Services & Obituaries

Raymond Deaville and his wife Eadie

KENNEDY, Robert Edward “Bobby”…

In his 103rd year, Robert “Bobby” Kennedy passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London with family at his side.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on September 2, 1920. Predeceased by his wife Jessie (nee Bruce) (2005), son Jim (2017), his parents, two brothers, three sisters, and loving companion Betty Weetman (2021). He will be greatly missed by his son Bruce, grandsons Joe and Derek (partner AJ), members of the Weetman family and friends.

At the age of 17, he joined the Royal Marines and trained as Gun Layer. He served on a number of ships in the WWII. His ship “The H.M.Z.S. Gambia” was recognized as firing the last rounds of WWII. He was in Toyo Bay when Japan surrendered on his 25th birthday, September 2, 1945. He came to Canada in 1946, where he met his future wife, Jessie Bruce, his Nurse. They moved to London in 1949, and worked at the Highbury Ave. Army Depo, then retired from the LCBO. He had a fond love of soccer (football). He was 1 of 6 founding members of London Minor Soccer in 1964, and served as the first President for four years. He was an active Mason throughout his life, earning his 50-year pin, and was a member of the Royal Marins Association London.

His love of entertaining, singing and telling jokes and stories brought a smile to many people. He spent the last six years at Parkwood Hospital in the Veteran’s Care Program where he did bird carving, water colour painting, and was a fixture in the halls moving about where many people knew and loved him. We wish to give a thank you to the staff and nurses of Parkwood Veteran’s Care Program for the outstanding attention given to all of our Veteran’s and families.

Cremation has taken place. Future interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In memory of Bobby, donations may be made to Parkwood Institute – Veteran’s Care Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or Wounded Warriors Canada, 1900-1500 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2Z6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

HUGHES, Mary Madeline…

Mary Madeline Hughes passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 102nd year. Beloved wife of the late Blake E. Hughes (1994). Loving mother of Carol Velanoff, Donald Hughes (Sandra), Donna Fullerton (Marty), William Hughes (Sharon Lee), and Thomas Hughes. Cherished grandmother of 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Shirley McNair and Richard Thomson. Predeceased by her son Robert Edward Hughes, her daughter-in-law Dianna “Marie” Hughes, her son-in-law Ronald Velanoff and her brothers and sisters.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow with interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, sympathy donations may be made to a favourite charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

EWER, Verna Maud (nee Prior)…

In her 104th year, surrounded by her loving family, Verna passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023 at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Predeceased by her husband, Leonard Ewer (1980). She was the loving mother of Thomas (Diane) Ewer and Teresa “Terry” Snedden. Grandmother of Carrie (Lance), Tracy, Roger, Ryan, Krista and Adam. Great-grandmother “GG” of Sydney, MacKenna, Owen, Olivia, Riley and Jack.

Verna served in the Canadian Red Cross blood clinic during World War II and after settling in London, ON in 1944, was integral in developing Sunday School and United Church Women programs at Wesley-Knox United Church. She remained a very active and strong leader in the church community until she entered retirement and subsequently nursing homes in her nineties. Verna was an avid Blue Jays fan, loved to travel and vacation in Florida with husband and friends, but spent most of her life devoted to her family. She was a relentless supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting, educational and church activities. She also was famous for grandma’s special cookies and home-made granola. She will be missed for her graceful and unassuming manner which always offered love, care and kindness to everyone she knew and met.

Verna and family extend appreciation to all palliative care staff who provided excellent care and loving support in her final days. A special thanks is also extended to Reverend Tom Beecroft from Pastoral Care who provided prayers and worship a few hours prior to Verna’s passing.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, January 30, 2023 from 11 am – 12 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will follow at 12 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Union United Church Cemetery, Union. Sympathy and condolences may be expressed by donations to the Memorial Fund of Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or a charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DOW, Carolyn…

Carolyn Ann Dow, 79, of London passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, from a brief battle with heart disease. Carolyn was born on October 3, 1943, to George and Marjory Barr. Predeceased by her husband Ronald (2001). Loving mother to Patricia and Andrew (Joy). Cherished grandmother to Quinn, Cadence, and Reese. Dear aunt to Kelly and Jan Barr and Kent Young. She will be remembered by her great niece and nephews. Carolyn is predeceased by her parents, George and Marjory Barr, her twin sister Lynda Barr, brother James Barr and in-laws Estee and Margaret Dow and Donald and Donna Mymryk.

After graduating from high school, she went on to study nursing at St. Thomas nursing college. She worked in nursing in London & Phoenix for 43 years until her retirement. In 1959 she meant Ronald Lewis Neil Dow and they married in 1963, going on to have two children, Patricia, and Andrew. Carolyn loved to visit her cottage in North Port, Nova Scotia in the summer and her winter home in Gold Canyon, Arizona. She loved spending time with her three grandchildren in Newmarket and at their cottage in Bobcaygeon. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends in all those locations.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 12-2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow with interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to heart disease research. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GIFFORD, Robert….
Encircled by those closest to his heart, Robert “Papa Rob” Gifford slipped suddenly away due to cancer-related complications on January 17, 2023 at a vibrant 61 years of age in London Health Sciences Hospital, London Ontario.  

Loved enormously and remembered by his life partner, David Long. Endlessly proud father to daughter Kirstin Gifford and husband Lucas Steinman, son Jensen Gifford and wife Cali Travis. Loving papa to his cherished granddaughters, Yael and Aoife Steinman. Brother to Kim Jackson (Richard), Ian Gifford, Joanne Bishop (Brad) and beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded by the mother of his children and best friend, Ellen Gifford, and parents John and Barbara Gifford.

Rob’s sparkling energy was a beacon, brightening the days of the innumerable folks lucky enough to receive his iconic smile. He garnered countless friends wherever his journeys took him, at home in his treasured Old East Village neighbourhood, and throughout his professional career in the jewelry industry where he flourished as an adored and successful manager of Charm Diamond Centres.

Rob relished life and its celebrations. He was happiest hosting in the fresh air at his camper, baking sweets, snuggling and spoiling his grandbabies, kayaking between evergreens, and returning to his and David’s favourite spot in Mexico to bask in the sun. And everywhere Rob went, his nonstop dance soundtrack echoed.

We lost Rob devastatingly too soon. His welcoming warmth, quirky wit and the unforgettable sparkle in his eyes illuminated the lives of us who knew him best, whose vibrant memories will keep Rob’s spirit shining brilliantly as diamonds forevermore.

A visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London Ontario on Sunday January 22, 2023 from 12-4pm. As a way of honouring Rob, donations to raise money for a new playground at Lambeth Public School by the Home & School Association, 6820 Duffield Street, London, ON N6P 1A4, would be appreciated. The efforts would be treasured by Rob’s beloved granddaughters for years to come. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MAWDSLEY, Jack Stanley…

July 18, 1933 – January 13, 2023

Jack was born in Trail, B.C., lived many years in Dorchester, ON, died peacefully at home in London at the age of 89. He was the beloved husband of Joanne Mawdsley (nee Hodgins) for 64 years. Dear father of son Rick Mawdsley of London, his wife Cathy (nee Bonnema), their children Laura and Matthew of London, daughter Mary Jo Palmateer of Fonthill, her husband Ken, their children Kaitlyn and Marissa of Fonthill. He is survived also by his brother Allan Mawdsley of Brentwood Bay, B.C., his sister-in-law Jeanne Ferguson (late Ross), his brother-in-law Ross Hodgins and his spouse Marlene Wyatt. He will be remembered by several nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and close friends in Ontario, Alberta and B.C. He is predeceased by his infant son Paul (1959-1959), his son Ross (1960-1967), his parents Stanley and Olive (nee Minion) Mawdsley, his sister Shirley Sutherland (late Hugh), and his sister Dawn Ostrom.

Jack graduated from UBC in Electrical Engineering. He served in the RCAF for seven years, and then taught mathematics for thirty-one years at H.B. Beal S.S., Montcalm S.S., and Clarke Road S.S., all in London. Jack volunteered at University Hospital, and he was a long-time active member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Dorchester and currently at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, London. He was a District Commissioner for Donnybrook District Scouting. Jack was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge – St. John’s 20 Lodge London, London Lodge of Perfection, Rose Croix and was a 33rd degree Mason. He created many pieces of needlework and photography in his spare time.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Masonic Service under the auspices of St. John’s Lodge No. 20 A.F. & A.M. will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 6:30 pm at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 1246 Oxford Street West, London, ON N6H 1V7. Visitation will follow from 7-9 pm. A private family memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12 pm at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church. PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required to attend the church. Family and friends are invited to watch the memorial service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the St. Aidan’s Anglican Church YouTube channel or by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/@StAidansAnglicanChurchLondon/featured

A private interment of ashes will take place at the family plot in Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester. In memory of Jack, donations may be made to St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, or the London Scottish Rite Learning Centre, 243 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 4N6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KRAGH, Heather Jane (nee Murray)…

On January 9th, 2023, Heather passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, surrounded by her family. Heather was the proud mother of her daughter Stephanie Kragh and her husband Emre Esensoy. Dear sister of Sheila Murray-Tateishi and Marion Murray-Uhrig (Rick) and predeceased by her brother Ian Murray. Heather was the oldest daughter of the late Douglas and Margaret Murray.

Heather put up a very brave and strong fight to continue on in the face of adversity, always holding on to hope and dreams of her future. She had great admiration, determination, and love for life. She took enormous pride in her garden, her recipes and enjoyed her time spent at the YMCA gym, riding her bicycle, and reminiscing about times in the wild and crazy 60’s. Heather was a friend to everyone she met during her life growing up in London, Ontario and wherever she went. For many years she enjoyed her work as a Respiratory Therapist in Vancouver, Woodstock and London. Heather always cared about others and spent time volunteering at the London Food Bank and as a reading literacy volunteer. The many animals she had throughout her life were dear to her heart. Heather was also a political fireball of a woman. Her memory will be cherished by all those who got to call her a friend.

A memorial service will be announced for family and friends in the near future. Cremation will take place with interment at Woodland Cemetery, London. For those wanting to honour Heather’s legacy, a donation to the Humane Society of London Middlesex or the London Food Bank can be made. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

REATH, Patricia “Pat”…
 
Unexpectedly at her residence, in London on Monday, January 9, 2023,  Patricia passed away at the age of 79. Beloved wife of the late William (2022) for 53 years. Loving mother of Richard Lee (Deborah Price-Reath) Reath, Robin (Cari-Ann Latta-Reath) Reath and Candy Reath. Dear grandma of Desmond Latta- Reath. Cherished sister to Kay and Belle.  Sister in law to Ken Reath. Patricia was a proud CGA and taught accounting at Fanshawe College for many years.  She was an avid reader and always had a book or two on the go.  Patricia had a fondness for crafting.  Throughout the years she sewed and knitted an assortment of clothes, moving on to cross stitching many pictures for family and friends.  Patricia loved to garden, and had a true green thumb.  Which was shown in her gardens each year featuring Aloe Veras and 6 ft tall Lillies.  Patricia was easy to talk to, always there for family and friends when they needed someone to talk to, listening never judging and ready to help with advice. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Sunday, January 15, 2023 from 1-4 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. 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.