Tom Wonnacott (’53) died July 6, 2024 at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care, age 88.
Son of longtime South Latin teacher, Gordon Wonnacott (1929-67), Tom was also a teacher, a Mathematics professor at Western and the proud author of several textbooks with his late brother, Ron Wonnacott (d. 2018), a Western Economics prof.
Outside of his educational career, nature and music were two very important things in Tom’s life. He sang in many choirs and also played the violin. Tom’s greatest joy, however, was his family, spending time with his wife, Elizabeth (Ellwood) Wonnacott, his 7 children (Rebecca, Cecilia, Dan, Matt, Kit, Marion & David) and 13 grandchildren. He was predeceased by siblings Ron Wonnacott (’47) and Joy (Wonnacott) Becker (’63) (d. 2022) and survived by siblings Paul Wonnacott and Alma (Wonnacott) Scovil (’66) and by his sister-in-law, Eloise (Howlett) Wonnacott (’49).

Paul George Heenan Merrifield (’73) passed away on July 29, 2024. Survived by his wife Sophie, daughter Natalie (’04), granddaughter Hailey and brothers, Scott (’68) and Brock. A graduate of The Niagara School of Horticulture, Paul worked for the London Parks Dept. for over 30 years, most of which was spent as Lead Hand at Springbank Park. In retirement, Paul became involved with Community Theatre both on stage and off stage, developing a passion for writing, especially comedy.  A play he co-wrote with fellow South alumna, Sandy (Ross) Frazer (’79) won the London Fringe Festival’s ‘Funniest Show’ 2008.

Editor’s Note: The Merrifield family was featured in one of the articles on South’s multi-generational families. Paul’s father George (’41) and his brother Stewart were the first to attend South, followed by Paul and his brother Scott. In addition to Paul’s daughter Natalie, Scott’s four daughters also attended South: Lindsay (’98), Kate (’00), Gillian (’03) and Jane (’05). Although Paul’s brother Brock attended high school in Woodstock, hisdaughters, Anne (’09) and Grace (’13) were also proud South Lions.

Harold William (Bill) Bettger (staff, 1996-2000) passed away peacefully at University Hospital on July 29, 2024. Loving husband of Eva, father of four (Pamela, Andrea, Jon and the late Peter John) and grandfather of six. Also survived by his siblings Peter, Mary Ellen Bird and Margo Bettger-Hahn.

Born in Goderich, Bill was a church organist there before attending Western University and earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and Associate of Music from the UWO Conservatory of Music.  He taught for the London Board of Education for 27 years, at Beck, Montcalm, Lester B Pearson, Beal and South. As a music consultant at the Board, he developed the blueprint for Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts, where he was Artistic Program Leader.

Bill also adjudicated music festivals across the country and in 2008, was recognized for his teaching accomplishments at Western’s Faculty of Education and added to the Teachers’ Wall of Fame. In acknowledging this honour, Bill said, “Without question, the most important aspect of my career has been the opportunity to come to know my students. To see them grow and learn and come to experience the joy and love of music has been reward enough for me.”

Outside the classroom, Bill served as an organist for 30 years at Colborne St. United Church. He also led several choirs with his wife.  An enthusiastic member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Bill participated in conferences across North America and promoted organ for youth with initiatives like Pipe Organ Week, a week-long summer intensive in London.

Described as “the ultimate family man” and “a true mentor and leader”, Bill would always find ways to bring people together to celebrate. “He never did anything to gain attention to himself, and his legacy of generosity in sharing and leading music and fostering life-long relationships is inspiring.”