Services & Obituaries

NICOLA, Andreea…
 
Peacefully at her home, Andreea joined the Light on Monday, December 19, 2022 in her 55th year. An amazing companion and wife of Remus Nicola for 31 years. Dear mother of Alexandra. Dear sister of Iudit and cherished sister-in-law of Amalia. Dear aunt of Valentina and Ana. Beloved daughter of Violeta and daughter-in-law of Roman. Predeceased by her father Laszlo-Csaba and mother-in-law Aurelia.

Like in any story, it’s the heroes that are forgotten. And like this story, Andreea was one of the unknown heroes of our time. The fact that she suffered an unspeakable and cruel trauma in her late childhood, she stood-up. In her fight against a brutal political regime-she stood-up. For a simple and natural human right-she stood-up. For Freedom-she stood-up. Although she endured political imprisonment and was faced with the fear of death, she was reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes of a nation’s revolution. “Praise to all unknown heroes of the world,” she would have said.

From her childhood trauma to her political imprisonment, a spark was lit. Her spirit enlightened as she transcended from a rebel of her times into a servant of fellow humans and a voice against the darkness of this world. Throughout her life, even though she was deemed a rebel in the eyes of many, her unbelievable compassion and empathy towards fellow humans-including her wrongdoers, was more than a sign that Andreea sees this world with different eyes, aimed towards an earthly mission.

The first steps of her mission began with sharing knowledge with her high school students for several years. Between teaching and the daily chores of a family life, walking in nature was something close to mystical for Andreea. Although in the classroom she imparted her teaching gift with honour and enjoyment, the nature was always her attraction. It seemed like the pulse of nature was somehow communicating with her. She walked the paths of remote places, pristine forests, and climbed mythical mountains-absorbing from nature something unseen with the naked eye, along her way. This inexplicable force-Nature-unveiled the path of her mission.

Andreea began applying her understanding of nature in her garden. Her physical touch and love of plants, trees and flowers was always magical. She grew such wonderful flowers, a vast and abundant bio-vegetable garden and many sweet fruit trees. But her love only grew in energy and compassion when she became an active member of London Middlesex Master Gardeners-sharing this realized knowledge with whomever was interested in nature and in the magic of reality. Through her caring hands-inspired by nature’s voice-a garden of Hesperides manifested from nowhere for any traveler to wander.

Although Andreea was enjoying everything in her life, she realized something was still missing. This something came in an inexplicable way. Soon after winning a psychological battle with her earlier traumas-like in a quantum leap, an artist came to life out of empty space. She started painting in acrylics, making handcrafts and without a moment’s pause-began teaching classes and sharing the knowledge of the craft. Nature and gardening were still the attraction and the main themes in her painting, but now experienced and expressed from a different level of perception. Like teaching, the Art was a gift that came to life naturally from a hidden and dark place. This was the gift she was looking for along the way. She found what was missing-completing her fully. Andreea found her authenticity as a visual artist, being dedicated to the craft through an active membership of London Community Artists and with active participation in multiple art gallery exhibition shows. The flow of life allowed Andreea to close the circle of her travel with the opening of her first art gallery. “A completed being,” a wise elder would say.

Like in any story, there is always the impermanence of life that we often overlook and forget. Life continuously challenges our path. It is its nature, and we just need to accept it in the way Andreea accepted the challenge with an illness she battled for years. With courage and dignity, she fought a good fight until her last breath. It seems that any completely built temple in life requires a sacrifice. Andreea made this sacrifice without a blink of an eye, knowing that she is surrounded by compassionate friends and companions supporting her unconditionally until the light would ascend-returning her home in the land of the Morning Star. May Andreea be a companion of light on our path for as long as we walk under the Rising Sun. “Walk well and do good deeds,” as Andreea would say.

Besides everything, she was first a mother to Alexandra. Her love for her daughter goes beyond earthly words. Alexandra had the magical luck of having such a mother and a teacher. Andreea’s ways of practising compassion, empathy, gratitude, faith, hope, love and charity towards all of us, is a good example for Alexandra’s path in life. “Walk well and do good deeds,” Andreea would say. May Andreea be praised by Alexandra for as long as the wheel of time permits-and why not, even beyond.  

As a companion and traveller in life, Andreea was not just a part that completed her partner Remus, she was one with him in all manifestations of life. A spiritual compass and a moral square that cannot be expressed in any earthly words. This companionship of 31 years with its own ups and downs was traveled well, doing good deeds along the way, and always with a smile of gratitude and kindness on their faces. May Andreea be praised and continue as the companion of light for Remus until it is his time to return home. He will find you; He knows the path. So let it be.

And like in any story, the hero sacrifices the self for the good of all fellow creatures. Although her sacrifice may seem unfair in the eyes of this world, she was aware that everything under the Sun has a season and that the time under the heavens shall be spent wisely and with good deeds. Her dedication, compassion, love and kindness left a trace of light for everyone to follow and always remember-that it is simpler in life when you are kind and compassionate in all manifestations of your lives. Her sacred temple was finished on this land, and she is now ready to travel where the light may desire her.

Andreea, you brought happiness in any life you touched walking along your path-sorrow is in any heart that knew you parted from us. But happy we will meet again and we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Walk well on your path Andreea, keep the light of the sacred fire burning, and do only good deeds wherever you may travel.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm. In memory of Andreea, donations may be made to a favourite place of hers, the London Public Library. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

VAN ARNHEM, Herman…
June 3, 1935 – December 17, 2022

Herman Van Arnhem passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday December 17, 2022 at the Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy, ON.  He was 87 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Agatha “Ada”, their four children; Ingrid (John) Huls, Deborah (Jerry) Roukema, Rose (Rob) Wynands, and Gary (Bethany) Van Arnhem.  He leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.  

He was born on June 3, 1935 in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1954.  He was the oldest child of Gerrit and Elizabeth Van Arnhem and he had five siblings; Mieke (John) Kuindersma (both deceased), Lennie (Ed) Lammers, Peter (Kathy) Van Arnhem, Elly (Reiner) Scholten, and Jerry (Jane) Van Arnhem.  He is also remembered by his in-laws; Betty Van Rijs, Tina Van Rijs, and Anne and Hank Vanderlaan.  

Herman was a man of faith; he knew that Jesus loved him.  He and Agatha were long time members of Talbot Street Church where he served that community in various capacities; Head Counselor for the Cadets, an Elder on the Church Council and was known as the “Soup King” at the Collective Kitchen.

He built a very successful Construction company, Van Arnhem Homes.  He was well respected and well liked in the industry, serving as the local chairman of HUDAC for two years.  There was not much that Herman couldn’t fix or adapt or repair and in his retirement years, he used this amazing skill to benefit many non-profit organizations and the people they supported.

The other focus of his life was his family.  He was an adored Opa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We celebrated many an occasion at the big house in Lambeth where you would find Herman standing over the BBQ grilling chicken, being in the middle of a good euchre game or a rousing game of penny poker.  Kind, generous, compassionate and fun loving were characteristics that endeared him to all.  We will miss him fiercely and remember him fondly.

The funeral will be held at Talbot Street Church, 513 Talbot Street, London on Thursday December 22, 2022.  Visitation will be in the Atrium of the church at 11 am followed by the Service at 12 noon. Herman would be honoured if you supported any of his favourite charities; Teen Challenge, the Alice Saddy Association, or London Christian High School.  

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

SITLINGTON, David…..

 Passed away peacefully, at University Hospital on Friday, December 16, 2022 at the age of 74.  Beloved husband of the late Carolyn Sitlington (2016).  Loving father of Sarah (Nathan) Watson. Cherished grandfather of Parker and Madyson. Dear brother of Judy (Brian) Latam, Brenda (Sam) Breyer, Roger (the late Susan), Robert (Roseanne), Brian and the late Jim (Susan). He will be missed by his extended family Anne and Bryan Watson. Fondly remembered by his in-laws Joe (Beverly) Mayo, Evelyn (Wayne) Rogers and Marilyn (Wayne) Rabideau. Predeceased by his parents Ernest and Mary Sitlington. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from  2 – 4pm & 6 – 8pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 11am with visitation an hour prior starting at 10am. Interment at Dorchester Union Cemetery to follow. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to ALS Society of Canada, 1701-393 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G 1E6 or to London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STEIGINGA, Ysbrandia “Brenda” …

Called home into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour, Brenda died peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the age of 93 at Dearness Home, London. Beloved wife of the late Ype “Ed”  (2019) Steiginga for 68 years. Dear mother of Robert Steiginga (Susan), Nancy Bouterse (Jack), Margaret Nyboer (Andrew), Gerald Steiginga (Nicole) and David Steiginga (Christine). Also loved by her  22 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Dear sister of late Lammy (Jelle), Foeke (late Maart)  and the late Gay (Fred). Survived by her sisters – in – law Maatje, Willy and Lucy. A special thank you to the staff at Dearness Home for the kind and compassionate care over the last 2 and a half years. Friends will be received by the family from 10:00-11:00 am on Monday, December 19, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery, London.  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. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

PEICHEFF, Richard…
Unexpectedly on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at his residence, Richard Peicheff passed away in his 78th year. Beloved husband of the late Betty Peicheff (2001). Kind and loving father of Joyce (Bret), Jane (David), Ed (Carla), and Sean (Christine). Cherished Papa of Julie (Matt), Melissa, Jennifer (Dennis), Cory (Stephen), Dallas (Tracy), Morgan (Connor), Maria, Mya, Olivia, and Adam. Richard will be fondly remembered by his many great-grandchildren, siblings Ed, Deanna, and Linda along with many nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Stoimen & Nadia Peicheff, Mother-in-law Doris Campbell, and brother Ron. A small private graveside service will be conducted at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRADLEY, Geoffrey …
After a brief battle with COVID, Geoff Bradley passed away at Victoria Hospital, London surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, a couple weeks shy of his 63rd birthday. Survived by his father Geoff Bradley and predeceased by his mother Josephine Bradley. Geoff will be fondly remembered by his brother Fred Bradley and his wife Bev. Geoff will be missed by many surviving family and friends. Geoff was an avid fisherman. Friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, December 12, 2022, from 3:00 -5:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, please honour Geoff with a donation to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COATES, Doris…

Peacefully at home, Doris Coates passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 in her 66th year. Beloved wife of Jeff Coates. Dear sister of Sylvia Dibiasi. Loving aunt of Brandon and his wife Sitara and Cody and great-aunt of Zara. Predeceased by her sister Edith Mudge (2019). Doris will also be missed immensely by her close friends. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the memorial service will take place at 1 pm. In loving memory of Doris, donations made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MARQUEZ DE BOLIVAR, Valentina…

Passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.  Loving wife of the late José Luis. Dear mom of Luis José, Nadia, and Valentina Isabel. Cherished grandma of Diego, Ana Sofia, Helena, Isabella, Victoria, and Matias. She will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Friends and family are welcomed for visitation on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolence memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RODERICK JOHN CAMPBELL 
1947 — 2022

On Sunday, December 4, 2022, R. John Campbell passed on to be with his Lord and Saviour in his 76^th year, while at home, surrounded by his loving wife Beryle and daughter Heidi.

R. John’s claim to fame was being born, in Woodstock, ON, on the day following the coldest day recorded in North America (in Yukon), thus enabling him to say that his arrival warmed up the world!  Being an accountant, warmth of personality was important!  He was the eldest child of Roderick and Dorothy Campbell, followed by brother Bev and sister Ruth. He had an asthmatic and protected childhood. However, like his dad, he enjoyed sports, and did not retire from church league softball until he was 55.  He avidly supported the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays through thick and thin.

John grew up on the leading edge of the Boomer Generation.  He learned he had to study hard to succeed in high school and university.  After graduating from Western, John joined Clarkson Gordon, where he earned his CA designation and became a manager.  Following 14 years as Director of Accounting for Commonwealth Holiday Inns and Scott’s Hospitality, John “re-tooled” and concluded 49 years of professional life with 17 enjoyable years with the Kelland investment team.

John met his future wife Beryle Bigham at a church nursery picnic when he was six months old.  They married in 1973 providentially giving John a loving, devoted and self-sacrificing help-mate and the best of mothers to two beautiful daughters, Heidi (married to wonderful husband Jeff) and Heather, who after suffering 6 ½ years with cystic fibrosis, preceded John to her heavenly home in 1983.  Evan and Bethany are dearly loved precious grandkids.

John enjoyed photography and loved books, especially history, biography and Christian life, but none surpassed his love of the Bible which tells the greatest story in the world.  The central figure in that story, Jesus Christ, both fully man, and fully God, was a great Saviour to John, a great sinner.  Only because of his Lord Jesus, when the courtroom is silent, and the last books are opened, will John be found rejoicing along with the great innumerable throng of God’s faithful servants.

The Campbell family wish to thank the Ilderton Medical Clinic, especially Dr. Keren and the St. Elizabeth nurses for their excellent care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held at WestPark Church, 955 Gainsborough Road, London on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:30pm, following a private graveside service.  A livestream of the service will be available at https://youtu.be/Zt_xRn2MaYo

Donations in John’s memory can be made to New Life Prison Ministry, Arva, ON or the WestPark Benevolent Fund.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

 BULTJE, Albertus “Bert”…..

It is with saddened hearts but rejoicing spirits that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Albertus Bultje, who entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on December 2, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Loving husband of Jane Bultje (Danes) for 61 wonderful years. Predeceased by  daughter Michelle and grandson John. Loving father of Karen,  Michelle (Ed) DaPonte and Tanya (Peter) English. Adored Opa of Laura, Matthew, Nicole, Michael, Karissa, Lauren, Christian and Angelina and 7 great grandchildren.. Brother of Barbara and Kees (+) Van Deijk, Linie(+) and Willem(+) Schuurman, Bertha and Jan (+) Haveman, Grace and (George+) Van Aandel, Jan (+) , Ann (+) Bultje and, Linda and Ike Van de Ree, Albert and Grace Bultje, Alberdina and Keith Louwerse(+) and Philip Bultje. Also remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family in Holland and Canada, church family and many lifelong friends

Friends and family are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 4-7 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11 am at Cornerstone United Reformed Church, 180 Waterloo Street, London.  In lieu of flowers donations to Karen’s Mission in Haiti, Coram Deo (Please visit the following link and select “Donate now through Canada Helps” and kindly select “Coram Deo”, from  the drop down list: https://www.missionoftears.ca) would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com