Services & Obituaries

Family and Friends are welcome to the funeral service that will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery, London.

BARNETT, Robert “Bob”…

Bob Barnett, beloved husband of Doreen Barnett for 64 years died peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Father of Thom (Susan McGuinness) and the late William (2015) (Kelly Brouwer). Grandfather of Ryan Barnett (Bethany), Jessica Lyn Barnett and Jessica Alexandra Barnett. Bob will also be missed by his numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Brother of the late Bill Barnett and Mary Spindler.

Bob was a dedicated Mason. He held many titles such as Master of Centennial Lodge No. 684, District Deputy Grand Master of London East District and Former Deputy of Ontario. He was active on Supreme Counsel of Grand Lodge of Canada, was a National Chairman of HRAI, and Chairman of NHAW, and served as church warden at St. James Westminster Anglican Church. He remains a most splendid spirit. Sleep sweet Owl.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Masonic Service under the Auspices of Centennial Lodge No. 684 A.F. & A.M. will be held at 6:30 pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 11 am St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Bob, donations may be made to the London Scottish Rite Learning Centre, 453 Dufferin Avenue, London, ON N6B 1Z7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MAIDENS, Norma…

With great sorrow, we wish to announce that Norma Maidens in her 97th year, passed peacefully in London, Ontario on April 9th, 2023. Norma was predeceased by her loving husband Donald. Norma will be sorely missed by her sons Mark (Cathy) of Bayfield, and Pat (Ingrid) of Ilderton. Cherished grandmother of Kyle (Kassie), and Kerstin. She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews. Norma is predeceased by her beloved parents David and Clela. Also predeceased by her loving sister Francis, her younger brother Roger and her twin brother Bud.

Norma was a gifted lab technician. Having graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with honours at the age of 20, Norma took an adventure of a lifetime and decided to move to Ontario and work at the Chalk River Laboratories. From there she moved to London, and worked at what was formerly known as Westminster Hospital. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Donald. Norma enjoyed travelling, spending time with her family and cherished grandchildren. Norma also loved to tend to her gardens, and her family will dearly miss her delicious apple pies.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and PSW’s at Henley Place for their kind and compassionate care for Norma over the years.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Norma can be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Rd, London, ON, or a charity of your choice. A private family interment to take place at a later date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

HENDERSON, William “Bill”…

It is with great sadness that the family of William “Bill” Roy Clarence Henderson “Cheesie” announce his passing, peacefully at home, on Friday, March 31st, 2023 following a valiant fight against cancer, in his 83rd year. Bill is survived by his loving wife Margaret (nee Smith), of 58 years and daughters Melanie McKellar (Scott), Nicole Murphy (Jason) and Janine Chown (Michael Long) and his pride, grandchildren Kendra (Matt) and Connor McKellar, Analiese Murphy, and Cody, Benjamin and Tatum Long. Bill was predeceased by grandparents Sarah and James Henderson, his mother, Frances Soilleux (William), Bessie Cornish (Ernie), and Roy. Extended family includes Shirley (Adam), Susan Power (Barry), Karen Wadsworth (Ross) and their families. Also missed by Marg’s many siblings and their families.

Bill graduated from Chesley Ave. P.S. and attended Beck Collegiate and graduated from Wheable High School where he met the love of his life, Marg.

He attended Ryerson Polytechnical, along with graduating from the General Business Program and the Human Resources Program at Fanshawe College.

Bill enjoyed a full life. He was an active member at Knox United Church where he was an executive member of the Men’s club, with Marg served as presidents of the Couple’s club, was the Clerk of Session, was Scouter Bill, Venturer Advisor and Rover Skip to the 62nd group. He was very involved in the merger with Wesley Church where he served as Chairs of Communication and the Christian Education committees and as Sacrament Secretary as well as again together with Marg, as Presidents of the Friendship Club.

In the Boy Scouts he served as a member of the South Division Service team, and as a member of the Headquarters Outdoor Adventure Committee where he moved the motion of cabooses to Camp Sylvan.

Bill spent 29 years in the Research Department of Labatt Breweries. During that period, he spent time in the Pilot Brewery, wet chemistry, operated the Masspectrometer, and served for almost 10 years as Department Administrator. While with the company, Bill was President of the Recreation Association and as either Vice-President or President of the Labatt London Employees Credit Union. He played industrial fastball and hockey and later coached both the Ladies and Mens fastball teams.

As a second career, he formed a home-based business, Henderson Video Enterprises, producing video productions for several years.

With family, he enjoyed traveling and for 49 years were active members of NCHA (National Campers and Hikers Assoc.) later becoming FCRV (Family Campers and RVers). Bill and Marg held various positions in the chapters to which they belonged. Within this association, they served for 11 years as Ontario Teen Directors, along as Field Directors and then Retiree Field Directors. They were involved in chairing or assisting in numerous chapter or provincial campouts. Together, Marg and Bill participated on the organizing committees for Ontario 1979, 1986, 1999, and 2006 Campventions and the 1996 Hamburg, New York Campvention. Bill & Marg were honoured to receive the National Plaque and the Merit Award and Carling Trophy from the Ontario Provincial Association.

Bill and Marg have RV’d coast to coast in Canada including the Yukon, and covered all U.S. states including Alaska except Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Bill enjoyed sports and participated in most levels from peewee up to adult recreational and industrial leagues. During high school he played football, basketball, and hockey. Up to the time of his illness, he continued to use his recumbent bike and treadmill.

Bill’s family wishes to thank the Staff, Nurses (C7 100-113), medical teams and specialists of LHSC for their compassion, care, and support. Thank you to friends and family, who were part of Bill’s life and the journey through his illness. Your kind words, actions and love so often sustained us.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:30 am at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London. Family and friends are invited to watch the memorial service live from the comfort of their homes via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89396448681?pwd=YjZIR2d2MjF6c0U3K3FWdXc5RGU2Zz09. In lieu of flowers and to honour Bill, donations to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BURDETT, Maudie…

Maudie Burdett passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the age of 108 at Highview Residences, London. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Burdett (2011). She is survived by daughters Carolynn (Mike) Mazuryk and Sandra (John) Herring, grandchildren Catherine, Jennifer and John (Amy), and great grandsons Lincoln and Malcolm. Predeceased by her brother Ralph. Maudie lived a full and happy life. She was a true homemaker. Over the years she had many interests and hobbies; baking, bird watching, gardening, crafts, oil painting and bridge playing. She appreciated the little things in life, and she treasured and maintained her friendships. Many thanks to the staff at Highview Residences for their attentive care for many years. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will begin at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Maudie, donations may be made to Ark Aid Street Mission, 696 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 2Z4, Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8 or Teen Challenge Canada, Lambeth Box 777, London, ON N6P 1R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KERN, Maria……

Passed quietly on Sunday, March 26th, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 90th year. Dear mother of Regina Burlock and Andrew (Kathleen) Kern. Cherished Oma of Rebecca Burlock and Christopher (Jory) Burlock. Great-grandmother of Jakob, Aleia and Hunter. Friends are welcome to the Memorial service honouring Maria on April 1, 2023 at 3:30pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Southdale Rd E. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Maria spent her last weeks surrounded by her family and friends. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved her family and always put them before everything else. She was extremely loved and will really be missed. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SIMPSON, Christopher John…

Chris passed peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the age of 66. Cherished and beloved husband of Wendy (nee Linden). Dear son of the late Bill and Donna Simpson. Best brother to Mike and his wife Jill. Special uncle to Amy Caicco and her husband Lou (Leo, MacKenzie) and to Chad and Gladice Simpson. Chris will be remembered fondly by the Linden Family, his own extended family, cottage friends and golf buddies. Special love and thanks to dear friends Mike and Barb Lee for their care and compassion, especially these last 3 months.

Chris was a proud man – funny, thoughtful, kind and giving – a good soul. He will be dearly missed. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those wishing to honour Chris, a donation to a charity of your choice is greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WRIGHT, Nicholas Patrick…..

Passed away peacefully in his sleep from complications from Crohn’s disease.  Nicholas Wright of London in his 43rd year.  Beloved son of Don and the late Lily (MacGregor) Wright (2008). Loving brother of Angela Cribar (Stephen), Jennifer Eriksen (David), Matt Wright (Carolyne Alsop), Michael Wright, and Katelyn Wright (Ryan Saunders). Predeceased by his brother Jonathan (2016). Proud uncle of Jackson, Stella, Alexandra, Charlotte, Samuel, Ben, Ally, Lily, and Rex.  Dearly missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends. Cremation will take place.  Family and Friends are welcome to visitation on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South where the memorial service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 1:30 pm. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Nick may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BURCH, Deborah “Debbie”…

Suddenly on Thursday, March 23, 2023, Debbie Burch passed away in her 70th year. Beloved wife of the late Ron Burch (2018). Dear mother of Gary and Dan (Allison Shaw). Cherished Grandma of Aronica, Kayla, Gunnar, Braiden and Daniel. And great-grandmother of Dakota and Nova. Sister of Wayne Barker (Candace Stalen) and Brenda Newby. Beloved aunt of Errin and Ryan Barker and Mellissa and Amanda Newby. Debbie will be lovingly remembered as the greatest “hockey grandma” and the number one fan of her grandchildren. A special thank you is extended to the staff of the Emergency Department and the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital, London for their care and kindness. Friends are welcome for visitation of Thursday, March 30th, 2023, from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie’s memory can be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation – Intensive Care Unit, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOORE, Margaret Olive (nee Brett)……

On March 23, Margaret Olive Moore (Brett) shook off her mortal coil and danced her way on to the next plane of existence.

Marg was born February 27, 1941 in a small farming community in Ontario. Her birthday is etched into the minds of her family because she loved to be celebrated. As the one girl with 4 brothers, she is having the last laugh as the last of 5 Brett children, having lasted the longest.

Margaret was well known for lack of patience, telling you exactly what was on her mind and telling you the truth even when she knew you didn’t want to hear it.

She was genuine to a fault, had a of heart of gold and an extensive vocabulary of swear words; not to mention she was quite proficient at giving the finger. Her hobbies were limited, she loved dancing, gardening, stealing slips of plants from stores and fighting with the landscaper. Marg’s one true love was Charlie Pride.

Though this is a difficult time for her family, they found comfort in going through Marg’s belongings in her room at her long term care home and not surprisingly, finding many items that weren’t hers. Apparently theft was fast becoming a new hobbie.

She leaves behind 3 children who are still trying to figure out if it’s Ron or Mike who was the golden child, Jackie as we well know, was not. Ron’s wife Julie and Mikes fiance Meaghan both question either of these 2 being considered golden. Jackie’s partner Chris agrees with Marg’s assessment of Jackie being the black sheep. Marg’s older grandchildren, Zach and Matt, had the pleasure(?) of hearing how she walked to school uphill both ways, amongst other fallacies. Her younger grandchildren Holden, MacKenzie, Hudson, Vanessa and Victoria along with her great grandchildren Peyton and Myles, did not get the pleasure of hearing about the 57 Chev and horse as Marg’s dementia set in. This is all to say, Marg left behind a dysfunctional family who will miss her dearly and she was known for being a story teller who would share unprompted and ad nauseum.

Her culinary skills were outstanding. She overcooked everything.

Marg was very clear about how to celebrate her life and mourn her passing. Don’t mourn, celebrate. As they often did her children are ignoring her and a visitation will take place then a funeral. No Irish celebration will take place. Marg wanted to be cremated and her ashes illegally spread in places we won’t mention. She always was a rule breaker.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

The family would like to thank staff at the McCormick home for taking such good care of Marg over the last 4 1/2 years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the McCormick Home in Marg’s memory. She would have wanted flowers, but as she often said, we cant always get what we want. Her sass was well known and surprisingly well accepted at the McCormick home. The family will be having a small gathering after the funeral where black forest cake will not be served, who gets the last laugh now?

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