Services & Obituaries

UNDERHILL, Stuart….

Stuart Ray Underhill was born on September 28, 1923 in Vienna Ontario and passed away peacefully at LHSC on Friday June 9, 2023 in his 100th year.  Stuart was the son of Peter and Emma (Balcom).  He was the beloved husband of Marjorie (Evans) who passed away in 1986.  Stuart was a cherished brother to Wayne (Dorothy) Underhill and Patricia Smith.  He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by sisters Beverly (Arthur) Mercer and Glenita ( Joseph) McDonald and by brothers Ronald (Evelyn) and Arlo.  Also predeceased by 5 nieces and nephews. 

Stuart started out with farming on his family farm and was quickly known to area farmers of his skill with curing tobacco.  He was then travelling all over curing tobacco for farmers until he moved to London and became a custodian in the London and Thames Valley District School Board for the rest of his working life.  Stuart loved animals and especially horses which he worked with daily on the farm. He also loved music and could play guitar very well.  He taught his younger siblings how to play also.  Stuart was always a quiet natured gentleman with a great sense of humour.  He loved to research anything that peaked his interest and he would absorb all knowledge on the subject. He loved to visit and talk and was always interested in what was going on in your life.  He wasn’t one to tell you what to do but to quietly suggest and encourage.  He loved to play guitar with family and loved to go to family reunions and listen to many nephews and his brother and brother in law play guitars and sing.  Stuart’s faith was also very important to him and held on to that until he was called Home. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Stuart’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. We would like to thank the staff at Ashwood Manor and LHSC Victoria Campus for their wonderful and kind caring of Stuart. A private family burial will be held at St. Luke’s Cemetery, Vienna, Ontario.  Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184.  Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com 

RENWICK, Dave Gordon…

June 23, 1955 – June 07, 2023

With saddened hearts, the family announces the sudden passing of their beloved husband, father and brother Dave Gordon Renwick at his home in London, Ontario on Friday, June 7, 2023 at the age of 67 years. Dave was a caring, loving and hardworking husband to Maryjo Renwick of 17 years and a very proud father of Mike and Jackeyln Renwick. He was a caring brother to Marion Rice, Sheilagh Manning (Dave Manning), and an uncle to his niece Christy Nestor-Acciaccaferro as well as his nephews Jason Nestor and Andrew Manning.

Dave was a successful business man for over 50 years, throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage, jogging and was an avid movie buff in his spare time. He will be laid to rest in the countryside beside his parents. Dave has touched many hearts and will be sadly missed.

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

POLCI, Shannon Marie (nee Fordham)

Peacefully on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at University Hospital in London, Shannon passed away with her husband and sister by her side in her 44^th year.

Beloved wife of 13 years to Justin (together for 18 years). Loving and proud mom of Michael “Mikey” and Mackenzie “Kenzie”. Cherished daughter of Janet Kennedy and stepdaughter of Bruce Kennedy. Loving sister of Candice Constable (Jason), Derek Kennedy-Lifshits (AJ) and Joe. Dear sister-in law of Angie Gordon. Cherished daughter-in-law of Gary and Faye Polci. Beloved Auntie to Aiden and Brooklyn Constable and Jamie Lee Gordon. Adored niece to several aunts and uncles.

Predeceased by her grandma (Theresa – 2012), her Pipi (Joseph – 2010) and her mother-in-law (Lynne – 2011).

Shannon was one of a kind. Her infectious laugh and huge smile could light up any room. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Shannon took great pride in her work at LHSC as a PSW and it is evident in all the lives she has made an impact on. Shannon was always on the go…never stopping. She spent most of her free time at BHi with her kids where she was known as Coach Shannon to most. She was also an avid member of the Home and School at her daughter’s school – she wore so many different hats! Shannon’s greatest accomplishment and joy in life was her kids. They were her whole world, and she was so very proud of them. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Shannon or crossing paths with her at some point in this lifetime was truly blessed. She was an incredible light in this world and was loved by all.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, June 16^thfrom 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 am in the funeral home chapel. A celebration of life will take place at a later date at BHi London, 17B Clarke Rd. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Shannon’s memory may be made to either The Brain Aneurysm Foundation or to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).  Cremation will take place and her ashes will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery at a future date. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HANHAM, Margaret Ann…

Peacefully after a brief illness at McCormick Home London, ON, on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, Margaret “Maggie” Hanham, formerly of Burlington in her 83^rd year. Beloved wife for 45 years of John Hanham (2010). Proud mother of Alex Hanham and his wife Sylvia Murchison.  Cherished grandmother of Olivia Grace Hanham and Tabitha Evangeline Hanham. Also missed by her numerous family members in England. Maggie was born in Norwich, England and moved to Canada with her soon to be husband John in 1964 in search of a better life. They found it. Maggie worked at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital as an RN in the nursery looking after thousands of babies over the years. Mom touched the lives of so many people who were richer for the opportunity to cross her path. There wasn’t a mean bone in her body and Maggie had a way of making everyone around her feel comfortable and happy. She never complained and was content with the simple things in life (although liked to be spoiled from time to time). Maggie passed the way she lived, quietly and without causing any fuss, making it easier for everyone once again for a final time. The family would like to thank McCormick Home for taking such wonderful care of Maggie for the past 6 years. Your dedication and service did not go unnoticed. Cremation has taken place. The Celebration of Maggie’s Life will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church (Byron), 1344 Commissioners Road West, London on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1:00 pm with Reverend Canon Valerie Kenyon officiating.  Interment in St. Anne’s Anglican Church Cemetery (Byron), London.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the McCormick Care Foundation, 2022 Kains Road, London, ON N6K 0A8. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MARKOWSKI, Raisa …

Quietly with family by her side on Monday, June 5, 2023, Raisa Markowski passed away in her 103rd year. Beloved wife of the late Alexander Markowski (2005). A wonderful mother of Boris (Debbie) Markowski and Rita (Steve Hodgins) Craig. Cherished Babusa of A J. (Samantha Hamilton) Markowski and David (Rebecca) Craig and Great-Babusa of baby Alexander Craig and baby boy Markowski (July 2023). Raisa will be remembered by her nieces and nephews in Belgium , Bob and Jacky VanderElst-Turnbull and Juri and Kathy VanderElst-Suys. Predeceased by her mother Anna Soin (1992) and her sister Jean VanderElst-Soin.

Raisa was born in the Ukraine, leaving for Belgium, Germany and eventually settling in Canada following the second World War. She met her husband Alexander in London, Ontario.  They became a long-term resident of Chiddington Avenue where they raised their family for 50 years. Raisa retired from Weldon B. Library where she worked as a Cataloguer.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Southbridge and Chelsea Park who cared for Raisa over the last few years.

Raisa will be interred alongside her husband and her mother at Woodland Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations in her 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

POOLEY, Tracy…

Tracy passed away quietly at home with her family by her side, on Monday, June 5, 2023 in her 58th year. Loving mom of Kaitlyn Pooley. Cherished daughter of Patricia Pooley and the late Michael Pooley (2003). Also survived by her uncle Jon (Lynn), uncle Dan (the late Deb), cousin Mark (Clare) and cousin Matt (Cheryl). Tracy suffered a long health battle but was resilient through it all. She was caring, giving, and full of love. She also had a special place in her heart for dogs. Cremation has taken place and at Tracy’s request there will be no service. Her ashes will be laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, London at a future date. In memory of Tracy, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

WALSH, David “Dave”…

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Walsh on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. Beloved husband of Cathy for 49 years, amazing father of Nicole (Jon), Angela (Nic), Darren (1982) and Dustin (Alexis). Grandfather of Eli, Violet, Avery, Cali, Cameron, Lennox, Miller and Rowe. Brother to Jim (Arla), Mary Beth (Paul), Margaret (Stan 2018), Diane (Rob), Kenneth (Margaret) and Lois (Kirt).

David was a master of all things and shared his many talents with family, friends and neighbours. No project too big or too small – he gave his time without hesitation. He enjoyed a quiet retirement at home focused on his family. From household improvements wherever he was called, to summer days around the pool teaching all of his grandkids to swim at what became fondly known as “Camp Thunderbird”.

Dave had a love of the water and walking miles of sand at Ipperwash Beach, his ultimate happy place. Since childhood, modest vacations along the Lake Huron shoreline brought out the best in him. A man of few words, and lovingly nicknamed by his family, “Holidave”, Dave cherished every moment spent with family at the beach.

Cremation has taken place. All are welcome for the visitation and memorial service, which will both take place at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The visitation will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 4-7 pm. The memorial service will follow on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1 pm. For those who cannot attend in person, the memorial service will also be live streamed by visiting the A. Millard George YouTube channel, or by visiting this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop

In lieu of flowers, please consider a random act of kindness in celebration of Dave.

Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

FRYER, John Lewis….

John Lewis Fryer, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and valued community member, passed away on June 3, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and service. Born September 15, 1939, he was the son of Thomas and Connie Fryer.

John shared an incredible journey of love and companionship with his beloved wife, Carolynn, for a remarkable 61 years. Their union was a testament to commitment and unwavering support, setting an inspiring example for all who knew them.

As a father, John was a pillar of strength and guidance to his children Kathryn (Dale), John (Susan), Geoff (Annie), and Colleen (Tony). His love and wisdom enriched their lives and helped shape them into the individuals they are today.

John was blessed with the joy of being grandpa to Aidan, Maia, Alyssa, Regan, Luke, and Carson. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories and imparting his values and life lessons. His love for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and his impact on their lives will forever be treasured.

John graduated top of his class from Appleby College, where he excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership. His love for the school was evident in his many stories and attendance at many reunions. He obtained his BSc from University of Toronto and MBA from Ivey School of Business at Western University.   

John was an avid sportsman, proficient at many sports in his youth and continuing to play hockey and baseball well into his 70s. He enjoyed coaching his sons and watching just about any televised sport, especially hockey and soccer. He was also an avid bridge player, noted for his prodigious memory and ability to produce a joke for any occasion. He enjoyed traveling the world with Carolynn and their many close friends and spending time at the family cottage.

John loved music, theatre, and the arts. He sang in many choirs throughout his life, including at St. James Westminster Church, where he was an active member for over 50 years. He was honoured with the Order of Huron for his dedication and exceptional contributions to his faith community.

John’s commitment to service extended beyond the church. He served on the boards of many organizations including Huron Church Camp, the VON, Leads, Huff N’ Puff (hockey and baseball), and others where his leadership and vision brought about positive change and touched the lives of countless individuals. He was a Life member of St. John’s Lodge 209a for 57 years, a strong ritualist fondly remembered for his portrayal of “sea captain” in the third degree, which he always performed with a smile.

John will be remembered for his warm smile, compassionate heart, and ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit continues to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please join us in remembering and honouring John’s life on Friday June 16 at 2 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin St, London. Visitation at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout St South, on Thursday June 15 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm; Masonic Service at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in John’s name to the Bursary Fund of Huron Church Camp or the Music Program at St. James Westminster Church. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

HELWIG, Deborah Ann…

Debbie Helwig passed away peacefully at home in London, Ontario with her loving dog Peanut, by her side in her 60th year. Debbie will be missed by her children Holly (Joshua) and Ryan (Brittany), Her sisters Bobbi-Jo, Kathy, and Tammy, sister Karen, her loving mom Alice and her beloved grandchildren Aria and Bryan. She is predeceased by her husband Bryan and mother Beverely. 

Debbie was feisty, funny, and had the biggest heart. She would say her family was her biggest achievement. She gave us strength and unconditional love and always opened her arms and her home to anyone who needed it. She will be missed beyond words.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Debbie’s memory can be made to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, June 10^th from 11am – 12pm followed by a memorial service at 12pm in the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.

Ross C. (Charles) Keeler  April 13, 1933- June 1, 2023

Ross Keeler loved life and he embraced every experience with love, laughter and a genuine regard for all who were a part of his ninety years of living. Ross was born in Hamilton, Ontario,  and moved to London Ontario where he grew up with his parents, younger sister, two brothers, and for a time, his three cousins left orphaned by the Moose Hall Fire of ‘44. Early in his family life Ross learned the value of work and leadership, both of which laid the foundation of a long successful work life. He initially apprenticed as a licenced auto mechanic, later becoming the service manager of the family business “Corral Motors” before entering the teaching profession. He obtained his teaching certificate and in 1973 was employed by the London Board of Education until his retirement in 1994. Ross taught at Saunders, H.B. Beal, Montcalm and Clarke Road and in addition to teaching, he organized regular professional development in the most current auto trends for his colleagues and countless apprenticeships for his students. During his teaching career, he was nominated twice for the Bishop Townshend Award for Excellence in Teaching (1983 and 1994) and received the Roger Macauley Student Centred Learning Award in 1988. He is a lifetime member of the National College of Automotive Teachers.

Ross loved family life and when he knew his time may be cut short, his greetings in visits began with “I have been blessed with the love of three wives who have loved me deeply, the love of all my children, and I have the best family that anyone could ask for.” In 1955 he married Marlene Holmes and together they raised their three children, Nancy, Terri and Brian. In 1977 he lost his wife, Marlene, daughter Nancy and mother-in-law in an automobile accident. In 1978 he married Elsie Lampkin and viewed their marriage as a second chance to enjoy marital bliss. Ross embraced Elsie’s two daughters, Ruth and Jeannie and together, Ross and Elsie extended their love to all partners and seven grandchildren. Elsie passed away in 2004 and again Ross found a third chance at marital happiness with his marriage to Wilma Crowe in 2005. Ross embraced Wilma’s four children Cheri, Lori, Mitch and Todd, their spouses, ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Ross loved community, specifically his membership in the Masonic Order. Ross joined St John’s Lodge #20 in 1954 and served as W.M. in 1965, Secretary 1969-72 and Past Grand Senior Warden (Hon.) in 1987. He joined the London Lodge of Perfection in 1980, London Sovereign Chapter Rose Croix in 1981 and was Coroneted an Honorary Inspector-General 33 in 2001. Throughout his Masonic life of service to community he served as Worthy Patron with Marlene as Worthy Matron in Bethlehem Chapter #136, Ontario Eastern Star in 1975 and Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel #3 International Order of Job’s Daughters 1974-78. In 1977 he started the G. Fred Kingsmill Chapter, Order of DeMolay, serving as first Chairman Advisor until his death and an active Member of Canadian Supreme Council and holder of the Zerubbabel Key, Cross of Honour and Honorary Legion of Honour. He worked with the London Consistory Club to create a community resource by repairing, refurbishing and distributing hospital equipment available to anyone in need. He developed strong partnerships across London hospital OT and PT departments.

After a short battle with cancer, on June 1, surrounded by his loving wife and many children, Ross passed into the next life. He is the beloved husband of Wilma Keeler, dear father of Terri-Lynne  Sparling and her husband Bob of Stratford, Brian Ross Keeler of London, and loving father to Ruth Lampkin and her partner Jim Anderson of Port Dover, Jeannie Kennedy of Hamilton, Lori  MacDonald of St. Thomas, Cheri Nadeau and her husband Richard of St. Thomas, Todd (“T.J.”) Crowe and his wife Tammy of London and Mitchel Crowe and his wife Mary Mitches of London. He is a beloved grandfather to Emily and Ellen Sparling, Matt, Ryan and Kyle Keeler, Adam Smith, Farrah De la Fosse, Rochelle and Brittany MacDonald, Carly, Lindsay and Nicole Nadeau, Logan, Owen and Megan Crowe and Hilary and Noah Crowe and great grandfather to Ruby and Max Dagg and Lyra De la Fosse. He is also missed by sister-in-law Lois Keeler, Donald (Don) MacMillan of Wiarton, Eileen Ebin of Florida, Richard MacMillan and his wife Bev of Ottawa and Robert MacMillan of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their families. Also survived by cousin Ken Cleland and wife Irene of Stoney Creek, their family, and many nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful for the tender care provided to Ross from Dr. Michael Mitchell of LHSC, Dr Oscar Karouzas Theodosios (“Dr. Theo”) and Nurse Natalie Wellmann of St. Elizabeth Health, and Dr. Shiraz Malik, Dr. Gil Schreier and Nurse Francyelle Fernandez of the Palliative Care Unit, LHSC Victoria Campus.

Predeceased by his parents late Gertrude (Lisa) Keeler and Charles P. (Perc.) Keeler, his wife, the late Elsie E. (Passmore) (Lampkin) Keeler, his wife, the late Marlene F. (Holmes) Keeler; his daughter Nancy Ann Keeler, his brothers William Eric (Bill) Keeler and David E. Keeler, his sister Marion Thomas and brother-in-law Louis Quenelle.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ross can be made to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario or to  Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation London.  Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8 2-4pm and 7-9pm with a Masonic Service at 6:30pm at A. Millard George Funeral Home. The funeral for Ross will be held on Friday, June 9 at 11 am at A. Millard George Funeral Home and a live-streaming option will be shared via the AMG Funeral Home Youtube page. Inurnment at 2:30 pm at Woodland Cemetery, London. The Reverend Michael DeKay of St. Paul’s Cathedral presiding. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com