Services & Obituaries

PHAM, Kim… 

Unexpectedly, on Monday, April 27, 2020 Kim passed away at University Hospital, London, in his 56th year. Loving father of Tan Pham (son), Kyle (son), Troy Pham (son), Doan Ngo Tuong Vy (daughter-in-law), Brandon Pham (son), Mary (daughter), Victoria Pham (daughter). Adored by his best friend, soulmate and his true love Tuoi Tran. He will also be dearly missed by Theresa Eveleigh, Tam Nguyen, Quy Tran, Christian Nguyen, Andy Nguyen, Hiep Le, Huyen Nguyen, David Nguyen, Tony Nguyen, Long Nguyen, Thu Tran, Ha Nguyen, Ly Na Nguyen, Susan Nguyen, Sal Nop, Hoan Pham, Kim Bui, Nam Muoi, Nga Nguyen, Tung Nguyen, Ý Nguyen, Ly Sa Nguyen, Derek Nguyen, Monica Nguyen, Quang Nguyen, Sang Vo, Dung Nguyen, Than Nguyen, Phuong Pham, Dung Pham, Thuy Pham, Linh Pham,  Tuoi Truong, Hung Dang, Hoang Son Lam, Vinh Hua, Phuong Vo, Vung Phan, Linh Lam, Thom Bui, Nhoc Nguyen and many more family and Friends. 

A private family service will take place with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Vietnamese Alliance Church, 310 Vesta Road, London, ON N5Y 5J1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HILBORN, Mary….

Peacefully, Mary Elizabeth (nee Collison) Hilborn, passed away on April 27th, 2020, at the age of 99. Thankfully Dan was able to be with her which was an incredible comfort to her as well as to her other children and grandchildren. Thank you to Dan and his wife Nancy for their support and communication to all of us during this period of pandemic isolation.

Our mother was a lovely, witty, graceful, and strong woman. She was a much loved mother to Peter, Nancy (Boudewyn), Tom, Anne (Greg) and Dan (Nancy). She was a loving Grandmother to Wesley (Meagan) and Andrew Turney, Aidan and Holly Hilborn, and Catherine van Oort. She was also Great Gramma to Jack, Olive, Ingrid and Matilda Turney.

Mary was an avid figure skating enthusiast her entire life. She belonged to the London Skating Club for many, many years and was even the Southwestern Ontario Ladies Junior Champion in her late teens. She spent much of her youth skating in ice shows across Ontario and in Detroit with Sonja Henie. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with her skating partners, bridge club members, St. Luke’s Anglican Church women’s group and neighbours.

In her early 20’s she and her friends drove a Red Cross truck and collected scrap metal for the war effort as well as knitting socks and sweaters for the soldiers. She lived through so many changes in the world and always managed to keep up with the times. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and keeping all of us informed by clipping out articles of interest and saving them for us.  She made individualized scrapbooks for the grandchildren as well! Mom was also an avid card and letter writer, we all received cards and letters for every birthday, anniversary and holiday. They now serve as great memoirs of the times, together with her daily diaries dating from 1928!

Mom loved to get the family together and was very proud of how “we all get along”. About one week before she passed away, she told Dan that ‘there is going to be a big audience and they are going to clap and say we did a good job’. What more can we ask for than the belief that we did well in this life?

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Leonard Hilborn, her brother Tom Collison, mother Kathleen McIntyre, and father John Collison. She will be well remembered as a wonderful friend, a calm and gentle person who always put her children and others ahead of herself. Rest In Peace Mom, you did a wonderful job!

Our Family would like to extend a very special thanks to the wonderful staff at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence (Blackwater Road, London) for their loving, kind and compassionate care of our mom. Also, we’d like to add that her death was not virus related.

There will be a celebration of her life as soon as we are able to travel and be together.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the 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

STEBBINS, Betty…

Betty Stebbins passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 at Dearness Home, London, at the age of 86. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London on Friday, May 1, 2020. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FETCHISON, Constance “Connie”….
 
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, on Friday, April 24, 2020 Constance Isabel Fetchison (nee Watt) in her 96th year.
 
Beloved mother of Robert Fetchison and his wife Chantale, and Barbara McLatchie (nee Fetchison) and her husband Kenneth. Dear “Nana” of Andre (and Cindy), Nicolas (and Mariah) and Camille Fetchison, and Christopher and Matthew McLatchie, and loving great-grandmother of Mason Johnstone and Liam Fetchison. Also survived by her younger sister Joan Watt. Predeceased by her husband Joseph (1986).
 
Connie had a great love of learning and literature and she enjoyed a rewarding career as a librarian. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1950, she studied library science at the University of Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, receiving her M.L.S. in 1951. She first worked at the Oshawa Public Library as a Children’s Librarian. Thereafter, Connie returned to London to raise her family and to continue her career with the London Public Library. Starting in September 1964, she worked at various locations including the Central Library and several branch libraries (Carson, Argyle, Westown and Landon). She also served as Head of the Mobile Libraries in the early 1970s, and had a key role in the development of library services to shut-ins. Retiring in June 1987 after an almost twenty-three year career at the London Public Library, Connie was able to take time to enjoy her favourite pastimes of travel, theatre and music. But her greatest joy and pride was always her family, and she enjoyed spending more time with her children, grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren.
 
Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Connie will be sorely missed and will be forever in our hearts. A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life when we are able to gather again. In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie’s memory may be made to the 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
 

JAMES, Patricia…

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 Patricia James in her 77th year. Beloved wife of the late Henry “Harry”  James (1998). Loving mother of Cathy Krywulak (Timothy), Peter James (Suzette), Jennifer James Jack (Peter) and Esther Smith (Stephen). Cherished grandmother of Miranda and Isabella. Dear sister of James Beatty (Susan), Robert Beatty, David Beatty (Ann), Ruthanne Stinton (Stephen) and sister-in-law of Carol James and her family. Also missed by her friend Bill Booth and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made the Heart and Stroke Foundation,180-633 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3 or The Lung Association, 401-18 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 0K8. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

SMEDLEY, Dennis …

Dennis Smedley, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, in London, Ontario. Dennis was born March 24, 1932 to James and Florence (Kidd) Smedley in Manchester, England, the youngest of three children.

While evacuated to a small town 75 km south of Manchester during WWII, he lost his father suddenly; however, the childhood memories of the years spent in this village were nothing short of happiness and pure joy. He later served two years in the British Army, spending time in Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan and Sudan.

In April 1956, he immigrated to Canada and made London his forever home. It was here that he met his cherished wife, Elizabeth (McGregor). A devoted husband of 56 years, loving father and grandfather, his commitment to family and lifelong friendships should be an example to all. He touched so many people throughout the years with his kindness, generosity, and gift of time to several charitable causes, including two decades volunteering at the London Food Bank.

In 1968, Dennis began his long-standing career with the LCBO, retiring in June 1992. Perhaps this is where he developed a passion for a nice rum and 7-Up from time-to-time, but it was his quest for trying new beer with willing participants that he enjoyed most in recent years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Susan Smedley (Juan Manuel Cordeiro Rodriguez) and Karen van Hunnik (Michael); grandchildren, Jordan and Kaia van Hunnik, and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, the USA and UK.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Josie Smedley. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, sister Florence Hampson, brother James Smedley and his brother-in-law Gordon Hampson.

Cremation has taken place. Join us for a celebration of life to remember Dennis and honour the impact he had on the many lives that he touched. Deeply devoted to family, friends, colleagues, and giving back to the community, he left a legacy of unconditional kindness, generosity, and love. It’s with this in mind that we won’t wallow in sadness, but celebrate the many wonderful memories etched into the hearts and minds of those fortunate to have known him.

The service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 342 Pond Mills Road, London. Masks are required to attend the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalmers Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice, as he supported so many wonderful causes over the years.

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

PHILLIPS, Doug…

Peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing, on Monday, April 20, 2020, Earl Douglas Phillips, in his 85th year. Survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary of 28 years, who was never far from his side. Beloved father of Carlene and her husband Bob of Wallaceburg, Shari and her husband Mark of Ailsa Craig and Mike of London. Predeceased by son Doug (2018). Doug is also survived by his supportive sister Martha of Windsor, brother-in-law Dan Watson and his partner MaryAnn of Corunna, sister-in-law Karen Pell of St. Thomas, sister-in-law Jackie Hartford and her husband Don of St. Thomas. He will also be missed by 4 grand children and 1 great grand child, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the Brighton team at Glendale Crossing for all their care and support. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 201 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C9.  Honouring Doug’s wishes, no memorial service will be held. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CHRISTIE, Robert “Bob”…
 
Unexpectedly at his home, on Friday, April 17, 2020, Robert “Bob” Christie, in his 69th year. Family and friends will miss Bob’s loving spirit, his kindness, his keen sense of humour, his unending willingness to help others and his love of his rescue dogs.

Beloved brother of David Christie (Sharron), Deborah Christie-Squires (Doug) and Brian Christie (Evelyn). Cherished uncle of Jay, Shannyn, Kristy, Kevin, Jared, Ashleigh, Hilary, Heather and Geneleigh, and several grand nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents David and Violet Christie.

Cremation has taken place. Bob’s cremated remains will be buried with his parents in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in his memory may be made to 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 shared at www.amgfh.com

TURNER, Linda (Mickle)…

Peacefully in her sleep, on Friday, April 17, 2020, in her 84th year.

Adored mother to Brian (Lori), Tim, David (Liane), and Jeff.

Loving grandma of Derek (Carleigh), Steven, Liam, Megan (Dejan), Connor, Pam (Jeremy) and Shawn. 

Great Gramma to Madison, Jayden and Olivia and soon to be, Baby Kravic. 

She will be sadly missed by her brother Bill and sister-in-law Gail Watson and family and her many friends in Goderich.

Linda was born in Chatham in 1936.

Predeceased by her mother Donna Watson (2002), father Harry Watson (1989), her husband Bill Turner (1995), her grandson Dylan (2014) and dear friend Tom Parker (2016). 

They say there is a special place in heaven for mothers of little boys.  If true, they just filled that space…

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Kidney Foundation, Heart and Stroke or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amfgh.com

BRULE, Rheta…

Peacefully at Marian Villa, London on Thursday, April 16, 2020, Rheta Mary (Childs, Murphy) Brulé in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Ray Brulé (2019) and the late Richard Mills Murphy (1991). Dear mother of David Murphy and his wife Anne Van Egmond of London, Suzanne Frank and her husband David Turnbull of London, Andrea Martin and her husband Steve of Penticton, BC, Janet Murphy and her husband Jeff Redden of Penticton, BC, James Murphy and his wife Jan of Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mary Ellen Rossouw and her husband Andrew of Calgary and Karen Murphy of London. Dear step-mother of Janet Craig (Hugh), Susan Strong, Hugh Brulé (Dean), Claire Brulé (Al Mackie), Anne Coles (Jim Pianosi), and Albert Brulé (Anne). Also loved by her grandchildren Allison Hall-Murphy, Carmen Beattie, Cedric Beattie, Vaughn Oliver, Alec Murphy, Peter Murphy, Amy Hughes, Chris Jackson, Luke Rossouw, Emma Rossouw, and Jessica Rossouw and Alyssa Murphy and by her great-grandchildren Noah Gelb, Rosetta and Camilla Hammond and Daphne and Maya Papanikolaou. Dear sister of Barry Childs of Montreal. Predeceased by her mother Mary Jean Childs, her brothers Hugh Childs, Albert Childs, Donald Childs, Doug Childs and her sister June Wilde, her sisters-in-law Liz , Barb, Connie and Lucy and her brother-in-law Judge J. Albert Brulé and her sister-in-law Bernice Reily. Rheta enjoyed her years as a medical secretary at St. Joseph’s Hospital, London Ontario. She loved animals, music, ballroom dancing, bowling and travel, especially to tennis tournaments. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, 511 Cheapside Street, London, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11 am. Interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Please call the funeral home between 9am-5pm (519-433-5184) to reserve your spot for the service. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N0L 1W0. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com