Services & Obituaries

McFadden , Diana (nee Woods)….

Filled with dignity and grace, Diana was beautiful inside and out. Despite some health challenges in later life, she remained mobile and sharp as a tack until the end of her life just a month shy of her 96th birthday. Diana passed away peacefully in Owen Sound on October 16, 2022, with family by her side.Beloved wife of Mick for 66 years (deceased 2016). Predeceased by her sisters, Betty McIIveen (Jack), and Joan Fulton (David), and her brother Jack (Jean). Loved and cherished by many nieces and nephews, Diana had a huge impact on their lives, making each one feel special.     

Diana grew up in Toronto and was employed for many years as a secretary at Imperial Life Insurance Company where she met Mick. Together, they built a wonderful life highlighted by their love of lawn bowling, family gatherings and card games. Mick’s job moved them to Calgary in 1979 where Diana received a silver medal representing Alberta at the Canadian Lawn Bowling finals. After retirement, they chose London for their home, where Diana became a member of the Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club and St. James Westminster Anglican Church. At the age of 75, Diana took bridge lessons, which gave her many enjoyable social times with her bridge friends. She was an avid reader and loved the challenge of crossword and variety puzzles. For the last year of her life, Diana resided in Owen Sound to be close to her niece Diane with whom she shared a mother-daughter relationship. Diana was lovely, kind, loyal and the best listener.  She will be missed by her family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Tuesday, October 25th at 2:00 pm.  Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Internment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London  to follow. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Lois Vivian Gray (nee Preston)…
June 29, 1932 – October 11,2022

Peacefully, with family by her side at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, in her 91st year.

Lois Gray of Strathroy, Ontario (formally Komoka). Born in Moncton, NB, the Daughter of the late Marcus F. Preston (July 8, 1932), Robert Crowhurst and Vivian Crowhurst (Preston). Predeceased by her beloved and devoted husband and best friend for nearly 54 years, Malcolm “Mac” Gray (May 5, 2009).

Dear Mother of David Gray and his wife Peggy of Amherstburg, and Alastair Gray and his wife Brenda of Regina, SK. Dear Sister of Sharon Fraser of Edmonton, AB and Sister-in-law of Glenda Crowhurst of Dartmouth, NS. Also loved by her Grandchildren Nicola (Jonathan), Danny (Laura), Christine (Andy), Andrew, and Blair Gray, her two step-grandchildren Jennifer (Brian) and Jeffrey (Elizabeth) and her Great Grandchildren Henry, Jack, Oliver and Liliya. Also loved by her Nieces Tracy (David), Marlee (Ian) and Nephew Mason. Predeceased by brother RM Brent Crowhurst (July 29, 2015).

Lois will by sadly missed and fondly remembered by her many friends, but especially the special ladies she considered akin to daughters, Ingrid Barnes and Laura Potter, who lovingly cared for her like their own mother.

Lois graduated from Nursing in Brantford, Ontario, 1954. Married in 1955 to the love of her life, she moved to Komoka where she was an RN at Strathroy General Hospital, and later as an assistant director of nursing at Komoka Nursing Home, until she retired. She was a dedicated and active member of Melville United Church, and a Charter Member of the United Church Women of Canada.

At Lois’ request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at Melville United Church, 24159 Nairn Road, Ilderton, ON N0M 2A0 on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 11am. Private family Interment to follow at Poplar Hill Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy Lois has requested no flowers be sent but rather a consideration of a donation to Melville United Church, or the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation, 395 Carrie Street, Strathroy, ON N7G 3J4 or a charity of your choice.

The family offer a Special Thank You to the nursing staff of the 1st floor One South, Strathroy General Hospital, for their astounding care and compassion in Lois’ final weeks.

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

VAN GEFFEN, Frank …

After a brief and strong battle, Frank Van Geffen, passed peacefully at Chatham Kent Alliance Hospital, on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the age of 59. Survived by his cousin and best friend Tom Hunt, his sister Sue Van Geffen, son Franklin and stepbrother Joey Van Geffen. Predeceased by his mother Frances Hunt, stepfather Al McBean, siblings Christine, Penny and Alex Van Geffen. Frank will be fondly remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. Friends are welcomed to celebrate Frank’s life on Friday, October 28, 2022, at the A. Millard George Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London (located on the south east corner of parking lot), from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Procession to Woodland Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RIDLEY, Dorothy…

Peacefully at Dearness Home, London, Dorothy Ridley (nee Trott) passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 in her 94th year. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Stuart John Ridley (2002), her son John W. Ridley (2004), and her daughter Shari Lynn Demaray (2005), and is survived by her son-in-law Allan Demaray. Dorothy has been cremated, and will be buried in her family plot at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Dorothy, donations can be made to the Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HARRINGTON, Marion…..

Marion B. (Wilson) Harrington of London, passed away peacefully at the age of 97 with family by her side at Henley Place, London, on Thursday October 6, 2022.  Beloved wife of the late Douglas E. Harrington. Cherished and loving mother of Mike (Becky), Bev (Bill) Brown and Ken. Dear sister of John, Dorothy and Pat. Predeceased by her brothers Stuart, Richard and David. Also loved by her grandchildren, Laura, John (Gillian), Michelle (Ryan), Ashley (Josh), David (Ally) and Chris, and her great-grandchildren, Eric, Nathan, Ava, Dylan, Audrey,  Riley and Lexie. Friends will be received by the family from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 13th, 2022 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. Private family interment immediately following the service at Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester, Ontario.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

WELKER, Diana…

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diana Lynne (nee Edwards) Welker, of London, on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the age of 75, at home with her family by her side. Beloved wife of Helmut for 52 years. Loving mom of Marianne (Paul) Kippax, Chris (Lori) Welker, and Kevin (Julie) Welker. Proud grandma of Ashley (Henry Firmston) and Tyler Kippax, and Kaitlyn, Mai, Kate and Maggie Welker. Dear sister of Bob (Toni) Edwards, and sister-in-law of Ernestine, Ted, Martin and Barb. Predeceased by her parents Jeffrey (2010) and Mary (1992) Edwards, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Luise, Annemarie, Roland and Joe.

Diana was a one of a kind woman who left a mark on everyone she interacted with and who made you feel special when you were in her presence. Nothing made her more proud than spending time supporting her kids and grandkids during their activities. She loved volunteering at Westmount Public School and swimming with her friends at the London Aquatic Centre. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamilton, Home & Community Care, VON and St. Vincent’s for their exceptional care and compassion.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Diana may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McDOUGAL, Richard A. …

After a brief illness with cancer, Richard McDougal passed peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Parkwood Hospital, London at the age of 70. Loving and caring father of Samantha and Blair Whitton and Nicholas Mysior. Grandpa will be dearly missed by Max Whitton. Dear brother of Wendy Connolly and Paul Miron, and Lorraine and the late Mike Lagasse. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and June McDougal and brothers Barry and David McDougal. Richard enjoyed spending time with his dear four-legged friend Angie, he would spend his summers by the water in Port Stanley, ON and if he could have, he would have visited the Titanic. Friends are welcome to gather with the family at Oakland Cemetery, 390 Oxford Street West, London on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 2 pm, for a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

FERRIS, Maeve…

Maeve Ferris, adored child of Neal Ferris and Manina Jones and beloved sibling of Fionntan Ferris, died on Saturday, October 1st, 2022, at the age of 20. In an impulsive act, they took their own life. Maeve attended H.B. Beal Secondary School in London, Ontario, and was a student in Theatre Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Maeve knew they were fiercely loved by immediate and extended family, as well as a circle of close friends. Maeve was extraordinary, a force of nature. A voracious and opinionated reader, a baker and chef extraordinaire, a music aficionado, an actor and singer, a talented creative writer, a generous friend–whatever Maeve did, they embraced it with passion and commitment. Maeve was developing an ensemble-based theory of theatre to make the culture of theatre performance production inclusive and enriching for all participants.

During Covid, Maeve video screened—and rated–all of Shakespeare’s plays, read hundreds of books, led family games nights, and baked their way through dozens of delicious recipes. In the Summer of 2022, Maeve travelled with Neal to Nevis, West Indies, working on an archaeological project, snorkelling, beachcombing, and reading. They spent time taking summer courses at the Stratford Festival, and had peaceful weeks together with family at the cottage, kayaking, swimming, doing crosswords, and reading. Every moment was a gift.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home at 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON on Saturday, October 8, from 12 to 3 pm and 5 to 7 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036, https://broadwaycares.org/. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WRIGHT, Alan …

Alan passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Friday, September 30, 2022, in his 80^th year. Beloved husband of Marlene for 53 years. Loving Dad of Karen. Proud Grandpa of James and Paul. Brother of Roger (Vicki), brother-in-law Willis (Pierrette), sisters-in-law Gail and Elaine. He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Nesta Wright.

Alan was born in London, England on January 26, 1943. After completing his Chartered Accountant Degree, he immigrated to Canada in 1967.

He worked in Winnipeg for 2 years before moving to Edmonton to work for the Alberta Government. In 1986, Alan had a severe stroke, which unfortunately ended his working career. Throughout all of his struggles, he always kept his strong faith in God. Alan accepted his disabilities always keeping a positive attitude. He will be remembered by his smile and British sense of humour. Food was always an enjoyment for him, especially desserts and dark chocolate.

In 2001 Alan and Marlene moved to London, ON to be near their daughter Karen.

Marlene was able to care for Alan at home until 2016 when his care became too great. His choice was to go into Dearness Home, as he attended the day program there for a number of years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Dearness, especially 5 East, for their wonderful care, and also the staff at Victoria Hospital who cared for him the last 3 days of his life.

A funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London, on October 12, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Interment at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1 Frank Place, London, ON N6C 1W1 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McKENZIE, John…

With his children at his home, John McKenzie, of London, passed peacefully on Friday, September 30th, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Kathleen McKenzie (nee Paul), his children Leigh, Jon-Paul (Erica), and Claire (Norm), his grandkids Mac Bridges, Ryleigh, Ayden, Grayson, Reed, and Emme McKenzie. His grandchildren were his everything, his proudest accomplishments.

His three beloved sisters Christeen (Ian), Marion (Geoff) and Sandra (Pat) always referred to Johnnie as just the best brother in the whole wide world.

Dad was a funny guy – with a wicked and often misunderstood sense of humour. To know him was to love him. And that we did.

He is predeceased by his parents Alex and Margaret (nee McTaggart) McKenzie, his in-laws JJ and Margaret (nee Reid) Paul, his brothers-in-law James Paul, Bill O’Brien and his sister-in-law June O’Brien (Paul).

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ark Aid Street Mission, 696 Dundas Street, London, N5W 2Z4 or Happy’s Place – Retirement Home for Dogs (www.happysplace.ca), as he frequently told his kids he was leaving everything to the humane society! That sense of humour again… Dad we love you and will miss you every day. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com