Services & Obituaries

BRINDLEY, Twila….

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Twila Brindley, 87, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, peacefully at Parkwood Palliative Care after a battle with cancer. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jack Brindley (2004). Dear stepmother of Doreen Ditchfield, Debby Bales, John and Janice Brindley, and Rob and Kim Ditchfield. She will also be missed by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Twila was a retiree of London Life where she worked for 39 years.

Cremation has taken place and at Twila’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers and donations, Twila had requested for everyone to take a moment to Pay It Forward or to complete a Random Act of Kindness. A simple phone call or a small gesture can go a long way. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, to laugh, to live, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found my peace at the close of the day.
If parting has left a void, then fill it with memories of joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much – good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Life up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now, he set me free.

PINCHES, Joyce B…….

On March 1^st 2021 , shortly before her 95th birthday, Joyce passed away peacefully at their apartment in Grand Wood Park retirement home. She is survived by her best friend and loving husband Tom. The two of them shared an incredible bond and were inseparable during their 64 years together. She is also survived by her son Brian (Teresa) and her grandsons Wesley and Austin. Born and raised in Dashwood Ontario, Joyce was the only child to Adam Wesley and Beatrice (Graybiel) Engeland. Joyce had been an active member at Elmwood Ave Presbyterian Church as part of the Elmwood Ladies Fellowship, the Bible Study group, as well as assisting with the Community Breakfasts for people in need. Her lifelong hobbies included baking, knitting, crocheting, quilting and square dancing with Tom. We would like to thank Iesha and the entire staff at Grand Wood Park, Paramed and the VON palliative care team. The compassion our family received during this difficult time will never be forgotten. A special thank you to our exceptional and wonderful family physician and friend, Dr. Joanne Hammond. Joyce will always be remembered as a lady, considerate and compassionate and always willing to lend a hand while putting others before herself. Sadly, due to Covid-19, a private service will be conducted with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do an unexpected random act of kindness for someone else.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

HARRINGTON, Frances Teresa….

October 27, 1927 – February 26, 2021

Frances Teresa Harrington of London, formerly of Woodstock, at Victoria Hospital, London, aged 93.

Devoted and loving mother of the late Donald Wayne Harrington (2008) and mother-in-law to Brenda Harrington, of London. Dedicated grandmother to Holly Harrington and Adam Harrington (Bridget) and great-grandmother to Georgia, Fiona, Malia and Asher. Beloved sister of Dorothy McGregor (Fred), Larry Toohey, Tim Toohey (Sandy), Virginia Kennedy, Jim McGregor and Bonnie Shand and sister-in-law of Kathy Wilford. Predeceased by her siblings Chuck Toohey, Mary Smith, Jim Toohey, Marg Hodgins, Jack Toohey and Marlene McLellan. Special aunt to Marty McGregor (Ruth) of London, Joni Grant (Dave) of Woodstock, Rob McGregor (Pat) of Victoria, BC, and to many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews in London and Woodstock. Dear friend of over 70 years to Winnie Akersviller.

Fran was a warm and good-natured woman, always generous with her time and energy. She loved a long walk, a long chat and a long laugh. A wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Fran could always be counted on for unwavering support and understanding. A child of the Great Depression, she was a hard-working and fiercely independent person who was resilient and pragmatic.

Most of all, Frannie loved her family deeply, thoroughly, and unreservedly. The death of her only child, Don, in 2008, was an immeasurable loss that she carried with her for the rest of her life. She remained close to Brenda after Don’s death and they enjoyed a relationship full of affection and friendship. Fran absolutely adored her grandchildren, Holly and Adam, and was unfailingly proud of them both. Her sister Dorothy and she had an especially deep and loving bond, which was enormously important to Fran throughout her life. She was delighted by all the children in her life and was a tireless babysitter and companion and ally. As a sister, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend, Fran was endlessly available, loyal, and dependable. She will be deeply missed.

Cremation has already taken place, and a private interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Woodstock. At Fran’s request, there will be no funeral. A gathering to celebrate Fran’s life will take place when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s memory may be made to Diabete’s Canada, 1300-522 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2R5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McEACHERN, Jerry….

Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in his 84th year. Dear brother of Dorothy C. Telfer of Kitchener, Brian McEachern of London and Steven McEachern of London. Loving uncle of Teri-Ellen Telfer, David Telfer ,Kathleen Telfer, Patricia Telfer-Myc and 3 great-nieces. Predeceased by his parents Gordon (1999) and Dorothy (1994) McEachern. Jerry was a partner at the accounting firm Ford Keast until his retirement in 1998. Jerry was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays fan. Jerry enjoyed his family trips to Michigan and Las Vegas. Cremation has taken place and an interment will follow in the spring at Woodland Cemetery, London. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

HARLAND, Reta…..

Reta passed away peacefully on Sunday February 21st, 2021. Cherished mother of Marilyn (Richard) Clifford. Loving grandmother of Craig and Julie. Dear great-grandmother of Ben. Beloved sister of George (Cherith) Heppell and Norma (Ivan) Edge. Predeceased by her husband Gordon, son Robert and granddaughter Karen. Reta will be lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Friday, February 26th 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Please Note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario a limited number of people are able to attend.  Please call the funeral home between 9am and 5pm to reserve your spot for the service (519-433-5184). All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. A sincere thank you to all who cared for Reta at Kensington Village Long Term Care Home. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HILL, Ronald….

Peacefully at Elmwood Place, London, on Saturday, February 20, 2021, Ron Hill in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Kathleen “Kae” (Soper, Joyes) Hill (2018). Dear father of Tina and step-father of Barry Joyes (Alice). He will also be missed by his grandchildren and great-grand children. Cherished friend of Randy and Teresa Zavitz and family. Predeceased by his parents Russell and Hester Hill. Ron was proud member of Belmont Lodge No. 119 A.F. & A.M. member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Canada.  He worked at Union Gas Limited for many years. Cremation has taken place with a private interment in Dorchester Cemetery, Dorchester. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, attention Donor Development, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal QC H4A 0A9. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STRUCKETT, Gary James….

Suddenly at Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday, February 18, 2021 in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Heather for 47 years. Cherished father of Stefanie (the late Tommy) McNeeley, Anna (Jamie) Donaldson and Jayme (Mike) Stafford. Loving grandfather to Astrid, Logan, Westin, Melina, Travis, Alyssa, Aidan and Zander. Caring son of Joan Struckett. Dear brother of Gail (Chris) Little and Greg Struckett. Son-in-law of Marion Alexander and the late Lorne Alexander. Brother-in-law to Sherry and Jim Kerr, Kevin and Grace Alexander, Robyn and Eric Wiggans, Lori Anne and Paul Savoie. Predeceased by his father Jim Struckett. Gary will be lovingly missed and remembered by many extended family members and friends and his furry companion Riley. Gary was a dedicated special education teacher and a vice principal during his career at various schools including CPRI, Apple School, Amethyst Demonstration School, Hillcrest, Nicholas Wilson, J. P. Robarts and Wilton Grove. Gary volunteered for many years with the London Home County Folk Festival. He was on the board from 1990-1993 and was chair from 1996-2001. Gary was always available to lend a helping hand for renovations and projects to whoever needed it. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather together again. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURRAY, Florence….

On Sunday February 14th at peopleCare Oakcrossing , Florence Murray passed away in her 103rdyear. Florence was the beloved wife of David Murray (2012). Predeceased by her parents Arthur and Hildred (nee Neville) Little, brothers Boyd (Jean), Cecil (Janet), Reggie, and sister Audrey (Jack). Florence will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the staff at peopleCare for the care and compassion shown to Florence. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester. Sympathy donations in Florence’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAWDEN, Gayle….

Unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, Gayle Mary Bawden, passed away at Victoria Hospital, London in her 66th year. Loved and missed dearly by her sister Kathryn Bawden and numerous cousins. Auntie Gayle will also be missed by her very close friends. Predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Mary Bawden and her brother Robert Bawden.

In this time of COVID, a private family interment has taken place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. A celebration of Gayle’s life will be held when we can all safely be together again.

Donations in memory of Gayle may be made to Paws United (https://www.paws-united.com/) or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DUTKA, Erika…..

Erika Dutka Juadzim, Born August 13, 1928 and here is her dash

Erika was a daughter of Alma Powileit Jaudzim and George Jaudzim, wife of John Iwan Dutka who passed 20 years ago, a cousin, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as an amazing person who loved life, to dance, to get doodled up as she called it, and shopping.  She provided a good life for her two children George (Georgie) and Kathy (Katty).  Erika was an excellent seamstress, made all her clothes, Kathy’s clothes and I think that cute little suit George has on.  She was truly a designer, she also knit many sweaters, mitts, hats and scarfs, worked in manufacturing, sewing, making chocolates and for John’s Radio and TV, Erika was the voice on the phone booking appointments, ordering parts, responsible for accounting and wow she was good at managing money.  If you needed a financial planner she was the one to see. 

Erika grew up in Lithuania, helping her Grandmother making sausages to take to sell at market, swimming in the Baltic Sea till WW2 came and she had to leave her home and moved to Germany to go to school. Erika, Omi and Tanta Lilly were on foot to cut across Europe borrowing bikes, stowing away on boats, till she arrived in Genoa, Italy to hop on a ship to come to Canada, the other ship went to Australia which would be a very different story. Once in London Erika met John and a love story began, two children, first TV on the block, neighbourhood kids would stand out on the front yard and watch TV through the window.  Three channels at that time was lots to choose from. Erika traveled to the West to meet second grandson Jesse, and they fell in love with the West and continued to journey there.  Erika got her drivers licence to help with the driving. Erika had 8 grandchildren, that they took to the beach!  16 Great Grandchildren which she got to meet all but little Nella in person. Our last adventure was George, Jaime and I took mom to the German Club in Koffee Klutch in February 2020 it was lots of fun.

There are so many more stories we can all share about Erika, Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Granma she had a truly amazing life an amazing family who loved her dearly, may she rest in peace and be with dad again.  – February 9, 2021

Love

Family George and Susanne Dutka

Jessica and Ryan Fairful…Declan and Rowan

Danielle and Kyle Procter…Grace and Owen

Jamie and Christy Dutka…Kingston and Sawyer

Michelle and Devin de Lange…William and Jack

Nicole and Nathan Ivanovich…Neven and Nela

Kathryn Tull Dutka and Jaime Francisco

Benny and Allison Tull….Charlie and Johnny

Margaret Tull….Wolfgang

Jesse and Becky Tull….Skylar, Raegan and Harper

Jim Tull