Services & Obituaries

WEBER, Blanche (nee Westcott)

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Gerald H. Weber (2022) for 64 years. Loving mother of Susan (the late Dennis) Weber and Andrea (Gerri-Lynn) Weber. Cherished sister of Clare (the late Virginia) Westcott.  Dear sister-in-law of Heidi (the late Peter) Pass. Predeceased by her sister Marguerite (the late John) Holland and sister-in-law Marlene (Ray) Bugry and Carmen. Blanche will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Blanche was a very dedicated primary school teacher for many years with the Thames Valley Board of Education.  She was a devoted gardener, passionate environmental advocate and beloved organizer of the “Meat Pie Ladies” at Metropolitan United Church. Her gardens were more than just a hobby, they reflected her commitment to the beauty and preservation of our planet. In her church community, she was the driving force behind the Meat Pie Ladies, turning a simple act of baking into a powerful tool for fellowship and support. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on those lucky enough to know her. 

A private family celebration of Blanche’s life will be held.  Inurnment at a later date in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Our family would like to express our gratitude to the Westmount Gardens LTC staff for the care provided.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care London Breast Care Program, The London Regional Cancer Program or Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

NEGLIA, Richard “Rick”…

October 10, 1952 – February 22, 2024

Rick passed away gently and peacefully with his wife Marjorie by his side at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario. Rick was a musician, a Toronto Maple Leaf fan and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His wife, Marjorie will cherish their many years together. His children, Jamie (Erika) and Catey; grandchildren, Aislynn, Carter, Madison and Vada will miss his smile and teasing. His brother Bob (Maureen), nephews, Sean and Scott and brother-in-law Richard will have many memories to hold in their hearts.

We will all remember him in the happy times we created together, so smile and think of the witty, funny, corny and brilliant person he was.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Rick’s life will take place at a later date and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick’s name may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 and would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Goodbye my friends, maybe forever

Goodbye my friends, the stars wait for me

Time, flowing like a river, time, beckoning me

Goodbye my love, maybe not for forever

Goodbye my love, the tide waits for me

Who knows when we shall meet again, If ever

But time Keeps flowing like a river, to the sea, to the sea

Taken from Alan Parsons lyrics

BAILIE, Ruth…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on February 23, 2024, Ruth Margaret Bailie passed away at age 91. She was born on July 26, 1932, in Mitchell, Ontario, the eldest daughter of Harriet and Gorden Kraemer.

Ruth graduated from teacher’s college in 1951, and was on the original staff of Byron Southwood Public School, where she taught for 4 years. She loved to garden and spent countless hours tending to her vegetables and beautiful flower beds. She was very proud of the awards they won from the London Horticultural Society. Ruth was an active member of the Byron United Church for over 60 years. Before Covid shut them down, her Hi-Neighbour Group made and sold nearly 100,000 meat pies, donating the proceeds to the Church and Teen Challenge. She was a long-time member of the Byron Opti-Mrs. and belonged to a ladies bowling league at Fleetway for many years. She enjoyed monthly euchre games and cheering on the London Knights.

Ruth was married to her best friend, Harvey Bailie, for over 50 years, until his passing in 2007. She was also predeceased by her granddaughter-in-law, Kyla Quigley, and brother-in-law, Ivan Norris. She leaves four children to cherish her memory, Paul (Michelle) of Richmond Hill, Dave (Kathy) of California, Mark (Jennifer) of Napanee, and Julie (Dave) of Georgia; eight grandchildren, Scott, Ken (Vickie), Andrea (Andrew), Colin (Madeline), Shannon, Kevin, Natalie and Paisley; and two great-grandchildren, Wes and Jace. She will be missed by her brother Ron (Nancy) Kraemer, sister Betty Lou Norris, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to visitation on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 4:00-6:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London, ON N6K 2K5. Spring interment in Bethel Munro Cemetery, Fullarton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Byron United Church would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

EDGAR, Donald “Don”…

Peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of his family, Donald “Don” Edgar passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 79. Beloved partner and husband of Nancy Edgar for 20 years. Loving father of Nancy Edgar (Brian), Patricia Edgar (Travis), Adrian Edgar (Valerya) and Steven Edgar (Ashley). He will also be greatly missed by his stepchildren Kris McDougall (Elyse) and Kaila McDougall (Brad). Cherished papa of Josh, Tyler, Sam, Kelsey, Evaleigh, Connor, Kara and Kolten. Dear brother of Robert Edgar (Eileen) and Suzanne Edgar. Don will also be remembered by his nieces and nephews Sandra, Jeff, Wendy, Meg and Kate.

Don epitomized the essence of an outdoor enthusiast, finding solace and joy in the serene beauty of nature through his love for hiking, kayaking and canoeing. His cherished cottage in Nova Scotia served as his sanctuary, though he could almost always be found puttering around with little projects. Don’s vibrant sense of humour, warm personality and positive attitude shone through in every interaction, making him not only a wonderful father and husband but also a cherished friend. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and support for those who needed it. Throughout his career journey from a dedicated teacher to a District Officer at the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, Don’s passion for education and advocacy remained unwavering. Don also volunteered for many years with Community Living London.

A private family graveside service will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. In Don’s memory, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CAMP, Elizabeth “Liz”…

Liz Camp passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 76th year.

Loving lifelong soulmate of the late Gary Camp (2017). Proud mum of Trevor and Peter. Sister of John (Margaret) England and good buddy of Christine & Tina of Paisley, Scotland. Sister-in-law of Clayton and Bev (Carole). Aunt of Sean (Erin) and great-aunt of Jaron. Also friends and neighbours, the Gordon’s.

After retiring from TDCT, Liz and Gary travelled from sea to sea across this great country, from Victoria and Vancouver to Halifax. Liz loved our country and in her later years became a citizen (2009). She frequently said “thank goodness for where we live!”.

In accordance to her wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no funeral service. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Liz’s Life on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 1-4 pm at the Wortley Road House, 190 Wortley Road, London. Everyone who knew Liz is invited to raise a glass with family and friends in her memory.

In lieu of flowers and in Liz’s memory, donations may be made to your local Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care Program, or your local hospital. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COOPER, Bruce Stanley…

1939 – 2024

Bruce Cooper passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Mary Lois (nee Jeffery) Cooper. Dear brother of Bernice Everett, Donald Cooper, Ileen Carroll (George), Lois Carrier, and dear brother-in-law of Beatrice Cooper. Predeceased by his brothers Ralph and Jack Cooper, brothers-in-law Marshall Everett and Joseph Carrier and his sisters-in-law Margaret North and Ilene Cooper. Bruce and Mary Lois were blessed with a large and loving family, and many friends. They were blessed to live for over 50 years on Gerrard St., in London, with such a strong community of friends.

Bruce grew up in Brantford with his 6 siblings and graduated from Hamilton Teachers College in 1959 at age 20, after which he taught at Major Ballachey Elementary School in Brantford. In 1964, he graduated from Western University with a BA in Geography, and went on to teach at Wheable, Laurier, Sir Adam Beck and Saunders Secondary School in London. He did teacher exchanges to Birmingham, England 1971, and to Canberra, Australia 1992; and accompanied Mary Lois on her exchanges to Cherbourg, France 1979, and to Neuchatel, Switzerland 1988. He retired in 1994.

Bruce ran the Ottawa Marathon for his 40th birthday, did taekwondo, cross country and downhill skiing, scuba diving, cycling, trekking in Nepal, Kashmir and Europe. He climbed Kilimanjaro and walked the Inca Trail. He did white water canoe trips on the Missinaibi and Spanish Rivers in Ontario, and on the Thelon in NWT and Nunavut. In 2009 he and Mary Lois traversed the NW Passage on the Akademic Joffe. They owned a VW camper or Safari Condo camper for 50 years as well, and that facilitated trips to every Canadian province and every American state.

Bruce was a 50 year member of the London Curling Club, and President in 2009. Even in his 80s, he was still sliding out from the hack and curling 4 games a week. He was also one of the founders of the Intrepid Hikers, a group of 9 friends who hiked every Tuesday for 25 years, regardless of the weather. In 2003, he graduated as a Cabinet Maker from Fanshawe College, following in the steps of his father who was a carpenter. He donated his woodworking projects to a multitude of charities, and to family and friends. And he also loved crocheting and counted cross stitch.

Bruce became a birder in 1984, and loved the birds he saw and the friendships he made there. He participated in research for the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario 2001-2005, and did two remote canoe and birding trips to the boreal forest in Ontario in conjunction with that.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alishya Burrell and Dr. Susan MacLean. Special thanks to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners and McCormick Day Program for all of their support through Bruce’s dementia journey.  Donations in memory of Bruce may be made to Indwell or a charity of your choosing.

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

“How blessings brighten as they take their flight!”

GREENWOOD, Dr. William “Bill”

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in his 84th year passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. For 50 years, Bill was the beloved husband of the late Madeleine Greenwood and loving father of Ann Greenwood (Amanda), Lynn Greenwood (Shannon) and Peter Greenwood. He was also the very proud grandfather of Kate and Tyler Greenwood. Bill was the dear brother of Mary Beam and was predeceased by his parents Roy and Marion Greenwood.
He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his family and friends. Bill was a Medical Doctor of Ophthalmology running his practice out of Chatham, Ontario for 37 years. While in Chatham, Bill and Madeleine moved their family to a hobby farm which he sincerely loved. There he joined his wife in raising Sealyham terriers, their biggest success being Blenheim, a Canadian, American and English champion. There was no shortage of animals on the farm from cows and horses to chickens and chinchillas. Bill retired in 2004 after having moved with his wife to London, Ontario. There he made many friends and became an avid bridge player. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South on Saturday, February 24, 2024 between 1:00-3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider an animal shelter or charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BUSCHE, Douglas “Doug”…

Douglas passed away in London, Ontario, on February 14, 2024, in his 81st year. Beloved husband of the late Bev Busche (2023). Loving father to Kristin Busche of London and Kevin Busche (Kirsty) of Calgary. Dear grandfather of Megan (Trevor), Lucas and Heath. Loving great-grandfather of Jax. Also missed by his brother Neil Busche (Joan) of Ottawa, Alan Busche (Jane) of Dorchester and sister Xandra Busche (Peter Cox) of Caledon.

In 1965, Doug graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada. Following his graduation, Doug embarked on a noble path as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving proudly for a number of years. During those years, his fondest memories are of piloting all of the planes that now make up the “Snowbirds Air Team”.

Cremation has taken place, and no memorial service is planned at this time. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Doug 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

HEENEY, Marilyn Sandra…

Marilyn Sandra Heeney passed away swiftly and peacefully on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, in her 87th year. She is reunited with her late husband, Mervyn, and her son, Michael. Marilyn leaves behind her daughter Michelle (Mark) Hartley, grandchildren Rebecca (Jake) White, Benjamin (Caitlyn) Hartley and great-grandchildren Lydia and Arya Hartley. Dear sister to Ron (Agnes) Jay, and sister-in-law to Phyllis Mann, and Dale (Penny) Heeney. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Marilyn made a difference in the lives of many children she nannied over the years, but none more than her grandchildren.

Marilyn was always on the go running errands and she made a point of knowing the names of everyone she met, right down to the guy that pumped her gas. Her quirks and love have left us with enough memories to smile every time she comes to mind. We know she treasured each and every one of you. She kept notes and mementos of all your times together, filling her basement with a lifetime of love. From photos to paper dolls and cards, every moment was precious enough to keep forever.

The family would like to thank the staff at Westmount Gardens for the care and dignity they blessed Marilyn with these last two years. Donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, or a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOTHAM, Shirley

Peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Victoria Hospital, London, Shirley passed away in her 87th year. Loving wife of her late husband Edward Hotham, Beloved mother of Wayne (Debbie) Hotham, Cindy Schultz and her late daughter Kim (Larry) Janzen. She was a loving grandmother of Christina (Jon) Kroesbergen, Melissa Schultz (Alex Kidd), Katelynn Schultz, Derrick and Leslie Hotham as well as a beloved great-grandmother to Aiden, Isaac, Claire Kroesbergen and James Kidd. Predeceased by her 6 siblings; Raymond, Marjorie, Phyllis, Lyall, Mike and Gerald. Will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was an incredibly busy woman all her life and always stayed active with many activities. For most of her life she loved her jobs working for Avon and for Beaver Foods at the TVDSB. In her free time, she would volunteer when she could for various shows at the Grand Theatre and Centennial Hall. During her retirement, she loved spending time at her trailer as well as travelling with her family and baking amazing treats to share with her family.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 1:00pm. The service will be livestreamed through the AMG Funeral Home Youtube channel.  Private family interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners or The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com