Services & Obituaries

THORNTON, Richard Orwell…

It is with heavy hearts that the family of R. Orwell Thornton announce his passing in palliative care at University Hospital in London, on October 16, 2020. A few days after his 95th birthday, after a long struggle with cancer. Survived by his wife Marion Thornton, his daughter Lucille Switzer (Lloyd) and his son Donald (Karn). Also survived by his 5 grandchildren Scott, Stuart, Christopher, Ashton and Kalvin and their families, as well as 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation or service. A private family graveside service has taken place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in memory of Orwell may be made to Wesley Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 498, 20 Municipal Drive, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

YOUNG, Gladys…

On Friday, October 16, 2020, Gladys Marie Young (Wade), peacefully passed away a day after her 97th birthday, with family by her side.  She was born in 1923 in Ingersoll, ON to Joseph Vance Wade and Mary McIntyre Moir and had a long career at the Public General Hospital in Chatham, ON.  

Gladys was widowed to Charles Samuel Young in 1993.   She is survived by her son John (Roberta) Young and her daughter Patty Young.  Gladys was the proud grandmother to Shawn (Meaghan), Joey (Mandy), Katrina, Sam and Adriane (Rob) and a great grandmother to Marissa, Bridget, Emily, Chloe and Hayden.  Gladys sadly was predeceased by her brother Gordon Wade (Lila) and her sister Kathryn Baillie (late Bill), but survived by many much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.  

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to ALL the staff at Revera Elmwood Place where Gladys has resided for the past 15 years.  Thank you for your dedication to your work and the residents, it did not go unnoticed.  

In honour of Gladys’ wishes there will not be a formal service, she will be laid to rest following cremation with her mother and father at the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery.  Please take some time to reminisce with loved ones about some fond memories you have had with Gladys.  Donations in her honour could be sent to 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

BERGSMA, Dirk….

Was taken into glory to be with his Saviour, on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at his home in London, Ontario, at the age of 88. Dirk is survived by his dear wife of 62 years, Annemarie (Lindhout) and his children and grandchildren: Karen and Jan Nobel (Dave and Teresa, Derek and Amanda, Dan and Desiree, Justin and Helena, Jordan and Angelina), Richard and Marjorie Bergsma (Wes and Amy, Matt and Hannah, Greg and Jessica, Joel and Becca, Olivia), Marianne and Edward Slaa (Jonathan and Riana, Joel and Annemarie, Fraser and Hannah, Kenton, Raelene), and Heather and Richard Aikema (Adam and Janeanne, Matt, Jared and Leasa). He has been a loving “Grandpa Dirk” to 37 great-grandchildren. Dirk is also survived by his family in The Netherlands: his sister Ria and husband Piet Heidema, sister-in-law Ineke, brother Cor and wife Fenna, brother Joop and wife Truus, and nieces and nephews. Dirk will be missed by his wife’s family: Kees and Julie Lindhout , Jake and Nellie Oosterhoff, Bill and Elisabeth Oostdyk, Jack Lodder, Peter and Lorraine Lindhout, and many nieces and nephews. Dirk was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Hendrika (van Dijk) Bergsma, his brothers Corrie, Tom (Hennie), Jan (Corrie, Lies), Luuk (Lies), and Anne, all of The Netherlands. He was also predeceased by Cornelis and Elisabeth (Schoon) Lindhout, and Josephine (Lindhout) Lodder.

Dirk was born in Groningen, The Netherlands, into a busy family of seven brothers and one sister.  He was a young boy during World War Two, and his family experienced hardship and separation, especially when soldiers occupied the family home.  Dirk was conscripted into the Dutch army when he was 18 years old and served as a driving instructor for military vehicles.

Dirk began his career as a pastry chef in The Netherlands, and then was sponsored by Mr. Kees Lindhout to join his bakery in Orangeville.  There he met Kees’ young daughter, Annemarie.  She was young, but maturity overcame youth and, to quote Dad, “She could not take her eyes off me!”  They were married in 1958 and blessed with four children, and later 18 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.  Dad enjoyed involvement in family events and was also an active member of Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church (London), where he was an organist for 50 years. Dad spent many years making superior pastries, enjoyed by many people. Upon his retirement, Dad and Mom traveled extensively across Canada and elsewhere.

Several things come to mind when we think of our Dad.  He was well-known for his sense of humour, often injecting funny remarks into serious conversations. His love of music carried on throughout the years, as he played at church, at weddings and funerals, and was singing psalms and harmonizing even a few days before his death. Dad loved anything sweet – peppermints, “beschuit met suiker”, and more than one or two or three scoops of sugar in his coffee and tea. Dad was an example of thankfulness, daily thanking the Lord for all he and Mom had been given.

We were so grateful to have Dad home again after his week in the hospital. We were able to talk, joke, sing, and visit with him for those precious three days. Several grandchildren were able to see him yet and all his children came before the Lord took him home on Thanksgiving Sunday, which was also Mom and Dad’s 62nd wedding anniversary! We are so thankful for Dad’s example of serving God and others and we rejoice that he can now enjoy all that his heavenly Father has prepared for him. His children and grandchildren will be reminded of his familiar voice whenever we read Psalm 100:

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Friends are welcomed for visiting on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 7-9 pm at Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church, 266 High Street, London, where the funeral service will take place on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 1 pm. As a limited number of people are able to attend, sign up for the visitation and service is required and can be found at this link: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/655257522062/false#/invitation. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service can be found here: http://youtu.be/pKXmH7VWo4M. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in Dirk’s memory may be made to the Anchor Association, 361 Thirty Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

McDougal, June Audrey…
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Sunday, October 11, 2020, June McDougal passed away in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late Stan McDougal. Loving mother of Richard McDougal, Wendy Connolly and her partner Paul and Lorraine Lagrasse all of London. Dear grandmother of Shon, Nicholas, Cory, Mandy, Kelley and Samantha and her husband Blair and great-grandmother of Max and Spencer. Predeceased by her sons Barry and David McDougal. June enjoyed time watching birds and spending time in nature, she also had a great compassion for animals. Friends are welcomed for visiting one hour prior (9:30-10:30) to the funeral service on Saturday, October 17. 2020 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at 10:30 am. Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario https://thebao.ca/registrars-directive-changes-to-funeral-and-visitation-attendance/, a limited number of people are able to attend, please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the visitation or service. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear masks. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WHITEHEAD, Wilfred….

Wilfred Whitehead was born in June of 1956 in Walkerton, Ontario, and suddenly passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in London, Ontario at the age of 64 with his beloved wife, Linda Whitehead, by his side. Predeceased by his parents Anna and Elgin Whitehead and his sister Olive Tompson. Survived by his sisters Betty Stevenson and Vera Jantzen, brother Allan (Dianne) Whitehead, his children Martin Brown, Sherry Sararas, Tammy (Trevor) Shular and Honey Lynn (Richard) Daniels, his 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews. A private family service will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Donations in Wilfred’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

BLOEMBERG, Michael Matthew….

1977-2020

On October 3, 2020, peacefully surrounded by the love of his parents and sister, Michael Matthew Bloemberg was called home to sing in the choir of angels.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Michael knew he had an incredible sense of humour, a laugh that was contagious, and a smile that warmed your heart. Watching and feeding the birds, listening to music and hanging out with family and friends were just some of his favourite things to do. His strength, perseverance and pure joy for life was admired by each and every person he knew.

Michael will forever be in the hearts and thoughts of his parents Ralph and Nancy Bloemberg. Loved and never forgotten by his sister Jennifer, brother-in-law Jeremy and their children Makayla, Natalie, Zachariah and Emma Lueck. Predeceased by his grandparents Harm and Nellie Bloemberg who loved him very much, and still cherished today by grandparents George and Marie Soepboer. Lovingly remembered by many uncles, aunts and cousins. Missed by an incredible group of staff and residents at Forward House of London.

Michael and his family have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people through-out his 43 years. To you, we say thank-you for all you have done.

A private family memorial service and interment have taken place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Forward House of London, 111 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6B 2M4 or SARI Therapeutic Riding, 12659 Medway Road, Arva, ON N0M 1C0. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLARK, Frederick “Freddy”….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, Frederick Clark passed away at the age of 81. Husband of the late Patricia Clark (2002). Loving father of Susan (Rick), Debbie (Kevin), Wendy (Jack), Kimmie (Craig), Darren and Mechelle (Dave). Beloved and proud grandfather to Tonya, Andre, Adrian, Brandon, Sambo, Tracy, Shelby, Coral, Jake, Walker, Alisha, Cody, Becca, Megan, Chi Nodin, Elwood and Huron. Cherished great-grandfather to Kailee, Lexus, Jessica, Alex, Tyson, Makaya, Amari, Dallas, Kayla, Garrett, Leah, Alysha, Nic, Payton, Alvin, Jax and Arlo. Fred will be missed by his many nieces and nephews and friends. Due to current COVID restrictions, a private visitation will be held by invitation only. Cremation to follow. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London for immediate family only at a later date. Donations in Freddy’s memory may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MAREES, Jan….

Heaven welcomed the sweetest gentleman on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 in his 95th year. Surrounded by his loving family, the hearts in Holland, California, British Columbia, Chatham and London, gathered to rejoice in the most peaceful gentle passing. Loving Father of Wayne Marees and his wife Joanne of Kelowna, B.C. and Karen McCombe and her husband Stephen of London, ON. Adored Grandfather of Ruben (Karli), Alexander (Emma), Justine (Sam), Andrew (Stacey), Nikki and Annalise (Jeff). Proud Great Grandfather of Paxton and Levi, Hudson, Remington and Willow, North and Hart. Dear Brother of Trene Tysen-Marees and Jannie Kooy-Marees and her husband Cornelius. Predeceased by his brother Cornelius Marees. In love, we say goodbye to Opa. Deeply and faithfully he loved us all, always. We look forward to the day we meet again. Donations in Jan’s memory may be made to the Cardiac Care Program at Victoria Hospital, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, photographs and memories shared at www.amgfh.com

HERN, Dale William…

Peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2020, Dale William Hern in his 67th year. Loving father to Sean and Brent (Stephanie) Hern. Adored grandfather to Paighton, Lexington, Carter, Ethan, Addyson, Loki and Tinsley. Survived by his sister Darlene McIntyre (Rick), nephew Ryan and niece Michelle. Dale was an active member in the local Shriners, as well as a Mason in King Solomon’s No. 378 A.F.&A.M., where he proudly served as Grand Master twice. He had a lifelong passion for music, especially singing and playing the guitar, and loved people and social gatherings. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life to be held at a later date. Donation’s in memory of Dale may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GRAHAM, Marcella …

Peacefully at McCormick Home, London on Sunday, September 27, 2020, Marcella Graham passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Keith Ellis Connor (1988) and the late John “Jack” Robert Graham (2000). Dear mother of Cathrine Tapping and her husband Dan of London. Dear grandmother of Candyce McSpadden (Bob) of Petawawa, Danielle Tapping McManus (Mark) and Jocelyn Tapping Minns (Jake) both of London. Great grandmother of Tanner, Trace, Elizabeth, Jack, Victoria, Jude and Lincoln. Dear sister-in-law of Robert Connor. Predeceased by her daughter Candyce Connor (1968) and her brothers Earl and Keith Kraul (Beryl) and her sister Anna Paton. Also missed by her nieces and nephews.

During her marriage to Keith Connor, they owned and operated Cedar Grove Camp in Nipissing, ON. Many will remember her many years in sales at Eaton’s in London, ON. Her marriage to Jack Graham found her very involved in War Amps Canada and War Amps Widows – London Chapter. We would like to give a big Thank You, to everyone at McCormick Home for their caring and supportive ways while mom was there.

A private funeral service has been conducted. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donation’s in Marcella’s memory can be made to the War Amps, 1 Maybrook Drive Scarborough, Ontario M1V 5K9 or McCormick Care Foundation, 2202 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com