Services & Obituaries

WRIGHT, E. Lyle…

Unexpectedly, with family by his side, Lyle Wright passed away in his 91st year on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at University Hospital in London. Beloved husband of Margaret for over 69 years. Loving father of Paul (Ann Marie), Jim (Pat), Allan, Dave (Denise), Larry (Susie) and Charlene Manax (Mark). Fondly remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Marilyn Chaulk (Ron), Dr. Cecil Wright (Mary Ann) and Marlene Mifsud (Frank). Predeceased by his parents Leslie and Jean. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Lyle was proud of his 36 year career with Ontario Hydro. He was Chief Operator in the Control Room in Windsor. His final position was as Superintendent at the Head Office in London overseeing all Operators in Ontario. His career led him to work in several cities which included Windsor, Sarnia, Woodstock and London. His greatest love was his family. He enjoyed many trips with them and in retirement with Marg they extensively explored all continents except South America. Lyle also had a green thumb and enjoyed being out “playing in the garden” and helping his daughter design her gardens.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 12:30-1:30pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:00pm. Please call the funeral home between 9:00am-5:00pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or 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 the visitation and service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Inurnment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In Lyle’s memory donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or a favourite charity of your choosing. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HYATT, Frances Louise (Fran)……

Passed away suddenly on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 in London in her 85th year. Beloved wife to the late Frederick  Keith Hyatt (2007). Loving mother to Mary Lou (Brian) Rutherford, Jay (Heather) Hyatt and the late Christine (Rick) Mantik. Dear grandmother to Rhett, Quinn and Piper.  Predeceased by her sister Eva Ruth Swinson. Loved by her sister and brother in law Eric and Narumi Hyatt and Jill Flaherty. Aunt Fran was loved by her nieces and nephews and lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Fran was raised in Niagara Falls and attended Loretto Academy and CVI. Trained for nursing at St. Joes where she met Keith on a blind date “The Love of My Life”. They lived in Ottawa, raised and showed Basset Hounds and settled in Mt. Brydges where they would make home and raise their family. Fran worked at St. Joes Hospital, University Hospital and MDS as an IV nurse. Fran was a member of the Women’s Institute, Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She Volunteered for LHSC Auxillary for over 25 years.

Thank you to the staff at LHSC (University and Victoria campus) and the staff of Kensington Village who made it possible for her to return home (which is all she really wanted). Thank you to her friends who assisted her with things, called her and visited when the rules eased up a bit. Fran’s family and friends meant the world to her. 

Friends will be received by the family from 10-11am on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London.  The funeral service will follow at 11am. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or the funeral service. Per the directive of the BAO, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MYATT, Lynda…

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, St. Thomas, Lynda Myatt passed away in her 73rd year, with her beloved family, who meant the absolute world to her, at her side. Loving mother and friend of Colleen Thompson-Rogers and her husband Cliff, and Tom Duncan and his wife Lorna. Cherished Nana of Rebecca & Markus, and Nathan & Sarah. Survived by her sisters Wendy Hinton (Ken) and Debbie Wentzell (Doug) and her many nieces. Cherished friend of Shirley and Dave Gilham. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 9:30-10:30am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or 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 the visitation and service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. In Lynda’s memory, donations may be made to Animal Aide St. Thomas Elgin, 333 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1B5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KAY, Margaret Annie….

Passed away peacefully at Kensington Village Retirement Home, London, on November 18, 2021, a month shy of her 103rd birthday. Beloved wife of the late William Lorne Kay (2007). Loving mother of Bonnie (Grant) Walker of Petrolia ON and the late Nancy Bouchard. Cherished grandmother of Chris (Angela) Walker, Lori (Darryl) Holmes, Ryan (Laura)Walker, and Andrea Bouchard. Dear great-grandmother of Jessica, Walker, Kyleigh, Teegan, Maci, Emerson, Tru, Abigail, and Jack. Predeceased by her sister Jean (Gordon) Munn. Margaret will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Margaret and Lorne enjoyed going camping at Port Franks for many years during the summer.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Kensington Village for the wonderful care Margaret received over the last 12 years.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Canadian Lung Association, 885 Meadowlands Dr., Suite 502, Ottawa ON, K2C 3N2 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K Toronto ON, M4P 9Z9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

A recording of the service can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl_P_4KRYvI

WILSON.. Reverend Robert “Bob”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Reverend Robert Wilson went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2021, in his 92^rd year. He was welcomed by his beloved wife, Martha (Hutchison) Wilson. Cherished father of Dr. Paul and Yvonne Wilson of Cambridge, Ontario and Dr. Jeannie Wilson of Elmvale, Ontario. Faithful preacher, teacher and counsellor to congregations in Toronto, ON, Victoria, BC, Burlington, ON and London, ON.

Bob Wilson graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1955, married Martha Hutchison the next day, began ministry as Senior Pastor of Dovercourt Road Baptist Church in Toronto three months later and had his first child, Paul, eleven months after he married. This is not the life plan timing he expected or would recommend, but God was faithful. Forty-two years, one daughter: Jeannie, one daughter-in-law: Yvonne, and four churches later, Pastor Wilson retired to care full time for Martha as she battled Alzheimer’s Disease.

Reverend Wilson was a master teacher of God’s word who lived the truth he taught: I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes Romans 1:16a. Many people sought him out, knowing that his answers to their questions were based on a lifetime steeped in scripture. In ministry and in life, Bob Wilson exemplified Dallas Theological Seminary’s motto: Teach truth. Love well.

Reverend Wilson’s Memorial Service will be held at Redemption Bible Chapel:

250 Commissioners Road East, London, ON at 1:30 pm Monday, November 29, 2021.

Full vaccination is required for all attendees. Attendees must show proof of vaccination at check-in.

Attendees must pre-register before the day of the Service. Numbers will be limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Register for the Memorial Service here. If you do not have a computer or internet, please call 519.668.1977.

The family would appreciate that you allow sufficient time to check in before the Service. Doors will open at 12:30 pm.  All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.

The Service will be livestreamed at live.rbclondon.ca, and available at 1:15 pm.

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

LEHNER, Hannelore…..

Passed away peacefully at Amica Georgetown on Monday, November 8, 2021 in her 90^th year. Beloved wife of Anton “Tony” for 63 years. Dear sister of Robert (Christa) Ries of London. Hannelore will be lovingly remembered by her nephew Steven (Shari) Ries of Georgetown and their children Evan (Emily) and Alexander (Chantal). Hannelore immigrated from Germany in 1957 and settled in Toronto where she met Tony. London became their home in 1988 after her retirement from Union Carbide, and they loved spending winters in Florida. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

ROSS, Reverend Dr. Douglas Harry…

It is with sadness that the family of Reverend Dr. Douglas Harry Ross of London and formerly of Foxboro, ON, announces his passing on November 6, 2021, in his 93rd year.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Helen (Ferguson) Ross, for over 66 years. They met on the bus, while traveling from Kingston to Perth, since they were both graduates of Queens University. The path to Queens began in 1953; however, prior to that Doug was an electrician and owned a farm raising Aberdeen cows.

In 1957, Doug was ordained as a United Church Minister and was called to churches in Schefferville, Quebec, Ottawa and London. In 1980 Doug was president of London Conference and in 1984 was appointed executive secretary of London Conference until his retirement. Doug never really retired and was involved in interim ministries at several churches. His final job was minister of pastoral care at Wesley-Knox United Church until 2019, as well as Minister Emeritus.

Doug was a kind and reflective father to Jennifer Burnside and her husband Royce of Madoc, ON, Mary-Janet Ross and her husband Chris Watterton, and Liz Phoenix and her husband Dave, of London, ON. Doug was the big brother to Betty (Ross) Demille of Foxboro, ON.

Papa, as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren, will be greatly missed, but the many mini sermons live on with Jessie and Adam Read, Dillon and Jack Phoenix and Brennyn and Avyn Watterton. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Olive and Milton Ross, brother Glen Ross and brother-in-law, Wayne Demille. Doug will be affectionately remembered by nephews and nieces, as well as the congregational members of churches he was called to during his 65 years as an ordained minister.

In 1959, Helen and Doug purchased property on Moira Lake and built the family cottage soon after. The cottage was a big part of their lives as they raised their girls and grandchildren there. Doug and Helen enjoyed entertaining family and friends over the years at the cottage and many memories come from those special times! Doug always took peace from the times on the lake in his red canoe and the setting sun each night.

Reverend Doug Ross was known by many to be a wonderful visitor in times of need, even in his 93rd year. The family would like to express thank you to so many who made the last few years of Dad’s life so rich. The Wesley-Knox Family and Kiwanis Group provided much joy and friendship. A special mention should be given to Yvonne, a devoted caregiver who shared many happy times with Doug in the last year, as well as the staff at McCormick Home.

Friends will be received by the family from 2-4pm and 6-8 pm on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place at 11am on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7. At the family’s request, those attending both the visitation and the funeral service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Family and friends are invited to watch the service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting www.eyepoweredmedia.com/rossfuneral. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and/or the funeral service. Per the directive of the BAO, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Doug Ross may be made to Wesley-Knox Memorial Fund or the Karen Shaw Watterton Memorial Bursary Fund, c/o Elgin Children’s Foundation, 410 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3C7.  Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DECHER, Ruth…

Peacefully with family by her side at the Village of Glendale Crossing, London, Ruth Decher passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021 in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Robert Decher. Loving mother of April McCarthy-Braca and Chuck Decher, both of London. Cherished grandma of Kim (Paul), Heather (Dave), Chelsey (Rick), Robert and Jonathan and “The Great One” (great-grandma) of Keira and Nina. Dear sister of Shirley Giilk. Predeceased by her brother-in-law Morris Giilk.

Ruth was born in Kitchener to George and Ruby Jackson. She was a military wife for many years followed by a second career with her husband at the Decher Art Gallery. A gentle spirit, Ruth enjoyed being home raising her children, sewing, reading and big family gatherings. She was a mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister and dear friend who will be greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place with future interment in St. John’s Cemetery, Arva. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

IRWIN, Ann Elizabeth…

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Parkwood Institute, London at the age of 78. Loving mother to John of Winnipeg, Jim (Mary) of London, and Jeff (Melissa) of London. Cherished grandmother of Logan, Cole, and Kate. Dear sister to Stuart (Marnie) of Grand Bend. Also loved by her nephews Ryan and Andrew. Predeceased by her brother Robert. Ann will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Ann was born in Weston, Ontario on December 7, 1942, to Lyman and Marjorie Irwin. She was an elementary school teacher for several years before working at TD Canada Trust as a technical writer and trainer for 27 years.

Ann was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family celebrating birthdays and holidays. Ann also enjoyed spending time with a close group of friends, often at the pub watching football (soccer) and cheering for her favorite team, Liverpool.  Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 11am until 12pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 12:30pm. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and 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 families request those who are attending the visitation and service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Cremation to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street Suite 1200 Box 2414, Toronto Ontario M4P 1E4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LAIDLAW; PATRICIA EDITH (Nee Brown)

Sith do d’anam

What A Great Life!
1947 — 2021

Life never disappears for death is a non-event
I have merely retired to the room next door
You and I are the same; what we were for each other we still are,
Speak to me as you always have,
do not use a different tone, do not be sad.
Continue to laugh at what made us laugh,
smile and think of me.
Life means what it has always meant.
The link is not severed.
Why should I be out of your soul if I am out of your sight?
I will wait for you; I am not here
but just on the other side of this path.
You see, all is well

On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 after a full life filled with many blessings Patricia Edith Laidlaw finished her 72  year journey here on earth. As she begins her next adventure she will be missed by those who loved her as she loved and cherished them, her beloved and treasured family, husband Richard, son Michael, his wife Melanie and grandson Jeffrey. A family she loved “to the moon and back”.

Patricia was born in Stellarton, Nova Scotia on May 15, 1949. Her dear and loving parents were the late Fredrick Carl and Edith Kezia Brown. Patricia’s family and close friends surrounded her throughout the years with much love and support; life long relationships which brought her much joy.

She is predeceased in death by her father-in-law Wallace Laidlaw, mother-in-law Mary Laidlaw, and her brother-in-law George (Alma) Laidlaw.  She is survived also by her sister-in-law Rosemary (Don) McCallen and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by several cousins in Nova Scotia whom she loved like brothers and sisters.

Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10 am. At the family’s request, those attending both the visitation and the funeral service are required to be double vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and photo identification will be required. Family and friends are invited to watch the service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting he AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking the YouTube logo. Private interment at Pond Mills Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 or My Sisters Place, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com