Services & Obituaries

Linda Marie Richmond (nee Morgan) of London Ontario passed away peacefully on Monday November 30th, 2020. At the age of 72 she was the eldest of three daughters born March 14th of 1948. Linda precedes her parents Donald and Millie Morgan.

Linda was the beloved wife to her devoted husband Douglas Richmond. Much loved eldest sister to Sandra Alsop (Dennis Alsop) and Nancy Tustin (Dave Tustin). Cherished Mother to Stephan (Tracy) and Jeffery
(Jennifer). Dearest grandmother to JJ, Elisha and Jenna.

Linda was born and lived her life in London Ontario marrying and raising her family here. In her career she worked outside the home in administration and bookkeeping. She was a talented creative force within her family as an accomplished artist working in multiple mediums including oils, water colors and acrylics. With a keen eye she effortlessly captured the inherent beauty in the simple things that we often fail to stop and appreciate. Linda also created beautiful quilts from both new and repurposed materials these personal and priceless creations are like a warm hug from Linda to those she loved. Reading was also a passion spending countless hours on works filled with adventure and romance and sharing with a close circle of friends in her book club.

Linda was a bright shining light emminanting warmth and joy to all that were fortunate to find themselves enveloped in her glow. Her family and friends meant everything to her. She has imparted to them a priceless gift of unwavering love, devotion, laughter and kindness that everyone is sure she would want to see passed on and shared in her honor.

Linda joy for life, love of music, appreciation for art and sense of humor will never fade from our hearts and we are so appreciative for the time we had her in our lives however short it feels today.

When you think of Linda remember to laugh and appreciate life in all its forms that is what we know she would want us to do.

Rest in Peace Linda Marie.

VINAGRE, Fernando…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, November 27, 2020, Fernando Vinagre passed away in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Fatima Vinagre for 58 years. Father of Tony Vinagre and Paula Vinagre-Domingues. Grandfather of Miguel, Cristina, and Daniel Domingues. Great-grandfather of Tatiana and Hartley. Brother of Manuel Vinagre. Fernando will also be missed by his extended family in Portugal. Fernando was an employee of General Motors for 27 years. He loved soccer and loved a good joke. He was an excellent father, grandfather, great-grandfather and family man.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and service. 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. In memory of Fernando, donations to your preferred charity would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

He will be missed

Boone, Joan Dauphinee

After a long and rich life, Joan Boone died peacefully on November 27, 2020, at 94 years of age. She was the youngest daughter of Jean and Enna “Papa” Dauphinee, and she was so very close to her two older sisters, Lorna and Madelyn. The Dauphinees trace back to a lineage of French Huguenots, who emigrated from France to Hubbards, Nova Scotia, sometime around 1650. When Joan was just a one-year-old, Papa accepted a job with the Imperial Oil in Ioco, a small town nestled on the northern shore of the Burrard Inlet in British Columbia. Consequently, young Joan traveled from Canada’s coast to coast several times, as her family made a pilgrimage from Ioco to Hubbards every second summer. The round trip was close to 12000 km, and it was all on gravel roads. In the Rockies, when Papa was desperately trying to propel their struggling car up and over a steep mountain pass, the three girls would help from the back seat, rocking themselves back and forth in unison to provide that little extra needed momentum. Joan spent her high school and the war years in Sarnia, where she developed a passion for the beaches, waves, and stunning sunsets of Lake Huron. She went on to attend the University of Toronto, graduating with an Honours degree in Art and Archeology. These were such fun times, and years later Joan remained in close touch with many of her very best friends, including those from Whitney Hall residence, her “Pi Phi” sorority, and her close and intimate class of fellow art students. Joan loved to travel. Following university, she took an ocean liner to England, where she taught a class of rather challenging primary school students, in a rough-and-tumble part of London. These students were more than a handful, but Joan learned she could capture their attention by reading aloud to them in what they perceived as her exotic and mesmerizing Canadian accent. She spent a year hosteling her way through England, France, and Italy, before returning to Toronto to reconnect with the love of her life, Jim Boone. They were married in 1958, and before long they had traded in their two-seater Porsche for a classic, wood-paneled station wagon. While living in Mississauga, Joan and Jim had three sons, Tom, Charlie, and Peter. Although she never complained, at times she must have believed that there really should be a special place in heaven for the mothers of three boys. When Jim took a job as the Chief of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital and Western University, in London Ontario, Joan studied art at Beal Secondary School, she did volunteer work at the Children’s Health Foundation, and she served as a docent at the then new, London Art Gallery. Joan was very proud of her sons, fostering their education, encouraging them to play sports and to enjoy the outdoors. She fully embraced the canoe trips that Jim would organize for the family in the summer. Hands down, her most favourite was the Bowron Lakes circuit, which allowed her to relive and share her childhood passion for the commanding mountains of British Columbia. Joan secretly hoped that at least one of her sons would follow in their father’s medical footsteps, but she had to settle for three PhDs instead. Graduate degrees were awarded to Tom in Engineering (Cornell), Charlie in Biology (McGill), and Peter in Economics (Harvard). After the boys moved on, Joan and Jim spent numerous summers at their cottage in Bayfield, where Joan rekindled her love for that Great Lake, Huron. Always up for some fun, Joan accompanied Jim as a long-standing member of the Bayfield International Croquet Club. She was in excellent health for most of her life, but she suffered from dementia in the last few years. Joan is survived by her husband Jim, her three boys, their lovely spouses, and her eight adorable grandchildren. Joan Boone lived life with zest, humour, and passion — she fully embraced art, travel, beautiful places, and the many people who loved her dearly. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

VanGalen, Cornelis….

On Friday, November 27, 2020, surrounded by his family Neal VanGalen of London went to be with his Lord in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of Grace VanGalen. Dear father of Con VanGalen and his wife Jessica VanGalen of Brownsville ON and Anita Hofstee and her husband Doug Dow of London ON. Also loved by his grandchildren Jacqueline Kotzeff (Sandor), Steve VanGalen (Spencer), Pieter Hofstee (Eva Pham), Eric Hofstee (Alivia Gabriel) and Luke Hofstee (Suzie Pickering). Great-grand children Xander Kotzeff, Sylvia Kotzeff, Margaret Kotzeff and Ryker VanGalen. Dear brother of Joop VanGalen (Tonnie) of the Netherlands and Corrie J. VanGalen of the Netherlands. Predeceased by Leen VanGalen, Piet VanGalen, Louis VanGalen, Bep VanGalen, Henk VanGalen, Jan VanGalen, Ger VanGalen, Tinie VanGalen and Corrie J. VanGalen (infant) and by his late daughter-in-law Diane VanGalen. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 2-4pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 11am at Cornerstone United Reformed Church of London, 180 Waterloo Street, London. Friends and family are invited to join the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9m9rcRsoMQ96P9SCv5mV_Q/videos  Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation and service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending the funeral home and church are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Ligonier Ministries, P.O. Box 7300, Vancouver, BC V6B 5N6. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BROOKE, Ronald “Ron” ….  
Peacefully at Parkwood Hospital, London, on Friday, November 27, 2020, Ronald Brooke passed away in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Rosanne Dunlop-Brooke and the late Elsie E. (Kirk) Brooke. Dear father of Ron Brooke Jr. and his wife Heidi of Kitchener and Susan Horne and husband Steven of London. Dear step-father of Jim Dunlop (Ruth), Jeff Dunlop (Michelle) all of London and Karen Newton (Doug) of Dutton. Dear brother of Ken Brooke, Jim Brooke and his wife Bobbie and the late Doreen Moore. Also loved by his 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Ron was a former member of the St. Thomas Elginaires Barbershop and was a Postal Clerk for over 30 years. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. For those unable to attend the funeral service, a livestream will be available at 11 am at www.amgfh.com.  Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or the Alzheimer’s Society of London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SEED, Ray….

Peacefully at Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London, on Monday, November 23, 2020, Raymond Seed passed away in his 81st year.

Beloved husband of the late Dianne Seed (nee Cameron) (2003). Loving dad and fishing partner of Lea-Marie Budden (Stuart) of St. Thomas and Evan Seed (Heather) of Ottawa. Dear brother of Jim Seed and Robert Seed, both of Thunder Bay. Predeceased by his parents Bernie and Margaret (nee Troisi) and his brother Albert Seed. Ray will also be missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family interment will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. The family wishes to extend many thanks to Westmount Gardens Long Term Care and nephew Ryan Seed for their ongoing support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Canada, 117-4500 Blackie Road, London, ON N6L 1G5 or www.parkinson.ca. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

REID, Michael….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, November 20, 2020 with his beloved spouse Nancy Weber at his side, Michael Reid passed away in his 73rd year. He is survived by his sister Mary “Bibs” Reid, brother Jon (Pat) Reid, nephew Jon-David (Nancy) Reid and 2 great-nephews Tyler and Ryan Reid. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so. Much gratitude to the team at Victoria Hospital, and many thanks to the staff at Earls Court Village for the excellent care and friendship they provided him with these last few years. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McKENZIE, Christopher….

Peacefully at University Hospital, London, after a long-fought battle with brain cancer, Chris McKenzie passed away on November 20, 2020 at the age of 68. Chris will be missed by his sister Laurie (Morris) Hoggart and brother Peter McKenzie. Predeceased by his parents Ethel and Harry McKenzie and uncle Roy Arndt. Also missed by his furry feline friends, Kara & Mika. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Sympathy donations to Covenant House Toronto, 20 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M5B 2P3 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HOFFMAN, Isobel….

Isobel Hoffman (nee Porteus), formerly of Kitchener-Waterloo, passed away peacefully, on Monday, November 16, 2020 in her 95th year in London. Isobel was born in Chesley, ON and was the only daughter of Andrew Porteus and Laura Lamont. She grew up in Ripley and graduated high-school there before attending Normal School in Hamilton. Her first teaching job was a one room school in Bruce Co., not the easiest of first jobs. She then moved to Kitchener and taught at Prueter Public School. It was in Kitchener she met her future husband, Keith. They were married there in 1954 and settled down to raise their three daughters. Keith’s job soon had them moving to various towns in Ontario and finally to St. John’s, NL. This turned in to a stay of over ten years until another move, to Ottawa.

Isobel loved her time in St. John’s, making many cherished friends. She was a member of Wesley United Church, Sorority and volunteered with the Vera Perlin Society. After returning to Ontario Isobel made many trips back to NL to see friends and family and enjoy the beautiful landscapes she loved. Loving thoughts go out to her dear friends there, Mona and Nellie.

Throughout her life, Isobel was a creative person. She painted oils and watercolours, did pottery and became an accomplished china painter. She taught her daughters to sew, crochet and embroider. She passed on her artistic genes to all three daughters. After their time in Ottawa, Isobel and Keith returned to Kitchener for retirement, reconnecting with old friends. They enjoyed being in the Waterloo region, close to Isobel’s Bruce Co. roots.

Isobel was immensely proud of her daughters and always supported their endeavours, delighting in their accomplishments. She was always happy to hear what her four grandchildren were up to and see them grow into adulthood. And when three great-grandchildren arrived, this was the icing on her life’s cake. Isobel had a wry sense of humour and she appreciated it in others. She had a keen interest in politics, reading two papers a day, magazines and yards of books over the years. She would often threaten to write to politicians to offer helpful suggestions to improve their decision making. Isobel and Keith were able to travel all over the world for his job which fulfilled her love of history, art and new landscapes.

Isobel is survived by her dear husband Keith and three daughters: Laurie (David Dempster) of St. John’s, NL, Merrilee (Evan Chase) of London and Jennifer (Randy Thompson) of Rocky Harbour, NL. She is also survived by her beloved grand children Laurie (Johanna), Zoe (Michael), Benjamin and Maren and the precious great-grandchildren Robert, Isobel and Sylvia. Isobel was a loving Mother, wife and Nana, her daughters are so thankful to have had such a wonderful Mom who nurtured them in childhood and guided them in to the world, teaching by example, the lessons of kindness, empathy and generosity.

A private family funeral service will be held. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Donations in Isobel’s memory may be made to Plan International Canada, 300-245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4P 0B3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SAMPSON, Catherine…

On February 17th 1950 into the Golden Age of Television, Hula Hoops and Poodle Skirts – Catherine Anne MacGougan was born unto her parents Anne (nee Bozik) and Donald MacGougan.

Born and raised in London, Ontario “on the Orchard” with a few younger years abroad in Campbelltown, Scotland her life’s journey took her on may travels near and far with her beloved soul-mate Thomas Robert Sampson. This graceful flight ended on the evening of Thursday, November 5, 2020 in her 70th year with her Husband, Daughter Marisa Anne Stafford and Son Robert William Sampson tenderly by her side.

At the centre of her legacy, her grandchildren Macy Anne and Marlowe Olivia Stafford, Zander and Luka Podolinsky-Sampson will sadly miss their affectionate “Nana”. Catherine will be dearly missed by her childhood playmates – her loving Brothers Campbell and Donald MacGougan and their wives Cathy and Wendy, her Brothers and Sister In-Law Howard & Karen Sampson, Tim Sampson & Marianne, Lauren & Murray Williams and many nieces and nephews.

Albeit not enough time but loved just the same she will be missed by her new found Big Brother Charles “Chuck” McCready and family.
The stars will continue to shine on all her friends and family as a reminder of the light and laughter that filled the room with her glowing presence.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where the Private Service will be conducted on Friday, November 20, 2020 followed by a procession to Woodland Cemetery, London where she will forever Rest in Peace in the shade of the Oak Trees.
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. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine’s memory can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com