Services & Obituaries

KERR, Mary Lou….

Suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, Mary Lou (Schaef) Kerr of London, in her 88th year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Kerr (1994). Dear mother of Jim Kerr (Helen) of London, Dave Kerr of Stratford and Nancy Hind (Gord) of London. Proud grandma of Richard Hind (Jen) and Emily Hind. Predeceased by her brother George, Harry, and her sister Jessie. The family would like to thank the staff at Waverley Mansion for their kindness and care. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 12 – 1pm, on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1pm. Private interment Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Calvary United Church – Memorial Fund, 290 Ridout Street South, London ON N6C 3Z1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McCONNELL, Barry…. Suddenly, but peacefully at home in his sleep. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barry McConnell of London, on Saturday, October 11th, 2014 , in his 65th year. Beloved husband of Shirley (Hodgson) McConnell of 42 years. Much loved father of Amber Melanson (Chris Vanderloos) of St. Catharines and Amanda McConnell of London. Dear brother of Bob (Bev) McConnell of Burlington, Bill (Joan) McConnell and Judy Williams of London and brother-in-law of Murray Hodgson of St. Thomas. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Chester and Irene McConnell and his brother-in-law Fred Williams. Barry was a loving and devoted family man, which was his first priority. He was also a dedicated employee of the London Public Library for 40 years and sang in the Centennial United and Wesley-Knox church choirs for 25 years. He loved spending most of his time talking about and riding his motorcycle. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday, October 17th at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Tracy Crick-Butler of Wesley-Knox United Church officiating. Cremation. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WALKER, Milton……

Peacefully in his sleep at his residence on Saturday, October 11, 2014, Milton Walker in his 58th year. Beloved husband of Dianne (Fairbairn) Walker for 25 years. Loving father of Ryan Walker (Katherine) of Calgary and Laura Walker (Mike) of Windsor. Predeceased by his son Graham Walker (2003). Proud grandpa of Caitlyn. Dear brother of Bennett Walker (Diane), Eugene Walker (Anne), Cheryl McLaughlin (Paul) and Debbie Lloyd (Carrington). Dearly missed by his mother-in-law Doris Fairbairn and the late Les, brother-in-law Bruce Fairbairn (Wanda) and many nieces and nephews. Milton worked at CIBC for over 25 years and was a longtime member of Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 10-11 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London ON N6C 1J4, where the Celebration of Milton’s life will be held at 11am. Private family interment in Kirkton, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church – Capital Project Fund or Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges ON N0L 1W0.A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAZELWOOD, Shirley….

It is with heavy hearts that Karen Guest (Al), Kirk Hazelwood (Sue) and Dana Hazelwood (Jules) said “See You Later” to their beloved Mom, Shirley (O’Hara) Hazelwood at her home on Friday, October 10, 2014, in her 79th year, when she went to be with her Lord. She fought a forty-nine year battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis and had many physicians care for her through those years. Our deepest thanks to Dr. J. MacLean, Dr. N. LeRiche, Dr. P. Teefy, many nurses and the VON Palliative Care team for their loving care and compassion. A special thanks to the team at Complex Care Unit (Dr. E. Thurgood, Sue Jones RT) at Parkwood Hospital, who cared for Mom over the last five months and assisted her on her journey back to her home. Loving grandmother of Tamara (David), Chris, Jason (Kim), Terri (Brad), Ty, Tom, Jordan and great-grandmother of Jack, Kayla, Ryan, Josh, Madison and great-great-grandmother of Carson. She is predeceased by her husband Ralph, son Kevin and brother George O’Hara. She will be deeply missed by her sister Frederica “Teddy” Stewart, brother Wayne O’Hara (Dawna) and many nieces and nephews. Will be missed by dear family friend Alma Cox. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The celebration of Shirley’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 11 am, with Pastor Ron Baker officiating. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, 204-400 York Street, London ON N6B 3N2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAWDEN, Ray

At Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, October 10, 2014, Ray Bawden of London in his 88 year. Beloved husband of the late Mary Bawden. Loving father of Gayle Bawden of London, Robert Bawden of Chalk River and Kathy Bawden of Houston, Texas. Dear brother of Russell and Eugene Bawden, both of London. Predeceased by his brother Larry Bawden. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families and by several “adopted” children and grandchildren. Friends will be received by the family Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9pm and 1 hour prior to the service (12-1pm) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 1pm with Reverend Tracy Crick-Butler officiating. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London N6B 2V3 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JACKSON, Sandy……

Surrounded by her children and daughter-in- law at Valleyview Home, St. Thomas, on Thursday, October 9, 2014, Sandy (Overton) Jackson of London in her 92nd year. Dearly loved wife of the late Len Jackson (2011), his beloved War bride for 66 years. They returned often to Sandy’s home in Lincoln, U.K. Sandy was the loving mother of Keith Jackson (Betty) (Jason, Jeff, Shannon and Jamie) of Apsley, ON, Sandra Broere (Henry) (Michelle, Jennifer and Michael) of St. Thomas and Sherry Sunderland (David) of Killamarsh, U.K. Cherished Nanny of 12 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Tommy Graham (Sheila). Predeceased by her brothers Joey, Billy, Arthur and sister Jean all of Lincoln, U.K. Also missed by many nieces and nephews of Canada and the U.K. Prior to meeting her husband Len, Sandy’s love of children, led to her work as a nanny. During the war she worked in a factory for the War effort. Together they made a life in Canada. Sandy and Len fostered babies and adopted Keith, Sandra and Sherry. Sandy loved working in Bethesda Hospital delivery room. She then settled at Birks Jewelery for over 25 years. She loved to entertain and socialize with her many friends and neighbours. They enjoyed Block Parties, Bowling, Euchre, and they were active participants of the Westmount Mall Walkers. She was a member of the “Birks Girls” who met regularly for lunch. Sandy lived her final 2 years at Valleyview Home. She received exceptional care from the loving dedicated staff on CN ward, who were Sandy’s amazing Angels. Cremation has taken place with a private family celebration of Sandy’s Life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valleyview Home – Residence Council, 350 Burwell Road, St. Thomas ON N5P 0A3. Sandy was a beautiful person inside and out and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. A. Millard George Funeral Home, entrusted with cremation arrangements. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“God Bless Mum, Pleasant Dreams”

COOK, Colonel J. Vincent CD (Ret.)
(WWII Veteran)…..

Vincent died peacefully, on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in his 96th year at the Newport Harbour Care Center in Calgary, AB. Beloved husband of the late Velma (nee Watt) Cook. Proud father of Richard of Kitchener, ON, John (Julie) of Ottawa, ON, Donald (Jane) of Winnipeg, MB, Paul (Liz) of Katy, TX, Jim (Ann) of Galveston, TX and David (Darlene) of Calgary, AB. Cherished grandfather of Ashley (Rob) and Christopher (Sarah) all of Toronto, Owen (Roxanna) of Los Angeles, CA, Elizabeth of Dubai, Anne (Robert), Jennifer (Mike) all of Winnipeg, David of Calgary, Dylan (Mika) of Winnipeg, and Bess and Hayden of Calgary. Loving great-grandfather of Jackson, Vincent and Dylan, Lily and Isabel, and Aki. Dear brother of Luella of Calgary, AB and Ramsay (Eleanor) of Toronto, ON. Dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins living across Canada and USA. Vincent was born in Saskatchewan to Reverend George and Lily (nee Young) Cook. In his early years he enjoyed many outdoor activities with his cousin and lifelong friend William Young. He met the love of his life, Velma, after the family moved to Raymore, SK in 1936 and they were married in Toronto in 1946. Education included University of Saskatchewan, Canadian Army Staff College, United States Army Command and General Staff College. His Distinguished Army Career spanned from 1940 to 1972. War time service included time in the United Kingdom, Italy and NW Europe with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. Post war service included involvement with the Cyprus peacekeeping mission and several postings in Canada and the USA which included Montreal, Ottawa, Whitehorse, Williamsburg, Oakville and Winnipeg. During his final years with the Armed Services he served as Chief of Staff of Ontario Region and as Commander of Prairie Region. Soon after retiring from the Services he served the Ontario Housing Corporation in London, ON for 10 years where he and Velma enjoyed many friends and family visits and trips to their favorite Florida destination Vero Beach, USA. After Velma’s death in December 1995, Vincent moved to Calgary to be closer to family. Vincent enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, golf, bridge and recreational sports with his six sons. Vincent was a well read, well-spoken man and was noted for his sharp memory which he shared through many stories. Three words to capture Vince’s memory should include Velma, sons and Army. Sincere thanks to the staff of Evergreen Club and Newport Harbour Care Centre for their exceptional care and compassion. Vincent’s ashes will be placed with Velma’s at Woodland Cemetery in London, ON after a private memorial service for family members. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Health Care Foundation – Parkwood Hospital (Palliative Care) London, ON or Victorian Order of Nurses. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Van Dongen, Johannes Richardus………

It is with great sadness, the family announces the passing of Johannes Richardus Van Dongen in his 85th year on October 6, 2014. Beloved husband of Mary Van Dongen. Dear father of Elly Sattler and her husband Rob of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, Mary Hesselmans and her husband Martin of Belmont, Jo-Ann Keen and her husband Al of London, John Van Dongen and his partner Debbie D’Entremont of Ingersoll and Sylvia Van Dongen of Toronto. Also dearly loved by his grandchildren Jon Robert and Christine Sattler, Lena Johnston and her husband Jeff, David Hesselmans, Joey Hesselmans and his wife Mallory and Savanna Van Dongen and by his great-granddaughters Sophie and Ellie Johnston and Alivia and Emilee Hesselmans. Dear brother of Toon Van Dongen and his wife Lien of Holland, Bill Van Dongen and his wife Annie of London. Predeceased by his brothers John Van Dongen of Australia, Martin Van Dongen, Hank Van Dongen and Harry Van Dongen of Holland. Also survived by his sisters-in-law Pieta Van Dongen, Nel Wittem and Mien Van Dongen all of Holland. Joe will be missed by several nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland. Visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Friday October 10, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:30 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass celebrating his life will be held on Saturday October 11, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Ave, London. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 633 Colborne St Suite 180, London, ON N6B 2V3 and McCormick Home Foundation 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

Uberig, Marilyn Ellen…….

Surrounded by family on Friday October 3, 2014 at Univeristy hospital in London, Marilyn Ellen Uberig in her 74th year. Beloved wife of the late Douglas Uberig (2006). Loving mother of Tracy Welles of London, Christa VanGaalen of London, and Jason Uberig and his wife Tasha of London. Cherished grandmother of Jordan, Aleisha, Christopher and Tex Welles, Jaimi, Kyle and Tyler Van Gaalen and Alana and Carly Uberig. Proud great-grandmother of Connor, Nevaeh and Jamie. Dear sister of Derwyn Docken. Nana’s tender heart will be missed by everyone. Visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London from 2:00-4:00 pm on Wednesday October 8, 2014 with a funeral service being held at 1:00 pm on Thursday October 9, 2014 in the Funeral Home chapel. Interment at Woodland cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George St. London N6A 9Z9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Haycock, John Bert……..

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, John Bert Haycock in his 80th year. Beloved husband of the late Mary Lou (Suter) Haycock. Dear father of James Haycock and his wife Candy. Proud Poppa Joe of Jackie and Vickie Haycock. Predeceased by his daughter Jane Haycock and twelve brothers and sisters. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses in the critical care unit of Victoria Hospital for their attention and care. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home (519) 433-4184. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Ontario Special Olympics – London Box 918, Station B London, ON N6A 4Z3. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com