Services & Obituaries

BOWMAN, Bonita “Bonnie”…

Bonnie Bowman passed away quietly at home on Sunday, March 19, 2023 in her 75th year. Loving mother of Sherri (John) and Shannon. Proud grandmother of Ainsley (Cameron), Brandon, Tyler and great-grandmother of Callum. Dear sister of Heather (the late Tom). Cherished aunt of Tom (Sarah) and Laurie (Michael) and their families. Bonnie wanted to acknowledge with a special thank you to her wonderful friends who were there through thick and thin. Bonnie also adored her four-legged friends, Peppi, Bear, Megan, Honey Bun, and Kitty Cat who loved her unconditionally, too! At her request, there will be no service, but cremation has taken place and an interment of ashes will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Bonnie, donations 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

UFFORD, Phyllis….

Passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, a few days following her 100th birthday. Beloved wife of the late Donald Ufford. Loving mother of Douglas and Ronald (the late June).  Predeceased by her sister Margaret Lemay and sister- in- law Lorie Ufford. Cherished grandmother of Gabriella and Daniele. Dear aunt of DeeDee (the late Paul). Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Phyllis made be made to Wesley-Knox United Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

PEAKER, Lillian Maxene (nee Turcott)…
August 7, 1926 – March 15, 2023

After a challenging time of recovery Lillian chose to leave this world with the assistance of MAID. She died in her home surrounded by the love and support of family. Lillian was engaged until the moment she reached out to join Bill, the love her life, and Randy her son. A gentle death for a gentle soul.

Lillian mourned her lost opportunity to attend university as her schooling was shortened in order to help support her family. She did however keep challenging her mind as a political junky and a voracious reader. These abilities were integral to who she was and she missed them terribly during her recent decline.

Lillian believed her greatest accomplishment was family. Our understanding of what it means to be kind, generous, compassionate and resilient is thanks to her as a role model. She strove to maintain her own high standards right until her death.

She leaves so many people who will miss her greatly. The East Coast crew of Lucie, Emily, Andrew, Max, Jalysa, and their children Oliver, Violet, Freya and Kelsie. The London crew of Kim, Carl, Dawson, Emily, Chase, Taylor and Sawyer. As well as our small remaining family of whom Gail, Joan and Andrea were particularly close. Mom also was an amazing friend to many amazing friends who are like family.

Thank you to our incredible community. We are blessed to have you.

We would like to invite you to join us for a Gathering of Appreciation where Lillian lived and died at 149 Base Line Road East, London, on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Join us at noon for food and friendship. A service will begin at 2:00 pm, officiated by Reverend Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor of Wesley-Knox United Church. All are welcome. A private family burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London.

This winter Lillian had been quite worried about the homeless. We will be collecting socks on Sunday to donate as that was her “thing”. Any other way you would like to celebrate kindness in her memory is welcome as well.

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

ELLIOT, John Douglas ….

Peacefully surrounded by his family for the past week, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, John Elliot passed away in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of the late Bernie Elliot for 59 years. Dear father of Kim Poser (Mike) and Karen Dutton (Dennis Shackelton). Cherished grandpa of Lizzie and Abbey and caring ‘Poppa Johnny’ to Steve (Andrea), Jeff, Cortnee and Ashlynne (Andrew). Predeceased by his sister Marion Gough and his parents John and Lizzie Elliot.  John will be missed by his nieces, nephews and step-great grandchildren. A lifelong teacher, he started teaching in a one room schoolhouse prior to teaching elementary school in London and then having a 25-year career teaching geography at Westminster Secondary School. During retirement he learned stained glass and then taught classes both in Florida and in London. He was very involved with the Chalmers Presbyterian Church community, including being the Sunday School Superintendent and the Clerk of Session for many years. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held at Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 342 Pond Mills Road, London on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11 am (visitation one hour prior). Interment in Pond Mills Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chalmers Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs may be shared at www.amgfh.com

McKAY, William Robert (“Bob”)
 
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces that William Robert (“Bob”) McKay passed away peacefully at West Parry Sound Health Centre, Ontario, the evening of Wednesday March 8th, 2023 in his 79th year. Bob will be missed by his nephews & niece Tod McKay (Valli Orsulak), Kim Thrower (Dave), Brad McKay (Shannon), grand-nephew & grand-nieces Thomas, Leah, Lauren and sister-in-law Marie McKay. He is predeceased by his wife Barbara Anne (Marshall)(Brooks) McKay and his brother Thomas John McKay.

Bob will be fondly remembered by his many friends on Sand Bay, in London and in Florida. We will all miss Bob’s quick wit and ability to make us laugh. As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Bob may be made to Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners.  

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Monday, March 20th, 2023 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A Funeral Mass will be conducted on Tuesday, March 21st, 11am at St John the Divine Catholic Church, 390 Base Line Road West, London.  Further, there will be a Memorial Mass in Burlington on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, at 8am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 287 Plains Road East, Burlington. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WATTON, Violet…

Peacefully with family by her side at Victoria Hospital, London, Violet Watton passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late Cochrane “Tom” Watton (2007). Loving mother of Mike Steele (Colleen), Diane Allen (the late Matt), Randy Steele (Linda), Holly Kelly (Jim) and Robin Steele (Kim). Cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her daughter Sharon Steele, and two brothers George and Gordon Cooper. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Violet’s Life will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1:30-3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre (located on the southeast corner of the parking lot), 60 Ridout Street South, London. A scattering of Violet’s ashes will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London in the spring. In memory of Violet, a donation to a favourite charity of your choosing would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HEATH, Rupert…

Rupert Heath, founder of the Dean Street Press, died unexpectedly of heart failure on 6th March 2023, aged 54, at home in London, Ontario. He was the beloved husband of the late Amanda Heath, who tragically died of cancer on 25th January, 2023. He is survived by his two adored children, George and Annabel Heath, his parents, Mike and Frances Heath, his sister Victoria and brother-in-law Arndt Eade, his nieces Sophie, Louise and Erica, his nephews Phillippe and Felix, and many friends around the world.

A love of all things cultural led Rupert through a rich life, travelling the world and embracing new experiences in many countries. He had a passion for music and sang, played guitar, banjo, ukulele and drums for rapt audiences. He shared his love of music and travel with his beloved children, and he and Annabel loved to watch, and comment on, obscure films.

Born into a military family, Rupert attended Sherborne School (where he was head of the Oscar Wilde appreciation society) before getting a degree in Art History at the Courtauld Institute, London. He began his publishing career as an editor at Usborne books, worked as a commissioning editor at Pan MacMillan, then created the Rupert Heath Literary Agency. In 2014, he founded the very successful Dean Street Press, which republishes little known and rare golden age authors.

Always happy to delight and entertain, Rupert’s charm was legendary. He was elegant, witty, and always beautifully dressed. He was a generous and warm friend who went out of his way to make people feel special.  He leaves so many wonderful memories, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues. Let George have the last word: ‘My Dad was a successful entrepreneur and a kind, gentle, strong, smart and amazing man.”

Cremation has taken place and family and friends are welcome to join the memorial service on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 2 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rupert’s memory may be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Family and friends are invited to watch the funeral service live from the comfort of their homes, by visiting the AMG Funeral Home YouTube channel or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo

TAMPA, Ausma…

Peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Fairview Manor, Almonte, Ausma Tampa passed away in her 95th year.

Beloved wife of the late John “Janis” Tampa (2009). Loving mother of Laila Dambenieks (Andrejs), Rita Smith (Ed) and John Tampa. Caring grandmother of Andrew (Joanne), Peter (Priscilla), Brian (Jaime) and Amelia, and great-grandmother of Rohan, Calian and Serina. Predeceased by her sister Rita. Also missed by her niece Ilona.

Private family services have been held. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

In memory of Ausma, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners.  

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

FRENCH, Adrienne…

Peacefully after a brief illness, with family by her side, Adrienne French passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital in her 87th year.

Beloved wife of the late Arthur French (2004). Loving mother of Nickie Laskey and her husband Randy of St. Thomas, Mark Armstrong and his spouse Taryn Ayles of Port Coquitlam, B.C., Susan of Vancouver, B.C., Brian French and his wife Susana of London and Robin French of London. Cherished grandmother of Beckie and Jessica Laskey, Jennifer Howard and Joshua Armstrong, and Josh French. Adored GG of Brody and Alexis Patriquin, and Addison and Charlotte Howard. Dear sister of Vince Coughlan (Cheryl Troop). Predeceased by her parents and five brothers. Adrienne will also be missed by her niece Diane Hamel.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the incredible staff at STEGH for their care and compassion. At Adrienne’s request, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In memory of Adrienne, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414 , Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WILLS, James “Jim”…….

It is with great sadness we announce Jim passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Sunday, February 26, 2023, a day after his 85th birthday.  Beloved husband of Winnie. Loving father of Shakira Jayne (Brian) & Claudia. As per Jim’s wishes no visitation or funeral service will be held. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences shared at www.amgfh.com