Services & Obituaries

Jeffrey Michael Gilbart

Jeff Gilbart, known to many simply as “Oz”, passed away on October 8, 2023, at his home in London, Ontario.

Jeff was born on November 10, 1954, to Patricia (Davison) and Gordon Gilbart in Brantford, Ontario. He grew up like many young boys in Ottawa, playing hockey out in the streets with friends, before moving with his family to Toronto. An avid skier, he spent two seasons teaching on the slopes in Park City, Utah, and then settled in London, where he met a lifelong friend, Victoria.

Jeff is survived by his son, Caley (Victoria), and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bryan (Vicki), nieces, Erin (Judah) and Teil (Jason), and some extended family, including his cousins Sharon, Lynda and Dan, whom he enjoyed spending time with over the holidays at the farm in Elora, Ontario.

Occasionally stubborn, but most often he was pretty easy going. He was caring and kind. He always had time for his son – the best dad a boy could ask for. He took his son camping and canoeing in the summer to places like Bon Echo, skiing in winter, and spent countless hours with him on the diamond, hitting grounders and framing pitches. Jeff was also an avid golfer, and took his son out touring courses across southwestern Ontario for vacation.

Jeff lived a simple life in retirement. He enjoyed listening to rock music, notably acoustic versions of songs, reading, feeding the neighborhood squirrels, and following Formula 1, another boyhood passion of his.
He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge St #1200, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Arrangements have been entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home. Online condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared at www.amgfh.com

HOSKIN, Frederick Douglas …

It is with great sadness we share the loss of Doug, on Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at the age of 81, who has courageously battled every challenge life has thrown his way. He is greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Alicia, and his daughter Carolyn. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Fred.

Doug was an avid lawn bowler, sports enthusiast, and had a wonderful singing voice. He shared many laughs with great friends all over this country, but especially with the Calvary Senior Choir and Billiards Buddies.

Doug’s sense of humour was something that drew people to him and throughout his lifetime, whether working at Greyhound or out on the greens you could guarantee that he was up to something.

As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. However, an event will likely occur during the next bowling season. Donations to Elmwood Lawn Bowling Club or Calvary United Church in his memory are appreciated.

Special thanks to our friends for their support during this time.

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

TAYLOR,  Ruth V. (Gilday – Hewitt)
Passed away peacefully at Watford Quality Care on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in her 100th  year. Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Douglas F. Taylor and dear friend and companion to the late Jesse McKenzie:  a devoted and loving mother to James T. Hewitt and his wife Norma of Ottawa; Susan Goold of London; and Raymond Hewitt and his wife Becky of Stratford: a greatly loved grandmother of Tracy Bossence and Brent Buchanan, Andrew Hewitt, Michael Vaskelis (January 1, 2007), Adrian and Natalie, Valerie, Jamie and Nikki, and Owen and Gabi Hewitt and a special “Grams” to great-grandchildren Lucas, Aidan, Oliver, Liam, Katy and Rory. Ruth will also be missed by friends Anne Buchanan and Chas Powner. Ruth was predeceased by two infant daughters, four brothers and three sisters. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 10-11am at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the service will be conducted in the chapel at 11 am with Reverend Canon T. Keith Nethery officiating. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available on the AMG Funeral Home YouTube Channel. Interment in Beechwood Cemetery, Forest, Ontario. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOFFAT, Tom…..

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Tom Moffat, in his 80th year, passed away in the wee hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023. They tell us that Tom passed away quickly and peacefully. He had only been in hospital for 24 hours.

Tom had many serious health issues, throughout his life, so we are grateful that when his time came, he did not have to endure a lengthy illness.

If Tom were here to talk to us now, he would tell us that it was his time — that God was calling him home.

Tom was always a sweet and gentle guy who lived his life with great grace and we are all thankful to have been part of that life.

Tom is survived by his wife and partner of 52 years, Peggy Moffat, his son, Douglas Moffat (Meredith Carruthers), his daughter, Jennifer Monague and his sister, Susan Pinkerton (Chuck). Tom was the much loved Papa/Grandpa of Jacob Thompson, Violet Carruthers-Moffat, Emma Monague and Tobi Monague. Tom is pre-deceased by his parents, Doug and Violet Moffat, his sister, Judy Micks and his Mother-in-law, Donna Pollard.

We offer special thanks to the following people who have honoured Tom by taking on the role of pallbearers: Amy Froggett, Tammy Baker, Christine Sharpe, Matt Sharpe, Michael Pollard, and Wes Monague.

We cannot thank the staff of Elmwood Place Longterm Care, enough, for their caring and compassionate care of Tom for the past 2 years.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 11:00 am – 12 Noon at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 12 Noon. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Habitat for Humanity (London) or Indwell (London) or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, photographs and memories shared at www.amgfh.com

HAMMOND, Ruth (nee Wilson)…

PROMOTED TO GLORY on Friday, October 6, 2023 from Grand Wood Park Retirement Home at 101 years of age. Loving wife for 72 years of the late C. Lyle Hammond (2015). Dear mother of Carolyn, London, and Donna Monkman, Ottawa. Cherished grandmother of Faye Strelioff (Jim), Grenfell, Saskatchewan, and Brenda (Tyler), Calabogie, Ontario. Great grandmother of Brayden, Calabogie, Ontario. Loved by her sister-in-law, Elaine Brown, Essex, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Predeceased by her parents, her sister, Marg, and her brother, Hugh. Born at home in London, Ontario to Rumsey and Stella Wilson. Raised in London. Graduate of South Collegiate. Trekked with Lyle from London to Mt. Brydges and Seaforth, Ontario; to Cape Dorset, Resolute Bay and Iqaluit in Nunavut; then to Ottawa, and back to London to retire. Now she is Home forever. Ruth volunteered with Hospice of London for over 20 years. Her love of little children made her an unforgettable grandmother to Faye and Brenda. “She was always busy doing something”, Lyle used to say. A family graveside service will be held. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, photographs and memories shared at www.amgfh.com

LITKE, Sandra “Sandy” Patricia…
 
Sandy was born in Formosa Ontario on September 4, 1940 and lived with her mother, Eileen O’Neill, brother, David, and sister, Sheila in Chesley, Ontario. Her family moved to London in 1950 where Sandy settled, married, and raised a family. The love of her life was Nickolai “Nick” Litke whom she married in 1963. They spent 43 years together supporting each other in every way; in parenting their two boys, Jonathan and Michael, in travelling, in working abroad in Nigeria for CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) and in day-to-day life and work.

Sandy worked as a homemaker when her boys were young and then did secretarial work in an appraisal firm for 26 years. After her retirement, she worked part-time for the Dream Home Lottery for 13 years.  Throughout her life she touched the hearts of many. She was a devoted mom, proud supporter and biggest fan of her sons, Jonathan and Michael. She took much joy in parenting and “being there”. Sandy also took great joy in being “Gma” to her granddaughter, Amanda Elwes, with whom she shared a special bond and deep love. Oh, the joys! Sandy lived to the fullest. Whether it was a trip abroad, her book club, a Knights or Canadiens game, or her time with the Dream Home Lottery, every moment was an enthusiastic embrace of life.

Sandy was a caretaker for many- from helping her mother, to caring for elderly aunts, her husband and any family members who were in need. The essence of Sandy was in her giving nature and selfless gifts of time, energy, and care.

Sandy died peacefully at home on October 2, 2023, with her family at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Nick, son Jonathan, brother David, and sister Sheila.

She has left those of us remaining with fond memories of her sense of fun, great laughs, and stories. She will be deeply missed by Michael and Sue, daughter-in-law, Wendy, granddaughter, Amanda, step-grandchildren, Leah and Andrew, step-great grandchild, Breanna, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends and colleagues. We celebrate the joyful life she lived, the loves she shared, and the indelible mark she left behind.

A gathering with family and friends to honour Sandy’s life will be held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, located at 60 Ridout Steet South, London, on Thursday October 5, 2023 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House Toronto, (a youth shelter) or the charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DAWSON, Gregory “Greg”

Greg Dawson passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, the 30th day of September, 2023 in his 74th year. Greg will be missed by his children Ben Dawson (Claire), Lucas Dawson (Dorothy) and Laura Schlotzhauer (Mike). He will also be missed by his sisters  Deanne Harvey and Judy LaChance (MacFarlane, Dawson), his seven grandchildren Evan, Adam, Julianna, Kiersten, Ethan, Haley, Paige and his extended family. He was predeceased by his father James “Ben” Dawson, his mother Edith Fleming and his step-father Fred Fleming. 

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home Reception Centre, 60 Ridout street south, London. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Canadian Blood Services is encouraged. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GOODSON, John…

John Goodson passed away peacefully on the morning of September 30th, 2023 in his 94th year. John will be missed by his beloved wife Norma, daughters Janet and Brenda, his sister Ann and her husband Campbell Blair of Cambridge, ON, and his brother Bob and his wife Betty of Ottawa. He is predeceased by his parents Kathleen (1976) and Norman Goodson (1959) and his brother Bill Goodson (2004). John was a talented oil painter, he enjoyed gardening, skiing and traveling.

Friends and family are welcomed for visitation on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, from 10-11 am. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel at 11am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour John’s life are asked to consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 1599 Hurontario Street, Suite 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

DYER, Betty Ann…

Betty Ann Dyer (nee Vining) passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday, September 28, 2023 in her 89th year. Beloved wife of the late John William Dyer (2010). Loving mother of Randa Huckle, Bradley Dyer and the late Dean Dyer. Cherished grandmother of Lisa Krijnen (Rob), Andrea Decloedt (Shane), Jordan Dyer and Branden Dyer and great-grandmother of numerous great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Barry Vining.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 2-4 pm and on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 12-1 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London.

Donations in memory of Betty Ann may be made to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children – Canada, Donor Development, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC H4A 0A9, Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MACDONALD, Samuel Alexander “Sandy”…
(1949 – 2023)

Sandy passed away peacefully at the Village of Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in his 75th year. Sandy was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, the son of Mary Ann (nee MacMullen) and Samuel MacDonald.

Sandy spent most of his life in Ontario, and is survived by his children Samuel (Calgary, AB) and Andrew (London, ON) and his cherished grandchildren Christopher, Landon, Oakley and Sawyer. He is also survived by his brother Roland (MaryAnne), his sister Kyle and her husband John Franklin, his niece Samantha, and many cousins in Cape Breton, NS.

Sandy was predeceased by his beloved wife Jane Marie (nee Jackson), his brother Cam, and sadly, by his daughter Kaylei Marie and his niece Ashley.

Sandy enjoyed wonderful friendships with so many people, and was known for “lighting up the room” everywhere he went. He loved sports, was a gracious host, and a devoted friend.  Sandy loved spending time on Lake Huron and most recently at the family cottage in Grand Bend where he would entertain his Mother Mary, and offer a gregarious welcome to the endless stream of friends and family who visited.

Many will remember Sandy for his professional success selling HVAC equipment and HRV’s in southwestern Ontario. He spent his latest career years working with Nutech/Airia Brands selling Lifebreath branded equipment. He will be sadly missed by all of his friends and family.

Special thanks to all of Sandy’s doctors and caregivers at Glendale Crossing for their love, attention and care. An extra special thank you to Dr. Kevin Fung (LHSC), who saved Sandy’s life on his original cancer diagnosis, and guided him back to his positive view on life.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 2 at 1 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com. Notes of condolence for the family may also be sent directly to the Funeral Home.