Services & Obituaries

FORREST, Walter…

Peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, Walter passed away in his 94th year. Beloved husband of the late Betty Forrest (2017). Dear father of Drs. Jo-Ann Bice and husband Steve Zawacky of Pittsburgh, Reverend Nancy Clarke and husband Archdeacon Bill Clarke of Kingston, and Mary Forrest of London. Also loved by his grandsons Jeffrey Bice (wife Casey) of Annapolis, Christopher Bice (partner Kelly Reddington) of Tampa, Matthew Clarke (wife Shannon) of Kingston and Daniel Clarke of Kingston. Great-grandfather of Melody Clarke. Will also be missed by his former son-in-law, Kevin Bice and dearest friends Margo and James Ross. Predeceased by his parents Earl and Josephine Forrest and his sister Colleen MacDonald. A special thank you to Dr. C. Anaedu and the staff at St. Mary’s – third floor for their care and compassion. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 11:30 am-12:40 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. For those not able to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Eva Marlene Fagan (n.  Love)

October 27, 1937 – April 9, 2024

With the heaviest of hearts our family shares the passing of our beloved matriarch Eva Marlene (Love) Fagan, on Tuesday April 9, 2024. A resident of Henley Place Long-Term Care, she was in her 87th year. ‘Marlene-Mom-Grandma-Great Grandma’ was surrounded at the end by the love of her entire family, who are mourning and celebrating her beautiful life.

Cherished wife and life partner of Gerald Fagan. Devoted mother of Leslie (Jeff Pinkney), Louise (Michael Hew), Judith Sparks (David), Jennifer (David VanDenDriesschen), Jonathan (Sara Mau).

Doting grandmother of Isabella Hansen, Nathaniel Wise (Jill), Gillian Wise (Mickael St-Amant), Samuel Romyn (Natalie), Jesse Romyn (Emma), Max VanDenDriesschen, Mae VanDenDriesschen, Lucas VanDenDriesschen, Gracie Fagan (Braeden Evans) and Arthur Fagan (Lux Swartz). Delighted great-grandmother of Burton Wise, Madden Wise, Alexandra Romyn, Rex Romyn, and Finn St-Amant. Dear sister of Gwendolyn Oliver (Ray); predeceased by her dear sister Ruth Acker.

Marlene’s passion for her family was matched only by her passion for music. From her church organist and choir leader days at Knox Presbyterian Church in Listowel Ontario, to her roles as general manager and accompanist, under the baton of her sweetheart Gerald, of the London Symphonic Chorus, The Gerald Fagan Singers, Chor Amica, and the Concert Players Orchestra, Marlene inspired and supported generations of musicians. Bestowed with numerous awards, Marlene was humbled to be named as a YWCA Woman of Excellence (London Ontario), to be honoured with Gerald at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music Wall of Fame, and for receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award (Forest City London Music Awards).

But Marlene’s greatest joys came from her close knit family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, forging special relationships with each of them.  Whatever Marlene put her energy to, she did so with love, enthusiasm and immense generosity. Friends and family will be forever touched by her infectious sense of humour, her beautiful smile, and her delicious butter tarts.

Please join the family in celebrating Marlene. Family and friends are welcome to visitation on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 1:30 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London, a tea will follow. The interment will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at Oakland Cemetery, 390 Oxford Street West, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Marlene may be made to the St. James Westminster Church Music Fund. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Lassaline, Jean

Passed away peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing, London on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in her 72nd year after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Beloved wife of the late Raymond (2001). Loving mother of Justin. Dear sister of the late John Campbell. Predeceased by her parents Edgar and Lila Campbell. Jean had a long career as a registered nurse and made many lasting friendships. Her vibrant spirit and knack for making the most of every moment were contagious, inspiring those around her to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. Jean will be deeply missed but forever remembered with fondness and admiration. Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are welcome to visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. A funeral will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOODSON, Norma…

Norma Goodson passed away peacefully on the morning of April 4th, 2024, in London, Ontario, in her 96th year. Norma will be missed by her daughters Janet and Brenda. Predeceased by her husband John Goodson (2023).

Norma adored traveling, amassed a collection of spoons from different eras, enjoyed cooking, and was an avid reader. Her passion for exploring the world and diverse interests will be dearly missed by those who knew her.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Norma may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Humane Society London & Middlesex or a charity of your choosing. Friends and guests are invited to visitation at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 10am-11am. The service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Susanne Lee Thomas (Ollivier)
1953-2024
With a very heavy heart, it pains us to inform you of the sudden passing of Susanne Lee Thomas (Ollivier) on Saturday, March 30th, 2024, after a brief time in University Hospital, London, Ontario at age 70.
The family was fortunate to be able to see her the day before and there’s peace of mind knowing that she was able to see her family one last time.
Susanne is survived by her husband of 48 years Kent Thomas, her sons Andy Thomas (Brooke) and Jay Thomas (Jen) and daughter Colleen (Michael). Grandmother to Lauren, David and Emily. Susanne was the daughter of Donald Ollivier (1995) and Ruth Ellis and is survived by her brothers Tony Ollivier (Jo-Ann) and Jamie Ollivier (Danielle) of British Columbia.
Susanne was born, raised, and educated in London. She received a bachelor’s degree in both music and education as well as a Masters Degree in Music Education from Western University. She taught for the Thames Valley Board for 33 years and touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. She was an accomplished flute player and taught flute to many students at her home. Throughout her career she performed regularly and managed to keep her playing at a high level. In her retirement, she became conductor of the Mocha Shrine Concert and interim conductor of the Woodstock Choralaires. She was a dynamo, and we were all so proud of her.
Susanne dedicated her life to sharing her joy of music and education with everyone she met. She always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Susanne loved to travel, she enjoyed trips to the slots and Britbox on tv. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a musician and a teacher. She was deeply involved in her community and her congregation at St. Andrew Memorial Church. She will be deeply missed by all. We will cherish her memory in our hearts.
There will be a celebration of life at St. Andrew Memorial Church, on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with visitation from 10:00am-12:00pm at 55 Foxbar Road, London, ON. The service will follow at 12:00pm.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for the love, music and friendship you’ve shared with Susanne over the years.
Memorial donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice in her name.
Thank you,
Kent, Andy, Jay, Colleen and all of our family.

DUNHAM, Charles Burton…
Jan 25, 1938 – Mar 18, 2024
Charles Burton Dunham passed away March 18, 2024, in palliative care at Victoria Hospital, London, in his 87th year. The eldest child of Charles & Georgina Dunham, he was born January 25, 1938 (a birthday shared with Robbie Burns) in Port Alberni, BC. Charles is survived by a brother Gordon Dunham (Bonnie) of BC and sister Alison Hobson (Larry, deceased) of Florida.
Charles studied at UBC (BA 1959, MA 1963) and received his PhD (Mathematics) from Western in 1968. He was hired by Dr. John Hart as one of the original members of the mathematical and engineering group that became the Department of Computer Science. At that time there were no textbooks for Computer Science, and many people even doubted that the discipline should belong to science. Charles was supported by John Hart and early on inspired by a course on the “Theory of Computing” from Neil Jones. He taught courses on Numerical Analysis and was interested in and made contributions to the theory of incomputable functions. He published a substantial number of papers on Best Approximations during 1975-1995. Charles died as an Emeritus Professor in the same department where he continued to contribute well after retirement.
Beyond academia Charles was always interested in politics and current events. But he was especially interested in photography and explorations of the paths and forests of both BC and this, his adopted region. He was active in local hiking and canoe clubs and would often be found exploring the trails with camera at hand. He is fondly remembered by friends for his slide shows where he shared this artistic side. People who knew him well could see beyond his faults. He was a brilliant mind, a gentle but troubled soul, with a unique wit and an artist’s eye.
He will be missed. His life and his passing were not easy but he died with friends at hand who cared. No memorial or visitation service is planned. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered in the woods he loved so much in a private moment with those same friends.
Many thanks to the staff of Maple View Terrace, London, for the care and support provided in his final years. And many thanks to the staff at Victoria Hospital for their care during his final difficult days. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHURCHILL, Patricia “Patsy”…

After a courageous battle with dementia, Patricia “Patsy” Churchill (nee Kendall), of London, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the age of 82. Beloved wife of Carl Churchill for 63 years. Loving mother of Cary Churchill and her husband John Defayette of Tobermory, Chris Churchill and her husband Gord Gittings of Brantford and Cal Churchill and his partner Janice Paterson of London. Predeceased by her son Carl Churchill Jr. Cherished Nana of Perry (Lauren), Jonathan (Moira), Calvin (Kayla), Beatrice and Charlie and recent great-grandmother of Rory. Patsy will also be dearly missed by her beloved golden retriever, Lucy. Patsy was incredibly loved by her family and friends and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome to come together for a memorial service on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 12 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Future interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 485 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RYALL, Emerson C. “Em”

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Em Ryall of London in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Lida R. “Lee” (Gut) Ryall, Reg. N. (retired). Dear father of Tim Ryall and his wife Tammie of Belle River and Lynda Ryall-Henke and her husband Walter of London. Predeceased by his siblings, Darius Ryall, Edison (Jean) Ryall, Clare (Dan) Bryant, Albert (Lois) Ryall, Evelyn (Marv) Orr, Etoile (Orville) Zavitz. Survived by his sister, Jean (the late Bob). Loved by his grandchildren, Jessica and Joshua (Allison) Ryall, Sarah, Jacob (Karelia) and Daniel (Laura) Henke. Missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Em worked for the London Free Press for nearly 30 years and for MDS Laboratories until his retirement. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a cherished friend, colleague, and family member. Em was an active member of Westview Baptist Church and Maitland Street Baptist Church. He was a lifelong fan of the London Knights. Em had a special place in his heart for all animals. He possessed a warmth and generosity that touched the lives of all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A visitation will be held at Westview Baptist Church, 1000 Wonderland Road South, London from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am in the sanctuary. Private family interment at Medway Cemetery, Ilderton at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Westview Baptist Church or Compassion Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com

Peacefully passed away at Mount Hope Long Term Care, London on March 22, 2024, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late George Perpich (2022). Loving mother to Heather (Rick) Perpich, Joanne (Sergio) Marzaro, Jacqueline (Vito) DeLucia and Denise Caya. Remembered by her stepson George (Kelly) Perpich. Cherished grandma of Jonathan and Kevin, Michael and Katie, Mitchell and Jasmin, Renee and Lisa, and Caroline. Loving sister of the late Ruth Van Slyke, Robert Eckenswiller and William Eckenswiller.
She will be missed by her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her existence, a wellspring of strength that saw her through life’s trials and tribulations. She walked in faith, a testament to her belief in the power of grace and the importance of trust in the divine. Her life was a living sermon, teaching those around her the value of faith, hope, and love. She was a friend, a mentor, and a confidante, touching the lives of many with her kindness and wisdom. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and welcome, a place where all were greeted with a smile and an open door, along with a baked good! She lived her life in service to others, embodying the virtues of generosity and selflessness. A funeral service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 11:00 am. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Betty’s memory can be made to Mission Services of London or the London Food Bank. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOMBOKAH, George…

George Dombokah peacefully passed away at Victoria Hospital, London, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in his 81st year. He was the beloved husband of Annah Dombokah for nearly 55 years. Loving father of Cecil (Emily), Joyce, Edwin (Dorenda), David (Michelle) and Farai. Missed by his daughter-in-law Linda. Cherished grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of 1. Predeceased by his son Vincent (2023) and his sister Diana Mutepuka. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 12-12:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Oakland of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of George, sympathy donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4 or LUSO Community Services 2-1193 Oxford Street East, London, ON N5Y 3M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com