Services & Obituaries

SMITH, Frederick “Fred”…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, November 11, 2024, Frederick Charles Smith passed away quietly in his 85th year. Loving father of Michael Smith and his wife Rita of London, Dennis Smith and his wife Melissa of Grand Bend and Ernest Smith and his wife Teresa of Seaforth. Cherished grandfather of Dakota, Frank, Shayna and Cie; Kyle and Zander; Sierra, Ernest Jr., Caitlin, Amber and Keagan and great-grandfather of 12. Dear brother of Joan O’ Shaughnessy and her husband Everett of Lyn and Kenneth Smith and his wife Sharon of Brockville, and brother-in-law of Lorraine Smith of Brockville. Predeceased by his brother Cecil Smith (2023) and by his long time friend and companion Barbara Sweeny (2024). Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Fred was an avid rower and member of the Brockville Rowing Club and later the London Rowing Club. Fred came to London in June of 1965 and joined GM Diesel Division as an accountant, and later retired as a supervisor after many years of dedication. He was a member of the Canadian Army (Militia), Brockville Rifles 32nd Locating Battery. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion – Byron-Springbrank Branch 533. Fred was a Past Master of Kilwinning Lodge No. 64 A.F. & A.M. and was an Honourary Inspector-General 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite. He was a member of the York Rite, a proud Shriner with Mocha Temple and was very active in the Mocha Temple Trumpet Band and Alumni. Cremation has taken place. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Kilwinning Lodge No. 64 A.F. & A.M. will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where visitation will follow from 7:00-9:00 pm. In Fred’s memory, please consider a donation to Shriners Children’s, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9 or the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, 4 Queen Street South, Hamilton, ON L8P 3R3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOWAN, Gwendoline…

Surrounded by her loved ones, Gwendoline Marie Gowan, our precious mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 11th, 2024, at the Village of Glendale Crossing Long-term Care Home in London.

Born August 25th, 1924, in London, England, Gwen emigrated to Canada after WW II to start a new life here. Beloved wife of Bud Gowan (2015) for 62 years, treasured mother of son Paul (Susan) Gowan of London and daughter Gail (Peter) McMahon of Dwight, Ontario; adored ‘Gramma’ to Joshua (Steph) Gowan of London and Amanda (Jon) Huson of London, Kristin (Andrew) Kerr of Pembroke, Nicole (Bill) Robinson of Kincardine, and Colin McMahon (Lauren Halasz) of Coburg. Gwen was fondly known as ‘Gigi’ to her great grandkids who brought her much delight: Norah, Naomi, and Felix Huson; Elexa and Elyssa Gowan; and Ethan and Audrey Kerr – three sets of twins plus one!

Always gracious and kind, she was blessed with good health and many amazing friends. She sought to put others before herself. She greatly enjoyed life travelling, curling, and spending time at the cottage in Grand Bend. We are so grateful for her faithful loving care of dad and of all of us, her resiliency in good times and hard times, and a hundred other wonderful things we love about her shared at her 100th birthday celebration just a few months ago.

The family appreciates how the staff at The Village of Glendale Crossing Long-term Care Home gave kind, thoughtful care over the last two years. She will be dearly missed there by staff and her friends, tablemates, euchre partners, and fellow bingo players – they had such fun together. Thanks also to Parkwood Hospital and Longworth Retirement Home for their good care in the past.

A Celebration of Gwen’s Life will take place Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at Highland Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. We invite you to make donations in Gwen’s memory to Parkwood Hospital  or Sanctuary London to assist those who experience homelessness. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBINSON, Mary “Marlene”

Mary Marlene Robinson passed away peacefully on November 12th, 2024 in her 89th year. She was born September 13, 1936, in Whitby, Ontario to Russell and Genevieve Mollon. Beloved sister of Diane Thompson(Brian) and brother Paul Mollon(Anne). She is survived by her loving husband Gerald Robinson and sons Mark(Yvonne), Scott, Jeff(Laurie) and Steve(Heather) and grandchildren Eddy, Jeremy, Katlin, Matthew, Emery, Griffin and Blake. She will be dearly missed by her brother in law Dennis(Cathy) and sister in law Maxine(Walt) and many nephews and nieces.

Marlene married Jerry Robinson on October 6, 1962. Together, they became the parents of two sets of twin boys that kept her very busy throughout life. She never complained about driving to hockey, soccer or any event. She endured many summers of camping trips, pool parties, wrestling on the furniture, road hockey, teenage years and graduations. She always said raising 4 twin boys was easy. Mom, we know better, we were not easy, you were a gift. We couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, understanding and loving mother throughout the years.
For the majority of her career Marlene worked for Vic Young Insurance in Old South in London Ontario. She very much enjoyed those years working with the clients and staff. She continued to work with Vic when Marlene and Jerry moved to Port Stanley to start the next chapter of their life. Opening the Mitchell House Bed and Breakfast was a dream and passion for Marlene. Both Marlene and Jerry loved their 20 plus years in the small beach town.

Outside of work, Marlene was the ultimate rocker and roller. She enjoyed Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd and Joni Mitchell to name just a few. She loved her Friday night socials at our kitchen table with Peggy and friends. The house was filled with laughs, red wine and good vibes. Marlene was active in the community with bridge, horticulture clubs, and volunteering for Adopt The Highway, Mount Hope Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.

She wanted to give a special thank you to Kim McGregor and Cathy and all the staff at Longworth Retirement Home for their support over the last several years.

Marlene will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken by her passing. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. In lieu of Flowers or Donations, she asks that you celebrate her with a glass of red wine and play Warren Zevon, Keep Me in Your Heart.

On Thursday November 14, 2024, a Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at the Highland Golf and Country Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McCANN, Glenn Edward Thomas…
Glenn passed peacefully Monday, November 4, 2024, with family by his side. Born January 16, 1933, Utopia, Ontario, to Wilbert and Ruby (nee Stephens) McCann. Glenn was the beloved younger brother of Joyce and the late Roy Lister. He grew up on the family farm, where he was affectionately known as “Snow White” in his youth. Glenn was a man of great intellect and passion for the natural world. He attended the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Botany in 1955 and a Master’s in Soil Fertility in 1957. His career as an agronomic advisor spanned over 30 years with CIL Fertilizer, followed by an enriching tenure with DeKalb, where he shared his knowledge and love for agriculture.
In 1958, Glenn married his soulmate, Sandra Joy (Goodwin) Picton, Ontario (deceased 2022). They shared 64 beautiful years, filled with love, laughter, friendship, and adventure. Glenn and Sandra created a warm and loving home for their two children, Constance (Tom McFarlan) and Thomas (Sheila ). He was the cherished grandfather to Danica (Ben Wheeler), Mathew McFarlan, Jayme (Alex) Chester, the late Zachary McCann, and Jessica McCann, as well as a proud great-grandfather to Sydney Wheeler.
Glenn’s life was filled with passion for the things he loved. His life long passion was dancing. He was a featherweight wrestler during his university years, an avid tennis player, and a seasoned sailor. He also had a lifelong curiosity for photography, astronomy, and electronics. With his green thumb, he grew the “best-tasting tomatoes in the world” in his garden-a point of pride and joy he shared with family and friends.
Church and community were integral parts of Glenn’s life. He devoted himself to church council, ushering, and missionary work. He lived by his father’s values of honesty, kindness, and charity.
To his children, Glenn was fondly known as BCD, or “Big Cool Dad”-a testament to the loving and inspiring father he was.
Glenn and Sandra’s home was a place of joy and hospitality. They hosted elegant gatherings and cherished family celebrations that became treasured memories for all who attended. Whether it was birthdays, anniversaries, or New Year’s Eves, Glenn and Sandra’s warmth and kindness created bonds that lasted a lifetime.
Glenn lived by principles of integrity, kindness, thankfulness and compassion. He embodied these qualities, which he believed made for a good neighbour and a good friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he adored, and the many friendships he nurtured.
A service to honour Glenn’s life and memory will be held at Byron United Church at 12pm, Friday November 15th. In lieu of flowers, Glenn’s request was for people to plant an oak or maple tree and /or reach out to help someone in his memory. Or, you might want to take a dance lesson!! Glenn will be deeply missed, remembered for his love, his laughter, and the extraordinary kindness he showed to all who knew him. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WELCH, Kathleen “Kae”…

Kathleen Welch (nee Rake) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 in her 96th year. Beloved mother of Brenda (Harold) Mutter, Vikki (Mike) Searle, and Randy (Brenda) Welch. Predeceased by her son Larry (Lynn) Welch in 2008. Beloved Nan to 12 grandchildren, and loved Gigi to her great-grandchildren.

Kathleen was a long-term employee of the Board of Education. After her retirement, she enjoyed many active and fulfilling years. Kathleen will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Kathleen was a long-time resident of Byron. A private family interment has taken place at St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery (Byron). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FREEMAN, Ryan…

Ryan passed away, after a brief illness with pneumonia at Owen Sound Hospital, with his wife Tyna Hendriks by his side on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the age of 49. Father of Hunter, Emily, Jacob and Jackson and stepfather of Drew Hendriks. Son of Debbie Johnson (Ed) (late Randy) and Gary Freeman (Lynne). Brother of Marney Fitzgerald, Josh Freeman (Melissa), Kimberly Freeman and Cody Donkervoort (Taylor). Ryan will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was an artist at heart, he loved to create; he could make something out of nothing. He was always finding this and that and making a beautiful creation. Although Ryan had somewhat of an arduous life, he deeply loved his family and friends. He was a loving person who would always offer support and help to those who needed it. He loved to have fun, and he made sure annual events were celebrated and acknowledged. Family and friends are welcome to visitation at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A funeral officiated by Rev. Enrique Martinez will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow at St. Andrew Memorial Church, 55 Foxbar Road, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MONTEMURRO, Dr. Donald

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Donald Montemurro in his 95th year on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at Victoria Hospital, London, loving husband to June (Dickey), father to Maria (Karl) Guinness and Andrea (Domenico) LoRusso and proud grandfather to Marco, Connor, Julia, Michael and Gabriel. Donald is predeceased by his parents Samuel and Rose (Orange) Montemurro of North Bay, brothers Richard and Reginald and sisters Rita (Morris) and Rene (Morrish). The essence of Monte was kindness and patience, with equal measures of creativity and discipline. His gentle nature and warm spirit were a source of comfort to those around him. He will be dearly missed by his loving family, longtime colleagues, friends and neighbours.

Monte was born in 1930 in North Bay, Ontario, the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in a large Italian family, worked as a paper boy, delivered yeast by bicycle, spent summers as an army cadet and working at a family-owned grocery mart/ice cream parlour in Sudbury. Monte left northern Ontario in 1948 for studies in Physiology at UWO, where he met June in the Wortley Village at Marshall’s Diner (now Mai’s Cafe). He completed his Masters (1954) and Doctorate (1957) of Physiology at UWO. Together Monte and June travelled for work and studies to London, England where he worked at the Chester Beatty Institute for Cancer Research, and to New Haven, Connecticut to study at Yale University, before settling back in London, Ontario to start a family and to take up a position at the Cancer Research Institute at Western University. He held a position as Professor of Neuroanatomy in the Medical School at Western University, was Chairman of the Anatomy Department and was awarded a medal of distinction for his teaching. Upon retiring from Western as Professor Emeritus in 1995, he began the next phase of his life as a loving grandfather, self-taught woodworker making beautiful furniture for their home and family and friends’ homes, and drummer as a member of the New Horizons Band. Monte and June took great care of and supported each other during 70 years of marriage. He was an avid card player, especially enjoying Hearts. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, photography, travelling and hosting memorable get-togethers at their home in Wortley Village.

A special thank you to all the members of the care teams at Westmount Kidney Care Centre and UH Renal Care Program. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 17 at 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre located on the southeast corner of the parking lot, 60 Ridout Street South, London 519-433-5184. Remembrances and performance by Julia LoRusso at 2:00 pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

AYEARST, Richard “Dick”…

Peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinsons. Beloved husband of Barbara for 63 years. Proud father of Mark, Nanci-Colleen and the late Michael. Loving poppy of Nolan (Beth), Jed, and Bette (Daniel). Great-grandfather of Ellis and Maya. Predeceased by his brothers William and John. Education was Dick’s lifelong career. In retirement he had a small antique business. He was a 50-year member of the Legion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed dancing, camping, travel and a dinner club with friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Karen Lo and the staff at Chesley Park LTC. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass celebrated at St. George Parish, 1164 Commissioners Road W, London at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dick may be made to the Parkinson Society and would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHEPARD, CONNIE…

In loving memory of Connie Shepard (nee Colleen Dolan), who passed away, on Thursday, October 31, 2024.  Predeceased by her first husband, Bruce, her daughters Barb (Tom) and Cath and her second husband John Murray. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Pat, and Jan (Brad); her grandchildren Matt and Kelly, Chris and Mellisa, Meg and Mike, Dan and Nicole and Andrew and Terra; and her great grandchildren Emma, Owen, Caitlynn, Allie, Graydon, Ivy, Amelia and Eden.

Colleen Dolan was born in Vasser, Michigan on September 11, 1924, to Ruth Warner. She was raised lovingly by her maternal grandparents Gus and Adelsi Warner until the age of five. She had many fond memories of life with her grandparents which included walks to the park with her grandpa and being called inside by her grandma.

She was moved to Detroit when her mother remarried.  She had a wonderful relationship with her brothers Howard, Bob and Larry which was maintained until their deaths despite living far away from each other.

When she started her first job as a teenager, her employer inadvertently misstated her name as Connie.  As she had never liked her birthname, she was happy to be known thereafter as Connie.

During WWII, Connie attended a dance for troops in Detroit and met a handsome Lieutenant in the Canadian navy. His name was Bruce Shepard. Ever the gentleman, when she visited Bruce in Montreal, he paid for her room in a separate hotel from his and upgraded her return train ticket to first class. After a whirl wind courtship, common during the war, they married.

Connie loved and respected her father-in-law Alfred and mother-in-law Violet. In particular, Connie admired and was inspired by her mother-in-law’s sophistication and intellect.  She, in many respects, modeled herself after her Violet. She was great friends with her in-laws Dorathy, Doug, Bob and Terry. She was an avid card player and loved to win.

Connie wanted to marry a man who would be very good to their children.  She chose very well.  Connie and Bruce were wonderful parents to four daughters.

Connie took her commitment to her new country very seriously.  When Bruce indicated he was going to vote for John Diefenbaker, Connie decided it was time to become a Canadian citizen, so she could vote.  She always knew her own mind.

Bruce’s family had a long tradition of cottaging in Muskoka.  In the early 1960s, Connie and Bruce were able to buy a portion of Stonewall Island on Lake Muskoka and build a family cottage compound.  The cottage was a very important part of their, their daughters and grandchildrens’ lives for many years.  The close bonds among the members of the extended Shepard family are directly attributable to the vacation times shared on Stonewall Island.

For a woman whose family meant everything, the loss of Bruce and her daughters Barb and Cath to cancer was devastating; a loss that was always with her.

Pat, Jan and family would like to thank the exceptional women of Extended Families for watching over Mom in her final year. She considered them friends and the family were comforted knowing that she was cared for by a talented team. A celebration of life will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be served. She will be interned in a private ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Colorectal Cancer Canada or Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shard at www.amgfh.com

LAPIERRE, Janet…

Janet Lapierre, 44, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. A registered nurse at LHSC Victoria Hospital, Janet brought kindness, compassion, and quiet strength to her work, touching the lives of countless patients and colleagues. Her gentle nature and warm spirit were a source of comfort to those around her.

Janet was the cherished partner of Brian Sutton-Quaid for 14 wonderful years. She was the beloved daughter of John and Dorothy Lapierre of Brockville, and a dear sister to Dianne Lapierre (Buuan Lam) of Waterloo. Janet’s role as an aunt to Tyler, Sophie, and Norah Lam, and Quinn Remisch brought her much joy, and she was a beloved daughter-in-law to Ann Sutton and Robert Quaid of Grand Bend, as well as a sister-in-law to Colin Sutton-Quaid (Kat Remisch).

Janet’s love for the outdoors and the natural world was evident in her life’s passions. An avid runner, she achieved a remarkable feat in her first year of diagnosis by running a half marathon, exemplifying her resilience and determination. Her love of birds was more than a pastime; it led her to complete a Master’s thesis on song sparrows, humorously remembered as “Old birds sing the hits.” Janet found joy in birdwatching, particularly on long hikes, camping trips, and cycling adventures. Winters brought her to the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, activities she embraced with the same quiet enthusiasm that defined her life.

Janet’s heart also belonged to her family and her beloved dog, Jimmy, who remained a constant source of companionship and comfort. She will be remembered for her gentleness, her passion for nature, and her steadfast, caring presence. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In following Janet’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 10:00 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed via the AMG YouTube channel.

To honor Janet, donations in her name may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formerly London Regional Cancer Program), c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 (https://www.lhsc.on.ca/verspeeten-family-cancer-centre/donate-now), or to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 365 Bloor Street East, Suite 1501, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4 (https://donate.natureconservancy.ca/page/25744/donate/1).

In celebrating Janet’s memory, we honor a life lived with grace, courage, and kindness. She will be profoundly missed.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com