Services & Obituaries

STRIKE, Imogen….

Peacefully with her daughter by her side at McGarrell Place, London on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, Imogen Ruth Johanna Strike (nee Barth) in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late David Edward Walter Strike (2017) for 62 years. Loving mother of Vanessa Martine Strike (Stephen). Adoring Mama of Christian David Strike (Kailagh), Anikah Rose Strike-Sapp, and Mikah Imogen Dominique Strike-Sapp and Great-Mama of Blaise and Everly. Dear sister of Peter Liebeknecht (Helen) and sister-in-law of Karin Barth. Missed by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her infant daughter Claudia, and also by her brothers Martin, Norbert and Bernd. As per her grandson “she was pretty freakin’ cool… she was ferocious, in the most caring way”. Imogen was one of the most genuine heart-warming souls you would ever know. The family would like to thank Dr. Karen Lo and the amazing staff at McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. A private graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London ON N6A 3A1 or Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Southdale Road East, London ON N6E 1A1 or Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or SARI Therapeutic Riding, 12659 Medway Road, Arva, ON N0M 1C0. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STILES, William “Bill”….

Peacefully at Parkwood Institute, London, on Sunday, May 24, 2020, William “Bill” Stiles passed away in his 78th year after a lengthy battle with esophageal cancer.  Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Melba (nee Hodgson) Stiles, and his infant brother, John.  Beloved husband of the Rev. Joan (nee Weir) Stiles of London.  Loving father of Michael (Donna), Kimberley Ewing (Kevin), Brett (Sarah) and Heather Nadon (John).  Cherished “Poppa” to his grandchildren Julia, Gabriel, Johnny, Lily, Charlie, Caighlee, Jack, Luke, Daysha, Faith, Korben, Matthew and Liam.  Dear brother of his sister, Melba Park (Larry) of Lucknow.

During high school, Bill worked with his father in the funeral business.  Upon graduation, Bill worked full time and obtained his Funeral Director’s licence in 1966.  The highlight of his life was meeting Joan, coincidentally at her grandfather’s funeral which he had arranged for her family.  Bill and Joan were married the following year.

In 1982, Bill chose to leave the funeral business to focus on his family, and they moved from Goderich to London.  Many years later, in 1996, Bill started working at the first London Costco on Wellington Road, five years after it had opened.  He earned the nickname “Costco Bill” and enjoyed 18.5 years of fun there before he retired.  He has many cherished friends among his former coworkers.

He spent a good portion of his retirement as a spectator of the various activities of his grandchildren and could often be seen at minor league football games, choir recitals, hockey games, school plays, dance recitals, and soccer matches.  He was an avid sports fan who really hoped that the Leafs would win one more Cup!

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to many who assisted Bill in the latter part of his life including Drs Inculet, Lanting, McManus, Parent, Sanatani, Yu and each of their respective staffs; the Victorian Order of Nurses and the excellent care home care that they provide; the staff at Hamilton Pharmacy – Dr. Chawla and staff; and the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Institute.

A private family interment has taken place at Colborne Cemetery, Goderich.

Donations of sympathy in Bill’s name may be made to the Thoracic Surgery Division, London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or to the Victorian Order of Nurses, 100-2315 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, ON K1G 4J8.

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

McEllister, Guy R. P….

Peacefully on his own terms, after a short fight with cancer at Victoria Hospital, London, Guy R. P. McEllister passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Beloved husband of the late Margaret Joan McEllister (2018). Loving father of Gail Dewulf (Mike Reid) and Greg McEllister (Karen). Cherished grandfather of Michele Wolwowicz (Andrew), Lindsay Carnahan (Jeff) and Tracy McEllister (Kris Vanderheiden) and great-grandfather of Madelyne Vanderheiden. Dear brother of Mary McEllister (Dick Williams). Predeceased by his twin brother Morley and his younger brother Bill. Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Sympathy donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

CHEHADE, Adnan…
 
On Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, London. Adnan Chehade passed away in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of Graciella Chehade. Adnan will be missed by his children Johnny, Edward, Joel and his daughter in law Amanda. His three brothers Samih, Ramez, Ghassan, his sisters Najat, Nadia, Nawal, Georgette and their beloved families. Predeceased by Jamil and Farida his parents, Father and Mother in law Touffie, Marie and brother in law Michael Nicholas Kneyseh. Adnan Chehade came to Canada (Sudbury, ON) in 1972, in 1974 he relocated to London, ON where he worked proudly at Ford Motor Company for over 20 years. Adnan Chehade was of Syrian decent and was a vice-president and founding member of the Canadian Arab Society. He also was a co-founder of The Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church established in 1978. His friends knew him as fast Eddie or Uncle Eddie. His charm and smile filled the room and he had an ability to tell stories like no other. Adnan was an avid fan of the Western Mustangs Football Team, Toronto Maple Leafs and most of all the Toronto Blue Jays.  
 
A private family graveside will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Adnan to the Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Church, 465 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1M2. Funeral arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
 

SEMPLE, Constance “Connie” Emily (nee King)….

November 30, 1920-May 13, 2020

Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Parkwood Hospital, London, in her 100th year. Connie was born in England and came to Canada in 1946 as a war bride.

Beloved wife of the late Hugh Semple (1986). Devoted mother of Anne (Allan) Garrett, Dave (late Janis), Sheila (Rob) McCracken, Alex (Sharon) and Bill (Debbie). Little Freddie passed away in 1952. Loving grandmother of Chris Garrett (Julia Correia), Karen Garrett (Bryan Salt), Thomas Garrett (Susan), Julie Dale (Mike), Cheri Raine, Bob Semple, Sarah Roger (Robert) and Sean Semple. Loving “G.G.” of Owen and Brandon Dale, Kepler and Anneliese Salt, and Sebastian Garrett. Also survived by many relatives in Canada, England and Sweden. Predeceased by her parents Charles and Lucy King, brother Ken and sisters Peggy, Julie and Ethel all of England.

The family would like to thank the staff of the SMAU unit, LHSC Victoria campus and 5B South at Parkwood Hospital for all the care and attention that Connie received during her time there. A private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. A Celebration of Connie’s Life will be held at a later date.

Any donations to Mount Zion United Church, 471 Ridgewood Crescent, London, ON N6J 3H7, Ark Aid Mission, 696 Dundas Street, London, ON N5W 2Z4 or a charity of your choice 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

VENNE: Tracy…

In loving memory of Tracy Ann Dybyk, who sadly passed away May 10th, 2020 with her daughter by her side. Her love was unconditional and she in turn was adored by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9 or the Children’s Health Foundation, 345 Westminster Ave, London, ON N6C 4V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

APEDO-CLARKE, Dorothy…

With a deep sense of loss, and yet with the joyful assurance that Dorothy is now in the eternal care of the One to whom she committed her whole life, we announce her passing at London Health Sciences Centre Victoria Hospital on May 9, 2020 at the age of 56.

Dorothy was the cherished wife for 21 years of Steve Clarke of London. She was dearly held by her predeceased parents, Alexander Apedo-Moko and Lusi Mongo. Adored by her father-in-law (late) Rev. Morley Clarke and mother-in-law Trudie Clarke. Dearly loved Mom of Juliet Ariba of Toronto, Jonelle Clarke of London, and Esther Clarke of London. Dear sister of Selina Opus (late Francis) of Entebbe, Uganda, Phoebe Agwang (Max) of Kapelebyong, Uganda and Alfred Odeng (Stella, Lucy) of Kapelebyong, Uganda. Loved by brother-in-law Grant Clarke (Jane) of Dahlonega, Georgia, sister-in-law (late) Brenda Duncan and brother-in-law Rev. David Duncan (Ruth) of Woodstock, and sister-in-law Nancy Lahn (Murray) of Cedar Valley. She is also fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Dorothy was born and raised in Uganda. She was deeply proud of her rural African roots in the Kapelebyong District of north-east Uganda. As such, throughout her life she remained an avid gardener. Dorothy earned her Sociology and Social Administration Honours Bachelor degree in 1987, and her Masters of Public Administration and Management degree in 1996 (the same year she first met her future husband, Steve). Dorothy served as Program Facilitator and then Sponsor Service Manager for Compassion International, Uganda. She then served as Executive Director for a women’s empowerment organization, Forum for Women in Democracy.

In 1999 Dorothy married Steve and immigrated to Canada in October of that year. In her new country she dove immediately into in a variety of work roles, including Operations Supervisor at TeleTech, a software customer service organization. During this time she also earned a Medical Administrative Assistant diploma at Westervelt College. She joined the Corporation of the City of London in 2010, fulfilling several administration roles. Ultimately, she was placed as a Community Support Associate in Neighbourhood, Children & Fire Services.

Dorothy’s birth name was Tabitha. In high school a senior in her boarding school whose name was Dorothy led her to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. She chose to change her first name to Dorothy in honour of this young lady who had witnessed the love of her Lord so powerfully. Since that time, Dorothy has remained a committed Christian, devoted to vibrancy in church fellowship. She is known to family, church members, friends and acquaintances as a sister with a deep servant heart. She has lived out her faith in countless practical, loving ways. (People were drawn irresistibly to her extravagant cooking!) Even during the trying times of her final illness in hospital, Dorothy was constantly looking to reach out to others’ needs in love and service, and pointing them to Jesus.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date when COVID-19 public meeting restrictions have been lifted.

Donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to Compassion Canada, 985 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N6E 4A3 or London Pregnancy & Family Support Centre, 261 Piccadilly Street, London, ON N6A 1S3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BOCKING, Dr. Douglas…

On May 9, 2020, 4 weeks before his 100th birthday, Douglas Bocking, CM, MD, FRCPC, FACP, CFPC (Honorary), Professor Emeritus Western University, died peacefully with family at his side, due to complications following a broken hip. Predeceased by his parents, W. Reginald and Leona Bocking of St. Thomas, twin brother Jack (1948), sister Margaret Edworthy (2002) and wife of 66 years, Vivian (Dixon).  Loving father of Barbara (John Thompson), Bruce (Elizabeth van Ryn), Kenneth (Dianne, predeceased 2015), Alan (Barbara), Donald (Anne Morawetz) and Robert (Barbara Souther). Loving grandfather of David  (Lecia), Heather (Brad), Kristen (Jeff), Jennifer (Ben), Lauren (Wade), David (Sarah), Emma van Ryn, Andrew (Andrea), Steven (Candice), Kathryn (Nathan), Natalie (Stephen), Jacqueline (Christopher), Kimberley (Scotty), Christopher (Bianca), Graham (Laura ), Laura (Nick), Tara (Elad), Bryce (Richelle). Dearly loved by 26 great-grandchildren, Carolyn Bocking, cousins, nieces and nephews. Doug will  be greatly missed by his dear friend Ruth Drake.

A graduate of the St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, Doug entered the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Western Ontario in 1938.  Because of World War II, the class of Meds ’44 was accelerated with graduation in August 1943 (Meds 43B). Following a 9 month internship at the Montreal General Hospital, where he met Vivian, Doug joined the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve as a Surgeon Lieutenant. After the war, Doug completed his postgraduate training at the Montreal General Hospital followed by 2 years of General Practice at the Smith Clinic, Hawkesbury, Ontario. From 1950-52, Doug did further postgraduate training at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston and then returned to London to practice Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. He was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at UWO in 1965 and remained as Dean until 1978. This was followed by the position of Vice-President, Health Sciences until 1984 and then serving as Vice-Provost Health Sciences until 1987.

Doug had a passion for the outdoors, was an avid birder and canoeist. He was the Founding President of the London Canoe Club and was instrumental in having the Thames River declared a Canadian Heritage River by the Governments of Ontario and Canada in 2000. He was the Founding Chair of the Board of Directors for Fanshawe College and served on numerous volunteer Boards including the Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, YMCA of London, and the Westminster Institute for Ethics and Human Values. He was also the Founding Chair of the Board of the London Intercommunity Health Centre. In 1999, Doug was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Health Care and Community Service.

In addition to his volunteer and professional contributions, Doug was a loving and proud father of his many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to recognize them for their accomplishments. Sunday dinners, always boisterous with four generations around the table, typically ending with Vivian’s homemade pie and the Bocking sons, led by Doug, cleaning up and doing the dishes. Often, Doug would regale the family with a new joke, invoking laughter long before the punch line because he could never tell the joke without chuckling himself.  Even at 99+, he always remembered a joke!

At age 94, Doug decided to enhance his fitness level and joined a local gym. He valued physical fitness and ran with Terry Fox when he went through London in 1980. Doug continued to participate in the Terry Fox Run for years even though he was forced to walk in his final few years. Bird watching, hiking and canoeing at the family cottage near Torrance, in Muskoka, were highlights each summer.  

The family would like to express their appreciation to Soumaly Chaleunsavath for her compassionate care provided to Doug. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Health Care London Foundation, London Health Sciences Foundation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry 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

Mary Beth Jennings, PhD

On May 5 after a lovely and temperate Spring day with the magnolia and early flowering bulbs heralding Spring’s arrival, Beth passed on into the twilight with Craig by her side at home. It was her time. She was at peace. Beth had a long journey with Ewing’s sarcoma, but on her terms, she always vowed to take the high road and keep going.

Beth was a proud Sudburian at heart and was born into an extended family with 3 generations living under one roof. She was a quick learner and as a child acquired tailoring skills from her Orcadian grandfather, Thomas Linklater, who ran a very popular tailor shop in Sudbury for many years specializing in men’s hats, suits and furnishings. When he became blind and deaf in one ear Beth became aware of how hearing loss can profoundly affect a person’s communication and she worked diligently to communicate with her Grandpapa. As their eldest child, her parents, Barbara and Gordon instilled in her and her brother Grant the Presbyterian family values of responsibility, compassion, respect and kindness.

At Laurentian University, Beth, a bright student, completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology.  
Along with fellow student, Jean-Pierre Gagne, Beth took courses in Sensation and Perception and Psychology of Hearing with Dr. R. H. Farrant who persuaded both of them to pursue a degree in Audiology. She completed a Master of Clinical Science (Audiology) Degree and later a PhD in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University in London, ON. J.-P. Gagne also obtained his PhD and subsequently became the Director of the École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie at the Université
de Montréal. Over the years, both J.-P. and Beth collaborated on several research articles.
 
Beth was a pioneer in her field in that she recognized that hearing technology was the start of a person’s hearing rehabilitation. She started work as an audiologist at the Canadian Hearing Society in Toronto where she developed and ran hearing help classes for adults with hearing loss. She was the driving force in providing an Elderhostel program that ran for 10 years. Through therapeutic community-based aural rehabilitation programs Beth encouraged individuals living with hearing loss to overcome their difficulties in understanding speech and improve their communication skills in the workplace, and in real-life social environments such as restaurants, sporting events, concerts, and theatre outings. On secondment from C.H.S., Beth participated in a research project in Dundas, ON that focused on hearing rehabilitation programmes in retirement homes. That project is what sparked her interest in research.

Beth was as an Associate Professor and for the past 20 years a faculty member in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Western University and an Associate in the National Centre for Audiology. Beth supervised, mentored and ‘mothered’ many Master of Clinical Science students in Aural Rehabilitation practicums as well as several MSc and PhD students. Beth provided significant contributions to audiology research, and the training of audiology and speech-language pathology students world-wide, but especially in Canada. Even in her last years, she remained a strong and committed research supervisor, editing a dissertation between surgery and rounds of chemotherapy. Her work in adult aural rehabilitation, family-centred care and counselling, innovations in workplace accessibility and participation for persons with hearing loss, social stigma and universal design for hearing loss is well known.

Beth was highly regarded within the global audiological community and was a frequent invited speaker at Canadian and international conferences where she shared her friendship, research and clinical knowledge. Beth was an innovative practitioner, researcher, teacher and her legacy is vast. Beth collaborated and published over 50 articles, and many book chapters, including one just recently published. Beth did her very best, every moment, to create a better future for people living with hearing loss. Many adults with hearing loss lead more active and participatory lives due to her insight, empathy, and wisdom. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

During her career she developed many lasting friendships with colleagues in Canada, U.S.A., Europe and Australia. She was always the first on board to plan the menus for family events and the first caller online to book season tickets for the Stratford and Shaw Festivals which was an annual family outing. She maintained her skills in the rag trade and knitted many intricate patterned garments and took up felting just this past year. A keen reader, she proposed to read a huge collection of literature during her illness. Her hidden talents included playing piano and bagpipes, figure skating, culinary artist, tap dancer, orchid grower and want-to-be archeologist.

Predeceased by her mother Barbara (Linklater), she will be forever remembered by Craig, her partner, Gordon, her father, her brother Grant (Christine), nephew Collin and nieces Brittany and Brianne. She will be missed by many in-laws, relatives, friends, and work colleagues.  

A huge round of applause goes out to the entire healthcare team that allowed Beth to spend her last 7 weeks in the comfort of her home during very challenging times. This includes her PSW, Maria, the LHIN Co-ordinator Susan Arnold, Dr. Namita Kanwar, and the nursing staff including Ewa, Florence, Sara and Paolo who along with the medication injected a shot of compassion and kindness. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr.’s Orsini, Bertrand and Oncologists Dr. Welsh and Dr. D’Souza, and all the nurses and staff at the London Regional Cancer Program and the Oncology Unit at Victoria Hospital.   

Beth valued and appreciated the patience, understanding and support from everyone who helped her during her illness, this includes the many family, friends, and neighbours who supported her on her journey. Many thanks to the women at St. James Lutheran Church in New Dundee for handcrafting the finely knitted prayer blanket that provided Beth with great comfort.
   
A service and interment at Parklawn Cemetery in Sudbury are being planned for a later date.

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

‘Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May. And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.’

NEWMAN, John Becher…

John Becher Newman, 98, avid iPhone, FaceTime and social media techie, barbershop singer, gardener, wood carver, bingo player, crossword solver and Sudoku master was born on May 25, 1921 and peacefully left us on Saturday, May 2, 2020. John was a true gentleman, with a kind heart and a twinkle in his eye who inspired everyone through his joyful attitude toward life. Born in Adiscombe Surrey, South London, UK, John spent his childhood growing up in Brighton. He served in the British Air Force in WW2, 1941-1946, before emigrating to Canada with his beloved wife Betty (nee Heason), to build elevators in 1950.

John is survived by his second wife, Brenda Newman. Loving father of Keith, Steve, Wendy, and Mark (Claudia) Newman and Laura Stinson. Proud grandfather of Matt (Megan), Sarah, Mitch and Nick. He will be greatly missed by a host of extended family in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and Australia. His absence will be felt by friends both young and old, who were inspired by his retirement home adventures.

John was a rare combination of someone who had a deep love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – being kind, always saying “Please and thank you”, and telling others how much he loved them. 

John bought his first iPhone at 93 and quickly became a Snapchatting, selfie snapping, Facetiming, mobile banking techie. To him it was a crisis when he was unable to transfer mobile photos onto his HP computer. Technology kept him connected and entertained as he frequently checked his Find Friends app to confirm Sarah and Laura’s whereabouts. When his puzzles were done for the day, he used his QR code scanner to investigate everything with a barcode.

John will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a sincere, intellectual, and inquisitive man with a youthful curiosity and a mischievous chuckle. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and the wonderful staff at Royalcliffe Retirement Residence, who are likely relieved his days of delighting fellow residents by speeding about and spinning circles in his electric wheelchair have come to an end. Thank you to the Royalcliffe staff for a rich and exciting two years of retirement home living!

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

Shortly before being uploaded to his own cloud, John wished that “Everyone would have a safe and happy life”. In support of this wish, donations in John’s memory can be made to an organization of your choice assisting those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

“When I come to the end of the road and the sun is set for me,

I want no rights in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the laughter and joy we shared and lovingly let me go.”