Services & Obituaries

RUSHTON, John Angus….

1922-2020

It is with great sadness that the family of John Rushton of London and formerly of Port Elgin, announces his passing on April 5th, 2020, in his 99th year.

John was the loving husband and best friend of Ruth (Black) Rushton for over 72 years!  John and Ruth started to date each other when Ruth was in grade 8 (1937).  They were engaged on February 14th, 1942 and married on June 14th, 1947.

John was the devoted and much loved father of Susan Schoen and her husband Bob of Grayslake, Illinois, USA and Cindy Stewart and her husband Paul of London.  Papa, as he was known, will be sadly missed by his wonderful, loving grandchildren Matt Schoen, Maura Schoen, Charlie and Melissa Schoen, Kelly and Tommy Doyle, Jack Schoen and his dear, sweet great granddaughter Charlotte Ruth Schoen, all of the USA.  John was predeceased by his “Favourite Canadian” grandson Jonathon Stewart (January 8th, 2020).  John was also predeceased by his sister Freda Brubacher and brother-in-law Ralph of Elmira as well as his brother -in-law Duncan Black and sister-in-law Jane of Florida.  John will be affectionately remembered by the Rushton, Brubacher, Black, McIntosh, and MacDonald extended families.

John was a Postal Worker on the Canadian National Railway and a Managing Auditor for Revenue Canada until his retirement in 1987. He was a faithful member of Wesley-Knox United Church where he was a Life Time Member of the Official Board and sat on the Board of Trustees. John loved the cottage in Port Elgin and spent many wonderful times with his family and good friends!

The Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Chartwell Royalcliffe London for their wonderful care over the last 4 years. As well as the great team of Nurses and Doctors at LHSC Victoria Hospital London, for John’s care over the last 2 weeks!

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Donations to Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street London, ON N6C 1E7 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

COULTER, Betty

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020 sadly we had to say goodbye to our sweet mom and grandma, Betty Coulter.  Mom went peacefully to join her beloved Larry (September 2010). Left behind to cherish her memory are her four children, Robb (Anne), Cheryl (Ken), Kevin (Nancy) and Les (Steph). Betty was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren who loved to call her G.G. Eldest daughter of Leslie and Marina Norton, she is survived by her younger brothers Vaughn and Nick, predeceased by sisters Joan. Shirley and Erie.

Cremation has taken place, with a celebration of her life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

“Grab that brass ring”

KURILSKY, Nonna…
Peacefully at Kensington Village Long Term Care, on Tuesday March 31, 2020, Nonna Kurilsky of London Ontario in her 96th year passed. Beloved mother of Dimitry Kurilsky and his wife Trish and Natalie Graham and her husband Dennis all of London. Also loved by her grandchildren Sasha Butler (Stuart) in Calgary and Deena Kurilsky in Toronto; and Alexa, Dmitri and Katerina Graham in London. Great grandson Paxton will remember her fondly from a visit last year and photos/videos of her holding him as a baby. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Alex Kurilsky.

Nonna was born in a rural area of Belarus (near Mogilev), part of the iron curtain. She and her family got their chance to escape the oppressive regime of Stalin when the Nazi army overran Belarus in WW2. The family fled to Poland and then to Stuttgart Germany managing to get through numerous checkpoints by cleverly using their multiple language skills. They lived in a tiny flat in Stuttgart for 5 years towards the end of the war and for a few years after. Nonna completed her high school while there. The family was looking for more opportunity, and on her father’s urging she registered with Canadian Immigration Service and was soon on a ship to Canada, landing at Halifax Pier 21 and not long after making it to London. She worked hard for a number of institutions in London Ontario doing food preparation and serving to earn enough money to sponsor her parents and her brother’s family so they could follow her several years later. Nonna met her husband Alex in London and they started a family in 1953. She has always been extremely thankful to Canada and would remind all of us every time we met that Canada was the best country in the world. She has been the foundation and a beacon to her own and extended family for her whole life. She will be dearly missed. Simply the best mom, grandmother, great grandmother and citizen of Canada.

The family would like to thank the many dedicated health care workers; the nurses, doctors, PSWs, SWs, PTs and OTs, University Hospital and Kensington Village Retirement and Long-Term Care Home. The treatment and care they provided to Nonna over the past 4 1/2 months was exceptional and very much appreciated.

Due to Covid-19 precautions a private funeral service will be held at the grave site at Woodland Cemetery, London on Friday, April 3, 2020. The service will be led by The Very Reverend Vladimir Morin of the Russian Orthodox Church of Christ the Saviour. As circumstances permit a mass to celebrate Nonna’s life will be held at a future date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BASQUE, John….

A loving, caring man with such generosity of heart left us suddenly on Monday March 30, 2020, in his 62nd year. John is survived by his wife Susan, children Kevin and Nadine, parents Stella and Lloyd (Francine), siblings Kevin and Lynn Bouchard (Robert), niece Sofie, and stepchildren Lisa (Paul) and Laurie (Matt). John is the love of Susan’s life and their time together, although much too short, has been filled with so many wonderful memories. His children Kevin and Nadine always brought a smile to his face and joy to his heart. John’s entire family was everything to him. John was always a star athlete. He was an avid golfer, who loved his Ping Zing irons (even though they were so old). He was master of the BBQ, had a great sense of humour and loved to tell a good story. John and Susan loved to travel, enjoy family and friends or simply spend time together at home. John will be deeply missed by his family and the many close friends whom he treasured. A private service will be held with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with date and time to follow. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy donations can be made to Parkinson Canada, 316-4211 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M2P 2A9. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SEDDON, Joseph “Joe”

Unexpectedly at home on Monday, March 30, 2020, Joe Seddon passed away at the age of 77. Father of Brenda Jo and Kelly Jean. Dear brother of Evelyn, Joan and Maureen all of England. Good friend of Dan and Cathy O’Neill and their daughter Christie, Mike and Adele Overton and Mary Brekelmans. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place when it is safe for friends to gather again. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mission Services of London, 4-797 York Street, London, ON, N5W 6A8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HALEY, Henrietta….

Henrietta “Etta” MacDonald Haley (nee Crawford) passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the age of 95. Etta was born in Scotland, the daughter of Annie and Duncan Crawford. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Frank William Haley (2004). Mother of Anne House, Eileen Williamson (Ken), Frank Haley, Helen Flaherty (the late Paul), Ken Haley (the late Kim), Karen Fragiskatos (Ted), and Duncan Haley. Grandmother of Aileen and Andrew House; Neil (Jody), Frank, James (Colleen), and Stuart Williamson; Michael, Ryan (Courtney), Jacklyn Cardiff (Jessen) and Craig Flaherty; Kyle (Sarah) and Kelsey (Jen) Haley; Peter and Effie Eyman (Scott) Fragiskatos; and Matthew, Stephen and Evelyn Haley. Great grandmother of 11.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Etta’s life will be held at a later date. Special thanks to the staff at Royalcliffe Retirement Residence who became part of her family over the past 6 years and to University Hospital staff on the 8th floor who cared for her so carefully in her final days.

Donations in Etta’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MURRAY, William “Bill” Crawford passed away in his London home on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the age of 74. Born on November 16, 1945, Bill spent his formative years in London and graduated from the University of Western Ontario. Although he spent many years living in Toronto and Florida, his hometown always held a special place in his heart, and he happily spent his last years living in London. A master of reinvention, Bill changed careers many times and in 2010 he was appointed to the Social Benefits Tribunal, where he had a reputation for being both compassionate and fair. He parlayed his love of politics into a career of over twenty years at Queen’s Park where he held various roles including Assistant to the Whip, and Director of Operations for the Liberal Party. He always had time for the junior members of his team, who he loved mentoring, and could often be found raising a glass with colleagues at local watering holes. A kind and genuine man with a great sense of humour, Bill had an endless curiosity about the world and never stopped learning new things. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his sister Judy Thompson (Rod), his daughters, Kim and Liz (Chris), his stepsons Darren (Melissa) and Craig (Heather) and his beloved grandchildren Alexa, Bobby, Katie, Isabelle, Madalynn and Holly. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephew and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Gib and Beryl Murray and his brother David (Connie). He fought a brave battle, never complained and went peacefully. Rest well, Billy, we love you. Given the current need for social distancing, a celebration of his life will be planned when possible in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

CULLATON, Hugh Thomas…

Surrounded by love, Hugh Thomas Cullaton passed away at home with his family by his side on Sunday, March 22, 2020 in his 67^th year. Beloved husband of Karen Cullaton (nee Abell). Loving father of Leigh and wife Christina Cullaton, Amy and husband Jay MacDonald and Ryan and wife Monica Cullaton. Loved by his grandchildren Lily and Jonah Cullaton, Jack and Maddie MacDonald, and Abby, Finley and Kenzie Cullaton.

Hugh is survived by his brother Frank Cullaton (Mary), sisters Marilyn Gibson, Margaret (Steve) Dosman and Patricia (John) Walsh, step brothers Tony (Janet) Willemsen, Harry (Joanne) Willemsen, Peter (LouAnne) Willemsen, Frank (Christine) Willemsen, Matt (Laurie) Willemsen, and Louie (Diane) Willemsen and step sisters Marian (Jim) Jost, and Mary (Doug) Jacobs. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Doug Abell and Dianne Joyce and Norman and Ann Stansell.

Predeceased by his parents Alfred “Ab” Cullaton, Jean (Cullaton) Willemsen and Henry Willemsen, niece Julie Cullaton and nephew Steven Willemsen, brother-in-law James Gibson, step brothers Gerry Willemsen and wife Cynthia, Joseph Willemsen and wife Laurie and step sister Gerdina McCann.

Hugh’s greatest joys were spending time with his children and grandchildren, tending his gardens and collecting antiques. In his retirement he put his knowledge of antiques to use while volunteering at the Mission Services Store in London. He truly loved sorting through and pricing the donated goods, all the time keeping an eye out for that one great piece while in the company of the other great volunteers and staff.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Charanjit Thind, VON and LIHN staff and staff at St. Josephs Urgent Care and London Regional Cancer Center for their care and concern during Hugh’s illness.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation and the celebration of Hugh’s life will be postponed until a more appropriate time, when family and friends are able to gather and share love, support and hugs.

Donations in Hugh’s memory may be made to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada at www.crohnsandcolitis.ca or the Mission Services of London at www.missionservices.ca

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

CATER, Margaret Louise (nee Tapp)….

Peacefully with her children by her side, Margaret Louise Cater passed away at People Care Oakcrossing on Friday, March 20th, 2020 at the age of 93. Margaret was born March 7th, 1927 in Toronto, Ontario to William John Tapp and Margaret Tapp (nee Russell).

Loving wife of the late Robert Arthur Cater (1993). Margaret is survived by her children Brenda Feeney (Scott) and Robert Cater. She is also grandmother to Jason Cater (Kerri) and their children Adelaide, William and Jacqueline, Tara Cater and son Tyler, Brodie Cater (Meagan) and their children Caelyn, Brooklyn, Hayden and Kinsley, Miranda Haynes (Graeme) and their children Keira and Sophie and Matthew Feeney and his partner Marilena Enus.

Fondly remembered by Lynne Boley and sisters-in-law Gwen Gordon, Laurelyn Tait and Sadie Tapp (Robert) and sister Carol Tapp.

Predeceased by siblings William Tapp, Mary Murdoch (Edward), Jean Fraser (Andy) and Robert Tapp and in-laws Laurie and Ruth Cater, Donald Gordon and Douglas Tait. Margaret was the daughter-in-law of the late Albert and Mabel Cater.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at People Care Oakcrossing for the love and kindness shown to Margaret during her stay. They also thank the staff at Manor Village, London, who supported Margaret when she could no longer live on her own.

Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made 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

WOODS, Karen…

Surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, Karen Dell Woods (née Michel), passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London at the age of 79.

Dearly loved daughter of the late Cloyne and Odell Michel; loving wife of Keith Woods, and mother of Alanna Woods (deceased) and Michel Woods (Meghan); devoted grandmother of Marcel and Kieran Woods. Karen was a dedicated kindergarten teacher whose career lasted for over 30 years. She was an avid reader, gardener, knitter, card maker, baker, and a lover of live theatre. Her thoughtfulness and humour touched the hearts of her family and many close and dedicated friends.

A celebration of Karen’s life will take place in the near future (when social distancing is no longer the norm). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com