Services & Obituaries

LAWSON, Velma…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London with her family by her side on Saturday, January 7, 2023, Velma A. Lawson in her 100th year. Predeceased by her husband W.R. “Bill” Lawson (1983), infant son Douglas (1950), and her brother Lloyd Baty (2006). Dear mother of Don (Karen) Lawson, Bob (Lori) Lawson, and Lynn (Gary) Kelly. Beloved grandma of Lindsey (Rob) Cook, Allyscia (Charlie) Leibold, Shannon (Brian) Partridge, Holly Kelly, and Sarah Lawson. Affectionate great-grandma of Addison, Piper, Archer, and Charlotte.

Velma was born to Robert Baty and Carrie Lumsden, and grew up on the Baty family farm, went to Pond Mills one-room schoolhouse, and after, to London Central Collegiate. After retiring from London Life, she enjoyed travelling the world with her husband Bill, her brother Lloyd, and her close friends Eileen Beattie, Peggy Murray and Jean Ollson. Velma enjoyed a long life – she was independent, never having to go into a nursing home, and her mind remained as sharp as ever, even until the end.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Hennigar, Maurice Winston “Moe”…

June 24, 1939 – January 6, 2023
 
It is with profound sadness that the family of Maurice Hennigar announce his peaceful passing with loved ones by his side, at Glendale Crossing, London, ON, on Friday, January 6, 2023.
 
Beloved husband and best friend of Sonia, after 60 happy years of marriage, Moe will be dearly missed. Loving father of Mark and Christine (Paul) Tsao and proud grandfather of Emily, Daniel, Madelan, Sophie, and Leah. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Ethel (nee Dill) and his brothers Frank and Hugh, and leaves behind brothers Malcolm and Eric, sister Elaine, and many nieces and nephews in both Ottawa and Nova Scotia.
 
Born in Hants County, Nova Scotia, Moe grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, where he met Sonia, and joined the OPP. He served with pride in Rockland and London Detachments, receiving the Police Exemplary Service Medal and retiring in 1993.
 
Moe was a family man, traveller, musician, lover of nature, and avid fisherman.
 
Special thank you for the wonderful care from Glendale Crossing, Parkwood and LHSC.
 
Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, at 12:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to watch the memorial 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.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 and Trout Unlimited Canada, 304-100 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON N1G 5L3 are appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MERKLEY, Ruth…

Dec. 11, 1921 – Jan. 4, 2023

Margaret Ruth Merkley (nee Duncan) passed on peacefully at Westmount Gardens LTC. A righteous life well lived. Predeceased by husband Ray in 2003. Ruth was the youngest and last remaining of her four other Duncan/Dunkin clan siblings. Her positive outlook on life and aging gracefully an inspiration to all. Resided independently and comfortably the past seven years at Grand Wood Retirement. Jeopardy, Antiques Roadshow, crosswords and reading anything biographical kept her mind sharp as a tack.

Valedictorian of her 1935 graduation class at Lady Beck P.S. in east London. The depths of the difficult 1930’s depression years forced her family to move in with a relative on Duchess Ave. in south London. She attended South Collegiate graduating in 1940 then on to Wells Academy (stenography) before venturing and contributing to the local wartime workforce. Marrying in June 1944 to Ray C. Merkley of Williamsburg Ont., a Clinton RCAF radar training base officer, and settling into post-war family life as a caring mom and fulltime homemaker. Creative, innovative seamstress, great family chef and hostess, loving gardener, caring and giving friend to many.

Deeply missed and survived by three sons David (the late Sharon, 2019), Alan, and Robert (Eileen); four grandsons Michael (Nadia), Daniel (Erica), Alan and Steven; and two great-grandchildren Lucca and Bianca, as well as numerous nieces and nephews across Canada, Australia and Ireland.

Family ceremony of interment of ashes at Mount Pleasant Cemetery to be arranged. Sympathy donations appreciated and made to Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London, ON N6C 1W1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FRIIS, Beverly Roy …

Unexpectedly with those he loved, at Victoria Hospital on January 4, 2023, Beverly Roy “Thumper” Friis, passed away in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of Marianne for 58 years. Dear father of Michelle Winegarden (late David), Mary Jane Fisher and Kerry Friis (Jill). Cherished grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  Dear brother of Marjorie Mardlin (Ken), and the late George Friis (late Maureen). Beverly Roy will be remembered by many nieces and nephews and his son number 2 Martin Fleckser and his beloved Angus.

Beverly Roy or Thumper as his students called him, volunteered at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club London for 16 years teaching woodworking. He was a member of the Moose Lodge 1205, he enjoyed his summers camping and riding his motorcycle. He spent many days with his grandchildren on walks around the neighbourhood and playing in the parks. Beverly was a true handyman and could be found “tinkering” around the family home in Old South.

The Friis’ family wishes to extend a special thank you to those at Victoria Hospital, for their wonderful care and compassion.

A Celebration of Beverly’s life will be held in the spring. Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to honour his life are asked to consider a donation to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club London, The Moose Lodge 1205 or London Health Science Foundation – CCTC. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Isyumov, Svetlana “Lana” Alekseevna (née Gorbasew)

Svetlana passed away peacefully in her 84th year at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. She was born on November 19,1939 in the lower region of the Don River in Russia. Her family was swept westward by the surge of displaced persons (PDs) during WW II. First to Germany and then later onwards to Canada. In 1952, the Gorbasew family eventually settled in London, Ontario.

She was the beloved wife of 63 years to her husband Nicholas and the loving mother to Nina Lagodich (Rt. Rev. George), Vera Couwenberghs (Troy) and Peter Isyumov (Inna). She was the loving grandmother to Marina, Katia, Christina, Alexander, Julianna, Stephanie, Nicholas and Anastasia and  great-grandmother to Anthony, Theodore, Sofia and Maria. She was the dear sister to the late Alexander Gorbasew, the late Nadia Nosko and to Valentina Golovchenko. She will be dearly missed by her entire family, including her many nieces, nephews and their families. Also, she will be missed by her many friends. 

Svetlana devoted her life to her family. She was an active member of the Russian Orthodox Church community in London, sang in the choir and was a member of the Church Sisterhood. She was an accomplished home maker and gardener. She loved reading and travel and enjoyed collecting stamps and coins.

Visitation with Svetlana will be at the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior at 140 Fairview Avenue, London on Sunday, January 8 at 6 PM. A Panahida will follow. The Funeral Service will be on Monday, January 9 at 10 AM, with interment at the Woodland Cemetery to follow. A memorial meal will be held afterwards at the Church Hall.  

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the A. Millard George Funeral Home (519-433-5184). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Savior in Svetlana’s memory.  Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GERHARD, Jason…

Jason Ian Gerhard died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the arms of his cherished wife, Penni-Sue, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, days after his 53rd birthday.

Jason lived for 25 months after being diagnosed with brain cancer in December 2020. This cruel disease stole his memory and his incredible intellect but it never robbed him of his positivity and loving nature. He remained grateful for his family, community of friends, and a rewarding career as a Professor of Environmental Engineering.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 25 years, Penni-Sue, daughter Serenna, son Zachary, mother Susan, father Perry and step-mother Marion, as well as his extended family, his many friends, colleagues and students.

His love story with Penni-Sue began in 1989 at Queen’s University, Kingston, where they later married in 1997. Throughout his early academic years, he completed all four of his degrees (B. Eng, B. Phil, M. Eng, PhD. Eng) at Queen’s University. After Serenna was born, the family moved to Scotland where Jason began his career as a Professor at the University of Edinburgh. The family lived in Edinburgh from 2002-2007, during which time Zac was born. In 2007, Jason accepted a prestigious Canada Research Chair in Geoenvironmental Restoration Engineering at Western University. The family settled in London, Ontario permanently, near much loved family.

Jason was an incredibly present, loving, supportive, compassionate, and proud son, husband, and father. He was kind, enthusiastic, generous, and full of gratitude. Jason was adventurous and he loved to travel. He was environmentally conscious and championed sustainable choices. He cycled to work year-round and enjoyed playing hockey and volleyball with his friends. He appreciated being part of such a wonderful community of people that he knew would be an ongoing support for his family.

Jason accomplished a decorated career as an internationally respected scholar; he earned numerous awards and accolades for his research, publications, and patents. But what mattered most to him in his role as a professor was the relationships he built with his students and colleagues. He was beloved in his teaching and mentoring and rejoiced in the success of others. He was everyone’s cheerleader, and he made the world a better place.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 6-8 pm as well as on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Future interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

Donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, St. Joseph’s Hospice, the United Way, Kiva or any environmental cause of your choice would be meaningful to Jason and his family.

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

DURK, Robert Kenneth…
Suddenly at his cottage in Rondeau Park on December 31, 2022, Robert “Bob” Durk of Delaware, ON passed away in his 82nd year. Born on the 7th of September 1941 in London, ON. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Shirley, and his sons Doug (Leona) of London and Paul (Shauna) of Ottawa. Cherished grandfather of Tylor, Victoria, Rachel, Ben and Sam. Survived by his brother Cliff (Evelyn), sister-in-law Ellen Palmer, Nancy Innis (Rolly) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Clifford Durk (1942) and Mary LaPointe (2019), grandparents Doug and Dorothy Wood, brother-in-law Ken Palmer, and in-laws Rose and Bill Price.

Bob was a Licensed Steamfitter and member of Local 593, Bob and his wife Shirley were the founders and owners of Durell Control Systems Inc. for 26 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who raised many award-winning dogs. Bob was an all-around outdoor man!  Bob was a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Delaware Skeet Club, and the Delaware Lions Club. Bob will always be remembered as a man to never shy away from any challenge.

Bob played old timer hockey and coached his sons Paul and Doug’s hockey team in Lambeth. He was the number one super fan of his sons and grandsons as they took to the ice to play the good old hockey game!

A handy man throughout his entire life, renovating the first family home in Lambeth and then again the family cottage at Rondeau Park. Most recently, Bob spent his times working on the family acres, north of Grand Bend, formally known as “The Ranch”. Bob had many of toys to keep him busy on the Ranch including the Honda, his tractor and numerous chainsaws.

After the loss of his beloved dog and hunting partner, Moxie, and suffering with arthritis, Bob decided to take a step back from the sport. Bob loved sharing his experiences at The Ranch, with Doug, Paul and his grandkids, taught the kids how to drive the Honda, use a chainsaw safely and identify different trees. He loved working away on his wildlife sanctuary.

Another great joy was his boat, his love for fishing the waters, but the true highlight was taking the children on a ride on the Big Mabel! While Bob wasn’t fishing, hunting or working the land he could be found reading various books on world history,always looking to learn something new.

Bob and Shirley traveled the world, cruising the ocean on six cruises, trips to both coasts of Canada, wintered in Cape Coral, Flordia for several years, toured the Rocky Mountains by train, enjoyed the Calgary Stampede and toured the American Midwest by bus, which Bob enjoyed whole heartedly.

Bob had a true love for life and family, but he also found great pride in his work, especially as a mentor. The boys and girls at Durell Controls were truly a second family. It was very rewarding to guide young apprentices and watch them grow into their careers at Durell Controls.

Bob’s memories of golfing with the group in Delaware will be forever cherished.

Friends are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 1pm. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob are encouraged to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army Community and Family Services – Strathroy or the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. 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

LONG, Gary …

Suddenly surrounded by those he loved on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Victoria Hospital, London, Gary Long passed away at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Sue for almost 43 years. Dear brother of the late Ted, Bill (Ellen) and Bob Long, and brother-in-law of Paul Hodgert, the late Scott (Susan) Hodgert, Leslie (Brad) Duncan, Kevin (Mel) Hodgert, D’Arcy Hodgert and Barry (Tony) Hodgert. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family and friends.

Gary and Sue shared a love for speed, but more specifically a love for Porsche’s. He enjoyed restoring and rebuilding classic vehicles and was a member of the Porsche Club of America.  If he wasn’t in the garage, Gary and Sue would be out traveling and exploring the world together.

Gary’s life will be celebrated by close family and friends on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 1-3 pm at the A. Millard George Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London with Words of Remembrance being shared at 1:30 pm. Masks are required to be worn during the duration of the Celebration. For those wishing to honour Gary, please consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K8. Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RILEY, Ann…

Ann Elizabeth Riley, of London, Ontario, passed away on December 28th, 2022 from Pancreatic Cancer. Ann was born in July of 1952 to Walter and Margaret Booth.

Ann realized early on that she had a strong passion for baking and went on to be a pastry chef for over 28 years. She was also a huge animal lover to Abby, Kelly, Shelby and her cat Luna.

Ann was a great believer in maintaining friendships and supporting people around her to be the best they could be and manifested this through her avid volunteer work amongst Parent and Teacher’s associations as well as the Learning Disabilities Association of London, Ontario. Ann’s true belief in advocating was the act of doing rather than the end goal. She led by example while also motivating others to try no matter the outcome. Having Ann as a friend meant knowing true loyalty, trustworthiness and love. She was always there to listen and lend a helping hand to those she cared about. She was an amazing and loving mother to her son Adam Riley whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her husband Michael Riley.

Cremation has taken place with interment in Oakland Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILSON, Thomas “Tommy”…

Peacefully at Extendicare, London on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, Thomas “Tommy” Wilson passed away quietly in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Prema for 68 years. Loving father of Graham, Kevin (Susan) and Julia. Cherished grandfather of David, Naomi, Andrew and Emily (Roman) and great-grandfather of Oriah. Dear brother of William (Nan), Mary (Norm), Eric and Jessie (Gordon) and brother-in-law of Cathie and Lorna. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Grace, and by his siblings Ian, Jim, Janet and Grace. Tommy will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Tommy was born in Bellshill, Scotland and joined Her Majesty’s Scots Guards in 1952. During this time he gained a reputation as one of the UK’s finest cornet players. In addition to his military service he became a well known freelance musician, performing regularly as a soloist on BBC radio as well as featuring as the cornetist on an iconic national TV advert. He later helped in pioneering breakthrough designs for Boosey & Hawkes cornet models and his cornet mouthpiece designed for Denis Wick is now the most popular cornet mouthpiece in the world. He retired from the Regimental Band after 22 years of service before immigrating to Canada in 1975. He was a lifelong member of the Salvation Army and continued playing into his early eighties. Tommy was also a passionate photographer who brilliantly expressed his love for the beauty of Canadian scenery and wildlife with the same care and attention to detail that was his artistic trademark.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Salvation Army London Citadel, 555 Springbank Drive, London with visitation one-hour prior (10:00-11:00 am). Future interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Tommy, donations made to the London Citadel Band, 555 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1H3 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com