Services & Obituaries

MCMULLEN, Vincent Gerard….

It is with great sadness that the family of Gerry McMullen shares his passing on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in his 89^th year.  Beloved husband for 63 years of the late Kathryn McMullen (Mahoney).  Loved father of Mark McMullen (predeceased 2019) and his wife Jo-Anne, Susan Clarke and her husband David and Patti McMullen.  Cherished Poppy of Wes, Sarah, Katie (Brian), Alex, Mike, Charlotte and great grandfather of little Poppy.  Lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members. 

Visitation will be on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 2 – 4 p.m., 7 – 9 p.m. and Tuesday June 20, 2023, from 12 – 1 p.m. at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where a service will be conducted in the chapel on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Saint Vincent de Paul, c/o Saint John the Divine Church in Gerry’s name at www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/ssvp-national/DONATION/ , select “direct to a specific conference or council” and in the next line type in “St. John the Divine, London.”

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

LEWIS, Robert “Bob” Arthur …

Quietly on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Robert “Bob” Lewis passed away in his 95th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Norma Lewis for 68 years. Dear Father of Christopher (Sharon) Lewis, Natalie (Chris) French and Leslie (Peter) Miller. Proud and adored Grandfather of Jennifer Lewis, Scott (Laura) Lewis, Heather (Mike) Gilpin, Christiana French, Katarina French, Meaghan (Glen) Moutrie, Vanessa French, Logan (Lara) Miller, Micayla (Rory) Miller. Cherished Great-Grandfather of Clara, Reid and Tessa Nisker, Wesley and Andi Gilpin and Winnie Moutrie.

Bob was an avid Bridge Player, attaining the designation of Life Master in 1964. After a fulfilling teaching career as a secondary school teacher, beginning in 1955 at Ingersoll Collegiate, then at Central S.S., Sir Wilfred Laurier S.S. and Wheable S.S. where he retired in 1987 as the Head of the Science Department. Bob pursued a career as a real estate agent for nearly 10 years, following his retirement. Bob enjoyed golfing, sailing and had a love for traveling.

Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of Bob’s life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

SOLGA, Rolf Dieter…

After a long battle with cancer, Rolf Dieter Solga passed away on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at Victoria Hospital, London in his 86th year. Beloved husband and best friend of Linda Solga for 62 years. Devoted and loving father of Kim Solga and close friend Jarret Hardie. Dear uncle of Marie Christine, and Dominic. Dieter took much pride in his 1969 Mercedes Pagoda and was an active and well-liked member of the Mercedes Pagoda SL Group. In lieu of flowers, donations to honour Dieter may be made to Anova, 55 Horton Street East, 3rd Floor, London, ON N6B 1L1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

UNDERHILL, Stuart….

Stuart Ray Underhill was born on September 28, 1923 in Vienna Ontario and passed away peacefully at LHSC on Friday June 9, 2023 in his 100th year.  Stuart was the son of Peter and Emma (Balcom).  He was the beloved husband of Marjorie (Evans) who passed away in 1986.  Stuart was a cherished brother to Wayne (Dorothy) Underhill and Patricia Smith.  He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by sisters Beverly (Arthur) Mercer and Glenita ( Joseph) McDonald and by brothers Ronald (Evelyn) and Arlo.  Also predeceased by 5 nieces and nephews. 

Stuart started out with farming on his family farm and was quickly known to area farmers of his skill with curing tobacco.  He was then travelling all over curing tobacco for farmers until he moved to London and became a custodian in the London and Thames Valley District School Board for the rest of his working life.  Stuart loved animals and especially horses which he worked with daily on the farm. He also loved music and could play guitar very well.  He taught his younger siblings how to play also.  Stuart was always a quiet natured gentleman with a great sense of humour.  He loved to research anything that peaked his interest and he would absorb all knowledge on the subject. He loved to visit and talk and was always interested in what was going on in your life.  He wasn’t one to tell you what to do but to quietly suggest and encourage.  He loved to play guitar with family and loved to go to family reunions and listen to many nephews and his brother and brother in law play guitars and sing.  Stuart’s faith was also very important to him and held on to that until he was called Home. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Stuart’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. We would like to thank the staff at Ashwood Manor and LHSC Victoria Campus for their wonderful and kind caring of Stuart. A private family burial will be held at St. Luke’s Cemetery, Vienna, Ontario.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

RENWICK, Dave Gordon…

June 23, 1955 – June 07, 2023

With saddened hearts, the family announces the sudden passing of their beloved husband, father and brother Dave Gordon Renwick at his home in London, Ontario on Friday, June 7, 2023 at the age of 67 years. Dave was a caring, loving and hardworking husband to Maryjo Renwick of 17 years and a very proud father of Mike and Jackeyln Renwick. He was a caring brother to Marion Rice, Sheilagh Manning (Dave Manning), and an uncle to his niece Christy Nestor-Acciaccaferro as well as his nephews Jason Nestor and Andrew Manning.

Dave was a successful business man for over 50 years, throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage, jogging and was an avid movie buff in his spare time. He will be laid to rest in the countryside beside his parents. Dave has touched many hearts and will be sadly missed.

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

POLCI, Shannon Marie (nee Fordham)

Peacefully on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at University Hospital in London, Shannon passed away with her husband and sister by her side in her 44^th year.

Beloved wife of 13 years to Justin (together for 18 years). Loving and proud mom of Michael “Mikey” and Mackenzie “Kenzie”. Cherished daughter of Janet Kennedy and stepdaughter of Bruce Kennedy. Loving sister of Candice Constable (Jason), Derek Kennedy-Lifshits (AJ) and Joe. Dear sister-in law of Angie Gordon. Cherished daughter-in-law of Gary and Faye Polci. Beloved Auntie to Aiden and Brooklyn Constable and Jamie Lee Gordon. Adored niece to several aunts and uncles.

Predeceased by her grandma (Theresa – 2012), her Pipi (Joseph – 2010) and her mother-in-law (Lynne – 2011).

Shannon was one of a kind. Her infectious laugh and huge smile could light up any room. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Shannon took great pride in her work at LHSC as a PSW and it is evident in all the lives she has made an impact on. Shannon was always on the go…never stopping. She spent most of her free time at BHi with her kids where she was known as Coach Shannon to most. She was also an avid member of the Home and School at her daughter’s school – she wore so many different hats! Shannon’s greatest accomplishment and joy in life was her kids. They were her whole world, and she was so very proud of them. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Shannon or crossing paths with her at some point in this lifetime was truly blessed. She was an incredible light in this world and was loved by all.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, June 16^thfrom 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 am in the funeral home chapel. A celebration of life will take place at a later date at BHi London, 17B Clarke Rd. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Shannon’s memory may be made to either The Brain Aneurysm Foundation or to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).  Cremation will take place and her ashes will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery at a future date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HANHAM, Margaret Ann…

Peacefully after a brief illness at McCormick Home London, ON, on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, Margaret “Maggie” Hanham, formerly of Burlington in her 83^rd year. Beloved wife for 45 years of John Hanham (2010). Proud mother of Alex Hanham and his wife Sylvia Murchison.  Cherished grandmother of Olivia Grace Hanham and Tabitha Evangeline Hanham. Also missed by her numerous family members in England. Maggie was born in Norwich, England and moved to Canada with her soon to be husband John in 1964 in search of a better life. They found it. Maggie worked at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital as an RN in the nursery looking after thousands of babies over the years. Mom touched the lives of so many people who were richer for the opportunity to cross her path. There wasn’t a mean bone in her body and Maggie had a way of making everyone around her feel comfortable and happy. She never complained and was content with the simple things in life (although liked to be spoiled from time to time). Maggie passed the way she lived, quietly and without causing any fuss, making it easier for everyone once again for a final time. The family would like to thank McCormick Home for taking such wonderful care of Maggie for the past 6 years. Your dedication and service did not go unnoticed. Cremation has taken place. The Celebration of Maggie’s Life will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron), 1344 Commissioners Road West, London on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm with Reverend Canon Valerie Kenyon officiating.  Interment in St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery (Byron), London.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the McCormick Care Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

POOLEY, Tracy…

Tracy passed away quietly at home with her family by her side, on Monday, June 5, 2023 in her 58th year. Loving mom of Kaitlyn Pooley. Cherished daughter of Patricia Pooley and the late Michael Pooley (2003). Also survived by her uncle Jon (Lynn), uncle Dan (the late Deb), cousin Mark (Clare) and cousin Matt (Cheryl). Tracy suffered a long health battle but was resilient through it all. She was caring, giving, and full of love. She also had a special place in her heart for dogs. Cremation has taken place and at Tracy’s request there will be no service. Her ashes will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, London at a future date. In memory of Tracy, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation 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

MARKOWSKI, Raisa …

Quietly with family by her side on Monday, June 5, 2023, Raisa Markowski passed away in her 103rd year. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Markowski (2005). A wonderful mother of Boris (Debbie) Markowski and Rita (Steve Hodgins) Craig. Cherished Babusa of A J. (Samantha Hamilton) Markowski and David (Rebecca) Craig and Great-Babusa of baby Alexander Craig and baby boy Markowski (July 2023). Raisa will be remembered by her nieces and nephews in Belgium , Bob and Jacky VanderElst-Turnbull and Juri and Kathy VanderElst-Suys. Predeceased by her mother Anna Soin (1992) and her sister Jean VanderElst-Soin.

Raisa was born in the Ukraine, leaving for Belgium, Germany and eventually settling in Canada following the second World War. She met her husband Alexander in London, Ontario.  They became a long-term resident of Chiddington Avenue where they raised their family for 50 years. Raisa retired from Weldon B. Library where she worked as a Cataloguer.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Southbridge and Chelsea Park who cared for Raisa over the last few years.

Raisa will be interred alongside her husband and her mother at Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FRYER, John Lewis….

John Lewis Fryer, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and valued community member, passed away on June 3, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and service. Born September 15, 1939, he was the son of Thomas and Connie Fryer.

John shared an incredible journey of love and companionship with his beloved wife, Carolynn, for a remarkable 61 years. Their union was a testament to commitment and unwavering support, setting an inspiring example for all who knew them.

As a father, John was a pillar of strength and guidance to his children Kathryn (Dale), John (Susan), Geoff (Annie), and Colleen (Tony). His love and wisdom enriched their lives and helped shape them into the individuals they are today.

John was blessed with the joy of being grandpa to Aidan, Maia, Alyssa, Regan, Luke, and Carson. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories and imparting his values and life lessons. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and his impact on their lives will forever be treasured.

John graduated top of his class from Appleby College, where he excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership. His love for the school was evident in his many stories and attendance at many reunions. He obtained his BSc from University of Toronto and MBA from Ivey School of Business at Western University.   

John was an avid sportsman, proficient at many sports in his youth and continuing to play hockey and baseball well into his 70s. He enjoyed coaching his sons and watching just about any televised sport, especially hockey and soccer. He was also an avid bridge player, noted for his prodigious memory and ability to produce a joke for any occasion. He enjoyed traveling the world with Carolynn and their many close friends and spending time at the family cottage.

John loved music, theatre, and the arts. He sang in many choirs throughout his life, including at St. James Westminster Church, where he was an active member for over 50 years. He was honoured with the Order of Huron for his dedication and exceptional contributions to his faith community.

John’s commitment to service extended beyond the church. He served on the boards of many organizations including Huron Church Camp, the VON, Leads, Huff N’ Puff (hockey and baseball), and others where his leadership and vision brought about positive change and touched the lives of countless individuals. He was a Life member of St. John’s Lodge 209a for 57 years, a strong ritualist fondly remembered for his portrayal of “sea captain” in the third degree, which he always performed with a smile.

John will be remembered for his warm smile, compassionate heart, and ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit continues to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please join us in remembering and honouring John’s life on Friday June 16 at 2 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin St, London. Visitation at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout St South, on Thursday June 15 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm; Masonic Service at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in John’s name to the Bursary Fund of Huron Church Camp or the Music Program at St. James Westminster Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com