Services & Obituaries

McARTHUR, Lori Ann…

Lori Ann McArthur passed away peacefully with family by her side on Monday, June 2, 2025 at the age of 56. Loving fiancé of George Chapin. Dear mother of Mathew and Michael. Nana of 5 grandchildren. Beloved sister of Brad (Liz), Kevin (Sue) and Vicki (Dave). She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the Victorian Order of Nurses, Lori’s care team, and the ALS Society for their care and support. A special thank you to Victoria Hospital, and especially to Gord, for the kindness and compassion shown to Lori and for helping keep her and her family comfortable at the end of her life.

Cremation has taken place. Per Lori’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations in memory of Lori may be made to the ALS Society of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROWN, Reverend Victor….

It is with great sadness that we announce that Victor died on Sunday June 1, 2025 in his 89th year. He was predeceased by three brothers, Lloyd, Vern, Cliff and his beloved wife, Edna. Victor will be greatly missed by his sons and their wives, David and Kathleen, Mark and Stephanie, Robert and Cindy, his six grandsons and their wives and partners, his five great grandchildren, his nieces and nephews and his many friends.

Victor started as a banker as a young adult and then with the support of his wife, Edna, he followed his true calling and went back to school to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees allowing him to become a United Church Minister. He and his family moved north where he was the minister at a three-point charge in Larder Lake, ON and then a two-point charge in Powassan. Later, he joined the ministry team at Colborne United Church in London. After retirement, Victor and Edna, started attending their neighborhood church, Riverside United. Since Vic was a very faith-filled man, being a minister was important, enriching, and rewarding for him. His greatest joy came from being a husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. Times with family at celebrations, camping, biking, boating, hiking, and also relaxing at home were what he enjoyed greatly. His family and friends have many wonderful memories of time spent with Vic.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:00 am at Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to mccormickcarefoundation.ca McCormick Home staff members gave Vic excellent care in both the day program and as a permanent resident. Online condolences, memories and photographs are shared at www.amgfh.com

GEIGEN-MILLER, Shirley (nee Walker)…

Shirley Geigen-Miller, of London passed away peacefully with family at her side at Victoria Hospital on June 3, 2025.

Shirley’s full life was marked by achievement, faith, and devotion to her family and community.

Shirley graduated from Agincourt High School with high academic standing, achieved Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 8 piano, and was a swimming instructor. She attended University of Western Ontario where she graduated with a BA in English and Diploma in Journalism.

She worked as a newspaper reporter at the Windsor Star, winning an award for sports writing. While raising four children she worked as a freelance writer and an editorial assistant at the London Free Press.

Shirley was an avid member of the St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron) congregation for 46 years. She trained as a pastoral care worker and provided lay ministry to nursing home patients and prison inmates. She accepted responsibility for researching and writing about the church’s history, becoming the congregation’s in-house historian. At the age of 75 she completed a solo pilgrimage to the Christian monastic community in Taizé, France.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents Rev. Cecil Walker and Kathleen Walker (nee Bristow), her husband Peter Geigen-Miller, and her brother David Walker.

Shirley is survived by her siblings Jim Walker (Stephanie), Dan Walker (Anne), and Susan Walker; her four children Stephen Geigen-Miller (Maryan), Christopher Advansun, Patricia Lauriston-Ward (Colleen), and Matthew Geigen-Miller (Michelle); her three grandchildren Lily, Darwin, and Maren; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, June 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron), 1344 Commissioners Road West, London, ON N6K 1E1. Interment to follow in St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery. Donations to the church may be made in Shirley’s memory. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

AXFORD, Edward “Ed”…

Edward “Ed” Axford passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of the late Janet Axford (2016). Loving father of Dan (Chris), Randy (Jody), and Ron Axford. Proud papa of Kaitlyn (Evan), James (Steph), Amy, Sammi (Kayla), Kayleigh, and Dominique. Adored great-papa of Sadie, Cohen, Emerson and Elora. Brother of Terry (Margaret). Predeceased by his brother Donald (Ruth). Ed will also be missed by his extended family.

Friends and guests are invited to visitation on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 10-10:45am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Interment to take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Ed may be made to St. Josephs Hospice, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HAMILTON, Beatrice “Bea”

We are saddened to announce that Beatrice (Bea) Hamilton, with family and peacefully at her beloved home, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in her 89th year.

Bea was the cherished wife of Gavin and the late John White.

Adored mother and step mother to:
Martha Marshall and her husband Doug
Emily White and her husband Rick von Dehn
Dr. Scot Hamilton and his wife Jennifer Cairns
Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his wife Pam

Beloved Auntie Bea to:
Erica Boone and her husband Charlie
And to countless other friends’ and neighbourhood children over many years

Wonderful grandmother to:
Hayley, Rachel, Sam (Josie), Sarah (Jake), Sydney (Ciaran), Matthew (Maizie), Jeff, Megan (Evan), and Amelia

Delighted great grandmother and great aunt to:
Hannah (Maitland), Claire (Phil), Frankie, Max, Seymour, Woody, and Haddie Beatrice

Predeceased by her sister Barbara Fisher and brother Charles Ivey

Bea was born in Port Dover, at the time, a small fishing village on Lake Erie. She was a very proud Port Doverite and loved spending time at her Lynnbank home as often as she could throughout her life.

Bea loved Ontario history, especially its indigenous peoples. As a young woman, she spent summers on archaeological digs with Wilfrid Jury and later she was a dedicated volunteer involved in the development of London’s Museum of Ontario Archaeology and its museum shop.

Bea married John White and they started their family in London, Ontario. John represented the riding of London South in the provincial legislature for many years. Bea was a wonderful wife and mother, adept political partner for John, gracious hostess to many family, friends and colleagues, and general master of all things in their busy life of work and home.

Bea had many interests and talents, especially in the arts, literature, theatre, and music. She was a creator – writing and illustrating stories for her grandchildren, painting watercolours, reciting poetry and long Shakespearean passages from memory, and learning to adapt her piano playing to learn new pieces by ear as her sight began to fail.

After John passed away, Bea was lucky to meet and marry Dr. Gavin Hamilton. Given their season in life, they hoped to have 10 years together, but they were each other’s driving force and shared 27 blissful years. Bea and Gavin built a wonderful life full of family, adventures, canoeing, biking, and travel. Both families were enriched by their union.

For all who knew Bea, we will remember her grace and humility, her genuine warmth and kindness, her wit and keen intellect, her strength and courage, and her ability to always find the positives in people and situations. If you are thinking of Bea, Gavin suggests planting a tree in her memory.

Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will take place on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DUFFY , Helen (née Croal)

May 19, 1942 – May 12, 2025

On the afternoon of May 12^th our beloved mother and grandmother Helen Duffy passed peacefully from this world at Victoria Hospital, London, she was predeceased by her husband John “Jack” Duffy (2020).  Helen was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 19^th, 1942, and was raised by her great aunt. As a young woman, Helen loved going out and spending the evening at “the dance halls” as she called them. It was on one of her nights out that Helen met her husband Jack. The two married in 1963, the same day the Beatles played in Glasgow for the first time. Their older son Raymond was born in 1964, and their younger son Terence followed in 1965.

Helen had dreamed about moving to Canada since she was a young girl and, in 1967, did just that. As her husband Jack had gone ahead of her, Helen followed soon after with her two small boys, arriving in Toronto and moving to London in 1969, settling in a home on Antrim Crescent where Helen would live for over 50 years. It was in London that Helen’s daughter Leica (John Groenewegen) was born in 1970. Helen was an incredible and loving mother to Ray, Terry and Leica who credit her as being the one constant in their lives, whom they could always rely on for support and for her wonderful sense of humour.

Helen worked in London at both Northern Telecom and Raymond Burke Motors. Following her retirement, Helen stayed very active. She loved to spend time with her two granddaughters, Kate and Jacqueline Groenewegen, visiting them frequently in Toronto. She said that taking care of her young granddaughters was “the best time of my life”. When at home in London she could often be seen walking her dogs around the neighbourhood, chatting with those she passed by, and always stopping to smile and say hello to dogs and babies. Helen volunteered for ten years at Victoria Hospital where she spent time holding “wee babies” in the NICU and then later guiding visitors around the hospital. Helen was a long-time parishioner at St. Justin’s Parish.

Helen’s family would like to thank the staff at Arbor Trace and the staff on the B9 floor at Victoria Hospital for taking wonderful care of her during her final months and days.

Visitation for family and friends will take place between 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 20^th, 2025 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South,  London. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 21^st, 2025 at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Blvd, London.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwestern Ontario or the Canadian Veteran Service Dog Unit in Helen’s honour. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HURYN, Petro…

Christ is Risen! Petro Huryn passed away peacefully in London, Ontario on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in his 70th year. Petro will be missed by his cousins and close friends. Remembered for his love of motorcycling, his 25 years of dedicated work with Ford, and his enjoyment of playing guitar. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 6-8pm with a prayer service at 7pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Graveside service to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11am in Woodland Cemetery, 439 Springbank Drive, London. Please meet at the cemetery office for 10:45am. Donations in memory of Petro may be made to the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ The Saviour, 140 Fairview Avenue, London, ON, N6C 4T8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

THOMPSON, Mary (Nee Olmstead)

Peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fox Hollow Retirement Residence, London, Mary passed away in her 91^st year.

Beloved spouse of Elgin Thompson for 66 years. Loving mother and mother-in-law of David Thompson (Gaetan Poitras) of Montreal, Jayne (Mark) Connolly of Waterloo, and Catherine (Murray) Macdonald of London. Predeceased by her infant daughter Elizabeth. Beloved grandmother of Katelyn, Brandon, Liam, Evan, and Riley. Cherished sister of Margaret (Phil) White of Meaford (predeceased); Francis / “Skip” Olmstead (Pat) of Walkerton (predeceased); and John (June) Olmstead (predeceased) of Wiarton.

Loving aunt to Philip, Francis and Mary White (Toronto); Cella, Michael, Kathleen and Peter Olmstead (Walkerton); Ric and Rob Olmstead (Wiarton); and Brian, Jim and Loreen Wilson (Sarnia).

After attending high school in Owen Sound, Mary studied and qualified as an RN in Kitchener. She was a dedicated mother to her children and delighted in spoiling her grandchildren. She provided much support to her husband Elgin, including handling the business management of his dental practice. Mary and Elgin enjoyed watching the seasons change and for many years tended a large garden on their hobby farm in Howick Township, Huron County. She was also a long-time supporter of charities for cystic fibrosis patients in Southwestern Ontario. She loved reading, playing bridge, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Toronto Blue Jays and traveling.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Mary may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Program at the London Health Sciences Foundation or to Research by the Arthritis Society Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLARKE, James “Jim”…

James “Jim” Clarke passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025 in London, Ontario in his 76th year. Predeceased by his parents Helen Clarke (2019) and George Clarke (1982). Beloved brother of Fred (Angela) Clarke of Arva, ON, Karen (Kirk) Young of Calgary, AB, and Bob (Nancy) Clarke of Willow Beach, ON. Jim will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A private graveside service to be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to Community Living London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Valerie

Peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025, in her 75th year, Valerie passed away at Victoria Hospital, London.

Beloved wife of Ivan Johnson for 45 years. Loving mother of Shawn (Nancy), Lance, Tonya (Peter), Kyra (Graham), and Kale (Kaela). Proud grandmother of Lance, Tristain, Jacob, Ethan, Kaiden, Siena, Hoyt, India, Lochlan, Nola, and James. Dear sister of Glenda, Tim, Roberta, Jocelyn and Lori. Predeceased by her siblings; Richard, Patricia, and Gordon. Valerie will be remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Valerie was passionate about sewing and upholstery, always creating with care and creativity. An active spirit, she enjoyed going to the gym and swimming, embracing each day with energy. But more than anything, she deeply loved her husband and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren-those times brought her the greatest joy and fulfillment.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Valerie may be made to the Alzheimers Society Southwest Partners or to MS Canada. A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held 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