Services & Obituaries

NOBLE, Crystal…

Unexpectedly as the result of an ATV accident, Crystal Darling Noble of Thorndale passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at the age of 45. Crystal was the loving and supportive mother of Julia and Eric Ritchie. She was the cherished daughter of Dale Reade and Mark Noble (Susie), and the adored sister of Joshua Noble (Sonja). Crystal will also be fondly remembered by her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and the father of her children, Don Ritchie.

Crystal was the ultimate hockey and soccer mom, loving every minute watching Julia and Eric’s sports. She was also an avid gardener, specializing in raising lavender, and raising Milly and Hughie her lovable Rotties.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Crystal’s Life will be held at the Lions Active Living Centre Room #2 (Dorchester Arena), 2066 Dorchester Road, Dorchester, on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1-3 pm.

In Crystal’s memory, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 1305-20 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BESCH, John…

John passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in his 102nd year. Beloved husband of the late Betty Besch (2017) for 69 years. Loving father of Christopher (Elizabeth) Besch and Ian Besch. Cherished gramps of Heather (Justin), Darryl (Erin), David, Ruth (Michael), Amy (Michael), Judy (Robert) and their families. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or a personal favourite charity. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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BECKER, Helmut…

February 24, 1931-September 26, 2024

Helmut was born in Castor, Alberta and grew up in Saskatchewan. He showed a keen enthusiasm and talent for visual art from an early age, and that became the major pursuit of his working life, combined with teaching therein. He attained academic positions at the Nova Scotia School of Art and the University of Calgary but passed the major part of his career as a professor at the University of Western Ontario. His achievements in graphic art and in the making and use of handmade paper are outstanding. His enthusiasm and example inspired many students and fellow professionals. He was also a friend, an entertainer and a fount of diverse knowledge to many who knew him, with wide interests and novel views, a man rich in human kindness and empathy. He will be deeply missed by students and colleagues, by his many nephews and nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces, and most of all by his surviving siblings-his older brother Henry Aron Becker and his younger brother George Frederick Becker. Helmut died quickly and peacefully. We brothers are grateful to the attending personnel at the University Hospital for their exemplary care. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 20, 2024 from 1 to 3 pm at the Westland Gallery, 156 Wortley Road, London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, Helmut asked that people donate to cancer research of their choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SHARPE, John “Sharpie”…

Peacefully at home, with his wife by his side, John “Sharpie” Sharpe of London passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024 in his 75th year. Beloved husband of Lisa Trinnear for 39 years. Cherished brother of Fred (Marg) Sharpe of West Lorne and Paul Sharpe of Mount Brydges, and brother-in-law of Wendy Sharpe of Port Stanley and Dan (Nelsa) Trinnear of Etobicoke. Adored uncle of Michael, Lindsay (Jason), David (Brittany), Sarah, David (Lucy), Hayley, Samantha, Nicole (Patrick) and Dylan. Sharpie will also be greatly missed by his many great nieces and nephews, extended family, and his countless friends. Predeceased by his parents Jack Merton and Mary Jeanette (nee Wanless) Sharpe.

John, affectionately known as Sharpie, was a vibrant presence in both the golfing and musical communities. A dedicated member (50 years) and employee of Echo Valley Golf Course, he spent countless weekends perfecting his swing on the greens. Beyond golf, Sharpie was an avid jazz enthusiast, with a passion for drumming that resonated deeply within him. As the music editor of Scene Magazine, he showcased his love for the genre, earning him the nickname “The Razor” in the musical circles he frequented. Sharpie was a true “Sharpe”, sharing his pack rat tendencies with his two brothers, collecting many memories and treasures.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In Sharpie’s memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALLISON, Kevin…

Unexpectedly at home, Kevin Allison passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 48. Predeceased by his parents Margaret (nee Anderson) (1991) and John Allison (1997). Loving brother of Norman (Brandy), Joseph, David, the late Wendy, Debbie, Lynn and Eleanor. Kevin was also a cherished uncle and an incredible friend to many.

Kevin had a knack for working on cars, often spending his weekends and days off tinkering with different engines and models. He loved biking along the trails and enjoying the fresh air, but also embraced the gamer life. While he was generally quiet, he had an outgoing side that shone through when he was with friends or sharing his latest automotive project.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 6:00-8:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:00 am at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London. Please meet at the cemetery office for 10:45 am. In memory of Kevin, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Gill, Harry “Rae”

Peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024 at University Hospital, London, Rae passed away 2 days shy of his 93^rd birthday. Loving husband of Xihui Zhang. Cherished Dad to Gary, Scott, Lori-Ann and Mary-Lynn. Dear Papa to Tom and Corey; Megan; Melissa and Courtney; Sam and Matthew. Great-grandfather of Danni-Lyn, Robbie, Addie, Isla and Morgan; Kingsley, Renee, Stella and Violet; and Madison, Ashlyn, Lukas, Jake, Ryleigh, Hadlee and Hayden.Fondly remembered as “Uncle Rae” to Xihui’s family in Changsha, China. Predeceased by his wives (Violet, and Betty-Lou), grand-daughter (Michelle), and brother (Grant).

Rae worked as a plumber, electrician and farmer but also expertly renovated several homes in London. In earlier years he enjoyed flying and boating, and throughout his life loved ballroom dancing, square dancing and was also a member of the Mason’s. At 80-years of age, he travelled to China to marry Xihui and made many trips to see her there until she came to London, Canada in 2018.

Family and friends are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Wednesday, September 25 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Rae 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.

Beacom, James “Jim”
1937-2024

Passed away peacefully at his residence with family by his side on Friday, September 6, 2024, in his 88th year. Beloved husband of Geraldine Beacom (nee Vacher) for 50 years. Dear father of Christine Beacom (Rodney), Steven Leonard and Jeffrey Leonard (Carolynn). Predeceased by his sons Michael and David. Loving papa of David (Heather), James (Sarah-Jane), Karley (Nick), Victoria (Javier), Nicole (Taylor), Charlene (Jeremy), Hakan, and Tehya. Loved by 14 great-grandchildren. Cherished brother of Joan Cooper and Elizabeth Beacom. Predeceased by his parents John and Myrtle. Predeceased by his siblings, Jack Beacom, Ivan Beacom, Rhoda Green, Jacqueline Amos, Helen Green, Florence Shaw, Beverly Kilby, Carol Fitzsimmons and Daisy Hodgetts. Jim will be sorely missed by his family and will be held dear in the hearts of many extended family members and friends. A family visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GORMAN, Harold F…

Peacefully, with his loving family by his side, Harold F. Gorman passed away at Dearness Home, London, September 4, 2024 in his 89th year. Predeceased by his loving parents Harold W. and Lily Gorman. Harold is survived by his siblings Rick Gorman (the late Karen), Linda Quinn (Garnet) and Bob Gorman (Becki). He was adored and loved by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his niece Kim and nephew Brad. A special thanks to Lisa, Phillip and the Alice Saddy Association for their help and support with Harold over many years and to the friends that took Harold to his beloved hockey and baseball games. Thank you to his Dearness Home family for their love, care, and support. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10-11 am followed by the funeral service at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Harold, donations can be made to the Alice Saddy Association, 457 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S8 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ASHBY, Donna..

April 17, 1940 – September 2, 2024

Donna Ashby passed away peacefully the morning of September 2, 2024, at Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario surrounded by her family.  Donna will always be remembered for her kindness and caring to her family, friends, and anyone that she had the pleasure to meet.  Even though Donna was reduced in her activities of living due to dementia in later life, she always was a bright light while under long term care and will be sadly missed by all her Glendale family.

Donna was born in Winnipeg, and then later moved to Toronto, London and St. Thomas.  She enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Texas, spending time with family and friends, and of course bingo!

Beloved wife of George for 64 years. Loving mother of Brent (Kelly) Ashby and Heather (Jason) Ashby-Buckingham. Dear grandmother of Daniel (Jessica), Sarah, Emma, Colton and Bret. Dear sister of Ernest Johnston (Evelyn). Also survived by her brother-in-law Phil. Predeceased by her parents Paul and Daisy and by her sister Carol Allison.  Donna will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

George and family want to thank Glendale and their incredible caregivers for their kindness over the last six years.  You brightened the final years of Donna’s life and were a support to her husband George and her entire family.  You will not be forgotten.

In accordance with Donna’s final wishes, she will be cremated and a reception to celebrate her life will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, located on the southeast corner of the parking lot at 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00- 3:00pm.

Donations to the Alzheimer Society in memory of Donna are greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JONES, Carole…

It is with profound sadness that Evan Jones says goodbye to his devoted and much-loved mother, Carole.

Carole Jones died on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Oak Terrace, Orillia, in her 88th year. The only child of Carl and Audrey Dilamarter, she was predeceased by her husband, Derwyn Dixon Jones (2005), the ninth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. She is survived by her son, Evan; her daughter, Paula (Pierre); and her god-daughter, Hilary Anderson.

Carole lived an unassuming life centred around her family, the Church, and her deep appreciation of music and literature. Her early years were spent in Windsor, Ontario, where she was raised, educated and taught secondary school. All of this changed one Sunday morning in Church when she caught the eye of the new bachelor priest who had recently been appointed to St. Barnabas in Windsor. Marriage soon followed and during their honeymoon in Muskoka, they fell in love with a small property near Dorset where they would later build a cottage and centre many of their family’s life-long memories.

After living in Windsor and Brockville, Carole, Derwyn and their young family moved to London, Ontario, where they put down roots. Since the deterioration of her health in 2017, Carole has been lovingly cared for by the staff of Grandwood in London and Oak Terrace in Orillia, where she was faithfully visited every day by Evan.

Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside celebration of life will take place at a later date in spring 2025. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Paul’s Cathedral Memorial Fund, 472 Richmond Street, London ON N6A 3E6; The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto ON M4Y 3G2, St. James Westminster Anglican Church Foundation, 115 Askin Street, London ON N6C 1E7; or Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com