It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dearest, David Langstaff.  He was surrounded by his loving family at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the age of 80.

David was the dear husband of Mary Lou Langstaff (nee Foster) of Morpeth for 56 beloved years.

He was a loving Father of Mary Alice (Bob) Searles of Chatham and Scott (Karen) Langstaff of West Lorne.

He was an adored Grandfather of Erin Langstaff, Anna Searles (Tony), Nick Searles, and Ashe Langstaff.

Being the oldest in the family, David set the standard of being a loving and very supportive and involved big brother to; Alice (late Bill) Deseure, Grant (late Arlene Bolton) Langstaff, Jean (Tony) Sommerdyk and the late Nancy Langstaff (1979), and brother-in-law of Linda (Jim) Somerville and Blake (Nona) Foster.

Son of the late Alfred and Muriel (nee Willmore) Langstaff.

Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

David will be remembered for his warm laugh and gentle smile.  He was very kind hearted and loved to socialize with his many family members and friends.  His greatest pride was spending time with his children and grandchildren.  David, along with his wife Mary Lou, could be found joyfully visiting at many social gatherings at his local church, New Scotland United Church, as well as many events at the Morpeth Community Centre, and other local community gatherings.

David was an avid farmer with an affinity for his pigs and his field crops. He was very ambitious and worked many years at the Ford Plant, while continuing to farm. One of his greatest accomplishments and passions, was his involvement in the local politics.  David was appointed as a Councilor with the former Howard Township from 1981 – 1985; then became Deputy Reeve from 1986 – 1991; and finally became Reeve from 1992 – 1997. During his time as Reeve, he was also appointed as Warden for the County of Kent in 1994.

In his spare time, David loved to read and play games like chess, crokinole, euchre and checkers, with his family and friends. He was often found showing up for visits, when he was in the area, to his family and friend’s houses, with a warm, positive greeting.  These visits are now precious, cherished memories.  David will be greatly missed!

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St, in Blenheim on Sunday April 14, 2024 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm with words of remembrance held at 2:30pm.  A private family burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

Donations made in memory of David to the New Scotland United Church or a charity of choice would be appreciated.  This can be done at the funeral home by cash, cheque, debit or credit card or even by calling the funeral home at 519-676-9200.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Melvyn John Broughton, 85, of Chatham, Ontario passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024 at Blenheim Community Village. Mel was the oldest son of William and Alice Broughton (nee Reid). A devoted husband to his wife Patricia (nee Kennedy) for over 30 years, before she passed away in 2021. Predeceased by his brother Garry Broughton, and his son Michael Broughton, Mel is survived by his daughter Sheila McIntosh (David), his step-daughter Lisa Uher, his step-son Ryan Deakins, his grandchildren DJ McIntosh, Michael McIntosh, Lauren Uher, Emily Uher, Claire Uher, Craig Church, Tyler Deakins, and his great-children Danielle, Dakota, Cole, Jonathan, Sawyer, and Arlo.

Mel was born in Pontefract, England and immigrated to Canada as a young lad. Mel joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1957, where he served until his honourable release in 1962. Mel settled in Cambridge, Ontario with his family, and worked in sales until he found his true calling as an auctioneer and real estate agent. As a bit of a showman, Mel loved taking centre stage selling everything from bicycles for the Police Department to entire farms in rural Ontario. Working as a real estate agent, Mel derived great satisfaction in helping his clients find their forever homes. As an ex- Navy man, Mel loved to sail his sailboat, and was a proud member of the Blenheim Legion. In1993, Mel married the love of his life Patricia and relocated to Chatham, Ontario. He and Patricia enjoyed travelling, taking numerous cruises around the Caribbean and spending time at their timeshare in Collingwood. He loved spending time with his good friend Vince, going to the movies, out for lunch, or a coffee and chat at Tim Hortons. His absence will be deeply felt by those whose lives he touched. Special thanks and deepest gratitude to Dr. Martha Clendenning the amazing staff at Blenheim Community Village for all of their care and compassion. Over the course of his and his wife Pat’s stay at the Blenheim Community Village, staff created a beautiful sense of friendship and family to Mel with many heart touching and humorous memories created.

As per his wishes, Mel will be cremated. If desired, donations only. Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca

Jacob Blatz of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on April 3, 2024.  He was born in Mexico 61 years ago.  He is survived by his wife Maria Blatz, his children Abe (Lisa), Margaret (Aaron), Corny (Lisa), Frank (Henrietta), Jake (Annie), Tina (Isaak), 12 granddaughters and 10 grandsons.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday April 7, 2024 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Charing Cross on Monday April 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will take place in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Edith Lacey, affectionately known as “Edie” passed away with her favourite person in the world, Iris by her side on April 2, 2024.  Born in Germany on July 26, 1924 to the late Gertrude & Wilhelm Schunke, Edie was the last member of her family having been predeceased by her sister Elly Wehrmann and her brother Horst Schunke in Germany.  She was also predeceased by her husbands Werner Helass in 1981and Sean Lacey in 2016.

Edie’s captivating personality, doubled with a smile that lit up a room let you know you were loved.  She was the best friend of her daughter of Iris Keating (Jim Knowles) and “Omi” to her grandchildren Jason & Tara McKinnon and Ryan & Laura McKinnon, her great-grandchildren Lucas, Lincoln, Leela and Sunny and their friends as well.  She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

After emigrating to Canada from Germany in 1960, Edie went to night school to learn English.  She got jobs with Sears, Cockshutt Farm Equipment and finally retired from Zimmer Biomet, a company that manufactured the replacement parts for knees and hips that she would eventually receive herself.

Edie was quite the trendsetter, especially when it came to procedures, and a trailblazer who always put her family first.  She was the “hostess with the mostest”, entertaining anyone who sat at her well  dressed table that included all the bells and whistles or who joined her for a walk through her gardens that she spent many hours manicuring.  She was one of those people who had a certain twinkle in her eye and smile on her face that let her get away with many things, including tossing all filters aside and speaking her mind.   The staff at the retirement and nursing homes described her as “cute”, “a firecracker”, “spicey”, “happy”, “affectionate” and “feisty”.

Many thanks go out to the caring staff at the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown and Riverview Gardens in Chatham for their patience, guidance and great care of Mom.  Also, we want to give a shout out to Angelo at the Venus de Milo restaurant and Fred Burchiel at the Blenheim Legion, who Mom affectionately referred to as her “boyfriends” for giving her all of the special attention that she so enjoyed.

Mom was seldom without a pet dog.  If you would like to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider the Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/  That would have made her happy.  Her wish at this time was for us to remember her privately (with a glass of wine)!

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of their matriarch, Jane Elaine Hope.  Born March 31^st 1941, to Willoughby and Mabel Ford.  Sister to Bud (Karen) and Jack (Linda) Ford.  Wife to Doug Hope.  Mother To Chris (Leanne) and Scott (Laura).  Grandmother to Brett (Jordan), Brenden (Samantha), Kyle (Heather), Shawn (Kelsey) and Jeremy (Dominique).  Great Grandmother to Piper, Kempe and Krue.

Mom lived a great life enjoying friends and family in and around the Blenheim area.  She enjoyed curling, golf and playing cards.  She was a teacher, mentor and friend to many in the Blenheim area.  She passed peacefully with family by her side on 11 March 2024 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or Chatham-Kent Health Alliance https://mycharityfund.ca/charity/64433/foundation-of-chatham-kent-health-alliance would be appreciated.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JANE WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY APRIL 12, 2024 AT THE WILLOW RIDGE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB FROM 11 AM – 2 PM

Glenda Ann Sales of Merlin passed away at the Windsor Regional Hospital in the early morning hours of Friday March 29, 2024.  She was the second youngest of nine children born to the late Roy & Angela (Gryp) Wallace and will now be reunited with her sisters Evelyn and Mary Ellen and brothers John and Jim.

Glenda and her late husband Tom (1985) were the proud parents of two children; Shay Lynn Smith (Gary) and Tim Sales (Alyssa).   Becoming a young widow dealt her the strength and determination she needed to raise her children to become successful and independent.  She was proud of them.  She was excited to become the grandmother of Caitlyn, Donovan and Kameron and when she met her second husband Bill Ross (2012), she welcomed two more sons; Wayne and Jeff and a grandson Kyle.

Glenda was a long time resident and supporter of Merlin.  She was a member of the Merlin Legion and could often be found in her kitchen preparing for bake sales or promoting the Perch and Merlickin Chicken Dinners.  Her career was spent at Southwestern Regional Centre as a Developmental Service Worker where she made many friends who she considered as family.  After leaving the Centre she returned to school to become a PSW and provided in home care for several individuals in the area before she “retired” completely!

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Merlin Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Tom.

Family and friends wishing to remember Glenda with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving .

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Sue Suzor (nee Maynard) who peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Thursday March 28, 2024 at the age of 65. Linda was the loving wife of Richard ‘Rick’ Suzor of Blenheim. Dear mother of Lacey Ogle (Shaun Gray), Glen Ogle, and Randy Ogle (Amy Morandin). Spoiling grandmother of Jorgia Ogle, Ginny Ogle, Jayden Ogle, Eden D’auvernay-Ogle, Ella Dubuque-Ogle, and Chloe Morandin. Sister of Marg (Dave) Reaume, Janet Maynard, and Bruce Maynard. Sister-in-law of Ron (Lisa) Suzor, Raymond (Patricia) Suzor, Kenny (Mable) Suzor, and Larry (Mary-Beth) Suzor.

Those who were blessed to have known Linda, will have many wonderful memories and countless stories to cherish and share for years to come. Linda loved telling amazing and hilarious tales with friends over a great cup of coffee. She was loving, caring, welcoming and had a magnificent sense of humour. She was a crutch to lean on and offered comfort to anyone in need. She was the ‘Matriarch’ to her children and their friends.

She loved her family and friends immensely and was a humble woman who cherished all the little things in life that people most often take for granted. Linda was a kind soul and no matter what life presented, she faced it with love and grace. Many people could take a lesson from Linda– “Cherish and appreciate your time with loved ones and the memories you make together”. Linda will be deeply missed and will forever be deep in the hearts of those she loved.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Donations made in memory of Linda to the Canadian Lung Association would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A memorial video of Linda can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/GNXG6WR49W54FLZJ

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Jean Hill, who passed away at home on March 28, 2024, at the age of 70. Barb was the daughter of the late Cecil and Louise Stone. Dear wife of 49 years to the late Ronald “Bucky” Hill. Loving mother to Chris (Sarah) Hill and proud grandmother to Riley and Easton. Sister to Betty Ann Stone (Randy), and the late Bruce (Terry) Stone. Sister-in-law to Tom Hill, Carol (Lionel) Hebert, Nancy Ireland-Beattie (Charlie Beattie), Alice Hill, Elizabeth (Bill) Reid, Mary Jane Wilkinson-Hill and predeceased by Donald Hill, Johnny Hill, Twyla (George) Lee and Sandy Hill. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Barb will be remembered by her years working as a bartender at the Blenheim Hotel and then Mallory Industries Ltd. She was a quiet and gentle person who enjoyed playing bingo, cards, casino games, spending time with her family (especially her grandkids), and making her famous peach pies.

Visitation for Barb will be held on Friday April 5th, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. A Funeral Service will then take place at 2:00pm followed by an interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Barb to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Poppy Fund would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Caroline “Carol” Bradie of Blenheim passed away at home on March 24, 2024.  Born in Detroit Michigan on September 17, 1940 to the late Hilda & Allan Marshall, Carol came to Canada when she was 19 years old.  She will be remembered by her “boys” Micheal Bradie (Debbie) of Wallaceburg and Robert Bradie (Lois) of New Hamburg, her grandchildren Dylan (Jamison) Bradie of Port Lambton, Jamie (Jess) Bradie and Sherri Bradie (Mat Osinkowski) both of New Hamburg, and James Letourneau of Kitchener, and her great-grandchildren Parker and Alexander of Port Lambton and Payton, Nash, Mason, Alexandra and Theo all of New Hamburg.

Also survived by her sister-in-law Annette Marshall of Detroit Michigan and several nieces and nephews and their families throughout the United States.  She was predeceased by her brother Allan Marsall.

Carol was a member of the Blenheim Baptist Church and enjoyed the friendships that she made there.  One of her favourite pastimes was to attend bible study whenever she could.

Cremation has taken place.  Her family will be remembering her quietly.

Donald James Maris of Merlin passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday March 19, 2024.  Born to the late Watson & Isabella (Pratt) Maris 92 years ago, Don was the last surviving member of his family.  He was predeceased by his siblings Thomas Maris (1922), Oliver Maris (1926), Watson Maris (1931), Margery Keast (1965), William Maris (2011) and Muriel Dale (2017).   He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Don’s working career was spent at Southwestern Regional Centre where he retired as a Residential Supervisor.  He enjoyed real estate speculation and acquiring antique furniture for his home.  He was happy to remain independent and at home.  His wishes for this time were to be cremated and laid to rest with his mother, and that his family and friends remember him on their own.  If you would like to make a memorial donation in memory of him, he would have deemed the Chatham-Kent Hospice a noble cause.