Services & Obituaries

KNOWLES, Donna…

Peacefully, on Monday, June 6, 2022, Donna May Knowles (nee Oliver) of London passed away with her loved ones by her side. Born in November 1946, in Quebec to Don and May Oliver; Donna was the gold standard wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

In August of 1968, she married her high school sweetheart and best friend Brian Michael Knowles. Together they would show the world the meaning of unconditional love both for each other and for their family. Donna’s greatest accomplishment was her three children; Lori Knowles, Kim (Stu) Shelton and Chris (Erin) Knowles whom she taught to be strong, independent, and full of love and compassion for others. Undeniably, she’s been the best Gramma to Hanna, Peyton, Evan, Spencer, Jocelyn, and Eden. There was no one she would not brag to about her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Brian, her children, and grandchildren, she will be dearly missed by her brother Ralph (Lynn) Oliver, her brother-in-law Steve (predeceased by his wife Barb), her niece, nephews, and their families. She will also be missed by her extended family and her incredible circle of friends. Donna is predeceased by her parents Don and May Oliver, her in-laws Jack and Margaret Knowles as well as her dear friend and sister-in-law Barbara Benford.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 10:00-10:45 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Celebration of Donna’s life will follow at 11:00 am. 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. Future inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

Memorial donations can be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or The Brain Tumour Foundation, 203-205 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ERAMIAN, Dr. Gregory…

Gregory (Greg) Michael Eramian passed away peacefully after many years of several serious health problems on Friday, June 3, 2022 in London, Ontario in his 81st year.  Loving and devoted husband of the late Linda Grace Haskell Eramian for 42 years, without whom he always said that he could never have imagined his life and whose untimely death at age 64 in 2012 from an extremely rare cancer deeply affected him for the rest of his life.  Beloved son of the late Aram and Nuvart “Nellie” (nee Ogassian) Eramian.  Predeceased by his beloved sister Jeanette Eramian in 2014.  Loving father of Dr. Mark Eramian and his wife, Nicole of Saskatoon and Dr. Laura Eramian and her husband, Dr. Peter Mallory of Halifax.  Loving “Grandpa E” of Julia and Hannah Eramian of Saskatoon and Natalia Eramian-Mallory of Halifax.

Greg was born in 1942.  From early childhood, when his parents introduced him to the joys of the public library, Greg was a lifelong bibliophile and voracious reader.  Because of his Armenian heritage, he early on developed a strong interest in languages, linguistics, and other cultures. In 1969, while completing his Ph.D in Slavic Languages at Brown University, Greg began his career teaching Russian language, literature, and linguistics, and later Comparative Literature and Culture, at the University of Western Ontario.  He served as Chair of the former Department of Russian Studies (1977-84) and as Undergraduate Chair of the former Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (2000-05).  In June of 2004, Greg was granted Western’s highest teaching award, the Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching.  In 2006 Greg took early retirement from UWO after 37 years of service because of poor health and was granted the title of Professor Emeritus.

Family, friends, and colleagues will remember Greg’s lively sense of self-deprecating and ironic humor which often surprised people who first met him because of his otherwise serious demeanor.  Greg had a very wide range of interests and hobbies.  He was an avid philatelist and map aficionado.  He loved all kinds of music, from baroque and classical and Armenian sacred and folk music to 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, Hawaiian music, and Preservation Hall New Orleans jazz; a special favourite of his was the music of Scott Joplin.  He was a lifelong gardener, who in more recent years took special pride in his “pesto patch” (sweet basil and parsley garden).  Every fall he made and froze dozens of containers of pesto, to which he treated family and friends.  For over 45 years he was a prolific bread and muffin baker; he specialized in sourdough bread and took great delight in proselytizing among his friends by providing them with samples of sourdough starter.  His other specialties were lavash (Armenian “cracker bread”) and choreg (Armenian sweet egg buns), with which Mark and Laura enthusiastically assisted him when they were children growing up at home.  Family and friends will probably best remember Greg for his signature sourdough chocolate cake.  Greg loved the outdoors and travel; among his happiest times were long summer family car trips when the four Eramians would visit national parks and recreation areas in Canada and the U.S. and hike on trails amidst stunning natural beauty.

During his retirement Greg continued not only with his hobbies, but also with his academic pursuits, turning his attention to Armenian linguistics.  At the time of his death, Greg had just completed the compilation of a comprehensive, 80,000 entry (1,400 pp.) English-Western Armenian dictionary, a project he had dreamed of doing since his teen years.  This dictionary is intended as a pedagogical aid to students of Western Armenian.  The Eramian family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the many superb doctors, nurses, and other health professionals for their many years of dedicated, generous, and humane care of Greg from 2006 until his death.  Cremation has already taken place.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Memorial donations may be made to the I.V. Therapy Clinic of the London Health Sciences Centre (Victoria Campus) through the London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 6A7 or to the charity of one’s choice.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Helen…

Peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Helen Eileen Johnson (nee Walker) in her 91st year, passed away surrounded by family. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Johnson and mother of the late Pam Johnson. Survived by her daughter Janet (Scott), her grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Renee (Jeff), great-grandchildren Dominic and Natalie, her sisters Sheila, Gerrie, Carole and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by her son-in-law Dave and close family friends Anne, Declan (Phyllis) and Liz. Helen found great joy in her family, friends and spending time at the family’s cottage in Port Bruce.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Private inurnment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KIRK, Helen….

Helen Elaine Kirk (nee McGinnis) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2022 with her family at her side.

Helen was predeased by her parents, Anne and George, her loving husband Douglas, her beloved daughter Janice and her siblings Tom, Margaret, Jean, Marion, Mary, Joe and Bernadette.
Lovingly remembered by her children Lynda and Howard (Theresa).

The “G” was adored by her grandchildren Angela (Chris aka the big “C”), Natalie, Kirk, Ashley (Ian), Gabrielle, Emily (Cody) and Justine and her great-grandchildren Charlotte, Sam, Rylan and Shaylah.

Helen was a proud member of the Canadian Women’s Army Corp from 1943 to 1945.  Her favourite activities included travel, cooking, reading, gardening, crossword puzzles and dancing the night away at the Sergeant’s Mess.  Her most treasured time was spent with her family.

Helen’s unconditional love, witty sense of humour, intelligence and kindness will be cherished by all that were blessed to have her in their life.

Helen was the matriarch of our family and we will miss her loving guidance.

Following Helen’s wishes there will be a private internment service at St. Peter’s Mausoleum for immediate family members only.

Those wishing to make a donation in Helen’s memory are asked to consider The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.

We offer our deepest gratitude to Helen’s team of caregivers from the Dearness Home in London, ON.

Arrangements entrusted with A.Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.

BROWN, William “Bill”

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Monday, May 9, 2022, William “Bill” Harold Brown passed away surrounded by  family in his 95th year. Born in Collingwood in 1927 to the late Harold and Mildred Brown. Loving partner of Isabelle Webb. Dear brother of Aulda Jean Downie of Exeter and brother in law of Shirley Morgan of London. Predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Betty Marie Brown (nee Brown) (1969), and his second wife, Isabel Brown (nee Paul) (2012).

Beloved father of Robert Brown (Beth), Paul Brown, Marilouise Brown and Richard Brown. Cherished grandfather of Christopher, Jessica (Chris Pepper), Jonathan, and Rachel Orchard (Tyler). Great grandfather of James, Freyja, Kieran and Graham. A private family service was held on Friday, May 13, 2022. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation to the Run for Retina Fund for Ivey Eye Institute. With extreme gratitude for Kim Spriet and her family’s endless efforts with this very important charity. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.amgfh.com

WINTERS, June…

Peacefully with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Norma “June” Winters passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of James “Jay” Winters for 43 years. Loving mother of Jeffrey Winters and his wife Mindy and Jillian Dunsmore and her husband Zach. Cherished and proud grandmother of Megan, Jamie, Parker and Casey. Dear sister of Eric Walton and his wife Katrina. June will be greatly missed by her family, church community and many close friends. A private family interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. A celebration of June’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced. In memory of June, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, 500-71 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N2 or 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

WINTERS, June…

Peacefully with her family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, Norma “June” Winters passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of James “Jay” Winters for 43 years. Loving mother of Jeffrey Winters and his wife Mindy and Jillian Dunsmore and her husband Zach. Cherished and proud grandmother of Megan, Jamie, Parker and Casey. Dear sister of Eric Walton and his wife Katrina. June will be greatly missed by her family, church community and many close friends. A private family interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London. A celebration of June’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced. In memory of June, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund-Canada, 500-71 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5N2 or 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

Thompson, Helen Kathryn (“Kathy”)…
 
Peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, Kathryn Thompson, née Rushton, passed away at age 80.
 
“Kathy” was the beloved wife of John Thompson. Loving mother of Bill Kyle (Michelle) of Princeton, ON; Gregory Kyle (Allyson) of Kelowna, BC; Brian Kyle of Medicine Hat, AB; Michael Thompson (Kari) of London; and Sally Thompson (James Watzke) of Toronto. Dear grandmother of Grace Kyle, Charlie Kyle, Sarah Van Horne (Austin), Jessica Thompson, and Cassandra Watzke. Dear sister of William Rushton (Myrna) of Tillsonburg. She will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, and friends. Predeceased by her son, Andrew Harold Kyle; her brother, Robert Rushton (Violet); her sister, Barbara Staffen (Earl); and James Kyle.

Kathryn was born in Paris, Ontario, in 1942. As a child, she loved reading, bike riding, and choral singing. She found math difficult and her math teacher told her mom girls didn’t need math so don’t worry about it, but she persisted because she wanted to become a nurse or teacher. Throughout high school, she worked in a ladieswear store in Paris. Her first boyfriend was Wayne Gretzky’s uncle Albert. She married James Kyle in 1962. In the 1970s, she was a potter in Montreal while raising four sons. She studied nursing at Toronto General Hospital, became a registered nurse, and worked in general medicine and oncology at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London. She married John Thompson in 1997. In her later years, she became a published writer of memoirs and short stories for adults and children. She enjoyed classical music and genealogy, and loved her family.
Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Rd N, London, ON N6H 2B6, on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at 10:00 am. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required and there is no visitation or reception. Interment will take place in August in Paris, Ontario.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Kathy may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6, or to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Rd, London, ON N5V 3K5, and would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.amgfh.com.

BROCK, Thomas “Tom” Clifford…

Peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Thomas Clifford Brock in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Joan Brock for 59 years. Loving dad of Paul Brock (Angie), David Brock (Julie), and Rebecca Bracken (Jamie). Cherished grandpa of Cody and Kylie Brock, Tylor (Alyshia), Cassie and Carter Brock, and Brittani and Michael Bracken and great-grandpa of Oakland Brock. Dear brother of Mary Lou Arnold (Jim) and the late Susanne Willmott (Brian). Tom will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mount Hope staff and the PSWs that took care of dad. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 2 pm, with visitation 1-hour prior (1-2 pm) in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow with future inurnment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKS, Betty Isabelle (nee Pegg)…

April 30, 1925 – May 1, 2022

Peacefully, Betty Isabelle passed the night after her 97th birthday. Betty is reunited with her beloved husband, whom she lovingly called “Boyfriend”, Trevor K. Brooks (2013). Predeceased by her loving parents Lelola Pegg (1973) and James Pegg (1966). Dear sister of Jack Pegg (1991) (Bev 2012) and Don Pegg (1976) (Pat 1998). Betty loved dearly and was proud of her many nieces and nephews. She had a strong sense of humour and always welcomed family and friends with open arms. She had a lasting attachment to her hometown of Blenheim and retained many cherished friendships from there. We wish to extend sincere gratitude to ALL the staff at McGarrell Place who showed such kindness, comfort and love to Betty during her final years. There are not enough words to say thank you to her dear friend and care giver Sue Forbes, with whom we would have been lost without her help. She has been an angel of mercy.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 am on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will be held at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or charity of choice. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com