Services & Obituaries

Middleton, Richard William

Richard “Slipped the surly bonds of earth” and found peace at last on Friday, March the 7th, 2025 at the Village of Glendale Crossing, London. Richard passed away in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Kathleen for 61 years. Loving father to Kerry Ann (Bruce) Weller, John Middleton, and Richard (Cara) Middleton. “Grips” to his cherished grandchildren, Taylor Weller, Kayla Weller, Sarah Middleton and William Middleton. Dear brother of Jane Ann Douglas and the late Mary Jo Merton.

Richard was a humble gentleman who demonstrated kindness and principle to all whom he met in business and daily life, always striving to do the right thing. Fond memories were made of skiing in Colorado, boating on Lake Huron and at Burleigh Falls. His diverse passions ranged from a deep interest in the history of World War II to feats of engineering, woodworking, and model boat building.

He will be missed and cherished by his loving family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 115 Askin Street, London. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard may be made to London Public Library or 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

PELLETIER, Mary Jane

Peacefully at Kensington Village, London, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, Mary Jane Pelletier of London, passed away at the age of 89. Predeceased by her husband John Noel (2018). Dear mother of Robert Pelletier and wife Susan, Michelle Palmer and husband Jean-Marc, Richard Pelletier and wife Carrie, all of London and Monique Pelletier and husband Eric of Windsor. Dear sister-in-law of Jeannine Pelletier of Orleans. Also loved by her grandchildren: Tammy and husband Rick, Jaime and wife Holly, Kristyn and partner Gage, Nicole and husband Michael, Andrew and partner Christiane, Iain and partner Alyssa, Victoria and husband Glenn, and by her great-grandchildren.
Mary (GG) will be remembered as an incredible mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She welcomed everyone into her home and treated everyone with love and kindness.
The family would like to thank the entire team at Kensington Village Long Term Care for their exceptional care and support of our mother.
Friends will be received by the family at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Wednesday, March 12, from 7:00-9:00 pm and from 10:00 –10:45 am on Thursday, March 13, 2025, followed by a memorial service which will be conducted at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Private family interment of cremated remains in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations to Community Living London or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MONK, Mary Veta…

The family of Mary Veta Monk (nee Pierce) of London, Ontario are saddened to announce her passing on Friday, February 28th, 2025 at the age of 95 years. She is survived by her four children Diane Rychliski (Rod), Susan Monk (Kevin), Sharon Monk and Doug Monk (Charlene). She was a devoted grandmother to her ten grandchildren, Devan (Taryn), Kristen (Fearghus), Mikel (Mikhaila), Katie (Paxton), Lauren (Parker), Ryan, Karyn, Oscar, Evelyn and Lyla. In her last year she became a great grandmother to Bailey and Fionn.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years Donald Victor Monk in 2012, her parents Duncan and Lila Pierce and her seven siblings, Don Pierce (Jean), Wesley Pierce (Ruth), Audrey Webb (Walter), Marge Priest (Jim), Dorothy Mann (Ted), Barb Chatterton (Tom) and Morgan Pierce (Linda). She was also predeceased by her sister-in-law Jean Strader (Nelson) and brother-in-law David Monk. She is survived by her brothers-in-law Walter Webb and Tom Chatterton, sister-in-law Linda Pierce and cousins, including Anne and Keith Ramey, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was born on a farm near Appin, Ontario and lived most of her life in London, Ontario including over 60 years in Byron. She was happy to have been a member of the Byron Craft Club in the 1970s, spent many years working at Trudell Medical, enjoyed retirement winters with her many friends in Panama City Beach, Florida and was a loyal member of her bridge club for over 50 years. She hosted countless family dinners, even well into her 80s, and was an excellent cook and baker and always included everyone’s favourite desserts. She was an avid reader, funny, smart, always happy and cheerful. Most importantly, she was a dedicated mother and grandmother who was loved and will always be remembered.

Special thanks to neighbours, the Youngs and the Smiths, who generously helped her during the final years in her home, and more recently thanks to the staff at Horizon Place retirement home for taking good care of her.

Cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army of London or Mission Services of London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FORRET, Charles “Charlie”…

Charles Forret, born in February of 1946 to Charles and Joan Forret, passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 28, 2025. Charles, known to friends and family as Charlie, had a full 79-year life with countless memories shared with many people.

He was the beloved husband of Penny Forret for 54 wonderful years, a devout father of two, Drew (Shauna) Forret and Mary (Angela) Forret and a proud Papa to Ewan, Brooke and Holden.

Charlie was an only child and kept busy playing with his friends and cousin Jo-Ann Dickson, who was more like a big sister than cousin. He was a caring, smart, and driven man that lead him to Western University, graduating with a Bachelor of Chemistry. From there he began work at London Biochemistry Reference Laboratories (now known as Dynacare) in 1969. When he left Dynacare in 1992 he was the President of the organization, something we were all proud of him for. The last part of his career he was the general manager at Highland Country Club where he was able to enjoy the balance between the sports he loved and an interesting end to his career before retiring in 2000. Charlie loved golf, curling and spending time outdoors with his family and dogs. Most will remember him for his caring and generous nature.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, London. In memory of Charlie, donations may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON K2M 2W1 or March of Dimes Canada, Fundraising Department, 202-885 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON M3C 1V9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HENERY, Norman…

Norman Henery of London, ON, passed away peacefully in his own home on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in his 95th year.

He attended Medway H.S., graduated from Western University with a BA and gained a teaching certificate from OCE. He married in 1957 and returned from his first teaching job in Waterford to London where he taught at multiple high schools including Clarke Road, Westminster and A.B. Lucas where he was the director of the business department. He was extremely active in many sports and the outdoors. His time spent each summer at his cottage on Manitoulin Island with his family was pleasurable. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Rita Henery, his sons Hance (Angela) and Neil (Lucy), and his three grandchildren Savanah, Nolan and Devon. Predeceased by his brother Thomas Henery (2006).

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, where the funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London.

In memory of Norman, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (formally London Regional Cancer Program), c/o London Health Sciences Centre, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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