Services & Obituaries

SERVICE, Margaret Jane (nee Millard)……..

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 8, 2021 in her 97^th year at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, Oakville. Beloved wife of the late Donald W. Service.  Pre-deceased by her parents Hugh and Edith Millard. Dear stepmother of the late Peter (Albina) Service, Elizabeth (Scott) Pilkey and Marietta Service. Loving step grandmother of Larissa Service.  Private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Thank you to the caring staff and volunteers at The Vistamere Residence in Oakville and to the healthcare workers at OTMH.

WORDEN, Kenneth “Ken”…

Passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Victoria Hospital, London in his 85th year. Predeceased by wife Dolores (2016). Father of 4 children, Terry Philips, Kim Wesley (Ron), Ron Worden (Liz) and Tammy Landry (Doug). Loving grandfather of Jenny, Michelle, Derek, Sara, Bradley, Amanda, Kirstin and Britiny. He had 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Survived by brother Jack Worden (Janice). Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private funeral service will be held. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Ken may be made to Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5 or the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, 360-1101 Kingston Road, Pickering, ON L1V 1B5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DALES, Marilyn…

Peacefully at McCormick Home, London, on Monday, September 6, 2021, Marilyn Dales passed away in her 81st year. Beloved wife of the late Garry Dales (2001). Loving mother of Kim Norton (Darryl). Cherished grandmother of Melissa (Izak Hersch). Dear sister of Marjorie Lethbridge (Dan) and Ken Canavan and sister-in-law of Wayne Gracey and Alex Barrie. Predeceased by her siblings Doug Canavan, Gloria Gracey, Colleen Barrie and Maria Washburn (Ted). Friends are welcome to visit on Friday, September 10, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery, Leamington. In memory of Marilyn, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or the McCormick Care Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HUNTER, Terry…

Unexpectedly at home, on Sunday, September 5, 2021, Terrence “Terry” Hunter passed away in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Penny Hunter, his pretty little red head. Father of Tim (Shelley), Debbie (Nathan), TJ (Elaine) and Rebecca (Craig). Predeceased by his son Steve. Grandfather of Courtni, James, Taten, Maggie, Michelle, Jake, Josh, Justin and Baylee. Great-grandfather of Carter and Teagan. Brother of Barry. Terry will also be missed by his extended family, many friends and his weekly car show buddies. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SPARLING, Linda….

Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital, London, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Linda (Cooper) Sparling in her 80th year. Loving mother of Brad Sparling (Angela). Cherished grandmother of Taylor Sparling, Jessica Sparling (JJ), and Payton Sparling. Dear sister of Carol Menzies (Peter) and Doreen Robinson (Al). Also missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her siblings Don Cooper and Pat Prowse. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkwood Hospital for their comfort and loving care of Linda. Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcome to visit on Sunday, September 5, 2021 from 2-5 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. 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 or the Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BUTLER, Lynda Diana…

October 26, 1956 – August 31, 2021

We are deeply saddened to announce Lynda’s recent passing at the Parkwood Institute in London, Ontario, after a valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Lynda was the cherished wife of Paul, her first and only love and the “soldier boy” with whom she shared over 47 years of trials and triumph. She will be eternally missed by her two daughters, Lisa-Marie (Antony) and Shannen (Omar), whose successes in life were in no small part owed to their mother’s unwavering support and sacrifice. Lynda was an equally treasured “Nana” to granddaughters Olivya and Audra, and will be remembered with fondness by her brother Dale, sister-in-law Linda, nieces Amanda and Elaine, and grandniece Laura. Lynda is predeceased by her beloved parents, Arthur and Dora.

Lynda’s life as a military spouse took her across Canada and beyond – from Germany and the Maritimes to locales throughout Western and Central Canada. Regardless of where she found herself at any particular moment, Lynda worked to create the very best life – not only for herself and her immediate family, but also for the over 25 foster children she and her husband cared for during their 26-year career as foster parents in three Canadian provinces.

An avid traveler and veteran cruiser, Lynda explored far and wide – kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, descending into the subterranean salt mines of Austria, ziplining across the canopy of the Caribbean rainforest, and riding the rails from Alaska to the Yukon. Lynda’s passion for travel also took her into the classroom, where she earned a post-secondary certificate in travel and tourism through Seneca College. Lynda was equally devoted to her community and gave selflessly as a volunteer and board member with the London Military Family Resource Centre. Later diagnosed with bladder cancer, Lynda also helped organize London’s annual Bladder Cancer Canada Awareness Walks – using her own experiences as a point of inspiration in helping others.

Lynda was particularly blessed in the many, many friendships she forged over the course of her life. She and her friends exercised and traveled together, played cards together, and drank wine together – sometimes all on the same day!

A petite woman, Lynda possessed an indomitable tenacity that powered her through the several illnesses of her later years. Her grit was only equaled by her love of life, family, and friends. Although she may no longer be here in person, Lynda remains with us in spirit and will live on, especially, through the legacy of her precious granddaughters.

A heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team at the Parkwood Institute, whose compassion and care were truly unrivaled in an extraordinary time of need.

For those who wish, donations in Lynda’s memory may be made to the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex or Pancreatic Cancer Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOCENTAS, Eric E….

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Eric “Ewaldas” Gocentas, in his 93rd year, on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at Henley Place, London. Beloved husband of Helene “Hella” (nee Kraemer) and predeceased by his first wife Erna (nee Andrukaitis) (1984). Dear father of Ruth Kubar (Jaak), Eric Gocentas (Irena) and Irene Hughes (Scott). He will be missed by his grandchildren Larissa Aradj (Laurent), Thomas Kubar (Sherri Lynn), Ryan Hughes (Lisa), Erik Kubar (Hilleree), Andrew Gocentas (Erica), Christopher Hughes (Tiana), Robert Kubar (Andrea) and Michael Hughes, and by twelve great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by Helene’s sons Roland Kraemer (Shelley), and Rolf Kraemer (Terri) and her grandchildren Thomas Kraemer (Sam), Alexa Glass (Andrew), Joel Kraemer (Keegan), Katie Petitclerc (Myron), Amy Scullion (Connor) and her four great-grandchildren. Eric was born in Lithuania in 1929, and emigrated to Canada after the war in 1949. In London, he built a new life as a proud Canadian. He was a production manager at Accuride Canada Inc. for 40 years. He enjoyed his hobby farm and bee-keeping, as his passion was the outdoors. He loved entertaining and was a gracious host to both friends and relatives. Eric’s family was his love and joy.

The family thanks Henley Place staff for their professionalism and ever grateful care. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. A private family funeral service will be held at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, London on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 11 am. Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by joining the Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89519191006?pwd=UTlRTEZKYlRlL0daRzZHMDNGUW0vZz09 and using the Meeting ID: 895 1919 1006, and Passcode: 601349. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Eric may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FERGUSON, Vera…

Peacefully at Earls Court Village, London, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, Vera (Parker) Ferguson passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Harold Ferguson (2013) and the late Harry B. Parker (1970). Loving mother of Rob (Penny) and Kevin (Jan). Cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Luke), Dan (Samantha), Chris (Tanya), and Kelly (Jordan) and great-grandmother of Hailey, Brianna, Maggie, Olivia, Arlo and Charlie. Dear sister of Geraldine Minielly and her husband Gary of Meaford. Predeceased by her brothers George (Marg) and Leonard and sister Noreen (Doug). Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Vera along with her late husband, Harry Parker, dedicated many years to the Boy Scouts of Canada organization as leaders for the 55th Cub Pack and Sea Scout Group in London, Ontario. As said by one of the former cubs, “Vera was someone we could all look up to. She had a positive influence on so many people”. Vera spent her working career as a buyer for Fanshawe College. She along with her best friend and partner in crime, June, did all of the buying for the college from the mid 1970’s until they both retired in 1990. Former co-workers said “Vera was the most organized and efficient person I ever worked with. You always knew where you stood with Vera, and at the same time she would go out of her way to assist where needed. She was well respected by everyone she worked with”. Vera spent the earlier years of her retirement living in a log home on a wooded property just north of Durham, Ontario with her second husband Harold Ferguson. Together they enjoyed the birds, chipmunks and other wildlife, building beautiful gardens and spending time with their 4 grandchildren that would often come for visits. Her latter years found her back in London, living close to where she was born and raised. She made quite an impression on the staff at Windemere on the Mount, Kensington Retirement Home, and most recently at Earls Court Village. With her quick wit and dry sense of humor, Vera will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration will take place at a later date. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Vera, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, the World Wildlife Foundation, 400-410 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1S8 or Scouts Canada, 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON K2C 0A7. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GALLAGHER, Ellen Francis….

Peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Parkwood Institute, London, Ellen passed away in her 74th year. Beloved wife of Gerard Gallagher, Mother of Danielle (Rob) Mollicone and Darren Gallagher and loving Grandma of Mia and Melayna Mollicone. Predeceased by her parents Helen Jamison (nee Billings) and Roy William Carter. She shared special relationships with many cousins, and all those she so easily turned from friends into family.

Ellen (Cookie) was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario but settled in London in 1982 where she worked at BMO for 25 years. She was known for her generous spirit and her ability to make each person she met feel like family. Special people in Ellen’s (Cookie’s) life could always count on a pot of tea, a giant hug, and a plateful of homemade butter tarts. Ellen (Cookie) loved laughing with friends and family, scrapbooking, knitting/sewing, and traveling. From road trips and camping, to Christmas tree parties and Sunday roast beef dinners, she loved to care for those around her. She had a warm demeanour and is remembered as being the absolute best mom, gramma, aunt, cousin, friend, and wife. Her unending amounts of red licorice, and her high tolerance of family shenanigans, will be deeply missed.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will be held on Thursday August 26, 2021 at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. 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. Interment at a later date in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau. Donations in memory of Ellen may be made to 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

McKEE, Alice Lorene…

Passed away on August 20, 2021 at Victoria Hospital, London in her 98th year. Our mother was a strong and determined woman who was able to remain at her home until a recent fall ended her independence. Beloved wife of the late William S. J. McKee (2010). They were happily married 68 years. Born January 25, 1924 to the late Anne and Charles Deeley. Predeceased by her sister Sharlane Gordon. Much loved mother to Mary Anne Mills and Bill McKee. Loving grandmother to Sean (deceased), Kerri, Annie, and Ian. Great grandmother to Victoria, Savanna, Ciera, Tristian, Kaitlyn, Cameron, Ethan, Nicolas, Emily, Brandon, Mikayla and Amelia. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Mom loved all of us. Alice had many interesting jobs over the years but her most fulfilling was serving as Director of Volunteers at CPRI for more than 15 years. It was in this capacity that mom met three of her closest friends: Karen, Jackie and Brenda. Our parents loved to travel and visited Europe many times, the Caribbean, Mexico, all of Canada and most of the U.S. Following retirement Mom & Dad spend the winters in Florida and met people from all over the world who would remain good friends until their passing. Mom was a beautiful woman with the most beautiful soul. She will be missed. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Monday, August 30, 2021 from 1-3pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (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. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London to follow. In memory of Alice donations may be made to the Metropolitan United Church; Radio Broadcast, 468 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3P8 would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com