Rickey Ager

Rickey Ager (née Van Den Akker), in her 81st year, has left us quietly and painlessly after her brief battle with cancer, surrounded by family at home, on April 26, 2026.

Born in de Rips, Netherlands in June 1945, Rickey was the adored and loving mother of Brian (April) and Michael (Leslie). A proud grandparent to Douglas, Tabitha and Kashmere. Great-Grandma to Atreyu. Survived by siblings Nell Howse (John) of Ingersoll, Ken (Janet) of Perth, Australia, Fritz Van Den Akker (Dianne) – London, Mary Joosten (Joe) – Wyoming, Teresa Johnston – London, Elizabeth Lam – London, Angela Andersen (Paul) – London and sisters-in-law Laura Gibson (Paul) – London and Frances (John) – London.

Long-time best friend to Gene Oswald of London, her near-daily companion to chat, watch sports and enjoy life.

Pre-deceased by her parents, Mary (2017) and Lambert (1982), brothers Bert (1980), Paul (2017) and John (2022) and brother-in-law Desmond Lam (2022). Also by previous partner Doug Kemp (1989).

She also loved and looked forward to spending time with her 50+ nieces and nephews and cousins in the Netherlands.

Rickey worked in healthcare for over 40 years at LHSC, St. Joe’s London and North York General in Toronto, as well as 10 years after retiring, working with Dr. Robert Colcleugh in London.

A loyal fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs (she even got to see them win a Stanley Cup a few times) and the Blue Jays. Her favourite things included knitting, crosswords, cooking, and most of all: time at the beach, whether it be Ipperwash, various camping adventures, or during her many travels with friends and family.

Everyone Rickey met has a fun (and sometimes outrageous) story to share, or a memory to keep with them.

She will continue to be loved and missed by all. The world is a little emptier without her.

Any donations in her name can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Rd North, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with service to follow at 3:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the service a livestream is available.

To register for the livestream click on Remembering Rickey

Cremation and burial planned with family at a future date.

An open reception will follow the service at The Hermitage Club at 1040 Commissioners Road West for those who wish to share their stories, laugh as though she were still here, and just support one another over some food and beverages.

The family wishes to thank LHSC and Dr. Hamilton’s team for their compassion with palliative care, along with everyone who reached out over this difficult time, especially her niece Carrie, who was there with and for Rickey, through it all.