Services & Obituaries

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

NEILY, Melbourne “Hugh”…

Hugh passed away peacefully at Parkwood Hospital Veteran’s Care, London with family by his side in his 100th year on Saturday, April 30th, 2022. Hugh was born on September 14, 1922 in Spa Springs, Nova Scotia, the son of the late Melbourne Parker Neily and Evelyn (nee Hall) Neily. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Neily of Burlington, and sons Bill Neily of London, and Bob (Janet) Neily of Sandwich, MA. Dear grandfather of Sarah Neily of Hingham, MA, Samantha (Michael) Conley of Norfolk MA and Patrick Kory of Victoria, BC. Great grandfather of Nathan and Elise Conley and Olivia Kory. Hugh is also survived by his sister Marian Porter of Nova Scotia, sisters-in-law Ruth Neily of Wheatley and Joan Lindley of Burlington. Many nieces and nephews also survive Hugh. Hugh was predeceased by his beloved wife of 64 years Ruth (nee Stiles) and daughter Patricia “Trish” Kory, brothers Ronald Neily and David Neily and sisters Lorna Neily and Norah Balcom.

Hugh was a veteran of WW2 and saw his first combat on D-Day. Hugh was a CANLOAN Officer, a Lieutenant with The East Yorkshire Regiment – 2nd Battalion-3rd Infantry Division, British army. Returning to Canada in 1945 Hugh and Ruth settled in Nova Scotia and moved to Ontario in the early 50’s. After running branches in the western provinces for Snap-on Tools, Hugh started his company Nevtro Sales Ltd in London, which remains to this day. Hugh was a lifelong Member of Rotary International as well as Probus. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, wine making and traveled extensively with Ruth.

The family would like to thank the staff at Parkwood Veteran’s Care for their wonderful kindness and care to Hugh these past six years.

Family and friends are welcomed to join together to celebrate Hugh’s life on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 am and the funeral service will begin at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Veteran’s Care Comfort Fund at Parkwood Hospital, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Edwin…

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edwin Charles Smith announces his passing on Saturday, April 30, 2022, surrounded in the love of his family. Edwin was the patriarch of our family, leading a well lived life that included love, joys, sorrows and challenges spanning 96 years.

In 2004 Edwin was predeceased by his beloved wife Frances (Murdock) of 58 years. He is also predeceased by four siblings and their spouses and one niece and nephew of the same family.

Edwin is survived by his only child Patricia “Patsy”, his only grandchild Michael “Best Buddy”, his wife Amanda and her two sons Aiden and Carter. Edwin is also survived by his brother Kenneth and wife Doreen.

Edwin started his journey into adulthood by joining and travelling in the Canada and the States with Conklin Shows as a fire-eater. Two years later he enlisted in the Army, First Hussars, and was trained as a tank navigator.

In 1946 Edwin found his calling – trains. He hired on with the Canadian Pacific Railway (1946-1986) and started his career as an engineer at the Quebec Street yard/station. He ended his stint as a conductor on GO Transit/Trains based in Campbellville running daily from Toronto and back. Edwin didn’t stop there. Retired, he volunteered as an engineer with the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. He also operated the “push engine” for Thomas the Tank during railway days in St. Thomas.

Edwin’s hobby was his motor cars. He taught his grandson how to set them on and off the track, how to “keep them on the track” and how to perform minor maintenance on them. They spent countless hours travelling to motor car rallies and trips to the Agawa canyon and other northern destinations.

Edwin was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, as well as her advisor and confident. Edwin (Father figure) loved and doted on his grandson. He was extremely proud of the man Michael grew into. We will both miss out “special person”. We will continue to share our memories and he will be with us forever in our hearts. We know that he will keep a close eye on us and continue to guide us along the way. We miss you, we love you and our love for you will never fade.

Thank you to all the staff at Ashwood Manor Retirement Home for your excellent care, compassion, ongoing support, concern and the respect you had for Edwin and his family. Dr. Sonuga, thank you for your care and kindness that you provided to Dad. Amanda, thank you for your daily visits and constant smiles. Lawrence, thank you for your weekends and the lively chats you and Dad shared.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N01 1W0. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com