Services & Obituaries

BURNES, Margaret (nee Ford)….

Our beloved mother, Margaret Burnes, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Village of Glendale Crossing at the age of 90. Her difficult battle with Parkinson’s has come to an end and she has found peace. Beloved wife of the late Kent Burnes. She is survived by her three children, Steven, Krista and Carter, her five grandchildren Noah, Lisa, Kevin, Arleigh and Alex, and her two sweet great-granddaughters Piper and Spencer. A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:30 am at the Salvation Army London Citadel, 555 Springbank Drive, London, ON N6J 1H3 with visitation from 11-11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in Margaret’s name may be made to the Salvation Army London Citadel. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FIELD, Steve….

John Stephen Field (Steve), age 85, from London, Ontario, passed into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Steve and Mary (2019) walked hand in hand through life for 65 years.

Born into a family of boys, Steve grew up exploring the ponds of Pond Mills with his seven brothers.

Loving father of Joyce (Dave) Martin, Sharon (Peter) Brennan, and Darryl (Lisa) Field and grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service will be held at Summerside Community Church, 1447 Commissioners Road East, London on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11 a.m.

Steve was blessed to spend his final years at Henley Place and we are thankful to the Henley staff for their care.

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

NEWBOULD, Margaret….

Peacefully at home with her family by her side, on Friday, February 14, 2020, Margaret Newbould passed away in her 80th year. Loving mother of Mark David Woodward (Jennifer) and Wendy Hayton Russell (Brian Masterson). Cherished grandmother of Kate (Danica) and Alexandra. Dear sister of Mary Myrta Hamden and her husband Sid. A graveside service will take place at Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery, 13232 Talbot Trail, Chatham-Kent on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm. A memorial service will be held in the spring for Margaret. She was a woman of infinite compassion who devoted her life to others. Sympathy donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army or St. Joseph’s Hospice if desired. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CARRUTHERS, Susan “Sue”
Peacefully with her family by her side, at Victoria Hospital, London, on February 13, 2020, Sue Carruthers passed away in her 74th year. Beloved mother of Josh Foster and his wife Kristin Lythgoe.  Dear sister of Lizbeth and Becky Carruthers. Aunt of Lauren (Jeff) and Alex (Jordan) and great-aunt to Carter, Rori and Emmett. Predeceased by her parents Kay and Bruce Carruthers. Sue proudly worked as a Registered Nurse at University Hospital, London for 40 years. A private family service will take place at a later date. Donations in Sue’s memory may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Baseline 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

STILTZ, Doug….

On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Douglas Stiltz passed away in his 60th year. Christina (nee Crossan) was his best friend and wife for 44 years. Father of four sons, Wayne (Veronica), Brad, Christopher and Marcus. Grandfather of Jackson, Ryan, Sahara, Shymaine, Shaq, Sean (Yvonne) and Shardah (Jerome). Great-grandfather of Ashanti, A-Sean, Ashton, Aaliyah and Zhara. Brother of Cameron, Kevin (Joanne) and Jean (Tim). Brother-in-law of James (Ann), Brian (Angela) and Kelly (John). He will also be missed by his nieces, nephews and extended family. Doug was a City of London garbage worker for 35 years. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and would do anything for his family. He will be tremendously missed. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel. In memory of Doug, donations to the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Centre, 747 Base Line Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or Diabetes Canada, 442 Adelaide Street North, London, ON N6B 3H8 would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MATTHEWS, Chris….

Peacefully at Earls Court Village, London, Christina Matthews passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2020 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Ron Matthews (1977). Loving mother of Scott Matthews and his wife Teresa of Dorchester, Heather Philippe and her husband Gilles of Richmond Hill and Rob Matthews and his wife Jennifer of North Bay. Dear grandmother of Adam, Holly, Jeremie, Nicole, Michelle, Aidan and Tess. Predeceased by her siblings, but survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada and in Scotland. The family would like to extend a thank you to her friends at the Waverly and Earls Court. Cremation has taken place. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 11:00 am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MacDonald, Gary (MWO Ret’d)….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Saturday, February 8, 2020, Gary “Mac” MacDonald passed away in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Barbara MacDonald for 60 years.  Loving father of Kim MacDonald and Katherine Martin (Nathan Gardiner). Cherished “Papa Bear” of Emma, Nicholas and Michael. Dear brother of Marilyn Ziller (Rick) and brother-in-law of Joan Jeejeebhoy (Meher), Glenna Harris (Doug), Helen Jeans and the late Al Vaughan. Missed by his nieces and nephews.  Gary was a proud member of Canadian Armed Forces, he was proud to serve his Country. Dad was a brave, honourable, the funniest, caring, and most generous man.  He was awesome!  We will truly miss you.  We have the greatest memories of all of us doing everything together.  You have taught us to be who we are today.  “Into God’s hands you go.” You may be gone physically, but you are not gone from our heart and soul.  We will always have a piece of you with us.  We are proud of you for fighting as hard as you did.  Rest in peace and sore high in the skies.  I know you will check in on us from time to time.  GOD BLESS and he will keep you safe.  We Love you deeply. Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program. A. Millard George Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

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