Services & Obituaries

SMITH, Bryan Edward Robert…

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bryan Smith on December 21, 2024, in London, Ontario, at the age of 47. Bryan is survived by his daughters, Ptolemia “Mia” Smith and Aegidia Smith, and sister Jessica Smith. Predeceased by his parents Reverend William Smith and Christina (Rose).

Bryan loved to read and discuss history, and religion. He took great pride in researching his family’s genealogy work. He is a 2014 Alumni of Huron College where he studied History and Religion.

Following Bryan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. There is no visitation prior. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILSON, Lewis “Jak”…

Lewis “Jak” Wilson of Windsor, Ontario passed peacefully in hospital in London, Ontario on January 22, 2025 in his 79^th year. Jak dearly loved his children Sean Wilson, Shannon Wilson and Ian Hofer, and was the proudest “Gumpa” of his grandkids Erik (Megan), William (Kacie), James and Kate Hofer. Jak was the beloved brother of the late Connie Gilbert of Windsor and Barbara Cotton of Barrie, and will be greatly missed by siblings Jeff Wilson of Windsor, David and wife Shelly Wilson of Barrie, and Beth Brown of Sarnia. Jak adored his nieces and nephews Jacqueline and Paul, David and Shelley, Bob and Jess, Matt and Staci, Meredith and Chris, Greg and Allison, Leslie and Glenn, Taylor, and Erin, and he was immensely proud of his wonderful great-nieces and nephews.

Jak was an avid planner and will be remembered for his organization of student and alumni events at Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor, and community events for his friends and neighbours at the Marshall Street Apartments in London. Jak’s life passion was being a coach, and his memories will continue on the football fields and golf courses of Windsor and London.

Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Jak’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Friends and guests are invited to join the family for a memorial service on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Donations may be made to SickKids Foundation in memory of Jak’s beloved granddaughter Kate. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROVITHIS, Dean…

Peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Victoria Hospital, London, Dean passed away in his 79th year. Beloved husband of Marilyn for 35 years. Adored father of Aurora (John) Dascanio of Roanoke, Texas and Gregory Rovithis of Mesquite, Texas. Dear stepfather of Aaron Ukrainetz of London, Ontario and Tanja Ukrainetz of New Brunswick. Cherished grandfather of Maddy (Nick), Steffi (Jordyn), Lilly and Nick. Loving step-grandfather of Bradley, Howard, and Ruth. Great-grandfather of Houston and Scarlet. Dear brother of Viviane of Yukon, Oklahoma. Predeceased by his parents Aliki and Manos, and brother George. Dean will be lovingly remembered by many extended family members and friends. Dean had a zest for life, finding joy in dancing, savoring good food, and traveling extensively with Marilyn across Canada, the United States, Europe, and South America. A passionate sports enthusiast, he especially loved hockey and cherished his season tickets to cheer on the London Knights. Dean was proud to serve as a member-at-large for the Canadian Auto Workers and found great fulfillment volunteering at his grandchildren’s school. A devoted member of his Greek church community whenever he was able, Dean’s adventurous spirit and love for life left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held to honour his memory. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Dean may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SIMPSON, Robert Mark
1935-2025
With family nearby, Bob passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife of more than 66 years, Barbara and his children Carrie and her husband Owen, Bill and his wife Sharon, and Benjamin. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Christopher. He is survived by his sister Dorene Hogg and his brother-in-law William Bradfield and predeceased by his sister Donna Ernest and his brother-in-law Kenneth Hogg. Bob was born in Ingersoll, Ontario to Jean and Mark Simpson. Bob graduated from the University of Western Ontario Business School and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He was a partner at KPMG and predecessor firms. Bob was a charter member of Westmount Presbyterian Church where he served as elder, clerk of session and treasurer. He served as president of the London branch of the Canadian Red Cross and Treasurer and VP of the Ontario Division. Bob was an avid curler and longtime member of the Highland Golf and Country Club. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 11:30 am until 12:15 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral will follow in the chapel at 12:30 pm with Reverend Tim Raeburn-Gibson officiating. Those who wish to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRILLINGER, Bruce…

Bruce Allan Brillinger died peacefully at his home on January 23, 2025, one month before his 88th birthday. His beloved wife Sandra Jane Mackenzie and his eldest daughter were by his side. He was devoted to Sandra, his wife of 30 years, who called him Bruce Man. Bruce loved to spend time at his cabin near St. Jacobs and in nature. He delighted in his connections with the Old Order Mennonite community in the St. Jacobs area. In his younger years, he took many trips by motorcycle across Canada and into the United States. He is predeceased by his son Joe Brillinger and brother-in-law Henry Edwin (Teddy) Mackenzie, and is survived by daughters Marla, Renata and Laura Brillinger, son-in-law Ian Callbeck, granddaughter Lucy Coleman, brother Reverend Bob Brillinger, sister-in-law Sandy Brillinger, sister-in-law Barbara Mackenzie, and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will take place, and the family will have a private gathering. Donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the Terry Fox Foundation, 200-250 Ferrand Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 3G8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“I would love to live
Like a river flows,
Carried by the surprise
Of its own unfolding.”
– John O’Donohue

STEVENSON, Edward “Ed”…

Peacefully at home, Edward Stevenson passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the age of 91. Beloved husband for 54 years of the late Norma Mary Stevenson (2011). Loving father of Charles (Natalie), Alison, Ted and Richard (Susan). Cherished Granddad of Amanda Michelle (Peter), Tyler, Fergus, Ben (Courtney), Harrison (Kandice), Abigail and Isaac (Sophia). Adored Great-Granddad of Leah, David, Thomas and Miller. Dear brother of Robert Smith Stevenson and his wife Hazel of Tonbridge, County of Kent, England. Predeceased by his sisters Nancy Scott, Nell Stevenson, Grace Hammond and Joyce Milne. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in memory of Edward will be held at Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 342 Pond Mills Road (at Commissioners Road), London, ON N5Z 3X5 on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11:00 am. Opportunity to meet with the family will take place from 10:00-11:00 am. Future scattering in Woodland Cemetery Scattering Gardens, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Chalmers Presbyterian Church – Care & Share Food Support Program would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184 Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEDLIHAM, Maureen

Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Victoria Hospital, London in her 81st year. Beloved wife of the late Harry Pedliham (2022) for 61 years. Loving mother of David, Helen Raftery, and Dory (William Chisholm) Lightfoot. Cherished grandmother of Julie McGilvray, Harrison Raftery, Richard Raftery, Hilary Lightfoot and Evelyn Raftery. Dear sister of Christine Pedliham and her brother-in-law Jack Pedliham and wife Chris. She will be lovingly remembered by many extended family and friends.

Maureen was a woman of remarkable strength and conviction, unafraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believed in. She will be remembered for her quick wit, sense of humour and her many artistic and creative talents. Her proudest achievement was her family with a special spot in her heart for her grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm, with a service following in the funeral home chapel at 12:30 pm. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DRYSDALE, Larry

Roderick “Larry” Drysdale passed away peacefully in London, Ontario, on Monday, December 30th, 2024. He was 84. Loving father of Carla Drysdale of France. Dear grandfather of David and Rafael. Beloved brother of Heather (John), Gordon, Harvey (Gladys), Catherine (Jim), Patrick (Catherine) and Mary-Lynn (Robert). Predeceased by his brother Dick. Larry will also be missed by his nieces and nephews.

Larry was an avid and accomplished distance runner who competed in many road races including the prestigious Boston Marathon, twice. He was fond of exercise at the YMCA, as well as walking, sports, horses, crosswords, fifties music and gunpowder green tea at noon at “CCs” — but his biggest passion was sharing in conversation with his family and friends.

A talented land surveyor and draftsman, Larry worked on many city maps during his 30-plus year career at London City Hall as an Engineering Assistant.

Larry always tried to help the less fortunate and in particular he helped youth trying to find opportunities and their own path. He was known for his soft spoken nature, his kindness, his tolerance of others, his generosity, his humour, his great smile and his big heart. As Larry often said at the end of calls with his grandsons, “Awwwoooo!”

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 2:00-2:45 pm on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm. Donations in memory of Larry may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BULLAS, Loraine “Lori”

Loraine, fondly known by some as Lori, died peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 81 at Country Terrace Nursing Home, Komoka.

Lori was born in 1943 in Thunder Bay, Ontario to Anne and Mac Hugar.  She was the oldest of 3 girls.  Lori moved to London with her daughter in 1969 to start life anew.  London became her home, but she always felt a great connection to her hometown.  She loved the London Knights, reading, knitting and history, but most of all her family and friends.  According to her granddaughter Diana – and many others, she made a bomb-ass apple pie!  Also known for her perogies and Christmas celebrations.

Beloved wife of the late Leonard “Len” Bullas (2020). They shared many happy years together.

Loving mother of Laurel Belki and step-mother of Steve (Samantha) Bullas, Brad (Ruth) Bullas and Jeff (Dina) Bullas.

Cherished Nana of Mac, Tori, Brett, Diana, Emily (Dylan), Cole (Jess), Tyler (Sheri), Ryan, Nathan, Jeff Jr. (Sydney) and Liam.  Proud great grandmother to Ivy and Violet.

Lori is survived by her sister Faye Hugar of Eholt, BC and many friends.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will be held in the warmer months at Woodland Cemetery, London. A public Celebration of Life will be held at later date.

In memory of Loraine, the family would appreciate any donations being made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STUART, Lorraine…

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Lillian Stuart on Friday, January 3, 2025. She passed away at the age of 75 at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario.

Dearest Mother of Tanya (Brett). Cherished Nana of Brayden and Mason. Dear Sister of Dan (Lois), and Albert (Phyllis). She was also a beloved Aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Albert and Shelauh Stuart and her brother Patrick.

Lorraine had a zest for life. She radiated kindness and positivity and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her kind and genuine nature was unmatched. She loved meeting people and could spend much time engaging in conversations with complete strangers who would in turn become friends. Her love for her grandchildren was beyond grand and she put them first even until her last breath.

Cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 pm.

In memory of Lorraine, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 500-55 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M4V 2Y7 or Anova: A Future Without Violence, 255 Horton Street East, 3rd Floor, London, ON N6B 1L1.

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