Services & Obituaries

BERGSMA, Richard “Rick”…

In His perfect timing, the Lord called to Himself his child, Richard Bergsma, on March 5, 2024, at the age of 61. Beloved husband to Marjorie (nee Smouter) for 37 years. Loving father to Wes (Amy) Bergsma, Hannah (Matt) Ormel, Jessica (Greg) Slaa, Joel (Becca) Bergsma, and Olivia (Josh) Sloots. Dear Grandpa to Lilianna, Mason, Everly, Gabrielle, Isla, Elanor, Emerson, Beckett, Reid, Ivy, and two grandchildren yet to be born. Dearly loved son to Annemarie Bergsma, and brother to Karen (Jan) Nobel, Marianne (Ed) Slaa, and Heather (Richard) Aikema. Dear son-in-law to Freda Smouter, and brother-in-law to Eleanor (Peter) Boeringa, Ron Smouter, and Dave (Tonya) Smouter. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father, Dirk Bergsma, and father-in-law, William Smouter.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Rick graduated from Fanshawe College as a Civil Engineering Technician, and began his career in construction with Bach-McDougall Engineers and Contractors Ltd. In 1994, Rick established his own company, and began focusing on commercial renovations as a general contractor in and around London, under the name Proberg Construction Ltd. Rick loved the outdoors, camping and cottaging with family, and found challenge and satisfaction in building and fixing anything that came his way. With willing hands and heart, he served the Lord, his family and his community, often in practical ways, wherever he saw a need.

His sudden departure from our lives was in God’s appointed time. Although difficult for us to comprehend, we are comforted by knowing that “…all the days ordained for [him] were written in your book” (Psalm 139:16), and find hope in the sure promises of the resurrection.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 12 pm at Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church, 266 High Street, London.  A livestream of the service can be found at https://youtube.com/live/VRzhYDb2QtM?feature=share. Private family interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

In Rick’s memory, donations may be made to The House of Prayer. Cheques may be made payable to Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church, and in the memo line specify for “The House of Prayer”, mailed to PO Box 9072 White Oak Postal, London, ON, N6E 3P3. E-transfers can also be sent to cheerfulpilgrim266@gmail.com, and in the note section specify for “The House of Prayer”. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Wood, Albert R.
March 4, 1928 – February 28, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the Family of Albert R. Wood announces his sudden passing on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Kensington Village Retirement Home in London, Ontario.

In his 96th year, Albert (Bert) will be reunited with his predeceased and loving wife of 62 years, Vivian (nee Krikorian) who passed away on March 14, 2020. Bert will be reunited with his parents Albert and Ada and his sisters Shirley, June and Ruth.

Bert was born first of seven children in Hamilton, Ontario, where he graduated from the Hamilton Technical Institute High School in 1947. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Queens University in 1951 and an MBA at Western University in 1957. To complete his academic learning, Bert obtained a Doctor of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1962.

Bert had a long and distinguished career at Western Business School (now known as the Ivey School of Business), retiring in 1993. He founded the Production and Operations Management Course in 1970, one of the few programs of its type at the time. There is also a Convocation Award in his name, the A. R. Wood HBA Award, for an HBA student with outstanding academic achievement in the HBA1 Operations Management Course.

As an Invited Lecturer, Bert taught at the London Business School in London England; University of Warwick, London, England; University College, Cork, Ireland and was a visiting Professor at the International University of Japan, Urasa, Japan.

He was known for being an approachable and inspiring educator with a great passion for his field.

Bert will be deeply mourned by many close friends and family. He leaves behind one sister, Joyce (Rowett) and brothers Kenneth and Stephen and his wife, Susan. He was an adoring Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews plus numerous cousins. Bert truly enjoyed reading, playing bridge with a group of friends and was an avid birdwatcher in many areas of Ontario, particularly in Rondeau Park and at Point Pelee. He had a gentle humour, an inquiring mind and unparalleled love of British novels, gardening and crossword puzzles.

The family would like to extend their sincere and heartfelt Thanks to the Staff at Kensington Village as well as Bert’s Care Team of care givers from the At Your Service for Seniors organization.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 12:30 pm. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available by visiting the AMG Funeral Home Youtube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. To honour Bert’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the A.R. Wood HBA Award, at Western University; attention Kendra Lealess, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University) or by calling 519-661-4200 or online at www.westernconnect.ca/wood. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MADDEFORD, George Edward “Ted”…

Unexpectedly at home, Ted Maddeford of Ingersoll passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024 in his 82nd year. Ted was born in London in September of 1942. He grew up in south London with his parents Charles and Louise, and his brothers Bill and John. He attended South Secondary School and the University of Western Ontario, then Althouse College as a teacher of history. He taught in Ingersoll for many years. He worked for the Department of Lands and Forests at the Pinery. Ted was an excellent field man as an ornithologist. His desire to travel increased as he got older and he travelled to several countries in search of birds. He volunteered for Bird Studies Canada at Long Point for many years, and cherished the friendships he made there. He enjoyed yearly visits to Pelee with his good friend Neil Desborough. In his retirement, he could often be found with his teaching friends enjoying golf, curling, bowling and trivia contests. At home, he could be found quietly enjoying a puzzle. Ted was predeceased by his parents Charles and Louise. He is survived by his brothers Bill (the late Joanne) and John (Donna) Maddeford, his nieces and nephews Christopher Maddeford (Jennifer), Eric Maddeford (Jan), Michael Maddeford, Jacquelyn Shore (Steve), Patrick Maddeford, and Trecia Harley (Craig) and their families. He will also be dearly missed by his cousins Bev and Doug. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In Ted’s memory, sympathy donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or Birds Canada, 115 Front Road, PO Box 160, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ASTLES, Reta Netanis…

We are grateful for the life of Reta Netanis Astles (nee Mayberry), who passed away peacefully at her residence at Grand Wood Park in London on February 29, 2024, at the age of 103. A resident of Windsor for most of her life, Reta was predeceased by her husband George Astles and their son David Astles. She is survived by her daughter Karen Butt (Bill), four grandchildren, and nine beloved great grandchildren. Reta worked for many years at the Windsor office of what was then Ontario Hydro, and in her spare time enjoyed knitting, reading, her United Church, and warm-weather activities at her family cottage at Invercairn Beach on Lake Huron. Many will remember and miss her humour, kindness, loyalty, common sense and community spirit. Cremation has taken place and a family ceremony of interment will take place at a later date at Victoria Memorial Cemetery in Windsor. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STEPHEN, Tom

Tom passed away suddenly of natural causes on Friday, February 23, 2024 in his 54^th year. Loving father to his son Andrew Stephen.  Cherished son of LaVonne (the late Michael) and Robert (Marlene).  Dear brother of Lesile (Frank) Pinder.  Special uncle to Leah and Julia.  Tom will be lovingly remembered by his extended family and friends. Spending time with his family brought Tom great joy. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacKINNON, Helena…

Peacefully with her family by her side, Helena (nee Pippy) MacKinnon passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at University Hospital, London, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of the late Reverend Farquhar “Fred” MacKinnon (2008). Loving mother of Brian MacKinnon and his wife Cindy and Melody MacKinnon. Cherished grandmother “Nanny” of Timothy MacKinnon and his wife Mandi and Amy MacKinnon. Adored great-grandmother “Nanny” of Samuel and Olivia MacKinnon. Dear sister of Kathryn Pippy, Norman Pippy and his wife Donna and Nancy Pippy (all of PEI). Also missed by her sisters and brothers-in-law Greta Pippy (of PEI), Alex MacKinnon and his wife Mayrene (of Texas), Harvey MacKinnon and his wife Laura (of Cape Breton), Christine MacDonald (of Cape Breton), Mary Lyon (of Nova Scotia) and Carol Pippy (of PEI). Predeceased by her infant son Neil Willard MacKinnon, her brothers Aubrey Pippy and Bruce Pippy, her brothers-in-law Roger Fryer, Gordon MacDonald and Jim Lyon, and sister-in-law Florella MacKinnon. Helena is also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Helena was a lifelong devoted member of the United Church of Canada. She was a kind and generous woman and loved to help all those in need. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles in her spare time and spending time with her family.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 2 pm at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London. In memory of Helena, sympathy donations may me made to Operation Smile Canada, 204-375 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2J5 or London Community Chaplaincy, P.O. Box 37085, 900 Adelaide Street, London, ON N6E 3T3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COLLINS, John Thomas

John Thomas Collins, a kind soul known for his loving nature and friendly demeanor, passed away suddenly on February 26, 2024, in his 68th year. Born on July 23, 1956, in his hometown of London, Ontario, John’s life was a testament to the joy and warmth he brought to those around him. He is pre-deceased by his parents, David and Roberta Collins and his brother, James Robert Collins.

John spent his entire life in London.  He was a beacon of light in the community, always ready with a helping hand or a friendly word. His presence was a constant source of happiness for everyone who knew him.

Family was the cornerstone of John’s life. He is lovingly remembered by his nieces Sarah and Isabella, nephew Jake, sister-in-law Silvana and brother Mike (Olga). John’s legacy of love and kindness will live on through them and the many lives he touched.

John’s passion for his model train collection was well-known among his friends and family. His eyes would light up with joy as he meticulously set up his miniature locomotives and carriages. This hobby was more than just a pastime; it was a reflection of John’s attention to detail and the simple pleasures he cherished.

Those who had the privilege of knowing John would describe him as an embodiment of love, kindness, and friendship. He approached life with a gentle spirit and a generous heart, always seeing the best in people and situations. John’s positive outlook and amiable nature left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He will be sadly missed by staff members of Alice Saddy Association, Ruth, Nicole, Louis…and especially by his roommate Chester.

John’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, but his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.  John will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love and friendship will endure forever.

The family wishes to express their eternal gratitude to the amazing counsellors at Alice Saddy for their love and support shown to John over more than thirty-five years!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alice Saddy Association, 457 King Street,  London Ontario  N6B 1S8   www.alicesaddy.com/

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will occur at a later date to be announced. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GLADWISH, James

Peacefully at Earl’s Court Village, London on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, James passed away at the age of 89. Reunited with  his one true love and soul mate Margaret Gladwish (2023). Devoted and loving father of Alice Wiseman and her husband Michael and Heather Smith and her husband Gary. Proud grandpa of Matthew, Lucas, Mason, and Brooke.  Predeceased by his siblings, Charlotte (Johnny), Bob (Marlene) and Dave (Joyce). Survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Smith (Doug) and Marlene Gladwish.  James was adored by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation from 10:45 am- 11:45 am, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron), 1344 Commissioners Road West, London. A private masonic service will be held under the auspices of Ashlar Lodge No. 60 A.F. & A.M.  at 11:45 am in the chapel. The funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society – Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 in honour of Margaret or to The St. Anne’s Anglican Church Memorial Fund, 1344 Commissioners Road West, London, ON N6K 1E1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FERRIGGI, Julien Joseph “Joe”…

Julien Joseph “Joe” Ferriggi passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Shirley Ferriggi. They were lucky to share 30 beautiful years together. Loving father of Kerry Bailey (Jamie), and step-father of Andrea Dahl (Len) and Lee Finnigan (Jacqueline). Cherished grandfather of Cassandra Ferriggi, Jamie Lynn McCallum (Robbie), Dylan Dahl, Jessica Dahl and Josie Dahl. Great-grandfather of nine. Predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Claire Ferriggi, his sister Carmen Ferriggi, and his great-granddaughter Angel McCallum.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 1-2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South. The memorial service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Future interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CAMERON, Joan

Peacefully in her sleep, Martha Joan Cameron (nee MacGillivray) passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in London, Ontario. Joan was predeceased by her parents Annabel Bailey (nee Smith) and Lester Barclay MacGillivray. Beloved wife of the late Donald Malcolm Cameron (1995) . Joan was born in San Francisco on September 25, 1924. Joan is survived by her three children Martha (Robert) McLaughlin, Donald (Megan) and Drew (Darlene). Loving Grandy to Ryan (Kelly), Travis (Grace), Kelly (Ben) and Danielle (Matt). Great-grandmother to Clare, Scotti, Demi, Harrison, and Blake.
Joan spent her youth living in Toronto prior to moving to London. She developed wonderful friendships at Central Collegiate and over the summers at Port Stanley . Subsequent to her marriage to Don, summers at Rondeau became a family tradition. Joan was a wonderful cook, enjoyed entertaining, time with friends, bridge, tennis and the Maycourt Club. A small family gathering will be held in a few weeks. Donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com