Services & Obituaries

WILSON, Grant….

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Anna for 57 years. Dear father of Brian (Michelle) of London, Ontario and Darryl of Calgary, Alberta. Loving grandfather to 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Survived by his brothers Douglas and David (Les). He will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.  
Grant was a high school educator.  He was also a dedicated volunteer with his church. Grant was an avid golfer and curler.  
Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday March 31, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Grant may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East London, ON N6C 2R6, or the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East
London, ON N6B 1K8.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ADAIR, Christopher “Chris”…….

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care facility in London on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Christopher Alan Adair passed away in his 68th year. Beloved son of the late Lloyd George Adair and Kathleen Louise Adair. Survived by his brother Robin Lloyd Adair, his aunt Helen Mudge/ Adair, and cousins David Mudge, Judi Mudge, Dan Mudge, Bill Adair and Susan Baugh.

Christopher had such a caring heart and was the kindest of Souls. He always lit up like a Christmas tree when in the company of his family. He brings to mind all of the wonderful family get togethers over the years. He had a way of making all of us laugh, for years Chris dressed up in his Santa suit to give out presents under the tree. Our family trip to Ottawa one summer had left us in stitches, we will talk about that trip forever, thanks to Chris.

He was an avid fan of baseball and loved the Toronto Blue Jays. He would spend time watching wrestling, baseball and one of his favourite tv shows was The Three Stooges. I can still hear him laughing during each and every show.

Chris and his comical ways will be truly missed. Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Chris may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON N6H 2B6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

AYERS, Gladys (nee Blanchard)……

Passed away quietly in her sleep on Monday, March 21, 2022 at Victoria Hospital, London. Beloved wife of the late George (2005). Loving mother of Patti Kipping, Gord (Deanna) Clemas and Richard (Corinne) Kipping. Dear grandma of Ashley Kipping, Jacqueline (Kyle) and great- granddaughter Natalie Hill.  Survived by her sister Carole Comeau and her many nieces and nephews.  She will be remembered by her friends Paulette, Sheila & the coffee gang. Predeceased by her parents Grant and Frances Blanchard, 5 sisters and 4 brothers. Cremation and interment have taken place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sarnia.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Gladys may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada, P.O. Box 27056 , Masonville P.O. 60 North Centre Road, London, ON N5X 3X6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEDLIHAM, Harry…..

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, March 21, 2022 in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Maureen for 60 years. Loving father of David, Helen Raftery, and Dory (William Chisholm) Lightfoot. Dear grandfather of Julie McGilvray, Harrison Raftery, Richard Raftery, Hilary Lightfoot and Evelyn Raftery. Survived by his brother Jack. Predeceased by his brothers Charlie and George.  He will be lovingly remembered by many extended family and friends. Harry was a gentleman, whose proudest achievement was his family with a special spot in his heart for his grandchildren. Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London with a service following in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm.  Online condolences, memories, photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PENFOUND, Catherine…

Peacefully went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 18, 2022, Catherine “Cathy” (nee Jackson) in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Kevin Penfound for over 42 years. Loving mother of Ryan (Karissa), David (Vivienne) and Jonathan (Bethany).  Dear ‘Mama P’ to and adored by her seven grandchildren Tyler, Kyran, Marlie, Samuel, Finn, Jack, and Mikayla. Dear sister of David Jackson (Sheila), daughter-in-law of Leona Penfound, sister-in-law of Chris Walker (Mark) and Jamie Penfound (Jean), aunt of Jen, Andrew and Jamie, and niece of Mary Strickland and Josephine Wyville. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Greta Jackson.

Cathy had a gift for caring for and loving others well. She was an accomplished pianist and music teacher. She touched many lives through her love for the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6) and her ministry of music. The family would like to thank Four Counties Health Services in Newbury for the wonderful care provided to Cathy. A Celebration of Cathy’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at Pinery Baptist Church, 8751 Lakeshore Road, Thedford and live streamed on Zoom (https://cutt.ly/NSh1Jy8). As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Cliff Camp, 254 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N5Z 3L1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COOK, Carman Edgar…

April 14, 1927 – March 17, 2022

Carman’s sense of bold adventure and do-it-yourself spirit inspired everyone who met him. Entrepreneur, aviator, mentor, world traveler, whip-smart, and ever the eternal optimist; Carman never encountered an obstacle that he didn’t figure a work-around to achieve success.

As the only surviving son and youngest child of Stephen Edgar Cook and Wilhelmina (Baker) Cook, Carman grew up on Victor Street in London where the Thames River was his playground. His insatiable curiosity and passion for the outdoors shaped his life of adventures. As an aviator, Carman flew his single engine Cessna back and forth from London to San Diego every three weeks during the winters. Side trips included flying his Cessna to Acapulco using road maps for navigation. Once caught in a whiteout blizzard in the mountains of New Mexico, Carman landed on the highway. A patrol officer helped Carman pull the plane off the road, drove him to a hotel for the night, and stopped traffic to watch Carman take off. The officer was so awed at the skill and daring in that landing that he didn’t even cite Carman. Carman shrugged off the harrowing experience; it never would deter his spirit.

Carman left teaching at Glendale Elementary School in the early 1960’s to start businesses. He purchased a WWII barracks, reconstructed it on Exeter Road and made steel swimming pools. His steel prowess expanded into constructing all things metal: factory fixtures, garbage dumpsters, light poles, winding staircases, there was nothing Carman couldn’t mastermind with steel. And so, he built his third business: the first self-storage facility in Canada. Banks refused to loan money for such an unheard-of venture, so he sacrificed his Cessna to finance his vision. For the first two buildings Carman worked alongside the blocklayer, finishing the rest of the structures by himself. For the third building, Carman learned tilt-up technology in a Las Vegas seminar and then constructed the building alone–troweling concrete into the wee hours of many nights. He unflinchingly took to difficult tasks and showed anything can be accomplished with grit, smarts, and perseverance. Seven more buildings followed.

In August 1954, Carman ventured to California where he met and married the love of his life Alma Bly DeLongis. Alma was his match in adventure and risk-taking. She loved to laugh, and friends came easily to them. Living in London and San Diego, they embraced a life full of wonderful friends.

Carman and Alma traveled the world with their family and friends. Carman daily swam, rollerbladed, or rode a bike. At seventy-nine, Carman whitewater rafted through the Panama jungle. Carman water-skied, snow-skied, and rode his horse into his mid-eighties. His life was spent in motion; he moved with purpose and dignity.

Carman is survived by his daughter, Joey Cook-Gabaldon, her husband John Gabaldon, Carman’s son Anthony De Longis and Anthony’s wife Mary, Carman’s only grandchild Cole Carman Joseph Gabaldon, Cole’s wife Traci and Cole’s children Otto, Luna-Joey, John, and Tracin-Cole. Carman is also survived by his nephew Robert Reid (Wendy) and three nieces, Janet Sybrandy (Phil), Ann Kirk (Scott) and Cheryl Reid.

Carman’s almost ninety-five years are to be celebrated. There is no life more richly lived and enjoyed than the life Carman made for himself. Everyone who knew him always have stories to tell. We miss him so very, very much.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Littlewood United Church, 6780 Westdel Bourne, London, ON N6P 1P3 would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BARTH, Karin…..

With heavy hearts, the family of Karin H. Barth announces her sudden, peaceful passing in her 84th year, at Victoria Hospital on Thursday, March 17, 2022.  Karin H. Steckling was born on June 14, 1938 in Berlin, Germany.

Karin enjoyed every part of life, but most important to her was family.  She was loved and will be remembered by the many lives she touched.

Beloved mother of Douglas (Alexandra) Barth and Byron (the late Stasyi 2020) Barth. Proud grandmother of Saraya, Benjamin, Isabelle, Evan and Alayna.  Lovingly remembered by her brothers (the late Siegfried 1991), Gerhard and Christian.  Karin will also be fondly remembered by nieces and nephews, as well as her numerous close friends.

Karin loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her excellent dishes.  She also loved to travel to Europe, North and Latin America, but especially throughout Canada.  With all her travels and deep roots to Germany she always considered Canada home and loved Eastern Canada and her happy place, Ipperwash beach, Ontario.

She was extremely fond of the theatre and classical music, and during her retirement enjoyed volunteering at The Grand Theatre, and Centennial Hall for the London Symphony.

She also enjoyed volunteering at the Boys and Girls club, the library and church.  She cherished the many years she taught Saturday mornings at the German language school. 

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave, London, on Saturday April 9 at 2pm. with a reception following the service.  Masks to be worn in the sanctuary. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COBBE, Barbara…

Peacefully at her residence on Thursday, March 17, 2022, Barbara Cobbe, of London, passed away in her sleep in her 83rd year. Beloved wife of the late Charles Gerald “Chuck” Cobbe (2010). Loving mother of Nancy Cobbe (Rick) of London, Lisa Thompson-Dobo (Kenny) of Edmonton, and the late Jeffery Cobbe (Bonnie) of London. Adored grandmother of Stephen Nadeau (Ashley) and Danielle Nolan (Phillip) of London, and Jessica Schaub (Steve), Erica, Alexandra and Charles Thompson of Edmonton, Alberta. Proud great-grandmother of Owen, Evan, Hailey, Mason, and Madison. Survived by her sister Jan Smith (Paul) of Courtright. Predeceased by her father and mother Joseph and Marjorie Higgin and her brothers Gary and Don Higgin. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.
 
Barb’s passion was her family. She was the definition of a social butterfly, enjoyed sewing, crafting, and helping others. She spent her mornings with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle and the evenings with a glass of wine. Barb also devoted 25 years to the role of President of the Thyroid Foundation of Canada where she worked tirelessly to raise funds for this worthy cause. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South London. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 4 pm at St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London. Capacity is limited at the church and those attending are required to register by calling the funeral home 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) and masks are required. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the church’s YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaiWCblsLAdPSJwIEVxWrvg. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barb’s memory may be made to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, P.O. Box 298, Bath ON K0H 1G0 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUGHES, Ruth….

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at her residence on Thursday, March 17, 2022  in her 89^th year. Loving mother of Deborah, Brooks, Terrence (Lori), and Bernard. Dear grandmother of 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Noreen and Archibald Brunt, her sister, Rita and her brothers, Ken, Billy, Bernard (Liz) and Loyal (Joan).

Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 and on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Boulevard, London on Friday, March 26, 2022 at 1pm. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Wellspring London and Region, 382 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6B 2N8 or to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McHARDIE, Gail Lynn…

Peacefully, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Gail Lynn McHardie (of London) in her 74th year, entered by the hands of God faithfully unto everlasting life. Beloved wife of the late Danny McHardie (2009) for 37 years. Cherished mother of Steve (Dianne) of Corunna, Jason (Narmin), Jennifer, Amy (Ugo) and Danielle (Chris) all of London. Adored “Grammie” of Kara, Christiana, Chas, Katelynn “Katie”, Juliet, Isabella, Gianluca, Alessia, Myla, Selia, Liam and Gabriella. Loved sister of Celia of London. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as all of her family in England. Gail had a lengthy career with the City of London. All are welcome and will be received by the family on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 2-4 p.m., and 6-8 p.m., at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. All are welcome to the funeral service, conducted on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Siloam United Church, 1240 Fanshawe Park Road East, London, with Reverend Dr. Sheila Macgregor officiating. Interment in Union Cemetery, Union, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, charitable donations can be to the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com