Services & Obituaries

SMITH, Richard Gerard (Rick)….

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the sudden and unexpected death of Richard Gerard Smith, age 54, on August 15, 2020 in London, Ontario, of natural causes. Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Rick was a son of Trueman and Verona (Marchand) Smith. He had a deep love for his family. Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Ann and his only child and love of his life, Nicole. He leaves behind his siblings Caroline (John) Burke, Ontario; Dr. Pat McKenna (Bob Chisholm), Antigonish; Dr. Trueman Smith (Laurie), Tennessee; Margaret Anne (Harry) Stewart, Calgary as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law Boyd McKenna, his grandparents B.J. & Eugenie Marchand and John E. & Libby Smith. Rick worked as an electrician. He was a generous, kind and loving man with deep roots in Nova Scotia. May he Rest In Peace. Cremation has taken place. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will take place at St. Justin’s Catholic Church in London, Ontario on September 4, 2020. A Memorial Service in Nova Scotia will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8, or 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

HEY, Peter….

Peter passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Saturday, August 8, 2020 in his 87th year following a period of declining health. He will be dearly missed by his children Andrew (Laura), Cynthia Preston (Dan), Simon (Charlotte), Patrick and Maria Coey (Paul).

Peter was born as the eldest son of Maria & Herbert Hey in Queensbury Yorkshire (UK). He apprenticed as a Loom Fixer at Foster’s Mill, where he played cornet in the company’s Black Dyke Mills Band, winning in the National Brass Band Championship in 1951.  

He served three years of National Service with the Black Watch Second Battalion Military Band, including a tour in British Guiana where he met his wife Monica. His work took him traveling to Nigeria, Trinidad, Egypt, Switzerland and Sweden.  

He immigrated to Canada in 1966, working in the weaving industry primarily in Brantford for many years until his retirement. He continued his musical career in Canada, including playing trumpet in the Brantford Symphony and leading his dance band The Aristocrats. In his leisure years he loved playing golf & singing karaoke.

Peter was blessed with twelve grandchildren: Helen (Marshall) & Ian Hey; Carole (Severin), Sarah (Josh), Jessica, Benjamin & Jonathan Preston; Paul (Heather), Michael & Luke Hey; Andreas & Mattis Coey and four great-grandchildren Andreas & Dorothy, Aurora & Felix. They will cherish their memories of Grandad with his quick smile, gentle voice and strong spirit.

He will be fondly remembered by his brother Phillip (Pauline), nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Monica (2006), his companion Verla Duhaime (2012), brothers David (2013) & Jack (2016) and his grandson Benjamin Preston (2015).

Family & friends will be gathering privately in person and virtually to celebrate his life and remember him fondly. Memorial donations are appreciated in lieu of flowers to the Willett Hospital Paris In-Patient Transitional Care Unit through the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation, 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford, ON N3R 1G9 or a charity of your choice.

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

McFARLEN, Kara…
 
It is with unimaginable sadness that the family of Kara Brooke McFarlen announce her passing peacefully in her sleep on August 8, 2020.
 
Long-time partner of Tim Assing, daughter of Brydon and Judy McFarlen, Daughter-in-law of Mervyn and Diane Assing.  Sister-in-law of Nicole and ShIrvin  Saroop. Sister of Lauren McFarlen, special Aunt to Brandon, Blake, Chase, Sawyer, and Sivan.  Special niece of Jill Wilcox and Tom Bogart , John Wilcox and aunts Cathy, Rae and Eleanor and uncle Dean from British Columbia.
 
Kara was born in London on August 23, 1977 and attended Cartier Public School followed by South Secondary School where she was an outstanding student both academically and in athletics.
 
 After attending both the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College she entered into a career with the Ministry of the Solicitor General as a probation and parole officer, where she worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate.
 
Kara had a passion for life that was infectious. She was loved by a wide circle of friends, greatly respected by all those in her profession and was known for her incredible generosity and wit.
 
Our hearts and spirts are broken, but remembering the unbridled spirit that was Kara Brooke, she will remain with us forever.
 
“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
 
Cremation has taken place and a small family celebration of Kara’s life will be held.
 
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Kara’s memory may be made to the London Food Bank or the Humane Society of London & Middlesex. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALKSNIS, Rolfs …

Peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Kristus Darzs Latvian Home, Woodbridge, Rolfs Alksnis passed away at the age of 95. Beloved husband of the late A. Vera (Ritmeisters) Alksnis. Dear father of Edite Lynch and her late husband Bill of Innisfil and the late Inara Kuskis. Also loved by his 4 grandchildren Jamie, Peter, Dina and Andrea and 6 great-grandchildren Kristina, Erika, Colson, Julia, Nolan and Ryder. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Due to current restrictions the service will be by invitation only. All those attending the funeral home are required to wear a face mask. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rolfs memory can be made to the Latvian Relief Society of Canada, 4 Credit Union Drive, Toronto, ON M4A 2N8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www. amgfh.com

FLESHER, Barbara Isabella (nee Patton)…

After a rewarding life through strong faith, peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London Ontario on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at the age of 86. Beloved wife of the late John (Jack). Forever supportive mother of Susan Cameron (Grant), John (Colleen) and Jim (Kristine). Predeceased by her parents Alexander and Rena Patton (McKinley), brother Jack and sister Lynda. Remembered lovingly by brother Bill Patton (Nancy), brother in law Howard Conway, James Flesher, Ron Flesher (Anne), sister in law Anita Flesher and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also predeceased by Robert and Lillian, Stanley, and Nora Flesher.
 
Inquisitive and loving grandmother of Brittany (Adam), Keenan, Jordan, Zachary, Reilly, Nicole, Alexander (Krysta) and Elizabeth (Christian). Proud Great grandmother of Casidhe, Isabella, and Kinsley, Henry and Bentley, Connor and Kenzie.

Barbara (Barb) had great memories of friends made through her volunteer time with the Plummer Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop and Willowgrove and St. Andrews United Churches in the Soo. Due to the current COVID restrictions, private visitation to take place. A private memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Mount Zion United Church, London, with Rev. Dr. Kenji Marui officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Sault Ste. Marie to take place in September 2020.

Memorial contributions to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, 750 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0A8, or to the Sault Ste. Marie Chapter of CNIB, #103-727 North Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 5Z3 would be welcomed. Barb loved to travel and proudly shared her travel photos of North America especially Alaska telling the kids, “that is the one place you all have to see”. Barb’s special caring traits will live on through her family who are deeply saddened by her loss. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROCH, Therese….
Therese Marie Regina (Theresa) Roch of London, in her 94th year, passed away at her residence, on Friday, July 31, 2020.

Therese was born to the late Regina and Albain Dureault, on September 8, 1926, in Wolseley, Saskatchewan. She was one of the youngest of a very large family and grew up on the family farm. Therese and her sisters worked hard helping their parents run the farm during WWII when her brothers went out to war.

Therese then moved to Sudbury, Ontario, to work for her older sister, Antoinette Burke, at Burke’s Boarding House. It’s there she met and became the beloved wife of the late Joseph Roch (1998), who also moved East from Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba. They shared 49 wonderful years together before his passing.

Therese spent almost sixty years in Elliot Lake, Ontario, where, with Joe, she raised her family. She provided a loving and supportive home, which allowed her husband and children to flourish. For many years, she was the manager of Sidwell’s Jewelry Store and was well known and loved in the community.

Therese is survived by her four cherished children, Raymond Roch (Shelley) (Surrey, BC), Diane Nauss (Joel) (White Rock, BC), Armand Roch (Heather) (London, ON), and Alice Cornwall (Pat) (Mississauga, ON), and one sibling, Alice Bodson (Sudbury, ON).

Therese will also be fondly remembered as “Memere” by four grandchildren, Nathan, Devin (Emily), Michael (Meghan) and Adam (Roxanne), and four great grandchildren, Kingston, Sienna, Sloan and Ivee.

Therese will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

Therese had compassion and empathy, and was able to make friends wherever she went. She always made people feel welcomed and would listen to anyone who wanted to talk to her. Her children’s friends called her “Mama Roch” and it was not uncommon for everyone to gather in the family backyard and socialize.

In her retirement years in Elliot Lake before moving to London, Therese was very active including many walks with friends, swimming, and could always be seen on Elliot Lake cross country skiing in her bright red jacket.

Therese spent her last five years at Chartwell’s Royalcliffe Retirement Residence, London, Ontario, where she continued to stay active, and as was her way, established many new friendships.

She will always be remembered for her love of family, reaching out by phone to all her family (immediate & extended) & friends, spunk, constant smile, and a second mother to many.

Cremation has taken place.

Friends are welcomed to join the Funeral Mass online at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at http://www.youtube.com/sgtvlondon . Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London, next to her beloved husband, Joseph.
 
Sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

TALBOT, Leona Lucille…

Peacefully at McCormick Home, London, on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Leona Lucille Talbot, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Nelson Harry Talbot (Jan. 30, 2009). Dear mother of Gerry (Shirley) Talbot, Donna (Michael) Trosino, Susan Talbot, Sandra Woods and Robert Talbot. Cherished grandmother of Todd and Carolyn Talbot, Shannon and Sean Ahearn, Cameron (Sarah) and Kristin Moses. Special GiGi to Anika, Hershall, and Baby Sydney in heaven. In view of COVID restrictions, a private memorial service will take place at a later date. In memory of our mother, donations may be made to McCormick Home, 2022 Kains Road, London ON N6K 0A8. Our family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the loving staff of McCormick Home and Highview Residence for their professional and compassionate care of our mom. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-4335184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STAPYLTON, Michael…..

Mike Stapylton passed away in his 97th year on Monday, July 27, 2020 after being so well cared for by the staff at Meadow Park Nursing Home, London. Beloved husband of the late Edna Stapylton and the late Joan Stapylton. Loving father of Carolyn Dafoe, Janice Callow, Peter Stapylton and his wife Pat and Paul Stapylton all of London. Dear grandfather of several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Predeceased by his brothers John and Stephen Stapylton-Smith and his special friend Anne Welsh. Mike was a long-time owner of Home Hardware on Adelaide Street in London. Cremation has taken place and private interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 371 King Street, London, ON N6B 1S4 or London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, ON N5Z 3M5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BARR, Norma June (nee Walker)
 
In her 95th year with her family by her side, Norma passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario on July 23rd, 2020.
 
Predeceased by her husband James Barr (1988), daughter Susan Thomson (2016) and siblings Bill Walker (1990), Phyllis Mennell (2018), George Walker (2005) and David Walker (1991). Norma is survived by children Carolyn (Brian) Bouchard, Peter Barr, Julie (Steve) Clarke and grandchildren Andrew and Ian Thomson, Christopher Bouchard, Lindsay Meroniuk and Stephanie Bouchard, Kyle, Craig and Lesley Barr and Timothy and Jillian Clarke. Norma is also survived by sisters Sheila Stafford, Helen Johnson, Gerry Davis and Carole Hawkins.
 
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held at a later date, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sympathy donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449 Station B, London, Ontario N6A 5M2, the Humane Society London &  Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LEE, Margaret “Peggy”…

Peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Margaret “Peggy” Lee passed away in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Lee (2019). Dear mother of Cary Lee and his wife Debbie of London, Linda Lee and her husband Steven Zronik of London, Barbara Lee of St. Marys and Jeffrey Lee and his wife Kate of Brampton. Dear grandmother of Carrie-Anne Zronik, Erin Loring (Alexander), Jeffrey Lee (Brittany), Heather Lee and Stephan Lee. Great grandmother of January and Piper Loring and Ronin Lee. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Jean Sigsworth, Marybelle Wright, James Wright, Ruth Wright and Jessie Mawson and her brothers-in-law James Sigsworth, Harold Elson and Gordon Mawson and her sister-in-law Elizabeth Wright . Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Peggy worked as a Registered Nurse for many years throughout the city of London, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Westminster Hospital, the Kellogg’s Factory and the Shute Institute, London. Due to current restrictions, a private family graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A celebration of Peggy’s life will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Smile Canada, 204-375 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2J5 or to Leprosy Relief Canada, 305-1805 Sauve Street West Montreal, QC H4N 3H4. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com