Services & Obituaries

MITCHELL, Rose….

With her husband at her side on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, after a courageous and valiant two year battle with ovarian cancer, Rose (Westhaver) Mitchell in her 65th year, has been reunited with her Mother and Father in heaven. Rose was a cherished and beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was a lover of music and a talented pianist who graduated from the University of Western Ontario Music Program. Rose was a dedicated member of the Hyde Park United Church Choir for over 25 years and a Walmart employee for over 30 years. She spent her summers at the Pinery, and was a lover of nature and animals.

Rose leaves behind her dedicated and loving husband of 45 years, David Mitchell and three adoring daughters, Lisa (Craig), Sarah (Justin) and Laura (Mark). Her three grandchildren, Evelyn, Joe and Danielle will miss her terribly. She is also survived by her brother Spurgeon, and sisters Faith (Dwaine), Carol (Zoran) and Grace (Rick) and too many nieces and nephews to name, including four great nephews. She is predeceased by her father Reverend Clyde G. Westhaver (2019) and her mother, Evelyn Westhaver (1980).

Her genuine kindness and unselfishness will be remembered by all those who knew her. Christmas will never be the same, she always hosted and gave so much of her time and love. She will be remembered for her fortitude and courage that she showed during the most challenging times and we will never forget her love and goodness.

Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 5-7 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated and are required to wear masks. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11 am at Woodland Cemetery, 493 Springbank Drive, London (please meet at the cemetery office). All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON  N6C 2R6 would be greatly appreciated.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FARQUHARSON, Myrtle May…

Peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London, Ontario, Monday, February 21, 2022, Myrtle May Farquharson passed away in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late Clifford Farquharson (1996). Survived by her seven children; Beryl, Junior, Collington, Jennifer, Dennis, Joseph, and Fawana and her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 12:00-1:45 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation. The Private funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Myrtle may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BENSON, Betty Margaret (nee Phelps)……

June 17, 1931 – February 21, 2022

Peacefully at LHSC, University Hospital in her 91st year. Loving mother to Colleen Anna (Benson) Chambers, caring mother-in-law to Scott Chambers, proud grandma to Cameron Chambers and fiancé Jennifer Beck, smitten great grandma to Hunter Chambers.

 Survived by her brother George (Barbara) Phelps and sister-in-law Jeanette “Jeanie” (Denby) Phelps, along with many nieces and nephews.

 Predeceased by her husband Allan “Al” Benson, parents Mervin (Gwendolyn “Hatti”) Phelps, sister Clara (Bill) Yates, brothers Robert “Bob” (Joan), Louis “Louie” (Betty) and William “Bill” Phelps.

Mum’s love of family, a good party, dancing, gardening, along with a weekly passion to rearrange living room furniture, kept her mind and body active well into her eighties. Moving from Woodstock to London in 2020 to pampered “assisted “retirement living only meant a smaller living space to rearrange. Her sense of humour and zest for life will be missed by us all.

Internment will be held at 11:00 on Saturday May 14, 2022 at Hillview Cemetery Woodstock followed by a celebration of life at Dundas Street United Church, Woodstock.

Many thanks to LHSC, University Hospital Stroke and Palliative Care teams.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home (519-433-5184). 

PAULI, Alan George…

Passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the age of 74 from glioblastoma brain cancer.

Alan “Al” was predeceased by his parents, George and Reta Pauli and his mother-in-law, Thelma Cheney (Alfred). Devoted husband to Pat and loving father to Mike (Alexa) and Laura (Phillip). Fondly remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law; Karen, Colleen (Tino) Brian (Colleen), Jeff (Christine) and, Tom (Sharon), his cousins; Cheryl, Doug (Sue) and, John (Jane) as well as his nephews; Brad (Chantal) and, Colton (Kate), and his niece Carly.

Born in Stratford into a music-loving family, Al attended Western University and Althouse College.  He taught mathematics for 32 years at Central and Banting High Schools and coached high school badminton teams. His many hobbies included gardening, woodworking, camping, travelling and all things musical.

Al was a very kind person who loved a good joke, a game of chess or bridge and especially cribbage. Since his diagnosis, he survived the past 2 1/2 years with support from his good friends, teaching colleagues, fellow Wesley-Knox Choir members and medical and LHIN caregivers. He will be terribly missed by his family and friends.

Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 3-6 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel At the family’s request those who are attending the visitation and/or service are required to be double vaccinated and are required to wear masks. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, 203-205 Horton Street East, London, ON, N6B 1K7, the London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, ON, N5Z 3M5 or Wesley-Knox United Church Music Program, 91 Askin Street, London, ON, N6C 1E7 would be appreciated.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RICE, Gail…
 
Peacefully at her home with her beloved family by her side, on Sunday, February 20, 2022, Gail passed away in her 66th year. The Lord wrapped his loving arms around Gail and welcomed her to eternal life. Cherished wife of Thomas Rice of London. Beloved mother of Aaron Rice (Bethany) and Matthew Rice (Chandany) of London, and Alan Rice (Brittany) of Kitchener. Proud Nanny of Ariahna, Brielle, and Mila. Loving daughter of Roy Matheson of PEI. Cherished sister of Danny Matheson of Kitchener, Florence Anne Smith and Gordon Matheson of PEI, Janet Gleason of London, and John Matheson of B.C. Predeceased by her mother, Mary Matheson (nee Myers). Appreciated by many for her involvement in the community with organizations such as the Forest City Thunderbirds and 29th Beaver colony. She will be remembered fondly for her service as one of the top saleswomen in Avon throughout Southwestern Ontario and Canada for 20 plus years. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Gail may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5 and would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McELHINEY, Brian…

Brian McElhiney, artist, musician and free spirit, passed away in February 2022, the week of his 70th birthday. Beloved brother of Wendy Willard (Ted) of Calgary and Jim McElhiney (Jennifer Barnaby) of Monaco. Predeceased by father Gerald, mother Rosemary (nee Barrett) and brother Douglas. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place in Oakland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Brian may be made to the mental health 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

MURRAY, Dr. Robert George Everitt…

1919-2022

February 18, 2022

Peacefully after a full and productive life of honoured devotion to science and family at the age of 102. Survived by his family from his first marriage (with Doris Marchand): daughter Alice Rae of Montreal West, QC; son, Peter (Dianne) Murray of Markham, ON; sister Susan King of Pointe Claire, QC; daughter-in-law Daisy Romero; grandchildren Ian (Alison), Paul (Gaétane) and Robin Rae, Andrew, Ryan and Tommy Murray, and great-grandchildren Amelia and Clara Rae. Predeceased by his first wife of 40 years, Doris Marchand, and second wife of 28 years, Marion Luney, and by his son Thomas Murray. Also survived by his dear friend and companion of recent years, Virginia Hannay of London, ON.

A lifelong microbiologist, he was known especially for his research on bacterial structure and pathology, and for his leadership nationally and internationally in scientific societies and as editor of the major scientific journals in his field in Canada, the USA, and the UK, as founder of the Canadian Journal of Microbiology and first President of the Canadian Society, and as Editor and Chair of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology.

Having also studied in medical sciences at Cambridge University, England, he obtained his MD at McGill University, interning at Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal. Following a period of service as Captain RCAMC in 1944-45 he obtained a teaching appointment in Bacteriology and Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario. He spent his entire career there, serving as Professor until his retirement in 1984. As Head of that Department from 1949 to 1974, he established electron microscopy there in 1954 and built an international reputation for bacterial research. He was also for many years (from 1948-1966) Chief of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory in Victoria Hospital, London, and long into his post-retirement years continued to be active as Professor Emeritus.

Numerous honours came his way, including Officer of the Order of Canada, honourary DSc degrees from the Universities of Western Ontario, Guelph, Victoria and McGill, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Active in the International Union of Microbiological Societies, he was past-President of both the Canadian and American Societies of Microbiology, and elected an Honourary Member of each of them, and of the Society for Applied Microbiology in the UK and the Canadian Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Fondly remembered by family, colleagues, former students and friends.

In the face of the exceptional challenges of the last two years, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the kindness and care provided by the Richmond Woods’ staff, and by Home Instead, especially Lorette and David, and by the St Elizabeth palliative care team.

Special thanks also to Marilynne McNeil and Paul Panabaker for invaluable dedication to ensuring the best possible comfort and care on behalf of his second wife Marion (Luney) Murray (deceased 2013) and with special appreciation to Virginia for the loving care, comfort and company that enriched the last few years of his life.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Thursday, May 19th, 2022, at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, 551 Windermere Road, London. Visit with family and friends from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. A Ceremony at 5:30 PM.

If desired, a contribution may be made to the RGE Murray Graduate Scholarship Fund in Microbiology and Immunology at Western University, or to a chosen charity. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184 and online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

YEOMANS, Noreen…

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Noreen Yeomans (nee Quinn) passed away in her 83rd year. Predeceased by her parents Russell and Rena (nee Adams) Quinn and her son Paul. Beloved wife of Bill Yeomans. Loving mother of Tom (Traci), Brian, Steven (Dale), Jane (David) and Cathi (Scott). Cherished grandmother of five. Also survived by her brother Wayne (Susan). At Noreen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. In her memory, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or Holy Trinity St. Stephen’s Memorial, 727 Southdale Road East, London, ON N6E 1A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COTTLE, Paul….

At Victoria Hospital, with family by his side, on Tuesday, February 15 at the age of 72. Paul was born in Bristol, England to Roy and Marcia Cottle. Beloved partner of Maridon Duncanson. Proud father of Joseph Cottle (Erin) and Thomas Cottle (Maria Portillo). Loving grandpa of Elizabeth, Penny, London and Olive. Lovingly remember by his brother Nigel (Jan) and their sons, Daniel and Josh.

Paul had been in frail health for the past few years. Prior to that he was an extremely talented Master Woodcarver. His beautiful creations adorn homes throughout the area. Paul was known for his kindness and gentle wit and that unforgettable twinkle in his eye.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 1:00 pm at  the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of Paul’s life with friends will take place at a later date.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMITH, Jane

Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Lonodn, on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Harold Smith (2003). Survived by her siblings, Jack (the late Anna) Wilson, Don (Betty Jean) Wilson and, Judy (Jack) McGlone.  She will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Jane had a contagious laugh and enjoyed boating, having a boat with her husband Harold for several years. Jane worked at the Bank of Montreal for 40 years which she enjoyed her interactions with her clients. Cremation has taken place.  Private interment in Grove Cemetery, London at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Jane may be made to the London Health Sciences Foundatio, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON, N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com