Services & Obituaries

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

BECKETT: T. Kenneth (Ken)

Beckett, T. Kenneth (Ken) of London passed peacefully on October 2, 2014 in his 73rd year. Ken will be dearly missed by his wife Phia, his children Allen (Connie), Charlyne Martin (Todd) and Sharon Semeniuk and his 7 grandchildren. Sadly missed by his siblings Charles (Ann), Lois Bill (Bob), Jean Matthews (late Ed), Lynda Beckett (Gary) and his in-laws Hettie and John Patte, Marja and Rob Fawcett, Roy and Sandra Brouwer and his many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Life service will be held at Union United Church, 6008 Stone Church Road, Union, on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., preceded by 1 hour visitation from 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Interment in Union United Church Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8 or Union United Church, 6008 Stone Church Road, Union, ON N0L 2L0. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROWN, Peggy…..

At Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, Margaret “Peggy” (Mardling) Brown, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of Sidney Brown for 70 years. Loving mother of Wayne Brown of Tchesinkut Lake, B.C. Proud grandma of Stuart Brown (Leanne Zacharias) and great-grandma of Lily Jayne and Kadie all of Abbotsford BC. Dear sister-in-law of Betty Simpson. Missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brother Harry Mardling Jr. and parents Gertrude and Harry Sr. Mardling. The family would like to thank the staff at Maple View Terrace and Victoria Hospital for their kind care and consideration. A private visitation and Celebration of Peggy’s life will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association, 2-639 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 3M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared www.amgfh.com

IRWIN, Geraldine….

Geraldine (Jackson) Irwin, in her 97th year, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, Ontario, after a short illness. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Irwin (1997). She will be sadly missed by her children Judy Minielly (John) of Grand Bend, Bernie Irwin of London and Jackie O’Hara (Len) of Gabriola, B.C. Loving grandmother of Jay Minielly (Lisa), Jane Dockrill (Mark), Jack Minielly (Sarah), Janet Carew (Jeff), Jillian O’Hara, Shawn Irwin and the late Dustin O’Hara. Great-grandma to Andrew, Joanna and John Dockrill, Perry, Murphy and Philip Minielly, Jordan and Jesse Carew, Megan and Beth Minielly, Troy, Desiree, Keaton Irwin and Duggan and McKenzie O’Hara. Dearly missed by her many nieces, nephews and their families. The family would like to thank CCAC, Doctors, Nurses, PSW’s, Hospice staff and volunteers for their care and compassion. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9pm, on Friday, October 3, 2014, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Geraldine’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2 pm. A private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowes, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice Sarnia – 475 N. Christina St. Sarnia ON N7T 5W3 or your local Salvation Army. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Barker, Bessie Viola Verna……

Peacefully on Monday September 29, 2014 at Westmount Gardens Nursing Home, Bessie Viola Verna Barker in her 100th year. Beloved wife of the late Robert Wesley Barker. Dear mother of Joanne Evelyn McNall and her late husband Elgin of St. Marys, Ontario. Cherished sister of Isobel Campbell of New Westminster, British Columbia. Proud grandmother of Bruce McNall and his wife Liz, Nancy Vink and her husband Joe and Dan McNall and great grandmother of Nicole, Kyle, Rebecca, Anthony, Bradley, Natalie, Stacie, James, Jarrett, Carly and Cole. Predeceased by her brother Harry “Bud” Barr. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery on Thursday October 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home (519) 433-5184. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada 420 East Street North Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Miller, Joyce Marguerite…….

On Thursday September 25, 2014 at Strathroy Hospital, Joyce Marguerite Miller in her 86th year. Loved daughter of the late Charles (Glen) and Zelda Miller of London. Predeceased by her beloved sister Marion Miller. Joyce will be missed by her cousins Paul and Joyce Miller, Jack and Brenda Miller and Margaret Osmola of Michigan and Marjorie and Robert Jefferson of Arkona. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday October 3, 2014, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Chapel 60 Ridout St. South, London. Interment at Arkona Cemetery following the service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Smith, Constance Leone……

On September 25, 2014 at Marion Villa, Constance Leone (Lutman) Smith in her 81st year. Beloved wife of the late Ronald Llewellyn Smith. Dear mother of Gerry Smith (Sheila), Nancy Frank, Cathy Williams and Doug Smith (Kelly). Loved grandmother of Brian, Ashley, Elise, Jacob and Justin. Friends will be received by the family from 6-9pm on Sunday, September 28, 2014, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Funeral service will be held at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church on Monday September 29, 2014 at 1:00pm followed by the interment at Woodland Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1G7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com