Services & Obituaries

TOPPING, Doug…..

Surrounded by his partner, family, and trusted friends, Doug Topping passed peacefully away on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Victoria Hospital at age 56. Beloved partner of Meagan Piccirilli. Devoted son of Glen and Marie Topping. Loving father of Sara (Darryn) Dresdner and Amanda Topping (Mike Armstrong). Cherished grandpa of Jordan and Brandon Dresdner, Baby brother of Barb (Bluch) Moore and Linda (Garry) Graham. Dearly missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends, including little Mister and Bear-lee. Doug lived on the Topping farm throughout his lifetime enjoying many passions including hunting, fishing, cooking, gardening, and teasing us all. Doug put everyone first and did so much for many. He will be truly missed by us all. Friends will be received by the family from 6-8pm on Friday, February 20, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private service will be held the following day. Please join us for a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Health Sciences Centre Foundation – Critical Care Trauma Centre (CCTC), 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

NIEDRA, Ausma Biruta….

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at LHSC-University Hospital, London, Ausma (Bekmanis) Niedra, in her 92 year. Beloved mother of Baiba (Alan) Wimperis of Rodney & Valdis Niedra of Strathroy . Dear sister of Gunar (Indra) Bekmanis and niece Santa. Ausma will be fondly remembered by her cousins Edgars and Ilgvars Senbergs in Latvia, by her in-laws Harold (Pauline) Wimperis and Schmutz and Amber, her 2 very best friends with fur. Predeceased by both her parents Janis Valdis (Emilija) Bekmanis. A heartfelt thank you to her dear long-time neighbours, Steve and Normy Davies, who watched over her day and night with much love; Elizabeth Marroquin, her loving personal caregiver of 7 years, a genuinely wonderful, giving and deeply loyal soul, Marion Brown, who also cared for her mother, Emilija, before her, whom shared a friendship and passion for the arts and Alzheimer’s Outreach Services staff at the McCormick Home where mom spent many blissful and productive days for the past 8 years. “Club is good!” Mom “Princess” was funny, silly and quite spry for her age. Saturdays were our family days filled with laughter and memories that will always be treasured. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior (12:30-1:30pm) on Wednesday, February, 18th at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 1:30pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London ON. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Outreach Services of McCormick Home, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TAYLOR, Linda…..

Peacefully surrounded by her husband and friends in Florida, on Friday, February 13, 2015, Linda (Gooch) Taylor in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Gary Taylor for 36 years. Step-mother of Russell and Margaret. Loving sister of David and Barbara and sister-in-law of Pete Taylor (Mary), Susan Dyson (Jim) and Fred Enns. Missed by her nieces, nephews, friends and loving companion Molly (dog). Predeceased by her parents Bill and Ruth Gooch and her brother Bill Jr. and sister-in-law Diane Enns. Friends will be received by the family one hour prior (10-11am) to the Celebration of Linda’s life being conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 11 am. Interment following in St. Marys Cemetery at 2:30 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London ON N6B 3H8 or the London Health Sciences Centre Foundation – University Hospital, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KAY, Reverend Gale Ann…

Peacefully Gale passed into the arms of her Lord, on Friday, February 13, 2015 at Parkwood Hospital, London, in her 76th year. Gale, daughter of the late Bella (McLean) and James Kay spent her childhood and teen years in Guelph, ON. Gale lived a rich and full life as a devout Christian, she taught elementary school children, became a deaconess and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. The last 17 years of her working life were spent as a chaplain at Parkwood Hospital, London. Remembering Gale with much love and admiration are her brothers; The Rev. J. Beverley Kay (Isobel) of Armstrong, BC and Kenneth A. Kay (Leanne) of Guelph, ON and numerous relatives. Amazing aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt to her nieces and nephews. Gale is lovingly remembered by each and every one of us with whom she shared her special gifts. Special gratitude to those who supported Gale through her final journey in this life; the staff of the London C.C.A.C, Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Hospital, Dr. Susan McNair and her dear friends Madeline Campbell, Mary and Jim Marquis for their never-ending compassion and love. A candle light vigil will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London, on Thursday, February 19th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 762 Woolwich Street, Guelph, ON, on Friday, February, 20th at 11:00 a.m. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Parkwood Hospital Foundation (towards the Garden or Music Therapy Programs), 801 Commissioners Road, East, London, N6C 5J1 or Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church Music Program, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London, ON N6C 1J4. On-line condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MENNILL, Helen…..

Peacefully surrounded by her family at Glendale Crossing, Helen (Smith) Mennill passed away peacefully in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Russell Mennill (1977). Loving mother of Jim Mennill (Pauline), Bill Mennill (Cheryl) all of London, and Tom Mennill (Jocelyn) of Waterloo. Proud grandma of Mark Mennill, John Mennill (Katie), Alison Yeo (Jason), Brynne Gilmore, and Chloé, Caleb, Kristian and Andréa Mennill. Cherished Great-grandma of Britton and Tyler Yeo and Ryann Mennill. Survived by her siblings Norman Smith, Bill Smith, Michael Smith, Joyce Gates and Laurene Thompson. Dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her siblings Jean Smith, Max Smith and Madeline Waite. The family would like to thank the staff at Glendale Crossing Long-Term Care for their compassionate care. Relatives and friends will be received from 7-9 pm on Monday, February 16, 2015, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 11 am. Interment in White Oaks Cemetery, London. Memorial donations may be made out to the Metropolitan United Church – Memorial Fund, 468 Wellington Street, London ON N6A 3P8 or the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London ON N6B 1S4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacArthur, Doris (Quinney)…..died in the comfort of her home surrounded by love on Wednesday February 11, 2015 in her 80th year. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Bob, daughters Debra MacArthur (Barrie Weiner), Dale MacArthur (Stuart Ewing) and Dawn Turner (Scott Turner). A loving grandma she will be sadly missed by Chris MacArthur, Katie, Maddie and Zac Turner. She was gigi to Hannah and Jack MacArthur. Special sister to Marilyn Hutton and dear friend of Ev Rice. Enjoying life and having fun with her family was very important. She was often seen at soccer pitches, hockey arenas, basketball games and track meets. Never missing a school concert, award ceremony or graduation. Celebrating her family’s accomplishments was a priority. Her special times were quiet evenings at home with her husband and dog. She loved games, and was an expert at sequence beating daughters and grandchildren on a regular basis. Travel was always a big part of her life. Adventures included car trips, visiting family, cruising and RV travel. Licorice and jube jubes close at hand, cottage times and sunsets a must. Her legendary scalloped potatoes, tuna melts, creamed peas and cheesecake were always requested at family dinners. Over the years hundreds of mittens were knit for mitten trees. She knit for those she loved and those who were less fortunate. Doris loved concerts: Smokey Robinson, Neil Diamond, Cher, Frank Sinatra, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Barbara Streisand the list goes on. Her last concert was Elton John – such a fabulous evening with her three daughters. For many years she has been a loyal supporter of Theatre London and Orchestra London. Doris was the best wife, mother, grandma, gigi, sister and friend. She will be missed, always was and will continue to be a part of our lives every day. The family would like to thank Dr. Sanatani, Julie and Dr. Inculet for their compassionate care. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to “LHSC – Dr. Inculet and the thoracic team,” or “LHSC – Patient Assistive Funds for cancer families fund # 81- 404-15”. Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family celebration of life. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with cremation arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

O’Brien, Bill….

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Bill O’Brien in his 75th year. Loving father of Mark O’Brien and his wife Flor Maria Ordonez of Toronto, Paul O’Brien of Ottawa and Kerry O’Brien of London. Cherished granddad of Tatiana Lopez, Sioban, Daphne and Isaac O’Brien, Gabrielle Lajeunesse, Liam, Max and Charlie O’Brien, Chris O’Brien and Austin and Katelyn O’Brien-Barnes. Dear brother of James O’Brien and his wife Marian of London. Survived by his many nieces and nephews in Canada and Scotland. Predeceased by his parents James and Nora O’Brien, his sisters Jean Gladwin, Rachel Patterson and his brother Tommy O’Brien. The family would like to thank the third floor staff at Chelsey Park for the care and kindness shown to Bill during his stay. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9pm on Friday, February 13, 2015, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 12pm. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society, 4500 Blakie Road, Unit 117, London ON N6L 1G5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOAN, Ronald W……..
At University Hospital, on Friday February 6, 2015, Ronald W. Doan of London, in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Irene Doan (nee Henry). Dear father of Brian Doan and his wife Sheila of Komoka, Barry Doan and his wife Kim of Hamilton, Loreen Kaufman and her husband Bill of Brantford. Cherished Poppa to Nicholas Doan, Jessica, Bradley, and Michael Doan and Amy Kaufman. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday February 10, 2015 from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be conducted at Hillside Church, 250 Commissioners Road E, London, on Wednesday February 11, 2015 at 1pm with Rev. Phil Butler officiating and Jon DeActis assisting. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London at a later date. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to New Life Prison Ministry, PO Box 123, ARVA ON N0M 1C0 or Trans World Radio Canada, PO Box 25324, LONDON ON N6C 6B1 or Charity of Choice. On-line condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RAE, William Roger “Bill”…

Bill Rae in his 73rd year, passed peacefully at University Hospital, London. Beloved brother of Terry, Wayne (Debbie) and Barbara Rae-Gooder (the late Dave) all of London. Will be fondly remembered by his relatives. Predeceased by his parents Bill and Mable Rae and his nephew Robert Gooder. A heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, support staff and doctor’s in the ICU unit. Friends will be received by the family from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Monday, February 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, 2345 Young Street, Toronto ON M4P 2E5 or charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com