Services & Obituaries

FLEURY, Dr. William Douglas…

Passed unexpectedly with family by his side on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario in his 45th year. Lovingly known by so many as ‘Dr. Will’ the Veterinarian of the Byron Animal Clinic and as the beloved husband and soul mate of Andrea Fleury (nee Tierney). Proud Dada of two young sons Lincoln, age 7 and Evan Fleury, age 5. Cherished son of Paul and Susan Fleury, brother of Jessica Kathleen and brother-in-law of Stephane Martel, all of London. Loved grandson of Sophie Jackson of Sarnia. Son-in-law of Mike and Jean Tierney of Woodstock and brother-in-law Darren Tierney of Montreal. Loving uncle of Ashlyn and Bryson Martel and many other supportive aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dr. Will graduated from Western University with an Honours Degree in Biology. He thereafter was accepted into, and graduated from, the Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph – 2005). He worked at a variety of animal clinics in the London area until he became the owner and operator of the Byron Animal Clinic in 2013. As this all evolved, Will said he felt truly blessed to have, “the best job in the world in one of the best cities in Canada”. Noteworthy also – under his leadership, his clinic on occasion was voted the ‘Best’ Veterinary Clinic in London. When this was awarded, he could not have been more proud. His staff also stood tall when this happened as they always were so ‘reliable and professional’. Will often remarked that he was so fortunate to be associated with such excellent staff.

Will was 6’ 5” tall. He loved basketball and excelled at it – particularly in high school. His favourite team – the Toronto Raptors. His all time idol – Michael Jordan.

Dr. Will’s working style was to meet his dog patients where they were – on the floor – despite his height. He was routinely known for sitting cross-legged while conducting his examinations. So many enjoyed the connection he always made and more importantly marveled at his talent, knowledge, and skill. Dr. Will was a gentle giant who gave a voice to his voiceless animal patients and truly was a hero.

All will miss Dr. Will but nobody more so than his immediate family, relatives and loved ones.

Cremation has taken place. A date for a Celebration of Will’s life will be announced in the near future. Interment will be in Woodland Cemetery, London – a place where Dr. Will and his family used to go to observe the many deer and other wildlife.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the two surviving children.

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

NAYLOR, James “Jim”

Peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023, at University Hospital, London, Jim passed away a few days following his 80^th birthday.

Jim was born to Thomas and Muriel Naylor, on September 3^rd, 1943. He was a quick witted, sports enthusiast who loved spending time with family. In his younger years he loved going to his hometown of Toronto to spend his Saturdays playing badminton with his friends. As time went on, he enjoyed relaxing with a good book, mastering the crossword in the daily paper, playing cards, and watching the Blue Jays. He was also a very devoted grandfather to Daphne and Hazel.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years Christine Naylor. Daughter Sarah Lepelaars (Jeff Lepelaars) grandchildren Daphne and Hazel Lepelaars, sister Carol MacNaughton, brother Gary Naylor (Christa Naylor).

Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Muriel Naylor and his brother-in-law Donald MacNaughton.

He will fondly be remembered by his nieces and nephews and his wife Christine’s family.

Cremation has taken place. Interment in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Watford, Ontario.

A celebration of life will be held at the residence of Jeff and Sarah Lepelaars Saturday, September 16^th, 2023.

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

Carnie, Mary “Evelyn”…..

Evelyn passed away at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on Friday, September 8, 2023, with her family by her side at the age of 81. Loving mother of Heather (Herb), Karen (Tony), and Leah. Proud Grandma of Jesse, Mikayla, Michael, Mathew, Andrea and Jeff. Great-Grandma to Cole and Myles.  Dearly missed by her friends Yumiko and Carol. Predeceased by parents Gordon and Isabel Carnie and her sisters Norma and Marg. As per Evelyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest in Ridgetown, Ontario with her parents. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff and Dr. Martin of Westmount Gardens for their kindness, compassion, and care over the years. She will be dearly missed and live forever in our memories. Arrangements entrusted with A. Milard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SELLS, Annabel C.

Peacefully at University Hospital, London on Thursday, September 7, 2023, Annabel Caroline Sells of London passed away in her 96th year. Predeceased by her brother William D. Sells (2015) and her parents Ira and Jennie (McIntyre) Sells. Also predeceased by her lifelong friend Lois Gauld (2023).  Survived by her godsons James and Robert Gauld, her many cousins and friends.

Annabel was the embodiment of commitment and service. She dedicated her life to the nursing profession and was a steadfast mentor, supporter, volunteer and benefactor to the nursing, health care and academic communities. Annabel was a proud graduate of the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing (1950) and the UWO School of Nursing (1967).  

A special thank you to the staff and residents of Amica, London, the Byron Family Medical Centre and the Palliative Care Team, University Hospital, for their compassionate care, support, and kindness.

As requested, there will be a private graveside service with interment of ashes at Melrose Cemetery, Melrose Ontario. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to New St. James Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BASTOW, Lois…

Lois Marie Bastow (Forbes) passed away peacefully at Henley Place in London, Ontario, surrounded by love on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 in her 90th year. Loving wife of the late Edwin “Ted” Bastow (1988). Lois was the proud mom to her loving daughter Linda Avery (Larry) of Grand Bend. She will be missed by her brother Glenn (Helen), her two grandchildren who loved her dearly; Leah (Ian) and Tyler (Jenna), as well as her two great grandchildren Eamon and Addison. Lois will also be missed by her nieces and nephews who have fond memories of their Aunt Lois. As well, she will be fondly missed by her cousins, friends and neighbors.  

Lois was born on May 26, 1934, in Sarnia, ON, to her parents Irene Marie Forbes and Donald Forbes who predeceased her. She was a long time employee of Kellogg’s Canada in Quality Control. Lois was a hard worker who balanced work life, raising her only daughter Linda, along with her husband Ted. She was known for her sense of humour, which helped her get through the ups and downs of life. As a passionate animal lover, Lois always had a cat or a dog, most recently her little dog Lily. She loved to shop, visit friends, maintain her lovely home and mostly she was devoted to her family.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Henley Place for their kindness and care of Lois, and to Diane who helped care for her as well. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, September 14, 2023, 1 hour prior to the funeral service (10-11am) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOLMAN, Douglas Rolph
July 12, 1938 – September 4, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you of the passing of Douglas Rolph Dolman.
Beloved husband and partner of Agneta for over 55 years, loving and supportive father to Marcus and (Dee) Kristina Shepherd, father-in-law to Krista and Jonathan, a loving “Farfar” to Madison and Erik and a wonderful “Morfar” to Anna, Katherine, and Andrew.

Doug leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Having spent 23 wonderful summers in Sweden, Doug will be greatly missed by family, friends, and good neighbours on both sides of the Atlantic. A quiet, thoughtful man, Doug will be remembered for his kindness and his ability to listen to others.

Doug was born in Hamilton on July 12, 1938, the only child of Douglas William Dolman and Muriel Rolph. Northern Ontario became the home of the Dolman family and Doug would fondly remember the times spent on the outdoor rinks in Sudbury and the life-long friendships formed at Sudbury High.

Doug studied at the School of Architecture, McGill University but later switched and obtained a degree in Psychology B.Sc.. He was torn between choosing what was regarded as a responsible lifestyle by finishing his architectural studies at UBC or choosing the uncertain life of a visual artist. He chose to study art at the School of Art and Design, MMFA, Montreal. While at the school he met his future wife, Agneta, an art student from Sweden.

They married in 1968 and after having spent 7 years in Sweden, returned to Canada to start a family. In 1971, London, Ontario seemed the obvious choice for an aspiring artist and Doug soon got a chance to exhibit his paintings at Nancy Poole’s Gallery in a group exhibition in 1972 and a solo exhibition 1974. However, as the children came along, it became necessary for Doug to find a more secure day job. Responding to an ad in the LFP he applied to Canada Trust as a Design Coordinator for the many new bank branches springing up all over Canada. This was the beginning of a successful 27 year career with the company, becoming VP Administrative Services in 1977, and retiring in 1998.

Doug dedicated much of his time to serving charitable organizations in the London community including: the United Way, the London YM/YWCA, the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Doug was deeply involved in all aspects of life at Metropolitan United Church serving on many committees throughout the years.

As Canada Trust merged and became TD Canada Trust, Doug happily took early retirement to be able to paint again. He obtained a studio and immersed himself in painting with great dedication, exhibiting at Thielsen Galleries, McIntosh Gallery, EXCAVO, Stand Fine Art Services and other venues in Ontario and in Sweden.

A Memorial Service will be held at Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street (Wellington & Dufferin) at 11:00am, on Wednesday, September 20th.  Cremation will be followed by internment in the family grave, Hamilton, Ontario.

Memorial contributions to the Memorial Fund, Metropolitan United Church in Lonodon, Ontario, Doctor’s Without Borders or your choice of charity would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUNTER, James “Jim”…

After a short illness, James Edwin Hunter, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Victoria Hospital, London on Monday, September 4, 2023, in his 91st year.  Beloved husband of Lois B. Hunter for 65 wonderful years. Dear father of Alan Hunter and his wife Ginette of Mooretown, Kevin Hunter and his wife Patricia of London and Ronald Hunter and his wife Daniela of London. Jim will be forever cherished by his grandchildren Alexander, Kyler, Shaelynne, Emma and Pascal. Dear brother of Elaine Heins of Renfrew, Ontario. Predeceased by his sister Inez MacMillan, his brother Gordon Hunter and his brothers-in-law David Heins and Norman MacMillan and his sister-in-law Joan Hunter.

Jim was employed by the Ministry of Transportation MTO for 37 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of Nilestown Masonic Lodge No. 345, and a life member of King Soloman’s Lodge No. 378. Jim was a 32nd degree member of Scottish Rite, Barrie and a member of Bethlehem Chapter Eastern Star. In 2008, Jim was the recipient of the William Mercer Wilson Medal by Grand Lodge.

Friends are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 7-9 pm and 1 hour prior to the funeral service (10-11am) at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Masonic Service under the auspices of Nilestown No. 345 A.F. & A.M. will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11 am. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube Channel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the London Valley Consistory Club, c/o Dave MacLeod, 29 Tweedsmuir Avenue, London, ON N5W 1K6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CURRIE, Donald “Don”…

Donald Currie passed away peacefully at Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London, on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of Bea Currie for 72 years. Loving father of Paul Currie and his wife Suzanne and David Currie and his wife Stephanie. Cherished grandfather of Ryan (Lauren), Amanda (Adam), Emma, Ellie, and Eva. Adored great-grandfather of Roslyn Mae. Predeceased by his brother Neil. Missed by his sister-in-law Colleen, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Cremation has taken place. At Don’s request there will be no visitation, and a private graveside service will be held at Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg. Memorial donations to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6, would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKS, Heather…

Heather Brooks passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family the afternoon of September 2nd, 2023 in her 69th  year. Heather will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Chris after 32 wonderful years of marriage.

Proud mama of Kristin (David) of London, and Cassie (Ken) of Rodney. Dear sister of Carol of Port Elgin, and Gary (Shirley) of Mount Brydges. She is predeceased by her loving parents Walter and Yvonne Prentice. Heather will also be dearly missed by her other family and friends.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Heather may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide St N, London, ON N6B 3H8.
Friends and guests are welcome to a Celebration of Life on September 16th, 2023 from 1pm-5pm at 255 Horton Street East, London ON, N6B1L1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DEVINE, Michael…

At the age of 76, Michael Joseph Devine passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on September 1, 2023, from complications arising from Parkinson’s Disease. He was the loving father of Michaela Devine Altenburg of London, Ontario and cherished grandfather of Morgan, Willem, and Janek, and the dear brother of Donna, Shaun, and Patrick Devine. He was predeceased by his sister Penny Oglow and by his parents Helen and Walter Devine of Wawa, Ontario.

Michael’s life was enriched by his love of music and his deep and enduring interest in mathematics, science, poetry and philosophy. Right up until the end, he never wavered in his passionate pursuit of knowledge. Dear to his heart as well were his two cats, Butterbean and Amber. They brought him so much joy.

Michael will be greatly missed by his family and by the many friends he made and kept throughout his life.

His cremation took place on September 5, and a gravestone is erected in Michael’s memory, located in the Woodland Cemetery in Wawa, Ontario. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Michael can choose a favourite charity of their own.

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