Services & Obituaries

BRERETON, Ruth
Peacefully, at University Hospital, London on Saturday, February 8, 2020, Ruth Brereton in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Brereton (2014). Dear mother of Wayne Brereton and his wife Debbie and Nancy Brown and her husband Doug. Dear granny of Matthew (Devin), Adam (Lindsay), Courtney Haviland (Aaron), and Ashley (Tylor). Loved by her great-grandchildren Cole, Ben and Lennox. Predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Lupson and Irene Lupson. Ruth will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews. Ruth was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, and proud to have celebrated her 65th birthday alongside their World Series win. The Brereton family wishes to thank the 4th floor Medicine Team 2, at University Hospital for their kindness and care. Friends are welcomed for visitation on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 from 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 1 pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road, P.O. Box 1449, Station B, London, ON N6A 5M2 or Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CALHOUN, Ronald George….

It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Ron – on Friday, February 7, 2020 in his 87th year.  Ron suffered broken heart syndrome since the passing of his beloved wife Marie Frances Calhoun on May 3, 2017 after 64 years of marriage.  It gives us comfort to know that they shared a wonderful faith and we trust they are joyously reunited again.

Son of the late Crawford and Louise Calhoun (nee Wells) of Byron, ON.  Loving father to Lynn Calhoun, Larry Calhoun (Bonnie), and Lori Lee (Ken). Cherished grandather to Joseph Calhoun (Alison), Jennifer Vording (Marc), Jayson Mead (Cayla), Amanda Mead (Abdullah), Jennifer Lee, Matthew Mead, Michelle Lee, and Katherine Lee; great-grandfather to Emma Calhoun, Joshua Vording, Morgan Vording, Spencer Calhoun, Eloise Mead and his name-sake Georgia Ronnie Mead.  Predeceased by brother Fred (late Jo) and sister Jean (Elgin Fowler).  Survived by brothers Bob (late Marie) and James (late Grace) and sister Ruth Anne Brother-in-law to the late Leo Wentzell (Alma), the late James Wentzell (late Dorothy).  “Grampa Ron” will be missed by many special nieces and nephews.

Ron proudly would tell you that he was born in Byron, ON and is a direct descendant of the first village settler (John Wells).  He attended Byron Public School and then H.B. Beal Secondary School, London, ON. He held and cherished many lifelong friendships from that time.  Ron and Fran resided in Thamesford for 50 years and became a prominent leader in the community with St. John’s Anglican Church, Community Recreation Centre, Thamesford Library, the Masonic Lodge and many more. 

Ron elected early retirement after 35 years with General Motors of Canada in August 1987, and founded Partners in Research where he was the CEO for the next 20 years.  He has been a longstanding member of the Liberal Party of Canada and ran as a Federal Candidate in 1979.

Ron was a tireless community volunteer for numerous National causes: Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, ALS Society of Canada, Foundation for Gene and Cell Therapy, Canadian Mental Health Association, Prostate Cancer Society.  He was a founder of the “Ladies’ Great Ride Against Cancer” (1969).  He served as National Coordinator for the Terry Fox “Marathon of Hope” (1981).  He was senior volunteer liaison with the Steve Fonyo “Journey for Lives” (1984–85).  He served as Provincial Coordinator for the “Jesse’s Journey” cross-Ontario wheelchair walk, 1995.  He served as National Coordinator for the cross-Canada walk “Jesse’s Journey – A Father’s Tribute,” 1998–1999.

In 1978, Ron was honoured with the “Lifestyle Award” by the Federal Government.  He received the General Motors “Gold Award for Excellence in Community Affairs” in 1980.  He was awarded an Honorary Life Membership from the Canadian Cancer Society in 1987; that same year, he received the “Award of Recognition” from the Ontario Government.  In 1988, he was recognized with the “Air Canada Heart of Gold” award.  In October, 1996, he was awarded the “Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship,” Ontario’s highest honour in recognition of volunteer service.  In October 2002, he was awarded the “Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal” in recognition of his contributions to Ontario and Canada.  In 2011, Ron was conferred Doctor of Laws (honaris causa) by Western University.  His final award was the Ontario Community Recognition Award on January 20, 2020.

Friends may join the family on Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 12 noon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond Street, London with Reverend Larry Edwards officiating.  Interment will be at a later date at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery, Thamesford.

Memorial contributions to the Terry Fox Foundation, Jesse’s Journey, or Partners in Research would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PHILLIPS, Bob…  

At the age of 83, Robert Albert Phillips, passed away on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020, at Westmount Gardens Long Term Care, London. Peacefully, after struggling with Dementia for the past 6 years. Beloved partner of the late Judith Cameron (2004). Dear brother of Dorothy Wilkinson of Preston Lancs., England, and Austin Phillips and his wife Shirley of London, Ontario. Dear uncle of David and Peter Wilkinson also of Preston Lancs., England. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Westmount Gardens, for their care and compassion. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Donation’s in Bob’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FUHRER, Rosemary….

Peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Rosemary Fuhrer-Schoch passed away in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Werner Fuhrer (2015). Loving mother of Iris (Colin), Beatrix, Daniel (Laurel), Ester (Neil) and Lora. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Celia, Lennon (Tim) and Winston and great-grandchildren Sadie, Maicy, Forest and Bernard. Also survived by her brother and sisters in Switzerland and her companions Melissa and Mary. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, February 7, 2020 from 12-1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will take place at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Sympathy donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ROBB, Rocky…

Peacefully, on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at Valleyview Home, St. Thomas, Charles “Rocky” Robb passed away in his 96th year. Beloved husband of the late Florence Eleanor (Duffy) Robb. Dear father of Gary F. Robb and his wife Margaret of St. Thomas. Dear brother of Jack Robb of London and Jean Robinson of Aylmer. Predeceased by his brothers Kenneth, Beverley and Merideth Robb, and brother-in-law Donald Robinson. Also loved by his 2 grandchildren, Aaron and his wife Danielle and Christopher and his wife Kelly, and by his great-granddaughter Payton and great-grandson Adrian. Also missed by many nieces and nephews. Rocky opened Rocky’s Cycle Centre in London, (now known as Rocky’s Harley Davidson) in 1955, he was joined by his son Gary in 1971 and sold the business in 1985. The Robb family wishes to thank the staff of Valleyview Home for their care and compassion. Friends are welcomed for visitation on Sunday, February 9, 2020 from 1-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Monday, February 10, 2020 at 11 am at Riverside United Church, 695 Riverside Drive, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rocky’s memory may be made to the Arthritis Society 400 York Street, London, ON N6B 3N2. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com  

BAILEY, Ryan Edward…

Peacefully, on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, London, Ryan Edward Bailey in his 31st year. Beloved son to Karen Peter. Predeceased by his father Rob Bailey. Brother to Hans Peter. Grandson to Nana Carol Gander. Ryan will be missed by his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Ryan’s memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 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

KRAEMER, Scott…

Unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2020 Scott passed away at the age of 48. Son to Harry Kraemer and step-mom Lorie. Brother to Lisa, Sara (nee Kraemer) Clark, and Benson Kraemer. Predeceased by his mother Gloria. Cremation has taken place. Donations in Scott’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

STEVENSON, Mary….

Mary Josephine “Mary Jo” Stevenson, born February 1, 1944 was called home on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Meadow Park Nursing Home, London at the age of 76. Mary was predeceased by her parents Lee and Edna Harrower and loving husband Ken Stevenson (2009). She will be greatly missed by her family; her daughter Linda Rowe (David), and grandchildren Jacob (Kadee) and Thomas (Cassie), her son Gregory Stevenson (Susan) and grandchild Matthew and her son Michael Stevenson (Tracy), and grandchildren Adam and Christian and also by her faith family and friends. Mary was a delivery room nurse surrounded by joy for 40 years. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 10-11 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will take place at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 or to Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

VIGAR, Kathleen “Kay” ….
Peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Hospital, on Sunday, January 19, 2020, Kathleen Vigar passed away in her 93rd year. Beloved wife of the late Jack Vigar (1991). Dear mother of Cherryl “Cheri” Vigar. Predeceased by her parents Beulah and Harold Sweazey.  Dear sister of Carmen (Darlene) Sweazey and sister-in-law of Shirley Sweazey. Aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews, whom Kay thought highly of. Chosen Gramma Kay to Brenda, Terry and Jason Laliberte of Port Elgin. Predeceased by her siblings Donald Sweazey, Howard (Joyce) Sweazey and Darlene Wells. Kay was the matriarch of her family and friends, a very kind, charitable and generous woman who often spent her time volunteering throughout the community. Cheri and the Sweazey family wish to thank the many friends for their visits with Kay and for their many acts of kindness during this difficult time, as well as the staff at the Palliative Care Unit for their care and kindness. Friends and family will be received for visiting at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Friday, January 24, 2020, one hour prior to the funeral service (12-1pm) being conducted in the chapel at 1 pm. Donations in Kay’s memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of London, 184 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K8 or Norwich Baptist Church, 5 Elgin Street East, Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 or a charity of choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

KORCHUK, Stanley…

Stanley Korchuk, born in Bialystok Poland in 1929, passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2020 in his 91st year at Chelsey Park Long Term Care in London, Ontario.  

He was much loved by his wife Shirley of 64 years, son Jonathan (Lynne), daughter Ruth (Steve Sims) sons Graham and Nigel and Stan’s brothers Walter and Paul and sister Vera, and many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his parents (Nikola and Natalia Korchuk (nee Halie) and brother Alex (Leona).

Stan lived an exciting life. Born in the Ukraine, he came to Canada in 1937 settling on a farm in Wildwood, Alberta then Cookstown, Ontario.  With a B.A., B.Ed. and Masters of Education from U of T, he had an exciting career in education  teaching in Wawa, England, Sudbury and Ottawa; Principal in Schreiber, Levack and Yellowknife; Director of Education in Red Lake; Superintendent in Sudbury, Elgin and Peel Counties with time in Guyana and Ghana as a Canadian Adviser on education in the 60’s.  He ended his career as Education Officer for the Ministry of Education in London Ontario. He was a ferocious reader, a published author and inspired many people.

He sang, played the guitar and piano and was an actor in university.  He loved camping, fishing, hunting and canoeing with his family and went to the gym every other day for years.

Thank you to all the amazing staff on the 4th floor at Chelsey Park Long Term Care. If you wish, celebrate Stanley’s life by donating to the Alzheimer’s Society London-Middlesex in his name, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Cremation has taken place. As per Stanley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

‘Life’s but a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.’  (Stan’s favourite quote by Shakespeare)