Services & Obituaries

KUTAS, Agnes … At University Hospital, London, on Saturday, February 23, 2013, Agnes (Ladanyi) Kutas in her 77th year. Beloved wife of William (Bill) Kutas. Dear mother of Steven and Bob, both of Wallacetown. Dear grandmother of Alex, Ben, Aubrey, Meg and Adrianna Kutas. Dear cousin of George and wife Ari of Willmington, Delaware and other extended families and friends. Also missed by special friends Hanna, Carina and Peter, Odette, Gill and Judy, Maria (Dr. Teglas) was Agi’s longest (50 + years) friend and her kindred spirit. Agi’s family in Hungary, Barko, Eva and Judith will never forget Agineni! Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre (located on the south east corner of parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, March 1, 2013 from 2-4 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 442 Adelaide Street North, London ON N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com (A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184)

CORRELL, Margaret … Peacefully at Extendicare London, on Friday, February 22, 2013 Margaret (Sykes) Correll in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Ray Correll, Dear mother of Ross Correll of London and Gordon Correll and his wife Susan of Thamesford. Predeceased by her brother Wilfred E. Sykes (Sadie) and her sister Mabel. Also loved by her grandchildren Jennifer, Daniel (Melissa) and Nathan Correll and her great-grandchildren Emily and Nora. A private graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, London, on Thursday, February 28, 2013. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com (A. Millard George Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184 )

ROBERTSON-BENDEL, Karen….

Peacefully surrounded by her family at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, Karen Robertson-Bendel of St. Thomas and formerly of Grand Bend, at the age of 52. Loving mother of Sarah Robertson (Chris van der Linde) and Luke Robertson-Bendel. Cherished grandma of Blaise and Weston. Beloved sister of John Robertson (Bonnie), Cherylle-ann Pilon, Susan Fejes (Tom), and Scott Robertson. Dearly loved by Tony Bendel. Also missed by her many nieces, nephews and their families. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Karen’s life will take place on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 6-10pm, at the Princess Banquet Hall (Elgin Labour Temple) Lower Hall, 18 Princess Avenue, St. Thomas. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squires Bakers Lane, Markham ON L3P 3G8. A. Millard George Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McTAGGART, Elaine…..

At Chelsey Park Long Term Care, on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, Elaine (Moore) McTaggart died at the age of 76. Mother of Rebecca McTaggart of Toronto and Jeffrey McTaggart (Kathy) of Edmonton. Proud grandmother of Alexander. Dear sister of Reginald Moore (Pat). The family would like to thank the staff at Chelsey Park for the loving care they provided. Friends will be received by the family from 1-2pm on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Bishop Cronyn Memorial Anglican Church, 442 William Street, London, where the service will begin at 2pm. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London ON N5V 3K5. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Mary Ann…Peacefully at Extendicare Nursing Home, London on Monday, February 18, 2013, Mary Ann “May” Smith in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Smith (1986). Loving mother of Alexander Smith and his late wife Hilda of East Pointe, Michigan, Marshall Smith and his wife Chrissie of Shelby Township, Michigan and Ernest Smith and his wife Margaret of London. Dear sister of Margaret Abbotts of Australia. Cherished daughter of the late Elma Leel and her husband John in Scotland. Also loved by her 8 grandchildren, her 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Predeceased by her grand-daughter Linda Trisick. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where a private funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Monday. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, photographs and memories may be shared at www.amgfh.com

Robert Lyle Ford, FCA
August 29, 1932 – February 17, 2013

Robert Lyle (Bob) Ford passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 after a courageous fifteen year battle with cancer. Lifelong best friend, inspiration, soul mate and loving husband of Virginia Anne (Scott), with whom he shared more than a 58 year marriage. Dear father of Craig (Ann) of Oakville, Scott (Maurice Poon) of Toronto, Mike (Sherri) of Edmonton and Dave (Karn) Ford of Haymarket, VA. Dad – you are the best example of a father that anyone could ever hope for, an incredible role model of a loving and constant presence in our lives and you will be sorely missed. Devoted Grandpa to Amanda (Nate), Josh, Rhiannon, Haeden, Madison, Aslyn and great-grandpa to Lily. Grandpa, we love you and will miss you. Beloved brother of Richard (Dick) and Isabelle Ford of Sarnia and sister-in-law Audrey Saltzman of Toronto. Predeceased by brother Alan Ford. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob was a lifelong London resident, having graduated from Wortley Road Public School and London South Secondary School. Bob was also a lifetime member of Wesley-Knox United Church, where he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, in 1954 and was active in church life. Bob was Church Treasurer for 34 years, a long-time member of the Trustee Board, life member of the Official Board and was an enthusiastic member of the senior choir. Singing with his sweetheart in the choir was a true love of Bob’s and he was an active bass and tenor until late 2012 when his illness prevented him from participating any longer. Bob and Virginia were adult leaders of the Wesley-Knox Youth Group, building it into a vibrant organization that had an important impact on the lives of many young people, their sons included. The youth group canoe trips were special highlights of their time as leaders. Bob started working with the local accounting firm of Foote and Rafuse in 1950 and became a partner in Foote, Rafuse and Ford at the age of 23 in 1955, upon graduating with a CPA from Queen’s University. Bob stayed with the same firm his entire working life and together with his partners built Ford Keast LLP into one of the premiere independent accounting firms in London. He served for ten years on the Ontario Public Accountants Council, including a term as its President, and was honoured with the designation Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (FCA) in 1982. Bob retired from Ford Keast in 1995 after a 45 year professional career. Bob loved the family cottage at Three Legged Lake, originally purchased in 1961 with older brother Dick. He and Virginia spent many, many happy times together there with family and dear friends like the Hearn’s and the Young’s. The cottage is the family touchstone and there were countless joyous times fishing, canoeing, swimming, waterskiing, sitting around the campfire. and cross-country skiing. Bob and Virginia together instilled a deep love of the outdoors and cottage life in their four sons and grandchildren – these will stand as everlasting testaments to Bob’s life. The staff at the London Regional Cancer Clinic were incredibly supportive of Bob during his treatment. In particular, the outstanding, caring support of Drs. Mary MacKenzie and Joseph Chin and the countless doctors, nurses (especially Paul and Fiona) and staff, as well as CCAC and ParaMed was most appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to Prostate Cancer Canada, 2 Lombard Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5C 1M1, Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON N6C 3X1. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 11:00am. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. On line condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com

WILSON, Margaret Ethel….

At University Hospital, London, on Saturday, February 16, 2013, Margaret Wilson in her 93rd year. Dear daughter of the late Harold and Marie Wilson. Dear sister of Joan Bryan of London and George Wilson and his wife Irene of Southampton. Predeceased by her sister Elise, her brother Kenneth, her nephew Michael and brother-in-law John Eugene Bryan. Dear aunt of Matthew Bryan and his wife Sharon Desjardins of Woodstock, Bonna Bryan of London, Shannon Crittenden (Wilson) and Bridget Wilson both of Toronto and great-aunt of Wilson George Crittenden and Jackson Philip Crittenden. A Private family memorial service will be held at a later date at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Cremation has already taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London ON N6B 2V3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FOSTER, Robert Wood (March 2nd, 1927 – February 16th, 2013)…

The Reverend Canon Robert Wood Foster died peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 16, 2013 in his 86th year. Beloved and loving husband of Betty Jean Foster (née Townshend) for 53 years. Dear son of the late Herbert and Jean Foster and brother of the late Marion Gray. Loving father of Brenda Jean, Barbara Jane (David) and Brian Robert (Jennifer). Special Grandpa to Jaeden, Kieran, Jorya, Tristan, Samantha, Kiahna and Gavin. Affectionately remembered by sisters-in-law: Betty Townshend, Mary Friesen, Barbara Ullerick (Gordon), Peggy Utting, and Nancy Lougheed, by brother-in-law Bob Townshend (Pat) and by many nieces and nephews. Bob served as Rector of parishes in Winona, Jordan, Milton, Hamilton and The Church of The Redeemer in London. Upon his retirement, he was a dedicated chaplain at the London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in London. In his youth, Bob was an active Rover Scout, a time which gave him many delightful memories. He was also a member of the London East Rotary Club for many years. ‘Canon Bob’ will be remembered as a devout, passionate priest; ‘Grandpa’ will be treasured as a proud, caring family man. In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Bob may be made to ‘The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund’ of which Bob was a part for many years or to ‘Huron University College’, London. Visitation with the family will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, Ontario on Wed. Feb. 20, 2013 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 280 St. James St., London, Ontario on Thurs. Feb. 21, 2013 at 1 p.m. Online condolences, photographs and memories may be shared at www.amgfh.com
“Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.” Luke 2:29

ARMSTRONG, Kirby…

Beloved son of Pat and Doug Armstrong of London, brother of Lisa Smith and Andrea Anderson, and a lively and cherished presence in the lives of many other family members and friends. Visitation has been completed at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations may be made to Mission Services of London, 415 Hamilton Road, London, ON N5Z 1S1, where Kirby worked with the city’s homeless. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DE BOER, Antje “Annie”…

The family is sad to announce that Annie passed away peacefully in her sleep in Burlington on February 14, 2013. Beloved wife of the late Willem de Boer (2002). Loving mother of John, Martin and Art: and their spouses and families. Anne was Beppe to 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Gerard of the Netherlands, and by many in-laws, nieces and nephews in both Canada and the Netherlands. A long, full life lived well right to the end. Friends will be received by the family from 7-9 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013, at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 11 am. Private family interment to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com