Services & Obituaries

FRANKLIN, John Currier (1942-2025)

It is with deep sadness that we announce that John passed away peacefully at his home in London, Ontario on Wednesday July 16, 2025, in his 83rd year. John was born in Ottawa, Ontario, the only son of Katherine (nee Bartram) and Lieutenant-Colonel William John Franklin.

John is survived by his two sons, John Stuart Kenneth (Ken), and Patrick Currier (wife Kathy), his daughter-in-law Janet Hibbs, his daughter-in-law Julia Merry, and his cherished grandchildren Katie, Patricia, Sadie, Claire, Avery, and Emilia. He is also survived by the “love of his life”, his wife Kyle Anne MacDonald, his brother-in-law Roland MacDonald, his nephews, Samuel and Andrew MacDonald, and his niece Samantha. John enjoyed reconnecting with his dear cousins Bernice and Jean in recent years, and shared memories from the Franklin family’s history.

John lived a successful and accomplished life as a talented Engineer and Business Executive. He was a respected leader in several industries over the course of his business career, and most recently owned a leading manufacturer of HVAC and Indoor Air Quality systems and products called AIRIA Brands Inc. The company was well known and respected across North America under the brand name “LIFEBREATH”, and was successfully sold to an international conglomerate in 2022. John was extremely proud of his company; its reputation for quality, innovation and customer service, and most importantly, the team of people that contributed such value to its success. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his formidable intellect and wisdom, and for being a strong mentor, providing guidance and insights into varied topics such as investing, leadership, and business.

John enjoyed wonderful friendships with many; lifelong friends from his early schooldays at Lisgar Collegiate in Ottawa, to his engineering colleagues from Carlton University in Ottawa, to his Western University MBA/IVEY graduating class of 1971 in London, Ontario, to many close business colleagues, and dozens of friends – all across Canada, the United States and other parts of the world like Australia, New Zealand and the UK. John wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida with Kyle for many years, and loved his recent summers at the lake house overlooking Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Ontario.

John loved Canada, the outdoors and travelling, and made it his life’s mission to explore and learn about every corner of this vast land. He enjoyed his visits to every province and territory at least once, was an early supporter of the Trans Canada Trail, and was passionate about promoting our country’s values, history and culture to everyone he met. John was devoted to and loved his sons, and organized many trips and outdoor activities so that they would develop the same love and appreciation for all corners of Canada. They played all types of sports together from volleyball and basketball, to baseball, canoeing, fishing and skiing to name a few.

John had an astonishing knowledge of history and geography – of Canada and the world – and would routinely share his vast knowledge with his family and friends. He so eloquently recounted Canada’s history and the importance of events that influenced our culture, traditions and identity. You’d never meet a man more proudly Canadian. He and Kyle travelled extensively in North America with their various business endeavours, and also travelled around the globe. They were fortunate to visit more than 55 countries in their pursuit of knowledge, history and culture, and good fun. He had great affection for Australia and New Zealand, and savored his visits to the wine regions down under and all around the world.

John enjoyed his time as a boat captain with his first boat, appropriately called “Endeavour.” He went on to treasure his time on the water with several more boats over the last 30 years, and especially cruising on his beloved motor yacht “Touch” with extensive travels to all corners of the Caribbean. Spending time on the open sea with his friends gave him great joy.

John was a keen philanthropist, and along with Kyle, felt deeply about giving back to the community. John’s admiration and respect for his father (a respected war hero in WWI and WWII who served as Canada’s Sergeant-at-Arms from 1945-1960) inspired his support for the Canadian Armed Forces, and in particular, our military Veterans. He and Kyle were the founders of the MacDonald-Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre at Parkwood Hospital in London, and give generously to the national Support Our Troops, Soldier On and True Patriot Love Foundations – in support of our Armed Forces members and their families. John and Kyle also proudly support the David Foster Foundation, dedicated to providing assistance to families whose children are undergoing organ transplants across Canada.

John will be profoundly missed by his wife, his family and his friends. A special thank you to all of the Doctors who cared for him over the years, and the team of nurses from Nurse Next Door for their attention and care. Thank you to Dr. Murchison and NP. Smith at Medpoint, and Dr. Kirk Hamilton and Dr. Ed Stack of the London Home Palliative Care team for their dedication to John’s care.
A Visitation/Memorial will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 (2-4 pm) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the True Patriot Love Foundation or the David Foster Foundation . Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. Notes of condolences may also be sent directly to the Funeral Home.

IRVING, Diane…

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Victoria Hospital, London. Beloved wife of the late Arthur “Ted” Irving (2003). Loving mother of Robert Irving (Tracey), Marianne Petovello (Rick), Tracy Irving (Reade Rintoul), Linda Smith (Ryan), Sarah Travnicek (Martin). Cherished Grandma and Biba of Alissa, Bradley (Haley), Amelia, Grace, Andrew, Sam, Mika, Ethan, Finn, Violet, Thomas, Lucy, Klara and Julie. Predeceased by her brother David Farrow (Patricia). Cremation has taken place and a future interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. In honour of Diane’s bright and joyful spirit, guests are encouraged to wear colourful attire.

Diane leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, inclusivity and care for others and her community. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Diane may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or World Vision Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BOYD, Audrey (nee Niblock)
Peacefully passed away at Mt. Hope Centre for Long Term Care, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in her 93^rd  year, after a long and slow decline in health. Audrey was born in Northern Ireland and came to Canada in 1959 with her husband Rev. R. Maurice Boyd. Loving mother of Leslie (Kerry), Heather (Murray), and Jennifer (Chris). She had 11 grandchildren and one great grandson.
Affectionately known to all of them as “Nanny”.
Audrey will be remembered for her quiet kindness and unpretentious personality.
A special word of thanks to the staff of Mt. Hope for their fantastic care.
A Memorial service will be held at Grace Community Church, 241 St. David’s Rd. West, Thorold, Ontario on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Community Church. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOLMES, Christine Anne…

Our beloved daughter, Christine Anne Holmes, has lost her battle in her 65th year on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 in London, Ontario. She was surrounded by her loving caregivers and family at Participation House. Cherished daughter of Margaret and William “Bill” Holmes. Sweet sister of Diane (Randy), Carol (Richard) and Donna (Marty). Inspiring aunt of Laura, Julie (Duncan), Benjamin, Kyrsten, Charles and Malcolm. She will also be missed by her friends and housemates, Cathy and Wendy, at Participation House. Extreme gratitude to PHSS for their loving care of Christine over the last 24 years.

Christine found joy in painting, knitting, soap making, crafting and assembling jigsaw puzzles. She was passionate about the colour purple, and her love for Elvis.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the palliative care outreach team, lead by Dr. Andrew Sripalan, VON eShift PSW’s, Paramed PSW’s and SE Health Nursing for their compassionate care of Christine.

Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 2-4pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 1:30pm in the A. Millard George Funeral Home Chapel, livestreaming will be available on the A. Millard George Funeral Home Youtube Channel. The family asks that in honour of Christine, you wear her favourite colour purple to the visitation. Private family interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Christine can be made to PHSS Medical and Complex Care in the Community, 620 Colborne Street #101, London, ON N6B 3R9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MORRIS, Cheryl…

Passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025 in London, Ontario, after a lifelong journey marked by courage in the face of physical and mental health challenges.

Cheryl was deeply cherished by her parents, Clara “Kit” Morris (nee Hykes) and George Morris, whose unwavering love and dedication to her care shaped her life profoundly. In later years, Cheryl settled into a loving home at Crest Support Services, where she found friendship, care and community.

Though her life included many difficult days, those who knew Cheryl at Crest remember her for her quiet strength, moments of connection, and the simple joys that brightened her days. Her steadfast faith was a guiding light, providing her with comfort and hope.

Cheryl is predeceased by her beloved parents and her brothers, Leigh and Larry Morris. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Andrea Snow (Kyle), Alex Morris (Dana), Alexander Morris, Zachary Morris and Meriwether Morris.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Mom and Dad in the hereafter-where joy surrounds her, her struggles evaporate and she is forever embraced by the loving and nurturing spirits of her parents.

A private celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crest Support Services or to a charity supporting mental health or hearing loss.

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

John Frederick Booker

December 6, 1944 – July 5, 2025

Surrounded by his family, John Booker passed away at the age of 80 on July 5, 2025.  Born on December 6, 1944, to James (Jim) and Effie Ruth Booker, John lived a life marked by faith in Jesus, and a devotion to those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marj, and their five children, Greg (Rose), Andrea (Jeff Smith), Julia (Duane Wiltshire), Ben (Lydia), and Stephen (Christine).  He will be missed by his 12 grandchildren; Jackson, Emma, Bailey, Michael, Isaac, Noah, Lilah, Matthew, Jake, Elijah, Elle, and Will.

He is also survived by brothers Paul (Marie), and David (Marybeth), and was preceded in death by his sister, Grace Wilson.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ontario Bible College, John worked for a Christian publishing company, David C. Cook, before accepting the role of the Canadian Director of Scripture Union.  He returned to his passion of teaching prior to retirement and found great joy and fulfillment in teaching English to International students.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 5:00-8:00PM at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  A service to celebrate and honour John’s life will take place on Monday July 14, 2025, at 11:00AM at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London.  Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Byron United Church.  The family would also love for each person to pay forward an act of kindness to honour the values that John held dear.

Give thanks to the Lord, for his is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

HOFFMAN, Keith…

Keith Hoffman passed away peacefully, on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in his 95th year in London. Keith was born in Kitchener, ON and was the only son of Gordon John Hoffman and Lily (Eizerman) Hoffman.

He grew up in Kitchener and began his career early as a lineman and equipment installer with the Bell Telephone company travelling to various towns and rural areas in southern Ontario. It was in Kitchener he met his future wife, Laurie Isobel (nee Porteus). They were married there in 1954 and settled down to raise three daughters.

He learned to ski as a boy from a young Austrian immigrant who boarded with his parents for a short time after the war. Taking a tram from the house he and a friend would march across farm fields with their skis to the local ski club and spend the day on the slopes. He later helped to expand the runs at that hill and spent time volunteering with the ski patrol. He passed this love of skiing on to his family. Family vacations involved camping including one long trip across Canada and many weekends spent in various parks across Newfoundland.

He was a Mister Fix it, handy with most anything that needed building or repairing. He valued community service. As a young fellow he was a Scout leader and passed on many practical skills to his kids. He sang in the choir and volunteered his technical skills to help with the Wesley United Church radio station. He was a member of the local Kiwanis club and helped out with many projects, including the Kiwanis Music Festival and manning the booth at the annual St John’s Regatta. After retiring and returning to Kitchener he and his best friend from childhood became involved in the charitable organization Habitat for Humanity – his organizational skills and knowledge helped build homes for families.

Keith loved his time living and working in Newfoundland for the Telephone company. They lived there for twelve years until moving to Ottawa to work for Telecom Canada. This was a highlight of his career, representing Canada in International Telecommunications Standards in Geneva, Switzerland and attending conferences in other countries. Isobel often travelled with him and they loved this opportunity to see new countries and meet people from everywhere.

Keith is survived by his three daughters: Laurie (David Dempster) St. John’s, NL, Merrilee (Evan Chase) of London, ON and Jennifer (Randy Thompson) of Rocky Harbour, NL. He is also survived by his beloved grand children Laurie (Johanna), Zoe (Michael), Benjamin (Niki) and Maren (Nick) and the precious great-grandchildren Robert, Isobel and Sylvia.

Keith was a loving father, husband and Grandpa/Poppa. His daughters are thankful to have had a wonderful father who encouraged and believed in them. He was curious, thoughtful, open minded and strong. He and Isobel taught by example, the lessons of kindness, empathy and generosity. He is missed.

Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Friday, July 4, 2025 from 10-10:45am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Memorial Service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am with live streaming available on the A. Millard George Funeral Home Youtube page. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to any one of the charities he supported; Habitat for Humanity, Plan Canada and local SPCAs.

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

LAI, Francesco “Frank”

Frank passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in London, Ontario. Born in Jerzu, Sardinia, Italy on February 5, 1927, Frank was the 5th of 7 children born to Vittorio Lai and Battistina Carta. He is predeceased by five of his siblings (Salvatore, Antonio, Luigi, Mario, and Maria) and by his daughter, Lucy. Frank came from a wine-making family, but apprenticed as a tailor under his brother Antonio. He moved to Siniscola, Sardinia to open up a tailor shop in the 1940s. There he met his future wife, Grazia (Grace) Deiana. Hearing stories of Canada from his father who worked here from coast to coast for fifteen years, Frank decided to take his chance and move to London, Ontario in 1950 where his uncle Francesco Carta had settled. Frank worked hard, bought a house, and proposed to Grace. Unable to go back to Sardinia for his own wedding (with Grace unable to go to Canada unless she was married), the marriage was done by proxy (his brother Salvatore stood in Frank’s place at the alter) on March 27, 1954 while Frank was in London celebrating with his friends. Grace arrived in Halifax on June 6. The two, who were inseparable, were happily married for 71 years. Our Dad was a loving, caring man who taught his children love, kindness, hard work, and integrity. He worked hard all of his life – he worked at Texmain Cleaners during the day and tailored at night until the wee hours of the morning running his tailor shop (Frank Lai’s Tailoring) which was at the front of our house on Hamilton Road. He was good at everything. He built his own garage, tended a massive flower and vegetable garden with Grace, and made homemade wine from grapes delivered from California, while working those very long hours daily. Frank loved mathematics. Though he was only able to attend school up to Grade 5 in Italy (education was free only to Grade 5), his love for math and its precision was projected through his tailoring as he made suits, dresses, pants, etc. for his clients. He loved the precision of tailoring and was always focused on the task in hand regardless of what was going on around him.

He is survived by his wife Grace, sons Vito (Rachel and Joshua), Francesco (Christina and Nicholas), sister Virginia, and countless nieces and nephews in Sardinia, throughout Italy, and in Canada. Though he is gone physically, our memories of him will keep him alive forever within our hearts and minds. We love you, Dad.

We would also like to thank the staff members on Marian Villa 3 for the care and support they gave Dad during his stay as well as their continuing care and support for Mom.

Family and friends are welcome to a visitation on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. A private funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

ROSS, Helen Jean…

1929-2025

It is with sadness that the family of Helen (nee Ferguson) Ross of London and formerly of Balderson, ON announces her passing on June 25, 2025, in her 97th year.

Helen was the loving wife of Rev. Doug Ross (November 6th, 2021), for over 66 years. They met on the bus, while traveling from Kingston to Perth in 1953, since they were both students at Queens University. Helen graduated from Queens in the spring of 1953 and began her career as a teacher. Kindergarten was Helen’s specialty, and she taught in Ottawa, Perth, Clarkson, Portsmouth, Schefferville and London.

Helen was a kind and reflective mother to Jennifer Burnside and her husband Royce of Madoc, ON, Mary-Janet Ross and her husband Chris Watterton of London, ON, and Liz Phoenix and her husband Dave of Stoney Point, ON.

Nana, as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, will be greatly missed, but the many gentle and caring moments will live on with Jessie and Adam Read, Dillon and Jack Phoenix, and Brennyn and Avyn Watterton. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Abby and George Ferguson, brothers-in-law Glenn Ross and Wayne Demille. Helen will be affectionately remembered by her sister-in-law, Betty Demille and nephews and nieces, as well as the congregational members of churches she and Doug were called to during his 65 years as an ordained United Church Minister.

In 1959, Helen and Doug purchased property on Moira Lake and built the cottage soon after. The cottage was a big part of their lives as they raised their girls and grandchildren there. Helen always took peace from time looking at the lake from her various viewing spots and especially the setting sun each night.

Helen was a faithful member of Wesley-Knox United Church where she was a Life Member of the Official Board and the United Church Women. She spent many hours over her life at church doing God’s work. When Helen retired from teaching in 1987, she continued her connections with children and volunteered at the Child Life Centre at London Health Sciences Centre for 20 years. Our family would like to thank the dedicated staff at McCormick Home on Memory Lane for their care and compassion of Mom the last several years. Also, to Yvonne, a devoted caregiver who shared many happy times with Helen the last ten years.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, July 4, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Hopetown Cemetery, Hopetown. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Helen Ross may be made to the Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund or to the McCormick Care Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ABEL, Lily

Lily passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Bill Abel (2016). Loving and devoted mother to Guy, Brian, and Scott. Dear grandmother of Adam, Alex and Mary Margaret. Lily will be lovingly remembered by her daughter-in-law Christine. Lily will also be missed by Jessica and Ash. Predeceased by her siblings; Harold and Earl Arthur, Beatrice Mayo, and Audrey Smith. Lily will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of Chelsey Park Long Term Care for their tremendous care of Lily. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, June 27th from 10:00 – 10:45 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Cremation to follow with interment at a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com