Services & Obituaries

JOSEPH, Elizabeth “Betty”…

Betty Joseph passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, the 28th of October, 2023 in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late William Baumbach (1989) and the late Leo Joseph (2014). Betty will be missed by her children Dorothy Collins, Cathy Alexiou (Bill), Sharon Von Wistinghausen (Kevin Sauer) and Bill Ross (Marguerite). Cherished grandmother of Vicky (Allan), Ann Marie (Jeff), Johnny, Ken (Paula), Leigh Ann (Matt), Gage (Emilee), Sara (Adam), Rachel and Robert. Betty will also be greatly missed by her many great and great-great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by her mother, four sisters and their spouses, and great-great-granddaughter Lauren.

Betty was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 28 years. She served on the Lambeth & Victory Legion Colour Party, Sick & Visiting and Veteran’s Service Officer. Betty was also a proud recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm as well as on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 10-11 am. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11 am. Interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 300-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7, or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUNKING, Maxine…

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Maxine Hunking passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023 in her 91st year. Maxine was predeceased by her parents Albert and Ruby (nee Manning) Hunking, her beloved twin sister Delphine Dewar, and her brothers Edmund, Joseph and Ray Hunking. Dear sister-in-law of Patricia, Janet and Metta. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Maxine was a very intelligent and fascinating person. She always spoke her mind, even when it was a little harsh for someone to hear. She was a stubborn person, but knew what she wanted. Her long-time profession was spent with Cuso International, which meant working in Africa and India for most of her career. She adored animals, especially cats, but always dreamt of having her own dog. She liked watching hockey and baseball – supporting her Toronto teams. In the summer she enjoyed lawn bowling, and in the winter, darts. In her later years she took pleasure in the occasional drink and spending time at the casino… but rarely winning.

A graveside service for Maxine will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 12 pm, at Hope Chapel Cemetery, 39226 Hullett McKillop Road, Auburn. In memory of Maxine, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHEESMAN, Theresa…

Theresa passed away quietly and peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, October 23, 2023 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Maurice Cheesman (1999). Adored mother of the late Daniel Cheesman (2021) and the late Rose, Garry Cheesman and his partner Rebecca, Dale Cheesman, Frank Cheesman and his wife Elaina, Sharon Millar and her partner Dennis Rosso, Shelly Cheesman and Sandy Benoit and her husband James. Also loved by her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her brothers Bill, Harvey, Jim, Milton, Frank and Hop and her sisters Lavina and Pauline.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

In memory of Theresa, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McCUTCHEON, John…

Peacefully with family by his side at University Hospital, London, John McCutcheon passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023 in his 76th year. Beloved husband of Sabra McCutcheon (nee Tuff) for 52 years. Loving father of Rhonda McCutcheon (Jonathan McMillan). Cherished grandpa of Gage and Rylee. Dear brother of Susan Breeze-Kent (Bob). Predeceased by his brother Randy McCutcheon. John will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

John had an immense love for travel. He enjoyed going to Trinidad multiple times, as well as many trips with Sabra to Europe. In his younger years he was an avid cyclist, even cycling to work throughout the winter. John was a voracious reader and during his retirement enjoyed sitting outside on the porch reading a good book or listening to his favourite music. John was also a big animal lover and always had to make sure he had a pocket full of treats for the furry friends he would encounter.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 1 pm at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London, ON, N6C 1E7. John’s ashes will then be scattered in the church’s Memorial Garden. In memory of John, donations may be made to St. James Westminster Anglican Church Memorial Garden. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MARKS, Catherine Marie…

Peacefully on Saturday, October 14, 2023, University Hospital, London, Catherine passed away in her 60th year.

Cherished and supportive mother of Valerie Benyamin, Melissa Fryett and Allison Fryett. Adored grandma of Xander Benyamin, Ryker Benyamin and Violet Benyamin. Beloved sister of Larry Marks and John Marks. Loving mother-in-law to Andy Benyamin.

She was a Registered Nurse (RN) for over 30 years, not only making a difference in her family’s life but also caring for those in need. She was a very empathetic and strong woman who had such a beautiful soul that touched all that she encountered. Cathy loved to bake, especially around the holidays. She loved movies, music and going to concerts. She enjoyed sewing her own Halloween costumes for her children and making memorable gifts. Getting together with her two daughters and her best friend for euchre night was one of her more recent favourite activities. Cathy was a proud homeowner with a green thumb. Her loving, fun and bubbly personality will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. As this is a service to celebrate her life, we invite you to wear colourful outfits, especially her favourite colour, green. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HINTON, Patricia “Pat” A.D.…

Peacefully at home with her family by her side, Patricia “Pat” A.D. Hinton passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023 in her 94th year. Beloved wife of George Hinton for 67 years. Loving mother of Patsy Hinton (David Wilson) and Tom Hinton (Gretta). Cherished Grandma of Jenny (Alex), Daniel (Cassandra), Andrew, and Gregory. Great-Grandma of Abby and George.

Cremation has taken place and at Pat’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the VON Canada, 100-2315 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MUNRO, Ronald “Ron” “Skip”…

Ronald Munro passed away peacefully at University Hospital in London, Ontario, the evening of October 11th, 2023 in his 87th year. Cherished husband of Norma Munro for 61 years. Dear father of Kimberley Cox (Michael) of Wallaceburg and Vincent Munro (Sylvia) of London. Ron will also be missed by his grandchildren Amanda, David and Jacquie. Dear great-grandfather to 7 great-grandchildren. Brother to Eileen (Don (2021) of London. Skip is predeceased by his sisters Carolyn, Brenda, Linda and his brothers Jack and Gerald.

Ron proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Sgt. in the 3rd battalion in The Royal Canadian Regiment for 25 years. Ron also worked for Canada Post for 25 years. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ron may be made to Parkwood Institute, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7.

Cremation has taken place. A private family internment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WIELINGA, Fedde “Fred”…

Peacefully at Sprucedale Care Centre, Strathroy, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Fedde “Fred” Wielinga passed away in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Grace (nee de Vries) Wielinga (2014). Loving father of Frank Wielinga and his wife Aviva, Dave Wielinga and his wife Christine, Albert Wielinga and his wife Glenda, Jeanette Veld and her husband Calvin, Jacob Wielinga and his wife Angela, and Bert Wielinga and his wife Jeanette. Also loved by his 28 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and predeceased by his granddaughter Rebecca Veld. Dear brother of Houweltje Posthumus and Griet Tilma and her husband Willem and brother-in-law of Okje Vellema and her husband Janco, all of The Netherlands. A private family visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, followed immediately by interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. A public service will be held at Providence United Reformed Church, 447 Second Street, Strathroy on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 2 pm. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Word and Deed Ministries, 39993 Talbot Line, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

Jeffrey Michael Gilbart

Jeff Gilbart, known to many simply as “Oz”, passed away on October 8, 2023, at his home in London, Ontario.

Jeff was born on November 10, 1954, to Patricia (Davison) and Gordon Gilbart in Brantford, Ontario. He grew up like many young boys in Ottawa, playing hockey out in the streets with friends, before moving with his family to Toronto. An avid skier, he spent two seasons teaching on the slopes in Park City, Utah, and then settled in London, where he met a lifelong friend, Victoria.

Jeff is survived by his son, Caley (Victoria), and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bryan (Vicki), nieces, Erin (Judah) and Teil (Jason), and some extended family, including his cousins Sharon, Lynda and Dan, whom he enjoyed spending time with over the holidays at the farm in Elora, Ontario.

Occasionally stubborn, but most often he was pretty easy going. He was caring and kind. He always had time for his son – the best dad a boy could ask for. He took his son camping and canoeing in the summer to places like Bon Echo, skiing in winter, and spent countless hours with him on the diamond, hitting grounders and framing pitches. Jeff was also an avid golfer, and took his son out touring courses across southwestern Ontario for vacation.

Jeff lived a simple life in retirement. He enjoyed listening to rock music, notably acoustic versions of songs, reading, feeding the neighborhood squirrels, and following Formula 1, another boyhood passion of his.
He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge St #1200, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Arrangements have been entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared at www.amgfh.com

HOSKIN, Frederick Douglas …

It is with great sadness we share the loss of Doug, on Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at the age of 81, who has courageously battled every challenge life has thrown his way. He is greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Alicia, and his daughter Carolyn. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Fred.

Doug was an avid lawn bowler, sports enthusiast, and had a wonderful singing voice. He shared many laughs with great friends all over this country, but especially with the Calvary Senior Choir and Billiards Buddies.

Doug’s sense of humour was something that drew people to him and throughout his lifetime, whether working at Greyhound or out on the greens you could guarantee that he was up to something.

As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. However, an event will likely occur during the next bowling season. Donations to Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club or Calvary United Church in his memory are appreciated.

Special thanks to our friends for their support during this time.

Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com