Services & Obituaries

RIDLEY, Dorothy…

Peacefully at Dearness Home, London, Dorothy Ridley (nee Trott) passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 in her 94th year. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Stuart John Ridley (2002), her son John W. Ridley (2004), and her daughter Shari Lynn Demaray (2005), and is survived by her son-in-law Allan Demaray. Dorothy has been cremated, and will be buried in her family plot at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Dorothy, donations can be made to the Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HARRINGTON, Marion…..

Marion B. (Wilson) Harrington of London, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 with family by her side at Henley Place, London, on Thursday October 6, 2022.  Beloved wife of the late Douglas E. Harrington. Cherished and loving mother of Mike (Becky), Bev (Bill) Brown and Ken. Dear sister of John, Dorothy and Pat. Predeceased by her brothers Stuart, Richard and David. Also loved by her grandchildren, Laura, John (Gillian), Michelle (Ryan), Ashley (Josh), David (Ally) and Chris, and her great-grandchildren, Eric, Nathan, Ava, Dylan, Audrey,  Riley and Lexie. Friends will be received by the family from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. Private family interment immediately following the service at Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester, Ontario.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

WELKER, Diana…

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diana Lynne (nee Edwards) Welker, of London, on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the age of 75, at home with her family by her side. Beloved wife of Helmut for 52 years. Loving mom of Marianne (Paul) Kippax, Chris (Lori) Welker, and Kevin (Julie) Welker. Proud grandma of Ashley (Henry Firmston) and Tyler Kippax, and Kaitlyn, Mai, Kate and Maggie Welker. Dear sister of Bob (Toni) Edwards, and sister-in-law of Ernestine, Ted, Martin and Barb. Predeceased by her parents Jeffrey (2010) and Mary (1992) Edwards, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Luise, Annemarie, Roland and Joe.

Diana was a one of a kind woman who left a mark on everyone she interacted with and who made you feel special when you were in her presence. Nothing made her more proud than spending time supporting her kids and grandkids during their activities. She loved volunteering at Westmount Public School and swimming with her friends at the London Aquatic Centre. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamilton, Home & Community Care, VON and St. Vincent’s for their exceptional care and compassion.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Diana may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McDOUGAL, Richard A. …

After a brief illness with cancer, Richard McDougal passed peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Parkwood Hospital, London at the age of 70. Loving and caring father of Samantha and Blair Whitton and Nicholas Mysior. Grandpa will be dearly missed by Max Whitton. Dear brother of Wendy Connolly and Paul Miron, and Lorraine and the late Mike Lagasse. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and June McDougal and brothers Barry and David McDougal. Richard enjoyed spending time with his dear four-legged friend Angie, he would spend his summers by the water in Port Stanley, ON and if he could have, he would have visited the Titanic. Friends are welcome to gather with the family at Oakland Cemetery, 390 Oxford Street West, London on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 2 pm, for a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

FERRIS, Maeve…

Maeve Ferris, adored child of Neal Ferris and Manina Jones and beloved sibling of Fionntan Ferris, died on Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at the age of 20. In an impulsive act, they took their own life. Maeve attended H.B. Beal Secondary School in London, Ontario, and was a student in Theatre Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Maeve knew they were fiercely loved by immediate and extended family, as well as a circle of close friends. Maeve was extraordinary, a force of nature. A voracious and opinionated reader, a baker and chef extraordinaire, a music aficionado, an actor and singer, a talented creative writer, a generous friend–whatever Maeve did, they embraced it with passion and commitment. Maeve was developing an ensemble-based theory of theatre to make the culture of theatre performance production inclusive and enriching for all participants.

During Covid, Maeve video screened—and rated–all of Shakespeare’s plays, read hundreds of books, led family games nights, and baked their way through dozens of delicious recipes. In the Summer of 2022, Maeve travelled with Neal to Nevis, West Indies, working on an archaeological project, snorkelling, beachcombing, and reading. They spent time taking summer courses at the Stratford Festival, and had peaceful weeks together with family at the cottage, kayaking, swimming, doing crosswords, and reading. Every moment was a gift.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home at 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON on Saturday, October 8, from 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036, https://broadwaycares.org/. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WRIGHT, Alan …

Alan passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Friday, September 30, 2022, in his 80^th year. Beloved husband of Marlene for 53 years. Loving Dad of Karen. Proud Grandpa of James and Paul. Brother of Roger (Vicki), brother-in-law Willis (Pierrette), sisters-in-law Gail and Elaine. He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Nesta Wright.

Alan was born in London, England on January 26, 1943. After completing his Chartered Accountant Degree, he immigrated to Canada in 1967.

He worked in Winnipeg for 2 years before moving to Edmonton to work for the Alberta Government. In 1986, Alan had a severe stroke, which unfortunately ended his working career. Throughout all of his struggles, he always kept his strong faith in God. Alan accepted his disabilities always keeping a positive attitude. He will be remembered by his smile and British sense of humour. Food was always an enjoyment for him, especially desserts and dark chocolate.

In 2001 Alan and Marlene moved to London, ON to be near their daughter Karen.

Marlene was able to care for Alan at home until 2016 when his care became too great. His choice was to go into Dearness Home, as he attended the day program there for a number of years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Dearness, especially 5 East, for their wonderful care, and also the staff at Victoria Hospital who cared for him the last 3 days of his life.

A funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London, on October 12, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Interment at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London, ON N6C 1W1 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McKENZIE, John…

With his children at his home, John McKenzie, of London, passed peacefully on Friday, September 30th, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Kathleen McKenzie (nee Paul), his children Leigh, Jon-Paul (Erica), and Claire (Norm), his grandkids Mac Bridges, Ryleigh, Ayden, Grayson, Reed, and Emme McKenzie. His grandchildren were his everything, his proudest accomplishments.

His three beloved sisters Christeen (Ian), Marion (Geoff) and Sandra (Pat) always referred to Johnnie as just the best brother in the whole wide world.

Dad was a funny guy – with a wicked and often misunderstood sense of humour. To know him was to love him. And that we did.

He is predeceased by his parents Alex and Margaret (nee McTaggart) McKenzie, his in-laws JJ and Margaret (nee Reid) Paul, his brothers-in-law James Paul, Bill O’Brien and his sister-in-law June O’Brien (Paul).

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ark Aid Street Mission, 696 Dundas Street, London, N5W 2Z4 or Happy’s Place – Retirement Home for Dogs (www.happysplace.ca), as he frequently told his kids he was leaving everything to the humane society! That sense of humour again… Dad we love you and will miss you every day. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SCHLARBAUM, Dorothy May…

Peacefully, surrounded by her family in Tecumseh, on Thursday, September 29, 2022, Dorothy (Morris) Schlarbaum, at the age of 87, went to be with her Lord. Predeceased by beloved husband, Reverend Norman Schlarbaum of 51 years. Cherished mother of Dave Schlarbaum and his wife Helen of Newfoundland, Ruth Blick and her husband Rich of Traverse City, Michigan, and John Schlarbaum and Lori Huver of Amherstburg. Loving grandmother of Justin Schlarbaum (Lyndsay), Jennifer Morgan, and Bryce Blick (Samantha), and great grandchildren, Hudson, Ophelya and Annalise. Family and friends are welcome for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South on Monday, October 3, 2022 from 5-7 pm and on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 10-10:45 am. The funeral service will follow at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. 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 by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop. Interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. Dorothy was very devoted to her faith and as an expression of sympathy donations to the Ark Aid Street Mission at 696 Dundas Street, London, N5W 2Z4 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WARD, Gary…

Gary Ward passed away peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London on Monday, September 26, 2022 at the age of 76 after a long-fought battle against cancer. Survived by his siblings Paul Ward, Rosemary Garren (Steve), and Steve Ward (Lea), and his many nieces and nephews. Gary will also be missed by his good friend Nathan “Nat” Crawford. Predeceased by his mom Helen (2015) and sister Pat (1993).

The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Parkwood for taking wonderful care of Gary during his stay. Cremation has taken place. Donations in memory of Gary may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON N4V 2Y7. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MITCHELL, Donald …

Peacefully, and comforted by his family, at University Hospital, London, on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the age of 95.  Predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley Mitchell.  Together they celebrated 58 years of marriage.  Dear father of Mike (Helen), Teri Wallace (Dave), Marty and Mark (Stephanie).  Predeceased by his brother Ernie, sisters Bernice Norman, Betty Fowlie and Margaret Cross.  Survived by his brother-in-law Ralph Deekon (Ann).  He was adored and loved and shall be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Jesse (Shawn), Luke, Cody (Kendall), Derek (Billie Jo), Parker, Reid, Tyler (Emily), Jenna (Colin), Kailey, Sean, Keira, and his great-grandchildren Drew, Joshua, Allie, Reese, Journey, Wesley, Scarlett, Hudson and Bo.

Growing up in Kitchener, Don was a tremendous athlete, excelling at basketball, baseball, hockey and golf.  In an age where basketball players were shorter, he played for years and was a member of the Kitchener squad that won the 1952 Canadian Amateur Basketball Association Intermediate Championship, later playing senior ball locally.  He played junior hockey for the Waterloo Siskins and Kitchener Greenshirts. For a brief while he played senior hockey with the Kitchener Dutchmen, enjoying the opportunity to share a line with Bobby Bauer and Woody Dumart, members of the Boston Bruins Kraut Line.  He golfed at Rockway where he had the chance to play with Moe Norman, also a regular at Rockway.

Beyond his younger playing days, Dad remained a fervent hockey fan.  Both he and Mom were die-hard Detroit Red Wings fans and held season tickets to the Olympia and Joe Louis for 25 years. He was also a fan of the Tigers and enjoyed getting to the occasional game at Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park.

Compared to today where one’s careers are multiple, Don worked 50 years for Coca-Cola Ltd., with stints in Kitchener, Windsor, Regina and finally London where he retired in 1993 as Vice-President and General Manager for Southwestern Ontario.  He had a knack for “Sales”, interacted well with people and over time rose through the management ranks.  Don was transferred back to London in 1973 and sometime thereafter promoted to his final position.  While in London he led and mentored a stream of aspiring business grads, many of whom later noted the instrumental role that he played in positioning them for promotion and successful careers both within and outside the company.

A long-time member of Highland Country Club, he made many friends on the course over the years.  He founded and oversaw one of the Club’s events most cherished by its members, “The Family Scramble”.  The name said it all, as Dad was all about family, and had nothing but Love for his own.  Together with Mom, they nurtured and developed the close-knit group that we are.

Dad’s faith was strong and he enjoyed attending service at Forest City Community Church. He now goes to join his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our family wishes to thank the fine folks at Chartwell Royalcliffe Retirement Residence.  Dad was very fond of them as they provided a most fulfilling social experience and care over the past 18 months. We also wish to thank Dr. Arif Ali, his physician, the doctors, nurses and staff of Victoria Hospital and University Hospital for the care and kindness shown to Dad over the past month in his times of need.  In remembering Don, and in lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6.  Cremation has taken place.  A small family gathering shall take the place of a memorial service.  Private interment to follow.  At a later date, a celebration of his life shall take place at Highland Country Club.

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