Services & Obituaries

WARD, Patricia….

Peacefully at Parkwood Veteran’s Care, London, on Monday, April 19, 2021, Patricia Ward passed away in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late John Ward (1961). Loving mother of Denise Ward, Jacqueline Hamden (Richard), Peta Ward, Lesley Elieff (Jim), the late Malcom Ward and the late Stewart Ward. Patricia was also a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Sister of Kenneth. Patricia tragically became a widow at 37 and raised her 6 children alone. She was the Communication Manager at Victoria Hospital for more than 27 years while working part time as a cashier until she retired at 85. She was a loving and supportive mom and was always there to help her children, even after retirement. She will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. Interment in Grand Bend Cemetery, Grand Bend. Donations in Patricia’s memory may be made to Parkwood Veteran’s Care Program, c/o St. Joseph’s Health Foundation, 268 Grosvenor Street, London, ON N6A 4V2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MILLMAN, Reverend Canon William “Bill”….
 
Unexpectedly at Victoria Hospital, London, on Saturday, April 17, 2021, Reverend Canon William “Bill” Millman passed away in his 94th year. Beloved husband of Delores (nee Parker) Millman for 62 years. Loving father of Bronwyn Papasideris (Jim), the late Brock Millman and the late Carole Millman. Cherished grandfather of Mia and John Papasideris. Dear father-in-law of Dayna Knight and brother-in-law to Ruth Millman. Predeceased by brothers Ken and Robert Millman and sister Audrey Gaunt.
 
Bill’s Ministry began as a Chaplain in the Royal Canadian Airforce while in university and continued as a reserve Chaplain for many years thereafter. Bill was ordained into the Anglican Church in 1957. He served in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Huron including: St. James Stratford, Thedford and Grand Bend, Burford and Woodstock. Bill retired as a Canon after 23 years of service at St. Matthews Windsor in 1993. Throughout his 35-year career, Bill was a devoted church Rector and also served on a number of Diocesan committees. He continued his ministry well after retirement by officiating wherever he was needed.

Bill was an avid reader with a very wide range of interests. His book collection speaks to this passion. His love of music was rivalled by his love of books. He was an accomplished pianist, who often played late in the evening, and he loved to sing. In his younger years he was an avid golfer and could be found on the course every weekend during the season. Bill enjoyed watching hockey, baseball and golf and often watched more than one event at a time. His favourite team to watch was whatever hockey team his grandson was playing on. Bill was at heart a family man who liked nothing better than family dinners, celebrations and get togethers. He was an integral part of our family and will be sorely and dearly missed.
 
Cremation has taken place. A PRIVATE memorial service will be held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. Friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
 
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOLMES, Sandra Frances….

Sandra Frances Holmes passed away in her 78th year on Thursday, April 15th, 2021, surrounded by family in the comforts of home. Having the good fortune of gracious friends and neighbours, Sandy is predeceased by her husband Jim Holmes. Loving Mother of Son Rick Holmes (Linda) and Lisa Holmes (Craig Chambers). Nana of Maeve (Ian MacDonald), Sawyer, Leah (Charbel Francis) and Jason and Great Nana of Luca, Tenley and Lennon. Loving Sister of Bev Barr (Frank) of Burlington. Sandy will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful dog “Magoo” who lays at rest with her. Sandy was admired by many great friends that she appreciated and loved dearly. She shared many laughs with them over the years… and recent visits between lockdowns were the spice of life to her. Sandy will be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery, London with a small family gathering. A future garden party and celebration of life will take place this summer. Donations may be made to a Cancer Benefit of your choice or to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FLETCHER, Teresa….
 
Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Saturday, April 10, 2021, Mary Teresa (nee Murphy) Fletcher passed away in her 79th year. Beloved wife of 45 years of the late Gordon Fletcher (2011). Loving mom of Sean Fletcher of London, Teresa Smith and her husband Gary of Mono, and Bridget Emma La Vigne and her husband Stephen of London. Cherished nanny to Meagan, Rachael, and Matthew Fletcher, and Fiona and Liam Smith. Dear sister to John Murphy (Colette), Bridget McAdam (Jim), Tom Murphy (Ita), Peter Murphy (Liz), Richard Murphy (Bernie) and brother-in-law Mylie Doran. Predeceased by her loving sisters Nancy Doran (2020) and Sally Murphy (2018). Teresa will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews and also by many friends in both London, Ontario and Wicklow Town, Ireland.
 
Teresa will always be remembered for her wonderful story telling, her sense of humour and her generosity and kindness. She loved spending time in her garden, walking her dogs, and listening to music. She always looked forward to her trips home to Wicklow to reunite with family. She mastered the art of a strong cup of tea, and could never say no to a chocolate… or two, especially if they were Cadbury’s Mini Eggs.
 
A special thank you goes out to the wonderful staff of Extendicare London, who welcomed and cared for our mom like she was family, even though she was only there for a short time; and also to the staff at University Hospital for their care and compassion at the end of our mom’s life. Cremation has taken place and, when safe, Teresa will be taken back to Ireland with her husband to be reunited with family. Because of her love for animals, donations in Teresa’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MARCON, Antonio “Tony”…..

It is with deepest sadness that we inform family and friends of the passing of Antonio (Tony) Marcon in his 87th year on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Horizon Place in London.   
Cherished father of Giustina (Todd) of London and Lisa (Paul) of Toronto and a proud Nonno to Jennifer, Evan, Cole and Claire.  Predeceased by his parents Luigi and Giustina and his siblings Maria, Pietro, Mario, Angelo and Vittorio all of whom resided in Treviso, Italy. Tony will  be missed by many nieces and nephews, many of whom are in Italy. Tony will be dearly missed by his loving companion of over 30 years Shirley King.  Tony proudly worked as a foreman for TCG Materials (formerly Riverside Construction) for over 40 years contributing to the infrastructure of the City of London.  Tony enjoyed the outdoors, especially spending many hours in his beautiful garden. He also enjoyed dancing, bowling, fishing and watching the Maple Leafs. The family would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to all of the staff at Horizon Place for their dedicated and compassionate care.  
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 9:30am – 10:30am 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 the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. The PRIVATE funeral service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 11am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. Friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel. 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop

Private interment will take place in Woodland Cemetery, London.  Donations in memory of Tony may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto Ontario, M4V 2Y7  or Charity of your Choice and would be appreciated by the family. Livestream link, online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CARROLL, Alexander “Alex”….
 
Peacefully on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Victoria Hospital, London, Alex passed away in his 92nd year. Alex was born in Glasgow, Scotland, also where he met and married his wife Barbara in 1952. They came to Canada shortly thereafter.  
 
Beloved husband of Barbara for nearly 69 years. Loving father to Scott Carroll (Carolyn), Iain Carroll (Terri), Gavin Carroll (Barry) and Victoria Smardon (Rob). Cherished grandfather to Jessica, Jason, Jeremy, Andrew, Jennifer, John and Daniel. Proud great-grandfather of Tasha, Murphy, Margot, Blake, Georgia, Cameron and Connor.

Alex retired from Economical Mutual Insurance Co. He and Barbara enjoyed travelling in their retirement years. Alex was an avid gardener, golfer, woodworker, and loved music. He sang in a church choir for many years before taking up Keyboards and the Ukulele.

Cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service has been held. 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

SHERRITT, Arlene….

Unexpectedly at her residence, Arlene Sherritt of London passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 in her 80th year. Beloved wife of David Sherritt. Loving mother of Ron Hope. Cherished grandmother of numerous grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents, her sister and her brother. Arlene will be missed by her extended family and her many, many friends. Arlene worked at TD Canada Trust as a bank teller for about 35 years. She enjoyed her work and her colleagues along the way. She had a kind, gentle soul and will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private memorial service will be held. Donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to the Children’s Health Foundation, 345 Westminster Avenue, London, ON N6C 4V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRIDE, Rob….

In his sleep at Victoria Hospital, London, on Saturday, April 3, 2021, Robert Bride passed away peacefully in his 77th year. Beloved husband of Joscelynne E. K. (Vince) Bride. Cherished father of Lisa Fallin of Colorado City, Texas and Gregory Bride and his partner Nancy McCune of Sebringville. Much loved grandfather of Zachary and Logan Fallin and Benjamin and Samuel Bride-McCune. Dear brother of Gwen Riddell and her husband Jack. Also survived by two nieces and one nephew. Robert was formerly of Fordwich, Ontario. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 4-7 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 the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. A private graveside service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 in Fordwich Cemetery, Fordwich, Ontario. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Lambeth Lions Memory Box, 59 David Street, London ON N6P 1B3 or to Diabetes Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FARNELL, George….

August 15, 1928 – April 1, 2021

George Wellington Farnell loved life and loved his family.  He was much-loved in return.  He first lived with his parents, Verla (Buchanan) and William in Perth, Ontario.  He enjoyed playing with his sister, Iris (Leeder) and all of their cousins on the farm.  After receiving his teaching certificate and working in Renfrew, he moved to teach at CFB Centralia where he met and married the love of his life, Lulu Jean (Kerr).  Together they moved to London and raised their three children.  When he retired, he had been a Principal in the city of London for 27 years.  The relationships he developed within his school communities were everlasting and he always enjoyed reconnecting.  He continued to teach in different ways after that.  His grandchildren enjoyed ‘Cookie Math’, in addition to important life lessons.  He loved travelling, gardening, woodworking, helping at the quilt shop, going to the cottage and spending time with friends.  He was quick to lend a hand and happy to share a funny story.

His children, Bruce (Sharon), Richard and Nancy (Bill Jones) and grandchildren, Ingrid (Jeff McKay) and Derek will continue to cherish the memories and the love they shared with both of their parents and grandparents who are now together.  Cremation has taken place with future interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.  Donations in memory of George can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada, P.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HEIGHWAY, Jeanne…..

With deep sadness the family of Jeanne L. Heighway (nee Hunt) announce her passing on Thursday, April 1, 2021, due to  complications from a stroke, in her 92nd year. Beloved mother of Catherine (Wally MacKinnon) and Steve (Kim) Heighway. Devoted Nana of Mitchell (Meg) Heighway, Brent Heighway and Emily MacKinnon. Survived by her sister Betty (Bud) Bathgate, brothers-in-law Bob (Midge) Heighway and Don Winterton, sister-in-law Kit Hunt as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her loving husband Bruce (2016), brother George Hunt, sister-in-law Mary Jane Winterton and brother-in-law Don Heighway.

Jeanne was born and raised in London, Ontario. She attended Central High School, and it was at a school dance where she met Bruce who would become her beloved husband. The couple married in 1951, built their home and raised their family in London. At 16 years of age, she began working at “The Bell” telephone company as a switchboard operator. Jeanne stayed at home to care for her young family and in 1968 joined Canada Trust – University Branch as a teller. Over the span of her 25 year career with the bank, she also worked at head office accounting and real estate administration.      

Jeanne poured her heart and soul into all aspects of her family. Among her many passions she was a superb gardener, a fantastic cook, an excellent seamstress and an avid birdwatcher. Jeanne and Bruce shared a love of travel that took them on many world-wide adventures. Closer to home, they both enjoyed activities with the Ilderton Curling Club, Huff n’ Puff biking group and the London Centre Branch YMCA. They owned a cottage near St Joseph on Lake Huron for several years, which was the hub of family get-togethers. It was here that Jeanne nurtured her spectacular gardens and opened the wonders of nature to her young grandchildren.  She adored her grandchildren and always felt so blessed to have been able to take an active role in their lives. Jeanne was a resilient, determined, creative, generous, and loving woman and we will miss her terribly.

We would like to thank the staff at Fox Hollow Assisted Living for their care and compassion over the past several months. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held when Covid restrictions are lifted. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, PO Box 601, Mt Brydges, ON N0L 1W0, Wellspring London and Region Cancer Support Centre, 382 Waterloo Street (Inside the YMCA), London, ON N6B 2N8 or the London Centre Branch YMCA – Strong Kids campaign, 382 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6B 2N8 in memory of Jeanne.  A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth. One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”