Services & Obituaries

BROWN, Edna….

It is with great sadness that we announce that Edna died on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 in her 83rd year. She will be greatly missed by her husband Vic, her sons David, Mark, and Robert and their families, her dear nieces and nephews on the Brown side of the family, her loving cousins on the Wilson side of the family and her many dear friends.

Edna was a very loving and caring person. She constantly gave others messages of love, support and reassurance. She took great joy in her family and cherished the time spent with them. She always had a love of nature, particularly flowers, established during her life as a girl growing up on a farm. Her family benefited from this love because she was always enthusiastic about family camping, nature walks and boating. She embraced challenges and hard work and had a knack of finding the brighter side of things in tough situations. Edna demonstrated positivity throughout her life and she was a great support and help to Vic during his time as a minister with the United Church of Canada. Edna was very spiritual and developed and nurtured her spiritual life throughout the years, even during the final difficult months of her life. Her relationships with others were the most important thing to Edna and she always said how blessed she felt to have the deep richness that those relationships provided. All who knew her will feel the loss.  

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 3-7 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. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 11 am at Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London. Due to COVID-19 protocols, registration for the funeral service will begin on Monday, October 4, and the link can be found on the funeral home website. To watch the service via the live stream, please click here: https://youtu.be/ZFu66EjLkeI As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. This local organization gave excellent support to Edna and family in the care of Victor. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAEKER, June…

June Elizabeth Baeker (nee Work) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 12th, 2021 in her 92nd year. Predeceased by husband George Baeker and loving parents John and Elizabeth Work. Loving mother to Greg, Jeff and his wife Heather, and Marcia Baeker-Garrison.

June grew up on a family farm outside Brussels, in southwestern Ontario. Her rural roots stayed with her throughout her life, evolving into a love of gardening and involvement with the Garden Club of London for 25 years. Her brother Graham continued to farm the land for many years with his wife Margaret. “The farm” was an important part of growing up for Greg, Jeff and Marcia. One fact tells you a lot about June. She sang in a church choir for more than 70 years. It tells you how important music and her faith were to her. She won awards at Kiwanis Music Festivals in her teens and was a church soloist for many decades. She chose a profession at a time when many women did not, graduating from Stratford Teachers College and teaching for many years in London.

To know her was to know above all she was her mother’s daughter. Both wanted more for their children than they had themselves and encouraged them to achieve in whatever life they chose. Both were always, always beautifully dressed, caring in the best way how they presented themselves to the world. Our image of her now is shaped by how she appeared at the end of her life but we must remember how strikingly beautiful she was for most of her time with us. A blessing in her later years was a loving relationship with a remarkable man, Ross Fuller for whom she cared deeply. She was also blessed with a “second daughter” Kathy Work-Schlattman and son-in-law Bryon Schlattman. They cared for “Auntie June” with love and devotion. She was determined, sometimes stubborn but always gracious and loving. She treasured and maintained deep friendships all her life. For those of us whose lives she touched her absence is hard to accept, but it was a long life, well-lived.

Cremation has taken place with a private family inurnment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 12-1 pm at Colborne Street United Church, 711 Colborne Street, London, ON N6C 3Z4, with the memorial service following at 1 pm. Masks are required to attend the visitation and service. Donations in memory of June may be made to Colborne Street United Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4. Arrangement entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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