & Joel developed deep connections with friends that were like family to us. Tant Nina was her closest and most trusted friend.

Kerstin was lovingly cared for by Ingrid and her mother Louise for so many years. The last two years were at Elmwood Place Long-Term Care Home and the staff was outstanding. Val and Joe Platek opened their house without reservation to Lena as she often travelled from her home in BC to spend time with Kerstin for over five years. They are a source of comfort and strength from their own personal experience that meant so much to us.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, London, on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m to honor her wishes. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Society, or that you simply take a moment to do something kind in her memory.

Tack för allt, Mamma. Vi älskar dig alltid.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOTH, Frederick J. Goth “Fred”

At Parkwood Institute on April 16, 2025, Frederick “Fred” J. Goth of London passed away in his 80th year. Beloved son of the late Reverend Dr. George W. Goth and the late Marjorie Goth (Blackburn).  Predeceased by his brother Bill Goth and nephew Peter.  Brother of Lynn Goth (Pat) of West Bolton, Quebec. Fred will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews Jan (Santiago), Mark, Allen, Susan (Karel), Christopher, and Anna Goth. Cousins Jennifer (Stephen) and Judy (Sam) Donnelly. Dearly loved by Joyce and Stewart Kaboye who brought such joy to Fred. Fred loved basketball and the Kentucky Derby.  Please toast Fred on May 3, 2025.  Thank you to Parkwood Institute Palliative Care and LHSC for the care Fred received.  Family and friends are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 10:00 – 10:45 am. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, please consider planting a tree in memory of Fred; more information can be found through the City of London commemorative tree program. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MAZURYK, Orest “Michael”

Unexpectedly on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Victoria Hospital, London, Mike passed away in his 91st year. Beloved husband of Carolynn (nee Burdett) for 54 years. Dear brother-in-law of Sandra (John) Herring. Loving uncle of Catherine, Jennifer and John (Amy) and great-uncle of Lincoln and Malcom. Mike had a passion and knowledge for all things in nature, music and art. Mike will be missed by his family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to a funeral service on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Mike may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MUNRO, Norma…

Norma Munro (nee Clark) passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario on April 4, 2025 in her 85th year. Cherished wife of the late Ronald Munro for 61 years. Dear mother of Kimberley Cox (Michael) of Wallaceburg and Vincent Munro (Sylvia) of London. Norma will also be missed by her grandchildren Amanda (Dylan), David (Michelle), and Jacquie (Ryan). Dear great-grandmother to 7. Sister to Richard Clark (Margaret) of Port Coquitlam, BC. Norma is predeceased by her sisters Jacqueline, Betty-Lou and brothers Robert, Harold, and Howard.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Norma may be made to a food bank near you. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacLeod, John Russell

Peacefully, at University Hospital on Thursday, April 3, 2025, John R. MacLeod of London, in his 94th year. John was born in Galt on Labour Day, 1931, the third child of Russ and Mary MacLeod of Preston. He married his beloved Margaret Rose in 1953, and had 54 wonderful years together. He is survived by his sons Robert (Martha Jean) of Bali, Indonesia; Don (Helen) of Westlake Village, California, and Dave (Cheryl) of Crediton. Beloved brother of Andy, Molly, and Judy; Grandpa of 11 grandchildren, and great grandpa of 16. He is also remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. His family is scattered around the globe, from Bali, Solvang, Vancouver, WestLake Village, Formosa, Lucan, Princeton, Cambridge, and Worthing, but united in love.

Like anyone who has lived a long, happy life, John was proceeded in death by his wife Marg, daughter Shannon, his parents Russ and Mary, in-laws “Irish Bob”, Dorothy, and Shirley Pollock, brother Don and sister Marjorie, “Uncle Joe” Johnson, friend Viola Byron, and so many others.  We sent him with our love, and know he had a wonderful reunion when he arrived.

John served in the Militia for 18 years, starting as a 16 year old private in the H.L.I or C., and retiring as a Captain in the R.C.A.P.C.. He was awarded the CD. John was an insurance manager and broker for 41 years, and retired in 1999 after selling Highland Insurance Broker.

John was a Warden of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, and held a deep and abiding faith which allowed him to meet his death with confidence and dignity.

John was an active, dedicated Freemason, a proud member of Centennial Lodge No. 684, and Middlesex Lodge No. 379. He served as Master of both Lodges, and was the District Deputy Grand Master of London East in 1999. One of John’s greatest joys was to assist his son Dave to install his grandson Don as the Master of Middlesex Lodge in 2023. He was an active Scottish Riter, an outstanding ritualist, a Past Most Wise Sovereign, and an Honorary Inspector General 33o. John also was a proud member of the Mocha Shrine Ritualistic Cast, and a supporter of the Shrine Hospitals for Children.

John became the President of the London Valley Consistory Club (Scottish Rite Freemasons) in 1989, and helped expand our outreach program which provides medical and mobility equipment, free of charge, to those who need it. Thousands of people have benefited from his hard work. Many visitors to the Consistory Club will remember his compassion, his willingness to help, and his hugs (and an offer of a free donut). When Mom died, the Consistory Club was his salvation, to provide relief and consolation to others – and to work with a wonderful group of volunteers.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street S., London on Friday, April 11th from to 2:00 – 4:00 pm  and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Masonic service under the combined auspices of Centennial Lodge No. 684 and Middlesex No. 379 A.F. & A.M., will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 pm. The funeral will be held at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, on Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 am, to be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. To celebrate a life well lived, please wear cheery colours. Tax deductible donations can be made to Sleeping Children Around the World. Donations to the London Valley Consistory Club (c/o 160 Victoria Ave East, RR 1 Crediton, N0M 1M0) are also appreciated, but are not tax deductible. Dad was a hard working man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. The number of people who have reached out to the family in his recent illness is a testament to the positive impact that he has had on so many lives.

Dad was a hugger -he loved to give hugs, because you usually get one back. He never hesitated to tell people he loved them; when he died no words were left unsaid, and for that gift we are truly grateful. Please, as you read these words, give a hug to someone you love, and tell them you love them.

“He giveth his beloved sleep”

MUMDZIJAN, Aleksandar Karekin…

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather Aleksandar Karekin Mumdzijan peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at University Hospital, London, at the age of 93. Dear husband of the late Vera Mumdzijan. Cherished son of the late Hrante and Milice Mumdzijan.

He will be missed by his daughter Jasmina and his grandchildren Natalie (Casey), Sandra, Andrew, Jessica, Anita (Khaled), Marina, Dejana, and his great-grandchildren Chase, Evan, Athena, Ariana, Benjamin, and Apollo. Also survived by his youngest daughter Aleksandra (Travis).

Aleksandar will be remembered for his great strength, courage, and positive attitude. His memory will linger with aching hearts, and we will think of you each day. We love you very much, may peace be with you and all around you.

Friends and guests will be received for visitation on Monday, April 7th, 2025 from 7-9pm, with a prayer service at 8pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON, N6C 3X1. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 11am at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 5567 Wonderland Road South, London, ON, N6P 1N7. Burial to follow the service at Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Aleksandar may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Canadian Cancer Society-Breast Cancer. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COLES, Winnifred
Peacefully at Middlesex Terrace Long Term Care, Delaware, on Friday, March 21, 2025, in her 100th year, Winnifred passed away. Beloved wife of the late John Hedley “Jack” Coles (2002). Loving mother of Richard “Dick” (Heather), Nancy (the late Bruce) Reynolds, Tim, the late Doug (Sherry), Bob (Goretti). Cherished grandmother of Theresa, David, Chevonne, Ashley, Daniel, Niki, and their significant others. Also loved by many great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her siblings Lois (Richard), Barbara (Clare), Joe (Ettie), and Bill (Peggy). In keeping with Winnifred’s wishes there will be no funeral service. Cremation with interment of cremated remains in Woodland Cemetery, London at a later date. In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBINSON, Doris
Passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of the late William Robinson (2005). Dear mother of David and Daniel Robinson. Also loved by her 3 grandchildren Michael, Brent and William. Cremation has taken place, and in keeping with Doris’ wishes there will be no funeral services. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KERR, Lotta…

Peacefully at Elmwood Place Long Term Care, London, on Friday, March 14, 2025, Lotta Kerr (nee Morton) passed away in her 101st year. Lotta was the beloved wife of the late James Austin Kerr (2008). She was the loving mother of Joan Horner and her husband Gord, Edward Kerr and Sandy Kerr. Adored granny of Lori McEwen and her husband Scott, Joe Horner and his wife Sophia, Michael Horner, Kyle Kerr and Kory Kerr. Loved by her great-grandchildren Isabel and Nicole Young-Kerr. Predeceased by her son Daniel Kerr (2004) and her two sisters Grace Slemon and Lou May. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 10:00-10:45 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Lotta, donations may be made to St. Andrew Memorial Anglican Church, 55 Foxbar Road, London, ON N6C 2A6, the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 1414 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 3B6 or to a charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

UPMALIS, Ausma…

Ausma Upmalis passed away peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 in her 100th year. Ausma was married to Dr. Henry Upmalis who predeceased her in 2017. She was the dear mother of Dr. David Upmalis (Patricia Leonhardt), grandmother of Jeffrey Upmalis (Lynn), Jordan Wilt (Joshua), Thomas Upmalis and Bob Upmalis (Meghan). Loving great-grandmother to Aurora, Deacon and Grace. Also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Ruth Banga and daughter-in-law Gail Upmalis. Predeceased by her brother, Agris Banga, daughter Ann and sons John, Michael and Martin. Ausma was born in Latvia and came to Canada with her parents in 1949. She became a Registered Nurse and worked at Victoria Hospital in London while her husband attended medical school and completed his surgical residency. The couple then moved to Kitchener with their growing family, where Ausma became a full-time mother. As the children grew older she became more active in the community, particularly with the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Ausma moved back to London in their retirement, where they enjoyed gardening, wines, music and letting her husband cook, instead of her! As her health declined and after her husband passed, she moved to Mount Hope, where she was an active participant in many activities. Ausma was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a good friend to others. She loved music and chocolates. The family wishes to thank the staff of fourth floor, St. Mary’s wing for their attentive care over the past 5 years. Cremation has occurred. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 12:00-12:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choosing. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com