Services & Obituaries

GOERTZ, Dwight……
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Dwight Goertz, on Saturday, October 18, 2014, in his 69th year. Dwight was beloved husband of Barbara (Stableford), treasured father to Rebecca (William), Anthony and David (Jennifer). Cherished Papa to Alexa, John, Madelyn and Kathryn.
As a successful business owner, Dwight understood the value of hard work, building strong relationships and good leadership. A man of many interests, he loved to read, play cards and watch golf, but perhaps his greatest joy in life came from his role as the Goertz family patriarch. Dwight delighted in every stage of childhood with his grandchildren, bringing much laughter and wisdom to their lives. For his three children, the strength of his love has been perpetually and deeply felt. This indeed, was his greatest legacy to them.
Dwight will be dearly missed by his wife of 47 years, Barbara, with whom he earnestly shared all of the joys and sorrows of this life. In times of joy and in times of adversity, he was a steadfast companion who anchored the family with his good humour, compassion and devotion. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 from 4:30 – 7:30pm at the Highland Golf Club, 1922 Highland Heights, London. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Dwight you are forever in our hearts.
May God bless you, and keep you in his loving care.

COX, Rick…..

At Victoria Hospital, London, on Saturday, October 18, 2014, Rick Cox in his 68th year. Predeceased by his parents Jackie and Dick Cox and his sister Pat. Dear cousins of Brenda Cavanagh (Bill) and Lynn Garrison (Pamela). Cremation has taken place. There will be a private service at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London ON N6C 2R6. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Russell, Kenneth Charles……….

On October 18th, 2014 Kenneth Charles Russell, in his 90th year, passed into the presence of his beloved Lord and Saviour. Ken was born in Wells, Somerset, England and served in the R.A.F. during WWII. In addition to his service medals, Ken was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for his service to Canada and the community. He immigrated to Canada in June 1948 and settled in London, where he met and married Patricia Mavis Ellis. This past July, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Five wonderful children were born to them: Karen (David) Reid, Bruce (Evelyn), Gayle, Geoff and Shaughn. Five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren were a later gift to them both. Ken is survived by five siblings: sisters Pamela, Eileen and June in British Columbia, and Kay of Florida; and brother Clive in Toronto. Predeceased by sister Cynthia and brothers Stephen and Donald. Ken and his family attended Wortley Baptist Church for many years, where he was active in the Christian Service Brigade and eventually became Captain of the Battalion. Ken encouraged and worked with young boys in their teens to find inspiration in Biblical teachings. He mentored and encouraged two of the boys to work toward and achieve the organization’s highest merit, The Herald of Christ. Both boys succeeded in the endeavour. Ken was a long-time member of St. John’s Lodge No. 20, The Scottish Rite and The Shriners, receiving his 60-year pin last May. The family would like to thank the staff of Meadow Park Nursing Home for their kindness and care of Ken during his stay, and to Julian, Esther, Laura, and especially Linda…you have our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday October 21, 2014 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Masonic Service under auspices of St. John’s Lodge No. 20 will be conducted at the funeral home on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. A celebration of Ken’s life will take place on Wednesday October 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with visitation prior to the service starting at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, immediately following the service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be directed to The Gideons International In Canada, 501 Imperial Road North, Guelph, ON N1H 6T9 or the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute Elgin-Middlesex Community Office 123 St. George Street London, ON N6A 3A1. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

Murdoch, N. Stewart…..

At University Hospital, London, on Friday October 17, 2014, N. Stewart (Stew) Murdoch of London in his 81st year. Beloved husband of the late Paula Marilyn Murdoch. Loved father of Ron Murdoch and his wife Karen McNeil Murdoch. Proud grandfather “Bub” of Ryan and Sydney Murdoch. Dear brother of Bill Murdoch and his wife Betty of Kingston. Stew will be missed by his extended family and his many friends. Stew was an active member of the St. John’s Lodge No. 209a A.F.&A.M. the Mocha Shrine and The Royal Order of Jesters. Friends will be received by the family from 7:00-9:00 pm on Monday October 20, 2014 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Masonic Service under auspices of St. John’s Lodge No. 209a A.F.&A.M. will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday evening at 6:30pm. The service will be held on Tuesday October 21, 2014 at 11:00 am, in the funeral home chapel. Private family interment to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Mocha Transportation Fund 468 Colbourne Street, London, ON N6B 2T3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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”