Services & Obituaries

HALPIN, Diane…

On the morning of Friday, March 25, 2022, at University Hospital, London, Diane Halpin passed away in her 70th year. Diane was a woman of many gifts: oral storyteller, teacher, jewellery maker, writer, origami artist, dancer, and gourmet cook. Beloved wife of John Tyndall for 36 years. Loving mother of Arthur Tyndall. Dear sister of brothers Gerard (Alma Fourie), David (Sherri), Mark, Christopher (Norman Althouse), and Michael (Alison Jardine). Loved sister-in-law of Kristen Tyndall. Treasured niece to aunts Sister Olive Halpin and Jeannette Marchildon. Cherished by many cousins, nephews, a niece, and good friends throughout Canada. Predeceased by her parents, Alfred Halpin and Gina (nee Stromme), and by her uncles Archbishop Charles Halpin and Patrick Halpin. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Diane’s life will be held at The Wemple Building, RoomW120 (at King’s University College) 266 Epworth Avenue, London, ON N6A 2M3 on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 3-6pm. In memory of Diane, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M2P 2A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories, and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WAKELING, Shirley…

Peacefully at Extendicare London, on Friday, March 25, 2022, Shirley Wakeling passed away in her 89th year. Beloved wife of Harry Wakeling for 71 years. Loving mother of Arlene Martin (Tim) and Wayne Wakeling (Debbie). Cherished grandma to her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and dear daughter-in-law Verna Brandow. Predeceased by her infant daughter Carol Ann Wakeling, her daughter Christine “Lea” Tinney, her son Fred Wakeling and her sister Patricia Boyd. The family would like to thank the staff for the care provided to Shirley. The love and kindness were outstanding. Family and friends are welcome for visiting on Friday, April 1, 2022 from 1-2pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the funeral service will be held in the chapel at 2pm. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. The family have requested that everyone attending the visitation and service to please wear a mask. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made towards Breast Cancer Research through the Canadian Cancer Society, PO Box 640, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ENWRIGHT, Mabel…..

Passed away peacefully at peopleCare Oakcrossing on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late George.  Loving mother of  Paul and Peter. Dear grandmother of 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Survied by her brother Donny. Predecased by her sons John and Tim.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 2-4pm  at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London at a later date.   Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILSON, Grant….

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Anna for 57 years. Dear father of Brian (Michelle) of London, Ontario and Darryl of Calgary, Alberta. Loving grandfather to 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Survived by his brothers Douglas and David (Les). He will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends.  
Grant was a high school educator.  He was also a dedicated volunteer with his church. Grant was an avid golfer and curler.  
Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday March 31, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A private graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Grant 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 Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London, 184 Horton Street East
London, ON N6B 1K8.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ADAIR, Christopher “Chris”…….

Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care facility in London on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 Christopher Alan Adair passed away in his 68th year. Beloved son of the late Lloyd George Adair and Kathleen Louise Adair. Survived by his brother Robin Lloyd Adair, his aunt Helen Mudge/ Adair, and cousins David Mudge, Judi Mudge, Dan Mudge, Bill Adair and Susan Baugh.

Christopher had such a caring heart and was the kindest of Souls. He always lit up like a Christmas tree when in the company of his family. He brings to mind all of the wonderful family get togethers over the years. He had a way of making all of us laugh, for years Chris dressed up in his Santa suit to give out presents under the tree. Our family trip to Ottawa one summer had left us in stitches, we will talk about that trip forever, thanks to Chris.

He was an avid fan of baseball and loved the Toronto Blue Jays. He would spend time watching wrestling, baseball and one of his favourite tv shows was The Three Stooges. I can still hear him laughing during each and every show.

Chris and his comical ways will be truly missed. Cremation has taken place. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Chris may be made to St. George’s Anglican Church, 227 Wharncliffe Road North, London, ON N6H 2B6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

AYERS, Gladys (nee Blanchard)……

Passed away quietly in her sleep on Monday, March 21, 2022 at Victoria Hospital, London. Beloved wife of the late George (2005). Loving mother of Patti Kipping, Gord (Deanna) Clemas and Richard (Corinne) Kipping. Dear grandma of Ashley Kipping, Jacqueline (Kyle) and great- granddaughter Natalie Hill.  Survived by her sister Carole Comeau and her many nieces and nephews.  She will be remembered by her friends Paulette, Sheila & the coffee gang. Predeceased by her parents Grant and Frances Blanchard, 5 sisters and 4 brothers. Cremation and interment have taken place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sarnia.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Gladys may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada, P.O. Box 27056 , Masonville P.O. 60 North Centre Road, London, ON N5X 3X6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEDLIHAM, Harry…..

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Monday, March 21, 2022 in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Maureen for 60 years. Loving father of David, Helen Raftery, and Dory (William Chisholm) Lightfoot. Dear grandfather of Julie McGilvray, Harrison Raftery, Richard Raftery, Hilary Lightfoot and Evelyn Raftery. Survived by his brother Jack. Predeceased by his brothers Charlie and George.  He will be lovingly remembered by many extended family and friends. Harry was a gentleman, whose proudest achievement was his family with a special spot in his heart for his grandchildren. Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Saturday, March 26, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London with a service following in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm.  Online condolences, memories, photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PENFOUND, Catherine…

Peacefully went to be with her Lord on Friday, March 18, 2022, Catherine “Cathy” (nee Jackson) in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Kevin Penfound for over 42 years. Loving mother of Ryan (Karissa), David (Vivienne) and Jonathan (Bethany).  Dear ‘Mama P’ to and adored by her seven grandchildren Tyler, Kyran, Marlie, Samuel, Finn, Jack, and Mikayla. Dear sister of David Jackson (Sheila), daughter-in-law of Leona Penfound, sister-in-law of Chris Walker (Mark) and Jamie Penfound (Jean), aunt of Jen, Andrew and Jamie, and niece of Mary Strickland and Josephine Wyville. Predeceased by her parents Harold and Greta Jackson.

Cathy had a gift for caring for and loving others well. She was an accomplished pianist and music teacher. She touched many lives through her love for the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6) and her ministry of music. The family would like to thank Four Counties Health Services in Newbury for the wonderful care provided to Cathy. A Celebration of Cathy’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 am at Pinery Baptist Church, 8751 Lakeshore Road, Thedford and live streamed on Zoom (https://cutt.ly/NSh1Jy8). As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Cliff Camp, 254 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N5Z 3L1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

COOK, Carman Edgar…

April 14, 1927 – March 17, 2022

Carman’s sense of bold adventure and do-it-yourself spirit inspired everyone who met him. Entrepreneur, aviator, mentor, world traveler, whip-smart, and ever the eternal optimist; Carman never encountered an obstacle that he didn’t figure a work-around to achieve success.

As the only surviving son and youngest child of Stephen Edgar Cook and Wilhelmina (Baker) Cook, Carman grew up on Victor Street in London where the Thames River was his playground. His insatiable curiosity and passion for the outdoors shaped his life of adventures. As an aviator, Carman flew his single engine Cessna back and forth from London to San Diego every three weeks during the winters. Side trips included flying his Cessna to Acapulco using road maps for navigation. Once caught in a whiteout blizzard in the mountains of New Mexico, Carman landed on the highway. A patrol officer helped Carman pull the plane off the road, drove him to a hotel for the night, and stopped traffic to watch Carman take off. The officer was so awed at the skill and daring in that landing that he didn’t even cite Carman. Carman shrugged off the harrowing experience; it never would deter his spirit.

Carman left teaching at Glendale Elementary School in the early 1960’s to start businesses. He purchased a WWII barracks, reconstructed it on Exeter Road and made steel swimming pools. His steel prowess expanded into constructing all things metal: factory fixtures, garbage dumpsters, light poles, winding staircases, there was nothing Carman couldn’t mastermind with steel. And so, he built his third business: the first self-storage facility in Canada. Banks refused to loan money for such an unheard-of venture, so he sacrificed his Cessna to finance his vision. For the first two buildings Carman worked alongside the blocklayer, finishing the rest of the structures by himself. For the third building, Carman learned tilt-up technology in a Las Vegas seminar and then constructed the building alone–troweling concrete into the wee hours of many nights. He unflinchingly took to difficult tasks and showed anything can be accomplished with grit, smarts, and perseverance. Seven more buildings followed.

In August 1954, Carman ventured to California where he met and married the love of his life Alma Bly DeLongis. Alma was his match in adventure and risk-taking. She loved to laugh, and friends came easily to them. Living in London and San Diego, they embraced a life full of wonderful friends.

Carman and Alma traveled the world with their family and friends. Carman daily swam, rollerbladed, or rode a bike. At seventy-nine, Carman whitewater rafted through the Panama jungle. Carman water-skied, snow-skied, and rode his horse into his mid-eighties. His life was spent in motion; he moved with purpose and dignity.

Carman is survived by his daughter, Joey Cook-Gabaldon, her husband John Gabaldon, Carman’s son Anthony De Longis and Anthony’s wife Mary, Carman’s only grandchild Cole Carman Joseph Gabaldon, Cole’s wife Traci and Cole’s children Otto, Luna-Joey, John, and Tracin-Cole. Carman is also survived by his nephew Robert Reid (Wendy) and three nieces, Janet Sybrandy (Phil), Ann Kirk (Scott) and Cheryl Reid.

Carman’s almost ninety-five years are to be celebrated. There is no life more richly lived and enjoyed than the life Carman made for himself. Everyone who knew him always have stories to tell. We miss him so very, very much.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Littlewood United Church, 6780 Westdel Bourne, London, ON N6P 1P3 would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BARTH, Karin…..

With heavy hearts, the family of Karin H. Barth announces her sudden, peaceful passing in her 84th year, at Victoria Hospital on Thursday, March 17, 2022.  Karin H. Steckling was born on June 14, 1938 in Berlin, Germany.

Karin enjoyed every part of life, but most important to her was family.  She was loved and will be remembered by the many lives she touched.

Beloved mother of Douglas (Alexandra) Barth and Byron (the late Stasyi 2020) Barth. Proud grandmother of Saraya, Benjamin, Isabelle, Evan and Alayna.  Lovingly remembered by her brothers (the late Siegfried 1991), Gerhard and Christian.  Karin will also be fondly remembered by nieces and nephews, as well as her numerous close friends.

Karin loved to cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her excellent dishes.  She also loved to travel to Europe, North and Latin America, but especially throughout Canada.  With all her travels and deep roots to Germany she always considered Canada home and loved Eastern Canada and her happy place, Ipperwash beach, Ontario.

She was extremely fond of the theatre and classical music, and during her retirement enjoyed volunteering at The Grand Theatre, and Centennial Hall for the London Symphony.

She also enjoyed volunteering at the Boys and Girls club, the library and church.  She cherished the many years she taught Saturday mornings at the German language school. 

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave, London, on Saturday April 9 at 2pm. with a reception following the service.  Masks to be worn in the sanctuary. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com