Services & Obituaries

DRYSDALE, Larry

Roderick “Larry” Drysdale passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on Monday, December 30th, 2024. He was 84. Loving father of Carla Drysdale of France. Dear grandfather of David and Rafael. Beloved brother of Heather (John), Gordon, Harvey (Gladys), Catherine (Jim), Patrick (Catherine) and Mary-Lynn (Robert). Predeceased by his brother Dick. Larry will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

Larry was an avid and accomplished distance runner who competed in many road races including the prestigious Boston Marathon, twice. He was fond of exercise at the YMCA, as well as walking, sports, horses, crosswords, fifties music and gunpowder green tea at noon at “CCs” — but his biggest passion was sharing in conversation with his family and friends.

A talented land surveyor and draftsman, Larry worked on many city maps during his 30-plus year career at London City Hall as an Engineering Assistant.

Larry always tried to help the less fortunate and in particular he helped youth trying to find opportunities and their own path. He was known for his soft spoken nature, his kindness, his tolerance of others, his generosity, his humour, his great smile and his big heart. As Larry often said at the end of calls with his grandsons, “Awwwoooo!”

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 2:00-2:45 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm. Donations in memory of Larry may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BULLAS, Loraine “Lori”

Loraine, fondly known by some as Lori, died peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 81 at Country Terrace Nursing Home, Komoka.

Lori was born in 1943 in Thunder Bay, Ontario to Anne and Mac Hugar.  She was the oldest of 3 girls.  Lori moved to London with her daughter in 1969 to start life anew.  London became her home, but she always felt a great connection to her hometown.  She loved the London Knights, reading, knitting and history, but most of all her family and friends.  According to her granddaughter Diana – and many others, she made a bomb-ass apple pie!  Also known for her perogies and Christmas celebrations.

Beloved wife of the late Leonard “Len” Bullas (2020). They shared many happy years together.

Loving mother of Laurel Belki and step-mother of Steve (Samantha) Bullas, Brad (Ruth) Bullas and Jeff (Dina) Bullas.

Cherished Nana of Mac, Tori, Brett, Diana, Emily (Dylan), Cole (Jess), Tyler (Sheri), Ryan, Nathan, Jeff Jr. (Sydney) and Liam.  Proud great grandmother to Ivy and Violet.

Lori is survived by her sister Faye Hugar of Eholt, BC and many friends.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will be held in the warmer months at Woodland Cemetery, London. A public Celebration of Life will be held at later date.

In memory of Loraine, the family would appreciate any donations being made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1.

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

STUART, Lorraine…

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Lillian Stuart on Friday, January 3, 2025. She passed away at the age of 75 at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario.

Dearest Mother of Tanya (Brett). Cherished Nana of Brayden and Mason. Dear Sister of Dan (Lois), and Albert (Phyllis). She was also a beloved Aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Albert and Shelauh Stuart and her brother Patrick.

Lorraine had a zest for life. She radiated kindness and positivity and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her kind and genuine nature was unmatched. She loved meeting people and could spend much time engaging in conversations with complete strangers who would in turn become friends. Her love for her grandchildren was beyond grand and she put them first even until her last breath.

Cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm.

In memory of Lorraine, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7 or Anova: A Future Without Violence, 255 Horton Street East, 3rd Floor, London, ON N6B 1L1.

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

GRASBY, H. June….
Peacefully, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Kingsway Lodge, St. Marys, June Grasby passed away in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Carman (2016) for over 65 years. Dear mother of Al (Elizabeth) Grasby and Bill (Cathy) Grasby. Proud grandmother of Sarah (Martin), Matthew (Staci), Luke (Jill), and Paul (Hannah). Great-grandmother to Chloe, Lincoln, and Ryann. Predeceased by her sisters Rose, Marjorie, Violet, Betty and her brother Dan. A special thank you to the staff at Kingsway Lodge Retirement Home for their loving care of “Junebug”. Keeping with June’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to Kingsway Lodge. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KOCH, Susanne…
It is with a heavy heart that I share that Susanne Koch passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 in her 53rd year. Beloved wife of Damian for 21 years. Loving mother of Jordan and Mason. Cherished daughter of Albert and the late Marilyn Osborne. Also loved by Carol and Andrew. Susanne will also be missed by her dear friends Natalie and Heidi.
Susanne was an inspirational, dedicated, caring and loving wife, mother and friend. She put everyone else’s needs before her own. She had been employed by The Children’s Aid Society, Participation House and currently a long standing employee at Community Living London. She only wanted to work for an organization that would make a difference in people’s lives and touch their hearts. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends and her pets Bella our dog, Calico and Phoenix our two cats. She also loved spending time at our cottage and at the beach in Port Stanley. All these memories will be remembered deeply in our hearts forever and ever.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 2-4pm and Friday, January 10, 2025 from 10-10:45am at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will follow in the funeral home chapel on Friday at 11am. Donations in memory of Susanne may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Please pray for God’s love, peace,
support and togetherness in this
difficult time. Thank you

MARTIN, James “Jim”
James “Jim” Martin passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30th, 2024 in his 77th year. Loving father of David Horne. Dear brother of Barbara Martin, Stephen Martin, Janet Morton (Reg), Catherine Shaw (Brian), and Ronald Martin (Pamela). Beloved uncle of Dana, Nicole, Natalie, Christina, Laura, Martin, Elizabeth, Brandon and Ryan. Jim will also be missed by his great nieces and nephews.
Jim was a passionate sports enthusiast who loved golf, baseball, hockey, visiting the gym, squash, and staying active through various other sports. He found joy in cycling and cherished the camaraderie of being a proud member of Toastmasters. Jim’s vibrant spirit and dedication to his passions will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care-St. Mary’s Side, along with the nurses and doctors at University Hospital for their exceptional care of Jim.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 10-10:45am. Service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to your local Food Bank. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Brunt, Hazel Isabella (nee Murray)

Hazel died peacefully on December 29th, 2024, at the age of 100. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Peter in 1997. Hazel leaves behind daughters Elaine (Tom) and Wendy (Alex); grandchildren Mee-Ja (Shuhei), Marc (Molly), Justin (Lisa), Aaron (Mel), Laura (François), and Bradley (Lauren); and great-grandchildren Masaru, Maggie, Ryan, Olivia, Chloe, Cassie, Harry, Raphaël, Evelyn, William and Zoe.
Born July 25, 1924 to parents Edith and Murdo, in rural Québec, Hazel had vivid memories of her close knit family. She was the third of seven children and is predeceased by all her siblings (Mavis, Lennox, Alene, Walter, George and Martha), and countless dear friends. She is remembered with fondness by sisters-in-law Nancy and Phyllis, cousin Stanley, and many nieces and nephews.
Excelling at school and chosen valedictorian in her final year, Hazel’s goal was to become a nurse. When a brief illness with heart complications prevented her from completing her training, she channelled her disappointment into business studies and started work in a Montreal office. Through a co-worker, she met her husband Peter. He had served with the Royal Canadian Navy on the HMCS Restigouche. They were married in 1946, and Peter completed his education degree and taught at various Montreal high schools. They settled in family housing for Veterans in Crawford Park, Montreal, where their daughters were raised. Their modest home was always a place of welcome for visiting family and friends.
Hazel was a devoted wife, skilled homemaker and caring mother. Always resourceful with a limited budget, she excelled at cooking, baking and cake decorating. A talented seamstress, she made special outfits for her daughters and contributed to many church bazaars. She was artistic and produced delightful paper crafts and cards. She created lovely works of embroidery and crewel for her home and as gifts to others. Her handwriting was renowned. She had a flair for décor and was often teased about her furniture rearranging and refurbishing. She was known for her love of colour, especially deep red, and was often complimented for her outfits.
In 1977, the family left Quebec. Elaine’s family was transferred to Vancouver, BC and Wendy’s family moved to London, Ontario. Hazel and Peter also resettled in London and lived in the Cherryhill complex. Hazel and Peter spent the winter months in Florida visiting Peter’s brother, John and sister in law, Jean, where they made many new friends. Hazel and Peter drove yearly to Manitoba to visit Hazel’s parents and family and to Vancouver to spend time with Elaine and Tom and their children.
Other travels involved trips through Canada and the United States. Following Peter’s death, Hazel continued her love of adventure to include visits to Newfoundland, Bermuda, Israel, and hiking in the Rockies.
Hazel enjoyed being included in Wendy’s family events and circle of friends over the years, was part of discussion groups and delighted in all choral events, particularly those of the Amabile choirs. One of her favourite places was Wendy’s backyard garden, where she could sit quietly and listen to birdsong.
Hazel’s empathy for others was exceptional. From regular visits to seniors in care homes in Montreal, to forming a support group for widows and widowers in London after Peter died, to initially serving on the welcoming committee at Masonville Manor where she moved to in 2012 – she cared about people who felt alone and was an attentive and cheerful listener.
As a member of Riverside United Church, for many years, she phoned each of the ten households named in the printed worship bulletin, leaving a message of blessing and encouragement if they were not at home. She was formally recognized by the congregation for her compassionate ministry. This role meant a great deal to her and was especially important during the period of Covid isolation.
In the last few years, her declining health made it more difficult for her to interact with others. Wendy and Alex spent time with her each day and oversaw an increasing number of personal support workers. The family wishes especially to acknowledge her personal support worker Heather, Masonville manager Sandra Taggert, and resident Luisa Pires, a caring friend. In recent months, Hazel especially appreciated visits from Don and Sue Curtis and Nancy Murray. On her 100th birthday, she received over 100 cards and messages and was celebrated at a birthday tea held at Masonville Manor. Hazel never lost her beautiful smile and continued to receive compliments about her attractive outfits. She will be missed by many whose lives she touched.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Hazel for Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Peter ‘Pete’ Greenwood passed away in London, Ontario on December 23, 2024 in his 51^st year. Loving brother of Ann Greenwood (Amanda Maltby) of Manotick and Lynn Greenwood (Shannon Wright) of Toronto. Dear son of the late Bill and Madeleine Greenwood. Cherished uncle to Kate and Tyler Greenwood who he thought the world of. Peter will also be missed by his friends and extended family. He was a well respected and well liked financial planner for several years and had recently joined the London Mission as his way of giving back. Pete shared a love of cars with his mother and loved to watch old silly movies with his father. He cherished his family and friends and loved to help out anyone who needed him.  Family and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations in memory of Peter may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ELLUL, Ralph

Peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Ralph passed away with family by his side. Cherished husband of Vivien (nee Bracken) Ellul for 55 years. Adored father of Jonathan Ellul (Amelie Lefebvre) and Natalie (Jeff) Pratt. Proud Nannu of Cameron, Charles, Eloise and Rosalie. Dear brother of Frances Vella and Moncia Davis. Brother-in-law to Ruth Bracken and Dolores Bracken. Predeceased by his siblings, May Ellul, Carmen Balaisis, Joesph Ellul, Lydia Coleiro and his sister-in-law Mary Galea and brothers-in-law, Carl Vella, Joseph Coleiro, Daniel Bracken and Fredric Bracken and his great nephew Tyler Coleiro. Loving son of the late Alfred and Rose Ellul and his in-laws William and Rachel Bracken. Beloved uncle to his adored nieces and nephews and countless Godchildren. Ralph will be missed by many extended family members and friends as he was known as the mayor of Mathers Street.
Ralph was a lover of bread and people. He had many friends throughout his career at CIBC, Central Chevrolet and Cochrane Pontiac & Buick and Courtesy (Motion) Ford Lincoln where he put in many dedicated years. Ralph was known for his joie de vivre and his cheeky sense of humour. Ralph was an active member of St. Justin’s Parish including The Knights of Columbus and music ministry. The last 17 months of his life were spent being happily and lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff at Glendale Crossing, in the Brighton neighbourhood.
Family and friends are welcome to visitation on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Blvd, London on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held an hour prior from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ralph may be made to The Tyler Coleiro 873 Foundation. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

van Kampen, Dela
December 3, 1935 – December 25, 2024

Dela van Kampen went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at 89 years of age. Beloved wife of the late John (Jan) van Kampen who passed away in 2007. Dela will be missed by her five surviving children and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dearly loved mother and grandmother to Joanna and Derrick Boom (Nathan & Ashley, Joshua, Matthew, Michael) of Redding, California, Elsa van Kampen of Bracebridge, late Anita and late Wes Savage of Pickering, Joyce and Douglas Idema (Jodi & Matthew, Tanya & Matthew, Rebecca & Brandon, Sean & Darsana) of London, Audrey and Ed Laengert (Zachary, Kathryn) of Etobicoke, Roland and Jane van Kampen (Jonathan) of Brigden. Also missed by 14 great grandchildren and relatives in Holland. Visitation will take place on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Southdale Bible Chapel, 1214 Southdale Road, London. The funeral service will take place immediately following visitation at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary at Southdale Bible Chapel (Bob Fletcher officiating). The service will be livestreamed via Youtube. Interment is at Pond Mills Cemetery for family. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the London Youth for Christ (254 Adelaide St. South, London, ON N5Z 3L1) or New Life Prison Ministries (P.O. Box 6111, STN B, London, ON, N6A 0G7). Many thanks to LHSC Stroke Unit and Kensington Village Long Term Care for their amazing and loving care for our mom these past months. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (519-433-5184). Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com