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Jack Graham Phoenix
PHOENIX, Jack Graham
March 6, 1944 – September 28, 2023
London, Ontario
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Graham Phoenix at University Hospital. Jack has been a resident of the new Southbridge Long Term Care Home (formerly Chelsey Park) since 2015, soon after his stroke. He is a lifelong resident of London with the exception of a few years where he lived in St. Catharines, and a couple of decades in Kitchener-Waterloo. He worked in the Heating and Air Conditioning business for the majority of his working years, retiring from the City of Kitchener Gas Company. He grew up in East London and attended Ealing Public School and Beal Secondary School. As a teenager, he began serving his community as a Disc Jockey doing parties for young people. He operated a “Young People’s Group” and later served on the Board of Directors at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London. He continued that hobby throughout his life and has been a part of many people’s celebrations over many decades. He was the resident disc jockey at the nursing home, doing Gaither Gospel and other events during his time in LTC, right up until this past summer. He was the Charter President for the London-Middlesex Civitan Club in 1975. The club’s motto is “Builders of Good Citizenship” and is a volunteer organization dedicated to serving individual and community needs with an emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities. During his time with the KW Civitan Club he appeared as the life-sized version of the “Good Bear” in association with the Waterloo Regional Police Department. This project provided for the distribution of “Good Bear” teddy bears in traumatic situations. He was at many City of Kitchener family functions, parades, festivals and celebrations in conjunction with the Police force. He was often found at the Police and Fire & Safety Village working alongside the officers and fireman encouraging good safety practices. The name Civitan is derived from the Latin word meaning citizenship and Civitan members are known to have certain traits in common. The strength of conviction, the courage to care, the desire to get involved and make a difference and they all have a BIG heart. Jack has demonstrated these qualities throughout his life, both before and through Civitan. Jack remained a lifetime member of the London Middlesex club and helped to sponsor progressive Euchre tournaments at Chelsey Park to raise money for the Home’s recreation department (prior to Covid). He made many friends at the nursing home and that community is going to deeply miss his dynamic presence throughout the entire home. Jack is survived by his wife for just short of 60 years, Julie (nee Forgrave), his daughters Cheryl (Bill) Taylor and Tracie (Mark) Hilchey, as well as his grandchildren, Matthew (Naama), Casey (Karen), Weston (Meaghan), Micartney (Vitoria), Gage (Krystina), Brock, Chase and his great-grandchildren, Billie, Saul and Daniel. He was predeceased by his parents Milton and Dorothy (Oscar), his brothers Ray (Doris), Bob, stepbrother Conrad, stepsister Donna, as well as his niece Kathy. He will be missed by his only remaining sibling Elaine (Bill) Blaney as well as his stepsister Gwenda (Lloyd) Kirilenko and his many nieces and nephews. Jack had many very close friends throughout his lifetime, an impossible list to define. A celebration of life service will take place at The Church of the Epiphany at 11 Briscoe St. W. London, Ontario, on Saturday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m., with a time for lunch to follow where I’m sure many memories will be shared. Please RSVP if possible so that we can prepare appropriately to host you at; jackphoenixservice@gmail.com. In lieu of Flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Church of The Epiphany, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (specifically in honour of the Heart Failure Clinic) who provided exceptional care during his most difficult last few months, London Health Science Centre (specifically in honour of the ICD Clinic) who helped to keep him with us for the extra time we had or (specifically in honour of the Cardiology Department) whose angels cared for him and remained with him in his final hours).
Jack Black
BLACK, John Ross Albert “Jack”
After a lengthy illness, Jack Black of London, found his peace on Monday, January 30, 2023 in his 88th year.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris (nee Whittington) Black. Loving father of Kim (Scott), Ross (Tammy), Robert (Karen) and Pam (John). Proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Ruth Ann MacFarlane of Hamilton, Bob Black and his wife Gloria of Quebec and brother-in-law of Beverly Black of London. Predeceased by his brothers William, James and Thomas.
Born in Kapuskasing, Ontario to Goldie and Bert Black. He was a proud veteran of the Royal Canadian Regiment serving 28 years at home and abroad. In his retirement he enjoyed time fishing on the great lakes. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge, and devoted participant.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 1-1:45 p.m., followed by a Masonic Service under the auspices of Middlesex Lodge No. 379 A.F. & A.M. at 1:45 p.m., and the memorial service at 2 p.m., all held at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London. PLEASE NOTE: As a request by the family, masks are required to attend the church. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jack are asked to support the London Regional Cancer Program, c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, 747 Base Line 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
Manor Park New Years Eve 2022
A great time was had by all at the Manor Park New Year’s Eve show.
Before the party
Food Prep
Alvego Root Fun
The Party
Denise and Steve Serenade us!
Helen Johnson
JOHNSON, Helen
Peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Helen Eileen Johnson (nee Walker) in her 91st year, passed away surrounded by family. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Johnson and mother of the late Pam Johnson. Survived by her daughter Janet (Scott), her grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Renee (Jeff), great-grandchildren Dominic and Natalie, her sisters Sheila, Gerrie, Carole and many nieces and nephews. Also remembered by her son-in-law Dave and close family friends Anne, Declan (Phyllis) and Liz. Helen found great joy in her family, friends and spending time at the family’s cottage in Port Bruce.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London where the memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Private inurnment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, London. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to Church of the Epiphany, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Sing-a-long at Epiphany
On the afternoon of March 17th, St Patrick’s Day the Little Church that Cares hosted an afternoon of sing-a-long music.
Thanks to Steve and Suzanne.
Mary Bosley
Bosley, Mary Ellen
It is with deep sadness that we share that Mary Ellen Bosley passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 in her 82nd year at Victoria Hospital in London, ON.
Mary was born on August 15, 1940 to Herbert and Beatrice Bosley in London, ON. Mary graduated from Western University while she pursued a career at London Life which she enjoyed for 35 years. Mary was an avid investor who enjoyed the occasional night out at the symphony.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Herbert and Beatrice. She is survived by her brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Shirley; her nephews, Keith (Beverly), Kevin (late Gloria), David (Pamela) and Darren; her great-nieces and nephews, Kayla, Rachel, Olivia, Philip and Brandon; and her cousin Barbara (late Steve) Clarke and her family.
Mary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thank-you to Patty, Jean and the various PSW staff for their dedicated help.
Visitation is to be held Tuesday, February 22 from 1-2 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond in London with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Marion Rice
RICE, Marion…
Peacefully at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, London, Marion Rice passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, her 102nd birthday. Beloved wife of the late Frederick Rice (2012). Loving mother of John Rice (Barbara) of Manitoba, Annette Pole (Ken), Tom Rice (Gail) and Jane Kowalski (late Rom) all of London and Tim Rice (Cathy) of Glencoe. Loved grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her granddaughter Shahna Rice. Marion was the only child of Nellie and Leonard Greenaway. Her life was centered around her family and beloved husband of 72 years.
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home. As per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, a limited number of people can attend. All those attending are required to wear masks and follow COVID-19 protocols. 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 here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpfL6_cm3hysYQm6qoamdgQ?app=desktop or our website and clicking on the YouTube logo. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund, 11 Briscoe Street West, London, ON N6J 1L9 would be appreciated. Online condolences, memories and pictures shared at www.amgfh.com
Shine a Blue Light – In honour of Alexandra Stemp
Shine a Blue Light
It’s not what you want to think about
this time of year
It’s not what you want to think about
ever
but here it is, an exquisite young life
cut short
by unimaginable tragedy
This beautiful young girl,
lost
the result of a terrible accident.
What could be better for a young girl
than a Girl Guide Brownie meeting
with friends, teachers, leaders?
Who could have known a safe
supervised walk home would result
in such tragedy?
Light up a blue candle.
Shine a blue spotlight on your porch.
Tie a blue ribbon on your lamp post.
Say a prayer for little Alexandra;
and another for her family;
and another for the emergency crews
that attended and gave such loving care
to little Alexandra.
And, find it in your heart
to say another for the driver of the car
that ended a bright young life
in such a tragic way.
FUNDrive at Epiphany
You know, one of the best things of being a part of Epiphany is all the fun we have. Even when we’re working we have fun. Wednesday November 17, our assigned delivery date finally arrived, the culmination of a year’s collection of Garage Sale items. As you know Epiphany usually has a couple of Garage sales each year. The Covid pandemic put an end to that. One of our members saw an ad from Value Village called FUNDrive. When she checked into it she discovered that we could save then deliver our usual Garage Sale items to VV and get paid for it. What a great idea!!!. So we started collecting, and collecting, and collecting. The Hall basement filled up and still items were arriving. The Church basement filled up and still more items. Then, just as it seemed Epiphany’s walls were going to burst we got together, safely masked and loaded 2 large UHaul trucks and took everything to Value Village on Wellington Road South. The accumulated bagged and boxed items (clothing, footwear, linens, pots and pans and other small household items – you know, everything but the kitchen sink) weighed in at over 5000 pounds. A big thank you to everyone who contributed. It was a lot of work, but as you can see in the pictures, many hands make work light – and fun. I heard many laughs, giggles and happy noises as we worked delivering these things to VV (Another huge thank you to our volunteer loaders – way to go Epiphanites!!!) By the way, did I tell you, Value Village paid us for these things. A win win as I see it.
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