Services & Obituaries

McKAY, William Robert (“Bob”)
 
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces that William Robert (“Bob”) McKay passed away peacefully at West Parry Sound Health Centre, Ontario, the evening of Wednesday March 8th, 2023 in his 79th year. Bob will be missed by his nephews & niece Tod McKay (Valli Orsulak), Kim Thrower (Dave), Brad McKay (Shannon), grand-nephew & grand-nieces Thomas, Leah, Lauren and sister-in-law Marie McKay. He is predeceased by his wife Barbara Anne (Marshall)(Brooks) McKay and his brother Thomas John McKay.

Bob will be fondly remembered by his many friends on Sand Bay, in London and in Florida. We will all miss Bob’s quick wit and ability to make us laugh. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Bob may be made to Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners.  

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, March 20th, 2023 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Funeral Mass will be conducted on Tuesday, March 21st, 11am at St John the Divine Catholic Church, 390 Base Line Road West, London.  Further, there will be a Memorial Mass in Burlington on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, at 8am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 287 Plains Road East, Burlington. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WATTON, Violet…

Peacefully with family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, Violet Watton passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late Cochrane “Tom” Watton (2007). Loving mother of Mike Steele (Colleen), Diane Allen (the late Matt), Randy Steele (Linda), Holly Kelly (Jim) and Robin Steele (Kim). Cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her daughter Sharon Steele, and two brothers George and Gordon Cooper. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Violet’s Life will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre (located on the southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. A scattering of Violet’s ashes will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London in the spring. In memory of Violet, a donation to a favourite charity of your choosing would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HEATH, Rupert…

Rupert Heath, founder of the Dean Street Press, died unexpectedly of heart failure on 6th March 2023, aged 54, at home in London, Ontario. He was the beloved husband of the late Amanda Heath, who tragically died of cancer on 25th January, 2023. He is survived by his two adored children, George and Annabel Heath, his parents, Mike and Frances Heath, his sister Victoria and brother-in-law Arndt Eade, his nieces Sophie, Louise and Erica, his nephews Phillippe and Felix, and many friends around the world.

A love of all things cultural led Rupert through a rich life, travelling the world and embracing new experiences in many countries. He had a passion for music and sang, played guitar, banjo, ukulele and drums for rapt audiences. He shared his love of music and travel with his beloved children, and he and Annabel loved to watch, and comment on, obscure films.

Born into a military family, Rupert attended Sherborne School (where he was head of the Oscar Wilde appreciation society) before getting a degree in Art History at the Courtauld Institute, London. He began his publishing career as an editor at Usborne books, worked as a commissioning editor at Pan MacMillan, then created the Rupert Heath Literary Agency. In 2014, he founded the very successful Dean Street Press, which republishes little known and rare golden age authors.

Always happy to delight and entertain, Rupert’s charm was legendary. He was elegant, witty, and always beautifully dressed. He was a generous and warm friend who went out of his way to make people feel special.  He leaves so many wonderful memories, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. Let George have the last word: ‘My Dad was a successful entrepreneur and a kind, gentle, strong, smart and amazing man.”

Cremation has taken place and family and friends are welcome to join the memorial service on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rupert’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo

TAMPA, Ausma…

Peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Fairview Manor, Almonte, Ausma Tampa passed away in her 95th year.

Beloved wife of the late John “Janis” Tampa (2009). Loving mother of Laila Dambenieks (Andrejs), Rita Smith (Ed) and John Tampa. Caring grandmother of Andrew (Joanne), Peter (Priscilla), Brian (Jaime) and Amelia, and great-grandmother of Rohan, Calian and Serina. Predeceased by her sister Rita. Also missed by her niece Ilona.

Private family services have been held. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

In memory of Ausma, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.  

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

FRENCH, Adrienne…

Peacefully after a brief illness, with family by her side, Adrienne French passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in her 87th year.

Beloved wife of the late Arthur French (2004). Loving mother of Nickie Laskey and her husband Randy of St. Thomas, Mark Armstrong and his spouse Taryn Ayles of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Susan of Vancouver, B.C., Brian French and his wife Susana of London and Robin French of London. Cherished grandmother of Beckie and Jessica Laskey, Jennifer Howard and Joshua Armstrong, and Josh French. Adored GG of Brody and Alexis Patriquin, and Addison and Charlotte Howard. Dear sister of Vince Coughlan (Cheryl Troop). Predeceased by her parents and five brothers. Adrienne will also be missed by her niece Diane Hamel.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the incredible staff at STEGH for their care and compassion. At Adrienne’s request, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Adrienne, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 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

WILLS, James “Jim”…….

It is with great sadness we announce Jim passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Sunday, February 26, 2023, a day after his 85th birthday.  Beloved husband of Winnie. Loving father of Shakira Jayne (Brian) & Claudia. As per Jim’s wishes no visitation or funeral service will be held. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

LAWRENCE, Rose-Marie…

Quickly with loved ones by her side, at Westmount Gardens, London on Thursday, February 23, 2023, Rose-Marie Lawrence passed away a few days shy of her 67th birthday. She was the devoted wife of Wayne Lawrence. Beloved mother and step-mother to Yvonne Lawrence, Kerry Lawrence-Boot, and Donna (Rene) Murray. Adoring grandmother to Bohden and Natilia Kalybaba, Lauren, Aubrey and Gavin Boot, and James Murray. Rose was lovingly cared for in her final years by her sister Anna Boland and her dear friend Paula Sillers.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Rose’s life will be held at the A. Millard George Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, from 1:30-3:30 pm. Words of Remembrance will be shared at 1:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Canadian Mental Health Association or the London Abused Women’s Centre, would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MCKAY, June…

Peacefully in London, Ontario on Sunday, February 19, 2023, June (Umphrey) McKay of London passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Reverend J.F. “Jack” McKay for 53 years. Loving mother of Scott and wife Sandra, Jeff and partner Melissa, and daughter/best-friend Dr. Janet McKay. Loved dearly by her grandchildren Andrew and partner Christiane, Iain, Victoria and partner Glenn, and by her wonderful great-grand daughter Emma. Predeceased by her brothers Jack and Ron Umphrey, and her treasured sister Shirley Wynne. Born in Alberta, she lived as a young woman in Calgary, Montreal, and Oshawa, and upon marriage, Toronto, Lucky Lake Sask., Edinburg U.K., Boston Mass., Windsor, and finally London. June loved Canada, loved to travel, and loved the fun of meeting people on her journey. Based on her spirited and whimsical personality, she made life-long friendships in both church and community at each location. Using her enthusiastic and unusual leadership, she provided unequaled support to the ministry of The United Church of Canada for 60 years, and crafted a successful career serving the real estate needs of people in London through Canada Trust and her brokerage Grant & McKay Ltd. The family wishes to extend a special thank you for the care she received from the staff at Fox Hollow, University Hospital, as well as Dr. Dave Dixon. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1X6, where a service of Celebration will be conducted on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. (Please note time change). Family and friends are invited to watch the memorial service live from the comfort of their homes by clicking this link: https://youtube.com/live/gOt-vppazP0?feature=share. Interment in Kintore Presbyterian Cemetery, Kintore, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London ON N6C 2R6 or First-St. Andrew’s United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, London 519-433-5184.

“Nothing shall separate us from the love of God” Romans 8:39

DOWSWELL, Alliene…

Alliene chose to have a “Living” Celebration of her Life on Saturday, February 11, 2023, where her family, friends and staff from Craigwiel Gardens could celebrate her by sharing stories, giving tributes, and singing to her. Alliene later passed away the following Saturday, February 18, 2023 with family by her side at Craigwiel Gardens Long Term Care Home, Ailsa Craig, in her 90th year.

Much loved mother of Jeffery Dowswell of Corunna, Chuck Dowswell and his wife Jo of London, Melanie Evans of Richmond, B.C. and Joshua Dowswell and his wife Liz of St. Thomas. Loving grandmother of Shawn, Spencer and Jesse Dowswell, Jason, Jeffery and Scott Dowswell, Amanda and Melissa Evans and Sadie and Ashley Dowswell and great-grandmother of Morgan, Ben, Joel, Kaitlyn, Rebecca, Austin, Aidyn, Liam and Ewan. Dear sister of Jack Thompson of Trenton, Murray Thompson and his wife Elaine of Burlington and Helen Thompson of London and also survived by her sister-in-law Chris Thompson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Dorothy Boam, her brother Barry Thompson and her sister-in-law Ann Thompson. Alliene will be greatly missed by many.

A special thanks to Dr. Andrew Whynot, Mr. Ernie Harris, and the wonderful family of nurses, PSWs, RPNs, and the many support staff in Craigwiel Gardens LTC Home. The family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.

Cremation has taken place and the interment of her ashes will take place at a later date in Parkhill Cemetery, Parkhill. In honour of Alliene, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0, the Breast Care Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or to Craigwiel Gardens for “Building a New Craigholme”, 221 Ailsa Craig Main Street, Ailsa Craig, ON N0M 1A0. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

PHILLIPS, Leona (nee Westlake)…

Leona Phillips of London passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the age of 94 at Country Terrace Nursing Home in Komoka, ON. Leona will be missed by her sons Peter, Paul, and Patrick (Dawn). Dear Grandmother to Juliana (Shaun), Jessica (Hamish), Thomas and Rebecca (Petyr). Dear Great-Grandmother to Reeves, William, Samantha, Jennifer, Anna and Layla. Also missed by her sister-in-law Marion Cavanaugh and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers James and Hugh, sister Margaret, and daughter-in-law Jennifer.

Leona was born on a farm in Hibbert Township in 1928 to Arnold & Oriole Westlake. Like many children growing up on small farms, her character was shaped by the daily life and tasks of tending to animals, fields, and the crops. As a teenager, she trained and step danced the Highland Fling and Sword Dance, receiving numerous accolades and honours. After graduation from high school, Leona moved to London and began work at London Printing. This was followed by a long career of approximately 30 years with Huron College (UWO) where initially tasked with operating the switchboard evolved into caring to the needs of thousands of young students of the men’s residence. Leona loved gardening, interior decorating, quilting, and reading. Leona had a lifelong commitment to the Presbyterian Church.

We express our deep gratitude to the caring staff of Country Terrace for the love and compassion shown towards Leona over her many years of residency.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 1-2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will take place at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Future interment in April in Hensall Union Cemetery, Hensall.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations to Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON N5W 6A8. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com