Services & Obituaries

BURNS, Josiah Martin…Peacefully and surrounded by his loving family at Parkwood Hospital, Palliative Care on Friday August 3rd at the age of 89. Joe has gone home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Dearly beloved husband and life partner to Betty for 64 years. Loving Dad to David (Mary) and Alan (Debbie) cherished Grandpa to Denis, Colin, Derek and Taylor. Predeceased by parents Jim and Janet Burns and sisters Janet Burns and Dianne Kellock, all of Scotland. Joe had three careers, the L.N.E. Railroad in Scotland, 30 years as a police officer (Sgt) at the London Police force and the best job of all (no more shift work) as a part time Court Officer in London. Joe was a very unselfish man, never demanding, hard working, leading a simple life but standing up against injustice. He dearly loved and cherished his family and was a loyal friend to many. Joe and Betty enjoyed many wonderful holidays together mainly in the U.K., Europe and in the Middle East and looked forward to their month in south Portugal during the winter. Joe’s health deteriorated over the past year. He spent many months in the hospital and Long Term Care, ending his last days in Parkwood Hospital. It broke our hearts to see him go but he was ready to meet the Lord.
When with the setting of the sun
I close my eyes when life is done
My soul will go without a care
Knowing that God is waiting there

Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday August 8, 2012 from 11 am until 1:00 pm at the London First Church of the Nazarene, 176 Wellington Street, London, where the funeral service will be held at 1:00pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Vision, 1 World Drive, Mississauga Drive, Ontario L5T 2Y4 or the Smile Train, Unit 209-388 4915 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M2R 1X9. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anita Singh and the wonderful nurses (Gods Angel’s) in Parkwood, Palliative Care Unit. Arrangements entrusted to the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

URQUHART, James Donald Alistair “Don” (1924-2012)…

Passed away peacefully at Chelsey Park, London on Friday, August 3 , 2012, Don Urquhart in his 89th year. Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of over 67 years, Helen. He will be dearly missed by his children Jim (Diane) of Daytona Beach, Florida, Judianne (Brian) Worts Uxbridge, Ontario, Donna (Jim) Hawley of London. Loving grandfather of Scott (Stephanie), Jennifer (Stephen), David (Heather), Tara (Josh), Matthew (Martha) and Kristin (Dwight). He was great-grandpa Don to Andrew, Mackenzie, Erin, Liam and Darius. Also survived by his sister Judy Finlay (London). Predeceased by his sister Doreen O’grady. Don started his career in the confectionary wholesale business with his father. In 1959 he moved to London and joined O Pee Chee, later becoming their Vice President, stating “he was the best bubble gum salesman in Canada”. Don served in the RCAF during World War II. He was a member of Oakridge Presbyterian Church. Before his illness Don loved to travel with his wife. He was an avid golfer and member of the Highland Country Club for nearly 50 years. Friends will be received by the family on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 from 11 am until 1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 1:00 pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers donations to the Charity of Your Choice would be greatly appreciated. Special thanks goes to the 4th floor nursing staff at Chelsey Park for the wonderful care they gave to Don. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HALEY, Stephen William Harry…Serenely, in his own good time and after a full life at Victoria Hospital, London on Friday, August 3, 2012 Stephen W.H. Haley in his 91st year. Born in Miri Sarawak Borneo, the son of Albert Haley of Marthaville Ontario and Lucy Stonehouse of Hull England he was educated in Scotland and England. At the beginning of the Second World War he was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Air Force , completing his Spitfire training in time to participate in the Battle of Britain. After recovering from injuries sustained from an attempt by the Luftwaffe to make the “few” fewer he transferred to the RAF Regiment (Iraq Levies) serving in North Africa, the Near East and Meditteranean theatres. Following the war Stephen emigrated to Canada settling first in Toronto where he met and married his beloved Margaret (Fletcher) and then in London where he had a career in automobile sales and as a representative for many years of Corby-Wiser’s Distillery. He was an active member of the London Little Theatre Company, The Baconian Society, The London Automobile Sport Club and the Sponsor’s Committee 614 Forest City Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadet Corps. He was also a Past Chairman of London’s Fortnight Festival and a Director of the Vimy Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. His many stories, dry humour and love will be sadly missed by his sons Chris (Joanne), Ian (Nancy), and his grandsons Derek (Pamela), Drew (Sarah) and Fletcher. He will also be missed by his many friends for whom he was immensely grateful. Stephen would like to thank the London medical fraternity which allowed him to maintain an impressive social schedule to the end and the nursing staff of Victoria Hospital B9 who made his last days so pleasant. He would especially like to thank Dr. Julie Clarke for her years of care and kindness. A memorial to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012, 11:00am at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London ON, N6A 3E6. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the London Regional Cancer Centre, 747 Baseline Road East, London Ontario N6C 2R6 would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LABELLE, Laura Maud

At Terrace Lodge, Aylmer on Wednesday, August 1,2012, Laura M. (Spicer) LaBelle in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Joseph R. LaBelle (2001). Loved mother of Bob Lewis (Donna), Terrence LaBelle (Pierette), David Lewis (Wendy), Kathleen Vetland (Matt), Ken Lewis (Karen) and Kim Cloer (Stefan). Dear mother-in-law of Faith LaBelle. Also loved by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her step son Gerald LaBelle. Laura was a member of WWII stationed in Hamilton, Ontario. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday August 4, 2012 from 9-10 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday at 10:00 am with Reverend Jeff Strokan officiating. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Gideons, P.O. Box 3619, Guelph, ON N1H 7A2 would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSTON, Meredith Margaret

Precious daughter of Helen (Scott) Johnston and the late Dr. Keith Johnston (1995). On August 1, 2012 at University Hospital in her fiftieth year, unexpectedly from complications of Multiple Sclerosis. Much loved sister of Jeanette, Paula (Conning), Robert and David. Fondly remembered by sisters-in-law Kelly Johnston and Arati Johnston and brother-in-law David Conning. Fun-loving aunt of Laura Johnston Conning and Mitchell, James and Olivia Johnston. Friends will be received by the family on Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 2-5 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Private inurnment will be conducted at Woodland Cemetery, London at a later date.

MOWBRAY, Douglas Brian…At Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Brian Mowbray in his 64th year. Beloved husband of Catherine Mowbray. Loving father of Colin. Cherished brother of Joyce (Ken) and Robert (Shirley). Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. At the request of the deceased there will be no funeral home visitation or service. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1 would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com

MITCHELL, LEELAND H……

Lee Mitchell died peacefully on July 30, 2012 at the age of 90 while residing with family in Calgary. Lee now joins Theresa, his wife and soulmate of 62 years (2007), his parents, brothers Max and Len, his treasured sisters Rosalea, Mary and Laurena and several of his countless friends.
Dad, ‘Pops’, Grandpa, ‘Gramps’ will be sorely missed by daughter Mary Louise, four sons and their families: Kenneth and Mary, Bruce and Susan, David and Theresa, and John Wesley (Wes), 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Lee grew up in Watford, Ontario where his family farmed, joined up for WWII at 18, was stationed in Ottawa where he met and married Theresa Johnson.
His long and productive career in the public schools began in Chatham where he is still remembered by students from the late 40’s. After two years he moved to London Board of Education where he taught several years at Wortley Road PS and served as Vice Principal and Principal at several London schools. On the occasion of his retirement in 1978, Lee was proud of a letter from the Director of Education naming him “..the acknowledged Dean of Elementary Principals.”
Lee was an athlete — competed in track in his youth, coached public school athletes and teams through most of his career in education and competedpassionately at London Curling Club through two decades after retirement until his knees wouldn’t let him get down in the hack. Finally, Lee was a Christian and adherent of the Golden Rule, served and supported his church all his life. Cared deeply for others, which they could sense, hence his friendships with those twice his age and half his age,
of all backgrounds and pursuits.
Friends may visit at A Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout St S, London on Friday August 10, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. Lee Mitchell’s funeral will be held at ST. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 397 Springbank Dr, London on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Church – Trust Fund, 397 Springbank Dr, London ON N6J 1G7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Ada Jean

Peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing, London, in her sleep, on Friday, July 27, 2012, Ada Jean (Cornell) Smith in her 80th year. Beloved wife of Horace Smith for 55 years. Cherished sister of Rheta Hunking and her husband the late George. Sister-in-law of Margaret Streete and her husband Lawrence, Ray Smith and his wife Sandra, and Burt Smith and his wife Betty. Also missed by her many nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by her sister Isabel (John) Ward and her two brothers Murray (Dora) and Roy (Phyllis). Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family 1 hour prior (1-2pm) to the memorial service being conducted on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 2pm, in the chapel at The Village of Glendale Crossing, 3030 Singleton Avenue, London, with Chaplain Maureen Dwyer officiating. Private family interment. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A. Millard George Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com

CALDWELL, Dianne

After a long battle with cancer Dianne Joy Caldwell (McKenney) of London passed away peacefully in her sleep at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the age of 58, surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Ross Caldwell. Dear mother of Joseph Raymond Caldwell. Daughter of Raymond McKenney and the late Dorothy (Humphrey) McKenney all of London. Dear sister of Karen Howard and her husband Jerry, Randall, Wayne, Donna, Ronald and Kathryn all of London. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be conducted from the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall, 86 Baseline Road W., London on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 1:30pm. A private family graveside interment will be conducted at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London, ON N6A 3A1 would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.amgfh.com

JUDGES, Catherine…..

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London, on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, Catherine (Darling) Judges in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Chester Judges (1984). Cherished mother of Norm Judges of London and Dr. David Judges and his wife Tracy and their family of Waterloo. Dearly missed by her sisters and brothers. Also missed by her nieces and nephews. Friends will be received by the family 1 hour prior (12-1pm) to the funeral service being conducted in the chapel of the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 1pm. Cremation with interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com