Services & Obituaries

LYNCH, Desmond “Desi” “Des”…

Desmond Lynch passed away in London, ON, on Sunday, February 23, 2025 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Marie for 60 years. Proud father of Damian (Tammy) Lynch, Nicola Lynch, and Tara Roccatagliata (late Mark). Loving grandfather of Adam (Caileigh) Lynch, Taylor Lynch (Nick Laforge), Aaron (Joe) Stevens, Mian Lynch, and Pharyn Lynch. Great grandfather of Clara Lynch. Des will also be missed by Dan Stevens, Justin, Cameron, Kielyn, Meghan, Camilla, Luca, Aiden, Christopher and all of his fur babies Archie, Morty, Grover, Lucy, Buddy, Sunshine and Molly.

The family could not have got through this difficult time without the support and prayers of Pat and Betty McLaughlin. The family would also like to thank their neighbors John and Marg Van Dalen and family, as well as all the staff at Victoria Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care of Des. To all of his friends at the YMCA, Scott’s Corner, and the Knights of Columbus at St. Peter’s Cathedral, the family thanks you for your companionship over the years.

Cremation has taken place. Family and guests are welcome to a funeral mass in honor of Des on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at 11am at St. Justin’s Parish, 855 Jalna Blvd, London, ON. Donations in memory of Desi may be made to The Kidney Foundation. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

OKE, Gary…

We are saddened to announce the passing of Gary Oke, surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 24, 2025 in his 69th year. Gary was the beloved husband of Cathy Oke for 47 years. Loving father of Jen Smelser (Rae) and the late Steven Oke (2024). Gary is survived by his father Bill Oke (Vickey), his sister Caron Wiedrick (Jim), his brother Brian Couvier and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Cremation to follow. In memory of Gary, donations may be made to the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formally London Regional Cancer Program), c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CAREY, William (Bill) James…

July 1934-February 2025

Peacefully at home in London, ON, with the love of his family, Bill went to be with Jesus on February 21^st, 2025, in his 91^st year. Beloved husband of Helen Carey. Predeceased by his dear wife of 51 years Gladys Carey. Cherished father of Alicia (Rob) Phelps, David (Alison) Carey, and Grace (Scott) Bull. Dear stepfather of Lorraine (Jim) Drennan and Brian (Christine) Dancy. Also survived by his grandchildren Courtney, Nicole (Conor), Noelle, Ryan and Matthew who adored their “Bup.” He is re-united with his grandson Zachary Bull. Loving brother of Carol (the late Gerry) and stepsister Nancy Brock.

Bill was born in Philadelphia and moved to London at age 14. He had a rewarding career as a dedicated elementary school teacher, VP and Principal. Many of his students kept in touch reminding Bill of his positive influence as a mentor and friend. Faith and Family always came first. In retirement he enjoyed travel, sports, acting, music and church activities.

A family burial has taken place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visitation will be held at West Park Church, 955 Gainsborough Road, London, ON, N6G 5C9, on Tuesday, March 11^th, 2025, from 12-1pm. The Celebration of Life will follow at 1pm. Donations can be made to Tyndale University or Heritage College and Seminary. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SCAFE, David…

David Scafe passed accidentally at his residence in London, ON, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in his 34th year. Beloved son of Terry and Anna Scafe. Loving boyfriend of Michaela Petz. Cherished brother of Michael and Andrew. Grandson of Shirley Vaile. Will also be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and guests are invited to visitation on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON, N6C 3X1. Funeral service to be held privately with family only. Interment to take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

WEERDENBURG, Mary “Riet”…

Mary “Riet” Weerdenburg passed away peacefully in London, ON, on Thursday, February 21, 2025 in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Peter J. Weerdenburg. Loving mother of Tony Weerdenburg and his wife Chris, Paul Weerdenburg and his wife Genny, George Weerdenburg, Ed Weerdenburg and his wife Dottie, Marlene Weedenburg and her late partner Fiona Tavendale and Rose Marie Weerdenburg. Dear Oma of Jason (Sherrie), Anthony, Jeff (Amanda), Kirstin, Nicole (Ben) and Adam (Rebecca). Groot Oma of Skye, Christina, Derek, Daynica, Tayden, Genevieve, Arthur, Penny, and Leah. Predeceased by her siblings Clasien de Graaf (Wil), Lenie Nan (Gert), Pauline Smeenk (Ted), Corrie Weerdenburg (Theodore), Wim Bontje (Survived by Ria), Joke van Treerum (Henk), Aadrian Bontje (survived by Pearl). Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at later date. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MATYCHUK, Maureen
October 1952 – February 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Maureen Matychuk announce her passing on February 13, 2025.
Maureen was born in Thunder Bay in October 1952, the second of five children of Anne & Fred Matychuk. Maureen has made London her home for 50 years. She was a long-time employee of McCormick Canada (formerly Club House Foods). In her younger years she enjoyed golf, wood working and travelling, including Europe twice, Jamaica and many other destinations.
Predeceased by her parents and 2 siblings Allan & Joanne and great niece Lily.
Left to mourn her are her sisters Laurie & Lynn. Nieces Jordan (Ken), Jamie, Shelley (John), Nicole (Jeff), and Michelle (Matteo) and many great nieces & nephews.
Cremation has taken place with a family interment in Thunder Bay, Ontario later this year.
Raise a glass of wine for Maureen and please hug your family.
A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McCABE, Douglas “Doug”…

Douglas Charles McCabe born June 19, 1935 in Picton, Ontario, passed away peacefully in London, ON, on Friday, February 14, 2025 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of the late Joan G. (Kuskoff) McCabe. Dear father of Jason (Mary) McCabe of London and Darin (Nicole Liversage) of London. Proud grandfather of Curtis. Predeceased by his sister Lois and her husband Gwilym. Doug will also be missed by his friends and extended family.

Doug had a love for sports, with a special passion for golf. He was a proud member of Sunningdale Golf Club, where he spent many enjoyable days on the course. For 60 years, he was a dedicated member of Wesley-Knox United Church, London, cherishing the friendships and community he found there. Doug enjoyed keeping in touch with his graduating class from Kitchener KCI.

The family would like to thank the staff at University Hospital and Richmond Woods Retirement Home for their compassionate care of Doug.

Cremation has taken place. Per Doug’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service held. Donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Hemophilia Society. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com

McKNIGHT, Harold Richard “Rick”…

Harold Richard “Rick” McKnight, 73, of London, Ontario, Canada, passed away on February 12, 2025. He was born in 1951 in eastern Ontario. Rick graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School in Calgary, Alberta, in 1969 and furthered his education at Western University in London, Ontario and the University of Calgary, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree. Rick had an unwavering passion for home improvement, personally building one of his family homes and a lakeside cottage. Even in his 70s, he continued to swing a hammer, run a deck and fencing business, flip homes and take on various renovation projects. Additionally, Rick worked as a career coach, trainer and educator at various points in his life. A man full of spiritual depth, Rick was an avid practitioner of Reiki, meditation and authored 8 Weeks to Enlightenment: Igniting Your Passion.

Rick was predeceased by his parents Hal and Mary McKnight and brother, Steve McKnight. He is survived by the woman he partnered with through three decades of his life, Michele Gervais, children Shad McKnight (Serena), Rishanna Denman (Stephen), Tristan McKnight (Rebecca), Shelley Houston (Robert), Paden McKnight and Hayley McKnight and eight grandchildren, Zachary and Graysen Denman, Sophia and Michael McKnight, Cale and Vada McKnight and Canon and Piper Houston. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Crumb (Dave) and Kathleen Tiede (John) and sister-in-law Sue McKnight and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rick lived his life in the moment and had an infectious love for laughter. He was an avid fan of crossword puzzles and classic comedy, particularly The Three Stooges. He was known for his playful antics, often embarrassing his children by “making friends for them” or calling for them over department store intercoms with the most obscure, made-up names. Rick also had a talent for striking up long conversations with random strangers on the street, and when asked who they were, he’d simply say, “I don’t know.” We laughed a lot in his presence, and may have been slightly embarrassed by his dance moves. His energy and passion will be missed by all who knew him.

Rick’s wishes to be cremated have been honoured, and a Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held this summer in London, Ontario, where family and friends will come together to honour his memory.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please do a random act of kindness for a stranger. Rick would love to know that we are all spreading the good.

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

SUTHERLAND, David Robert
June 1967- February 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David Sutherland on February 17, 2025.
David was the son of the late Audrey Sutherland (Lefebvre) and the late Robert Sutherland. He was the beloved brother of Janet Salter (Michael) and Nancy Sutherland (Jim Blumsom). He was the cherished uncle of Colin (Cassie Yount) and Eric Salter (Amanda Martino) and of Matthew (Stefanie Cimini), Robert and Bradley (Erin Culp) McLellan.
David loved nature, and delighted in gardening competitions with his housemates, fishing with his nephews, and viewing nature pictures on his FrameO. He was gentle and kind, and everyone who knew him was better for it.
For almost 25 years, David was supported by the amazing staff of Participation House. There are no words sufficient to express our profound gratitude to all former and current PHSS staff for the exceptional care and kindness they unfailingly provided David. They were all the greatest gift David could ever have received.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street London. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John the Divine Parish, 390 Baseline Road, London. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David ‘s name to Participation House, 620 Colborne Street, Suite 101 London Ontario, N6B 3R9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LEE, Sandra “Sandy”…

Sandy passed away peacefully in London, ON, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 in her 76th year. Beloved mother of Christopher Mark and David Lee. Dear sister of Paul (Pam) and Michael (Frank) Allen. Predeceased by her brother Christopher (Jane). Loving aunt of Rebecca, Amy and Morgan. Sandy will also be missed by her many close friends.

Sandy had a deep love for her faithful dog Lou-Lou, and a talent for card making. Known fondly as the “Cookie Lady,” she brought joy to her neighbors by baking treats for both her friends and their furry companions. Her kindness and warmth will be remembered in her neighbourhood, and by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm at 201-227 Cathcart Street, London, ON. Donations in memory of Sandy may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com