Services & Obituaries

ROBERT MCLEOD, B.A. — Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at home, in his 77th year. Bob was the beloved and loving husband of almost 55 years to Marilyn McLeod (nee Shaver) and will be dearly missed by his children Heather Lord (Jim), Janet Wortel (Ron), and Cathy Thompson (Richard). Deeply saddened are his six dearly loved grandchildren Ian and Liam, Marechal and Ava, and Alyssa and Ryan. Bob’s big laugh and warm heart will also be missed by his siblings and their families: Ken (Catherine), Margaret Hodgins (late Grant). Predeceased by his parents Bob Sr. and Win McLeod and his brother Norm McLeod (Norah). Many are the true friends he made and with whom his memory remains. Living all his life in south London, Bob served always to improve the lives of others, as a scout leader, at Calvary United Church and in his Glen Cairn neighbourhood. No matter a person’s age or stage, Bob took great pleasure in listening to and helping others. He thoroughly enjoyed his students as a woodworking teacher during his career as well as his hobbies of sport hunting dogs, fishing, and reading on the porch of his Kincardine cottage. As an avid naturalist, Bob helped to ensure the protection of water and air quality in the Pond Mills area through community action. In 2013, Bob humbly accepted a Queen’s Jubilee Medal for lifetime community service. Even one week before his death, Bob attended as a volunteer, a Glen Cairn Resource Centre event, riding as always, in a vehicle big enough for his woodworking projects. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary United Church, 290 Ridout Street South, London ON N6C 3Z1, with Reverend Kenji Marui officiating. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Prostate Cancer Canada, 2 Lombard Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto ON M5C 1M1 or Calvary United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

WILKER, Mark….
Passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday April 21, 2015 at Parkwood Institute in his 53rd year. Cherished son to Donna Gagen and the late Howard Wilker. Loving brother to Michael (Annette) Wilker, Jeff (Danielle) Wilker, Dave (Jerri) Gagen, Barb (Mike) McCreight, and Cyndi Gagen. Mark will be sadly missed by his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended families. A special Thank You to the caring and compassionate staff on 3AE at Parkwood Institute. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, South, on Saturday April 25, 2015 from 10-11 am, where the Memorial Service will be officiated by Reverend Philip Newman at 11 am. Cremation has taken place. Private family interment at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to the London Regional Cancer Program, 800 Commissioners Road, London ON, N6A 5W9, or CMHA Middlesex 534 Queen Street, London ON N6B 1Y6, would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HEENAN, KATHLEEN…

Kathleen (Kitty) Heenan died peacefully at home, on April 20th 2015. Predeceased by her parents, and siblings Doreen (George) Merrifield and Molly (Bob) Hall. Born in Saskatchewan, Kitty was a long time resident of Ingersoll and London. Kitty leaves behind her nieces and nephews Scott (Patricia), Paul (Sophie), Brock (Heather), Pamela (Phil), Steve (Lisa), and Susan (Brian) in addition to many great (and great great) nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by her extended Ingersoll family including Lynn Tye, and the Lewicki clan. Special appreciation to Linda Powers as well as the caring staff at Highview Residences. Thank you all for being there for our Aunt. St. Paul’s Cathedral was always an important part of her life, and a great source of inspiration and friendship, not only for her, but for Brock and his family during her times of need. Brock and Kitty shared a fondness for the CBC Radio, and the Globe and Mail (especially the wonderful life stories in the Saturday obituaries). And few had a royal sense of humour like Kitty did – “Age is a number, and mine is unlisted”. At Kitty’s request, no funeral will be held. Please keep her in your prayers. Donations may be made to St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3E6 or to the Alzheimer’s Society , 435 Windermere Rd, London, ON N5X 2T1 or further research.
Cups and saucers, plates and dishes – Little girls with calico britches – We all love you, Kathleen Stewart – We all love you, yes we do.

WATKIN, Claris C……..
Passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons, on Sunday April 19, 2015, at Henley Place Long Term Care, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Gord Watkin.
Loving mother of Dr. Dan (Vicki) Watkin, Dr. Janis Watkin, and Brian (Sue) Watkin.
Cherished Grandma to Lindsay Watkin, Allison (Will) Scully, Ashley Watkin, Gordon Watkin, and Jeffrey Watkin, and her great-grandsons Liam and Alec Scully.
Much loved sister to Mary Ellen (Bob) Young.
Predeceased by her brother Isidor Bieman, daughter Lyn Watkin, and son-in-law Dr. Morton Ross.
Claris will be sadly missed by her many nieces, nephews and friends.
Friends will be received by the family at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Friday April 24, 2015 from 10-11am, with the funeral service at 11am. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Mission Services of London 415 Hamilton Road, London ON N5Z 1S1.
Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McRorie, William Campbell – Formerly of Warwick and Sarnia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, in Victoria Hospital, London on Sunday April 19, 2015 at age 95. Predeceased by his beloved wife Alma (Kernohan, 2005). Loving father to the late Donald (2012) and his surviving wife Marilyn, Allen (Katie Rice) of St. Thomas, Nancy Cates (Gerald) of Forest, Margaret Frayne (Leslie) of Fergus, Mary Greenwood (Chris) and Carolyn Linsdell (Laurence, 2005). Cherished grandfather to David, Karen, Michael, Deanne, Julie, Scott, Mark, Paul, Craig, Lee, Kyle and Geoffrey. Proud great grandfather of 13. Survived by his sister Helen (McRae) of Peterborough and predeceased by sister Florence (Main 2010) of Forest. Bill farmed on the Egremont Road, Warwick until 1964, served on Warwick Council and Lambton County Council and retired in 1983 as Clerk Administrator of Lambton County. In retirement, Bill enjoyed golfing, bowling and reading. To Bill, his family was always most important. Bill treasured his many friendships, including those at Chartwell Riverside Retirement Home. On Saturday April 25, 2015 at Mount Zion United Church, the family will receive visitors from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 11:00 AM with the reception to follow. Mount Zion United Church is located at 471 Ridgewood Cres. South, London. The interment will be at Warwick Cemetery following the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Zion United Church, S.H.A.R.E. Agricultural Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online donations and condolences at www.amgfh.com (A Millard George Funeral Home).

SMITH, Ken….

At Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, on Thursday, April 16, 2015, Ken Smith in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Forsyth) Smith (January 2015). Predeceased by his siblings William Smith, Beatrice McGregor, Phyllis Smith and Chrissie Landers. Dearly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, friends in Kirkland Lake and Scotland. Ken will be missed by his close friends; Joan and Jim Paquette, Shirley Kelly (the late Bill) and family and Fred and Cheryl Tierney. Thank you to all the staff at Chelsey Park for the wonderful care and kindness. Ken was a very kind and gentle man. He was a loving husband of Dorothy for 68 years. Friends will be received one hour prior (10-11am) to the funeral service being conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 11am. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society,123 St. George Street, London ON N6A 3A1 or Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOODMAN, Margaret…..

Peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, Margaret (Lowman) Goodman, in her 79th year. Beloved wife of the late David Goodman (2002). Loving sister of Dorothy Murphy (late Charles) and Cathy Ellison (Gerry). Margaret will be missed by her children Steve, Jeff, Susie and their families. Cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her siblings Bill Lowman, Jim Lowman and Betty Allison. A special thank you to the staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior (10-11am) to the memorial service on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private family interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O Box 1449, Station B, London ON N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCCREADIE, John….

Suddenly on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, John McCreadie of London in his 99th year. Much beloved brother of Peggy Sinclair (late Fred). Predeceased by his sister Bessie McCreadie. Cherished and loved uncle of Alan Sinclair (Martha), Bruce Sinclair and Mari Leatham (Skip), great-uncle to Nicole, Joe, Jeff, Caitlin, Stacey, Eric, Marlo, Minnie, and great-great-uncle to Lincoln. John was a proud WWII Veteran and member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Cremation has taken place, with interment in Prospect Cemetery, Toronto. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of choice. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BENNETT, Roberta…

Peacefully at Elmwood Place, London, on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Roberta (Brown) in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Earl Bennett (2004). Loving and devoted mother to Susan (Robert) Bice and Linda “Lynn” (Darryl “Billy”) Whitworth. Cherished “Nana” to Rob (Heather) Bice, Cori (Laurence) Longman, Tracy (Ian) Barclay and Ethan Eckstein. Greatly missed by her great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Taylor, Brendan and Megan Bice and Joey Barclay. Dear sister of Jean Brown of London. Predeceased by her sister Agnes Barker. Also remembered by many nieces and nephews. Thank you to the special people at Elmwood Place Long Term Care, you know who you are. Friends will be received by the family two hours prior (12 – 2 p.m.) on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 2 p.m. Interment in Grove Cemetery, London, ON. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or Heart and Stroke Foundation, 150-633 Colborne St, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GAUTHIER, Angela….

At Victoria Hospital, London, after a courageous battle with Leukemia, Angela’s family announces her peaceful passing, on Saturday, April 11, 2015, in her 51st year. Beloved daughter of Roger and the late Audrey Gauthier (2009). Cherished sister of Christine (Mike) Bennett and Stephen (Kim) Gauthier. Amazing “aunt Ang” to Jake (Laurin), Julie, David (Tenisha) and Darcey. Angela will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends. She was a person who had a sense of humor, lots of stories to tell and a heart of gold, those who knew her, “knew her”! Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street, South , London, where the memorial service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. Cremation and interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, ON. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street, North, London, ON N3B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com