Services & Obituaries

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

HAZELTINE, Thomas ‘Tom’ Richard…

Tom died peacefully on Tuesday August 29,2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London in his 68^th year,  born in London Ontario on May 18, 1956, on the “most important day of the year” in his estimation.

Tom was the beloved son of Thomas and Dorothy Hazeltine and cherished brother to Mary Jane Venus, (Ken), who loved and provided for his care 2010-2023. Tom loved family time and special moments spent with his nephews Bryan (Raina), and James (Arden).  Tom adored his grand-nephews, Noah, Jackson, and Henry and his grand-niece, Chloe.

Extended family was very important to Tom, and he loved to socialize and share stories from years gone by. Predeceased by Aunt Peg and Uncle Mike, Uncle Horace and Aunt Betty, Uncle Ross and Aunt Jean as well as, cousins Pat Gordon, Nancy Brabandt, James Saunders, and Cheryl Cole. Tom continued to speak of these family members, recalling special moments they shared through the years.  He never forgot a soul or a birthday…ever!

As our family was small, our first cousins were often our playmates.  John Saunders, (Karen), Barbara Axford, (Dale), Carol Deschenes, Janet Jesson, Jackie Van Wiechen, (Michael).  Tom will be greatly missed by his life-long “Buddy, Caddy and second cousin, Wayne Cole”, Rick Cole and Stephen Cole and Helen Lewis. 

Tom was proud to have graduated from Catherine Harley Elementary and the Forest City Secondary schools.  His work career was at Community Living London, learning various skills over the years.

Tom had a passion for sports as both a spectator and participant, Bowling, Golf, Hockey, Baseball, Swimming and recently Axe Throwing.  He was a participant in the first “Community Living- 73 Scout Troup” under the leadership of our father Tom Hazeltine Sr.  Tom also enjoyed Special Olympics bowling for many years.

Tom was well supported through the years by PSW’s Vivian Crump, and Wayne Cole through VON. His personal needs were well attended to by Amal Ayobi, of St Elizabeth and Gerri Mosher of Para Med.   Sincere thanks for your warm and caring service and friendship.

Our Family would like to thank the many Specialists, Nurses, and Doctors who attended to Tom’s needs through the years, and most recently by the care team at St. Joseph’s of London Hospice who provided such comfort and excellent care for Tom and support for our Family.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 am on Friday, September 8, 2023 at St. Anne’s Anglican Church ,1344 Commissioners Rd W.  London On. Interment to follow at St. Anne’s Church Cemetery.

As an expression of sympathy donations in memory of Thomas may be made to any of the following charities: St. Joseph’s Hospice London, Community Living London, Participation House, and St Anne’s Church Cemetery

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

ANDRESS, Jean Rogers….

Peacefully on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at Mount Hope Centre, London, Jean Rogers Andress (nee Aitken) passed away in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late Harold “Andy” Andress (2009). Dear mother of Cathie Spinker of Arizona and the late Suzy Bost (2018) also of Arizona. Cherished grandmother of Angie Bost, the late Andrew Bost (2007), Kimberly Zimbro and the late Michelle Zimbro (2008).  Jean will be lovingly remembered by her nephews Norman Aitken (Jean) and Rick Aitken (Pat) and their families. Jean was predeceased by her sister, Marg (John) and her brothers George (June) and Harry (Mary).  She is survived by her brother, Norm (Donna) and her nieces Julia (Wayne) and Kari.  She was also predeceased by her nephew Ted, and is survived by his wife, Bonnie and their sons Josh and Luke.

Cremation has taken place. Jean will be interred beside her husband at Oakland Cemetery, London. Those wishing to honour Jean are welcome to donate in her memory to a charity of their choosing. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKS, Elizabeth “Anne”….

After a lengthy battle with cancer and diabetes, Anne Brooks passed away at Kensington Village, London on August 21, 2023 at the age of 80.  Beloved wife of the late Robert ‘Norm’ (2020). Dear mother of David (Nancy) Brooks and Sarah Brooks (Ryan Maguire). Fondly remembered by her sisters Jenny Hastings and Marti (Dave) Cross and her brother-in-law Edward (Rose) Brooks. Predeceased by her sister-in-law Shirley Thomas. Anne and Norm were world travelers, having seen most of the world. Anne was an avid bridge player.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 2:00 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Anne can be made to Diabetes Canada. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Duplan, Janet…..

Peacefully passed away at Kensington Village, London on Monday, August 21, 2023, in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late Ted Duplan (2014) for 61 years. Loving mother of Susan Duplan (Michael Rescorl), John Duplan (Ellie Kop) and Gordon Duplan (Debbie). Cherished grandma of Garrett, Greg (Nickki), Karlyn (Dale), Matthew (Steph), Lauren (Drew), Sarah (Roddy) and great-grandma of Carmen, Cameron, Amelia, Wynona, Tia, Bryce, and Waylon. Predeceased by her parents Helen and Harry Down.

Janet thoroughly enjoyed playing sports when she was young. She won the single women’s WOSSA Championship in tennis when she attended South Collegiate. She played softball with the London Eagles, a team in the Women’s Softball League in London.

Janet was a competent and dedicated nurse for several years at Victoria Hospital, South Street Campus before beginning her family.

Janet was a member of the Highland Golf Club for 48 years playing golf and won many golf championships. She passed her appreciation of sports on to her children and grandchildren.

She was the chairperson of the LPGA for Western Ontario for three years, long time member of St. Paul’s Cathedral and served on the Altar’s Guild. She enjoyed many summers and winters with her family at the family cottage in Grand Bend. Her love of dogs was a big part of her life, and she owned many family pets throughout the years.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London.  As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KELLY, Edward…

Edward Kelly passed away in London, Ontario, on the 21st day of August, 2023 in his 50th year. Edward will be missed by his family and friends. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DYER, Perlita Rigonan …

Perlita’s journey ended on August 21 after a terrible, painful, battle, but brave, with cancer. Her best friend and husband, Carman, travelled this journey together; every step supported to the end by family. She is the loving mother of Dustin (Sandy) and Daryn.  She was so happy to finally have Sandy as a daughter. Proud Lola to Alenna, Charlotte and Vienna. She so desperately wanted to live to see Alenna returning from Japan.

Her brother’s, Joe (Linda) of LA, Edgar (Vicki) of Brampton, and sistera Estralia of Chicago, the late Penina of London and the late Nanita of the Philippines are mourning their loss. Also remembering her, are Carman’s family, Allan (Linda) of Guelph, Hugh (Mira) of Toronto. Daughter of the late Jose and Nicolasa Rigonan.

Many wanted to visit with Perlita in her final days but she was unable to speak due to a vocal chord dysfunction. She knew that her family and friends were thinking of her and she appreciated that. She was born in the jungle during WW2 near Batac Philippines on Dec 31, 1944, when the Japanese were invading the north of the Philippines. Their business was burned and Perlita’s mother took the family to a part of the remote area where Perlita was born in a nipa hut. Her brother Joe and her husband Carman, found this location many years later with the assistance of a guide.

From that humble beginning to working in tobacco fields, attending elementary school, then secondary school and graduating from Central Escolar university in Manila then graduating with a BSC in medical technology.

In 1970 she joined her sister at Victoria hospital and worked in the medical laboratory for 40 years. She met a young man there in whom would be her best friend, love of her life and her partner for eternity. Many trips were enjoyed around the world together, and also with best friends. The twenty years that were spent with great friends wintering at Fripp Island, South Carolina, were one of our favourite times of year.

Perlita loved competitive sports and was a active member of Highland Country Club for 43 years; curling but mostly golfing where she won her flight on two occasions and she had two holes in one. She had a great golf swing. Only when she missed a shot did she swear! She also served on the ladies curling committee.

She loved the Blue Jays and hardly missed a game on TV; Perlita at one TV and Carman at another. She liked to talk during the game, Carman not so much! We could hear each other clapping from a distance. She loved getting her hair done, nails manicured and kept up with the latest fashion she could find. She never looked her age nor acted like it either.

We were fortunate enough to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in March of this year in Fripp Island with our family and friends present.

There will be a private family service and burial will be at the Dyer plot in Woodstock. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Special thanks for Nancy in navigating Perlita’s final journey. In lieu of flowers, donations to Perlita’s favourite charity, Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

CONNOR, Robert Baden ‘Bob’….

Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Copper Terrace Long Term Care, Chatham on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Patricia E. Connor. Dear father of Lynne (Dan) Boley of Chatham, Judith (Doug) Sutherland of London, Daniel (Beverley) Connor and Karen (Jeff) Daniels  all of Islay Alberta. Loving grandfather of Jason, Brodie, Tara, Cale, Rebecca, Ashlee, Baden, Shannon, Conor and Charlotte. Proud great-grandfather of 16. Predeceased by his brother Keith Ellis Connor.  Robert will be held dear in the hearts of his extended family members and friends. Bob was a hard worker. He loved his family, friends, and the outdoors. His passion was hunting and fishing.  Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

­­­­­­­­­­­­­BLAIR, Andrew Donald …

Passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at his residence on his 34th birthday. Beloved son of Scott and Heather. Dear brother of Matthew and Rebecca. Loving half-brother to Hazen and Emily.  Adored grandson of Elsie (the late Hazen) Blair and Shirley Spiering. Proud uncle of Hannah. He will be missed by many extended family members and friends. 

Andrew enjoyed the quiet things in life like fishing or a conversation with a close friend.  He continued to work on himself throughout his life. His faith was very important to him. 

Friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, August 26, 2023  from 11:00 am until 12 noon at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 12 noon. A private family interment will take place in the fall.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Andrew may be made to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 317, 311 Oakland Ave., London, Ontario, (519) 455-2331 in support of the Poppy Fund.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com