Services & Obituaries

PELESH, Jovan “Joe”…

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 in his 90th year, Jovan (Joe) Pelesh passed peacefully away at University Hospital, London. Dear husband of the late Ann Pelesh (2012) for 52 years, and the late Marguerite (nee Draho) Pelesh (1956). Loving father of daughter Jovanna Belair and her husband Daniel, son Tim Rodger, and son Mark Pelesh and his wife Jennifer Nicol. Beloved brother of the late Peter Pelesh (2021), and sister-in-law Doreen, brother of the late Russ (2018) and sister-in-law Sandra, and nieces Radene, Krista and their families. Cherished “Poppa Joe” of granddaughters Amy and her partner Alex, Meghan and husband Ben, Andrea and husband Dan, and grandson Nicolas Pelesh, as well as “Great Poppa Joe” to Franceis Belair-Cuyler, Kieran, William, the late Cillian (2016) McLellan (Amy and Alex), Evo and Gemma Von Muhlenen (Meghan and Ben), and Leon Stretch (Andrea and Dan). Missed by his Rodger and Stover-in-laws: Jim and Janet Rodger, the late Margie (2014) and Herb Stover, Dave and Bonnie Rodger, and all his Rodger and Stover nieces and nephews (Gary, Chantelle, Sarah, Emily, Todd, Ashley) and their families.

Joe was a warm, outgoing, dedicated and loyal man who made friends wherever he went. He was a highly respected district manager for Fina/Petro Canada until his retirement. Joe dedicated 41 years to his “other career” as time-keeper and announcer for the London Knights. In his retirement he played hockey for the Huff n’ Puff League until the age of 84. In his spare time, Joe could be found on the golf course in the warm weather, or cheering for his beloved Boston Bruins in winter.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 1:00-2:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The memorial service will follow at 2:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. A reception will follow at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn, London from 3:30-5:30 pm. Private interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital, 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

McCOLLIN, Edward…..

Peacefully in London, Ontario on Sunday, January 9, 2022, Ed McCollin in his 90th year. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis (Brown) McCollin (2017). Cherished father of Mike McCollin and his wife Rhobin of Cochrane, Alberta and Jason McCollin and his wife Becky of London. Loving Papa of Livia, Anthony, Jaidyn, and Samarah. Dear brother of Evelyn McCollin and brother-in-law of Peggy McLean all of Barbados. Also survived by his nieces Jackie and Laura. Predeceased by his brother Douglas McCollin and Darnley McLean. The family would like to thank Terrence Russell for the support, love and kindness shown throughout the years. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the A. Millard 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. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated for both visitation and the service. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. A Private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1:00 pm. 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 Arthritis Society, 204-400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2 or the 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

HICKS, Gary…

Unexpectedly at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, January 8, 2022, Gary Hicks passed away in his 71st year. Dear brother of Dennis Hicks (Nancy) and Marlene Wightman (Ken). Loved by all of his nieces and nephews. Special friend of Linda Bird. Predeceased by his parents Albert and Jean Hicks. Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 pm at the A. Millard Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation/service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. In Gary’s memory, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FENLON, Madaleine Suzanne Nicole…

June 24, 1976 – January 7, 2022

The Fenlon and MacLaren families are saddened to announce the tragic passing of Nicole Fenlon, the victim of a devastating stroke at the young age of 45. Nikki was a beloved mother to her children Liam, Kaidence and Nevaeh, and wife to her husband B.J. MacLaren, all of London. She was the much-loved daughter of her mother Susan Fenlon and the late Bill Fenlon, of Woodstock, and little sister to her brothers Brodie (Heather) and Ben of Toronto. Nikki connected with and valued her nephews, aunts and uncles and many cousins in her adoptive family, as well as her family of origin from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. Her stepfather, the late Brian Banush, also offered support.

Nikki challenged us all to love, forgive, accept, and laugh. At her best there was no one more interesting or fun to be with. Her ability to capture nuances of behaviour while exercising an astounding talent for mimicry always captivated us. Nikki cared for no one more than her children, all of whom know that they were her heart. Her enthusiastic embrace of her Indigenous heritage provided Nikki with purpose and a strong sense of identity. Nikki was drawn to both Christian and Native spirituality.

Cremation has taken place. A private family funeral service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, London (519-433-5184) on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 2 pm. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Family and friends are invited to watch the service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking the YouTube logo. In lieu of flowers, donations to My Sisters’ Place, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 would be welcomed. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOLDHAWK-WHITE, Adam Manly Haldane…

Adam Manly Haldane Goldhawk-White was born in October in Kitchener, Ontario and passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022 in London, Ontario in his 31st year. Son by birth to Nancy (née Goldhawk) Haldane.

Dear son of Donna Goldhawk and Kevin White. Loving brother of Ashley Goldhawk-White and Enoch Barimah; Sam Goldhawk-White; and Patrick Goldhawk-White and Maryemma Pol.

Also survived by Nancy Haldane, Kitchener, Ontario; uncles and aunts Jim and Felicia Goldhawk, Pleasanton, California; Gary and Robin Goldhawk, Danville, California; Mark and Laura Goldhawk, Walnut Creek, California; Barbara and Charles Roy, Shediac, New Brunswick; Robert White, Bathurst, New Brunswick; Donald White, San Francisco, California; and Karen Petker, Grover Beach, California. Adored cousin of Christopher and Anthony Goldhawk; Camille Goldhawk and Brian Shugrue; Claire; Danny, Erica and Jeremy Goldhawk; Nathan and Pamela Roy; and Jeffrey, Ryan and Michael Petker.

Adam was an avid hockey player, a masterful skater, and a skillful defenseman who enjoyed being part of a team. He worked best with his hands, was artistic, and played the guitar by ear. He loved longboarding and caring for animals. He also loved spending time with his family at the cottage. He left us with all his immediate family by his side. Everyone will miss you, Adam, and we all will hold you in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 1:30 pm at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London. The interment will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11:45 am at Woodland Cemetery, London. Please meet at the cemetery office for 11:30 am. Your kind donation to Addiction Services of Thames Valley, 260-200 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6A 1J3 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KLOPP, Mary…

Peacefully at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, London on Friday, January 7, 2022, Mary Enid Klopp passed away in her 71st year. Predeceased by her mother Enid (2011), her father Wilf (2012), and her brother David (2013). Survived by her sister-in-law Judy Campbell and her daughter Kate Duddy, both of London, and her Aunt Dot of New Mexico. Also survived by her cousins Ruth-Anne Thiel (Howard) and Jack Yungblut (Maryanne) and many other cousins in Canada and the United States. Special thanks to the St. Mary’s second floor staff and support staff for all their care and kindness given to Mary. Cremation has taken place and at Mary’s request, there will be no funeral service. Private interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations to your local humane society, local cancer program or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBINSON, Eva…

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Eva Robinson on  Friday, January 7, 2022 at University Hospital, London in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Clifford Robinson (2004). Loving mother of Laura Wilson and her husband Jon, Mary Robinson, Kathryn Robinson, Bill  Robinson and his wife Colleen, Peter Robinson and his wife Marilyn, Barbara Robinson, George Robinson and his wife Jennis, Dick Robinson and his wife Shirley, Marj Robinson and Elaine Wilder. Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Predeceased by her sisters Violet Rhame, Mona Nicholls, Jean Lukings and Shirley Parkinson.

Eva was a loving mother, grandmother, and babysitter for many children of her family and of neighbours. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

At Eva’s request, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. In her memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society South West Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 or St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, 489 Pine Tree Drive, London, ON N6H 3M9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CARROLL, Margaret…

With some sadness, but mostly relief, we announce the passing of Margaret Aileen Carroll on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 in her 99th year. Margaret was born in Courtland, Ontario on the family farm, the second of five daughters to George and Mabel Ronson. She spent most of her growing up years in Parkhill where her pharmacist father owned and operated the Rexall Drug Store and her mother was the church organist and choir director. She is pre-deceased by her sisters Muriel, Alma and Eleanor, infant brother Donald, and is survived by Bernice. She is also survived by her three sons, Bryan (Wendy), Stephen (Margaret) and Jim (Nancy), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was married to Kenneth (dec. 1998) for almost fifty years. He was a career biochemist from rural New Brunswick and once she had children, she was a stay-at-home mother.  They made an excellent partnership. In the early 1950’s they travelled by steamer to Cambridge, England, with a less-than-one year old, where Kenneth had two years of post-doctorate studies.  They made lifelong friendships during that time, renewed in a sabbatical to New Zealand and Australia in 1971/72. A second sabbatical occurred in 1982 in Vancouver, BC. He travelled the world speaking at scientific conferences, but it was she who always packed his suitcase. He could not have had the career he did without her unwavering support. She herself was proud of what she had done, and regularly commented on the accomplishments of a woman from small town Ontario who went to New Zealand five times! Her last years were spent at Cedarwood Village in Simcoe, Ontario.  She received excellent care and was content to sit in a chair, in her private room, as long as she was covered with an afghan she had knit many years before. The family is very grateful for the supplemental care she received from the staff of Victoria Eldercare, particularly Barb G. Cremation has taken place and interment will be held for a private, family only service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario. A celebration of her life via Zoom will be held on Sunday, January 2nd, 2022. Please contact Jim Carroll (jcarroll@kwic.com) if you would like to participate. Those wishing to make a donation in her memory are asked to consider the United Way Elgin Middlesex, 409 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S5, First Baptist Church London, 568 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3G1 or Camp Hermosa, 82931 Glendale Road, Goderich, ON N7A 3X9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

JOHNSON, Eric…

Eric Maurice Johnson passed away quietly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, just 5 days after his 77th birthday. Beloved husband of Barbara (nee Buck) Johnson for 55 years. He was the son of the late Floyd and Evelyn Johnson, a dear brother of Andrew Johnson and his wife Tami of BC, and predeceased by his brother Allan Johnson (1998). Much loved brother-in-law of Jean Blackman. Eric is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Eric was a man of many talents. He worked for many years in the transportation industry for Canadian National Railways, London Life and Crawford Packaging. In his spare time he renovated the family home, then sold it, then the process would begin again. Always moving up the property ladder. Eric’s greatest talent however was helping others. Whether it was a home repair, assistance with a project, entertaining the younger relatives, or a lift somewhere, no request was too much trouble. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  

Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, January 10, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9:00 am-5:00 pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. At the family’s request those who are attending are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Eric may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KNOLL, Grace…

Grace passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Jerry Knoll for 31 ½ years (1985). Cherished sister of Marianne Friis (Bev) and Darla Peterson (Willie). Dear aunt of Kerry Friis (Jill), Kim Edwards (Ken) and Dean Rudichuk. Special Great-Aunt-Grace “GAG” of Shane, Trevor, Kayla, Jesse and Kaige. Grace was a house coordinator at the Women’s Interval Home in Sarnia for 10 years and a volunteer for two. She enjoyed her position as assistant Cub Leader for the Scouts and later joined the Trefoil Guild in 1995. Grace and Jerry owned Knoll’s Men’s Wear on Front Street in Sarnia for most of their marriage before Jerry died in 1985. Cremation has taken place and at Grace’s wishes, no service will take place. Donations in memory of Grace may be made to the Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton Inc., 681 Oxford Street, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Z7 or a 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