Michael Wayne Knott passed away unexpectedly at home on May 31, 2019.  Mike was born in Chatham on March 25, 1955 to Murray and the late Helen (Malott) Knott.  He will be missed by his daughter Jolynne Vercouteren (Shep) and his grandchildren Noah and KeyAndre, by his friend Janet Girard, his siblings Dixie & Delbert Jackson, Diane & Ivan Bonnell, Darlene Knott and Mark Knott (predeceased by Matthew Knott in 2016), by his nieces and nephews Taylor, Madison, Hailey, Isaac, Monique & Eddie, Megan & Simon, Rygel & Aliece and his great nieces and nephews Bradley, Cassidy, Dakota, Christopher, Nyssa & Royce and Cahira & Orla (predeceased by Alexander).  He will also be missed by his extended family and friends.

Mike worked until the doors closed at Siemens in Chatham and then went to Chrysler in Windsor.  His true passion was umpiring and refereeing and also coaching the Blenheim Golden Jets to winning the Ontario Championships.  In his spare time he enjoyed fishing.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Mike’s life will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday July 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m..  Friends wishing to remember Mike with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinsons Society of Southwestern Ontario.

Robert John “Bob” Bacik, father of Becky (Matt) Larkin, Kim Bacik, Rob Bacik and proud papa to Bryden, Darion, Brynn, Cohen and Leah passed away after a courageous battle of cancer with his children by his side at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Friday, July 5, 2019. Bob was born 67 years ago to the late John and Mary (Kacer) Bacik. He was the last surviving sibling having been predeceased by his brothers John “BJ” Bacik, Stan Zruna and Frank Zruna. Special thanks to all the staff at the Hospice for taking such amazing care of dad during his stay. Cremation has taken place and Bob’s family will be remembering him privately. Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Joseph J. Huffman passed away suddenly on Monday June 24th. His life will best be remembered for the compassionate care given to patients in the ICU at St Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham, and patients in the Arrhythmia Unit at LHSC University Hospital. An avid hunter, German Short-Haired Pointer enthusiast, and boatsman, he leaves a legacy of good times on Rondeau Bay and Lake Erie water skiing, sailing and boating. He will be dearly missed by many close friends and colleagues. He was deeply loved by his brothers and sisters: Annabelle, Bruce (late), Doris, and Arthur, nephews and nieces: David, Laura and Bob Salter, David Huffman, Steven Lane, Henry, Natasha, and York Sikora and great-nieces and nephews – whom Uncle Joe adored with great joy. Joe was a truly devoted son to his parents Dr. A. S. And Ervine Huffman with whom he has now been reunited.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at the Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club in Blenheim on Sunday August 11, 2019 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Joe with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Erieau Community Association.

Bruce Embury of Blenheim passed away at home on Saturday June 22, 2019 at the age of 76 years.  He was one of four children born to Ken & Evelyn (Graves) Embury and is survived by his siblings Joanne & Jim Laurie, Kim & Terry St. Pierre and Ken & Sheila Embury.

Everyone who knew Bruce would agree that he was a man of few words, but a quick google search about people who are quiet would let you know “those who talk less really are smarter”!  And if being his wife’s biggest supporter and a hero to his children was an indication of a life well lived, Bruce was an intelligent man who lived life to the fullest!  He was only 18 years old when he married the love of his life Carol (Goodwin) and began a journey that would span almost 58 years.  Together they raised two children who they were very proud of; Shelly & John DeBrouwer and Rick & Anne-Marie Embury.  They were blessed with five grandchildren and their families; Joshua Embury & Amber Christiansen (Liam), Nicole Embury & Adam Iannetta, Lauren & Jarrod Oliphant, Sarah & Joel Pepper (August, Julien and the late Benjamin (2016) and Erica Embury.   He will be missed by his little buddy Bijoux who never left his side whenever he was home.

Being a butcher and a hockey player were major parts of Bruce’s life.  He retired from Blenheim Meats in 2015 and played hockey as a goal tender since his youth to an oldtimer.  Beyond that, his pleasures in life were simple…Wednesday night steak barbeques with a couple of beers and Friday night Wayne’s Pizza were two things he looked forward to every week.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Bruce will take place in Trinity Anglican Church on Saturday June 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Friends wishing to remember Bruce with a memorial donation are asked to consider either Trinity Anglican Church or Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

Nancy King of Blenheim, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on Saturday June 22, 2019.  Nancy was born 85 years ago to the late Stan and Jean (Stenton) Crackel. She was married to Ken James King who predeceased her in 2002. Nancy was super proud of her family and their families which includes:

Her son Ken & Rose King, grandson Trevor & Catherine, great-grandson Nolan.

Her son Jamie & Bonnie King, grandaughter Melissa, great-grandson Brody, grandson Matthew & Marcie, great-grandchildren Abigail and Austin.

Her son Kevin & Fiona King, grandchildren Karley, Jason, Darren, Karen, Bella and Adam.

Her daughter Kathy & Rick Henry, grandchildren Neila, Romaine, Shavaine, Demar, and Kiki.

Her son Kris & Joanne King, granddaughter Tara and Dean, great-grandchildren Dominic and Desmond, grandson Adam, great-grandchildren Kai and Severyn, grandaughter Rachel and Kevin.

Nancy is survived by her brothers Dick & Linda Crackel and Ewart & Nancy Crackel and their families, as well as her sisters-in-law Isabella King, Lucy King and their families.

Nancy had a long table in her kitchen where a lot of life decisions were made and where friends were always welcome.  You could always count on her for some good old fashioned, no-nonsennse advice.  She was a lady of epic determination who was proud to have lived life on her own terms without losing sleep or friends (she had her own euphemism for that, but the kids didn’t think it should be put in the paper!)

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday June 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. for a Funeral Service, immediately followed by a time of Fellowship in the Church hall. Interment will then follow with Rev. Bill Terris, and will take place at Evergreen Cemetery where Nancy will be laid to rest with Ken.

Friends wishing to remember Nancy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Charing Cross United Church General Fund or Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

It is with great sadness and broken hearts we announce that Dr. Michelle Suzanne McLauchlin passed away at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ross Tilley Burn Unit in Toronto on Wednesday June 19, 2019.

Michelle was born in Chatham 48 years ago.  She was the little girl who grew up to become the best friend of her mother Noreen and her father Dr. Murray McLauchlin.  She will be forever missed by her brother Dr. Michael McLauchlin, his wife Cecilia and their daughter Mia.   She will also be remembered with great fondness by her partner Rui Raposo and his children Alexander and Victoria as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michelle accomplished great things in her life, both personally and professionally.  After graduating from the Blenheim District High School, her studies took her to the University of Western Ontario where she received a Bachelor of Science degree and earned the distinction of Medical Doctor in 1996.  In keeping with her life ambition, she was received into the Residency Program at The Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto where she became a Paediatrician.  Michelle then furthered her studies to become a well-respected Allergist and Clinical Immunologist who was loved by her patients and colleagues.

In her spare time, Michelle became an accomplished musician.  She appreciated all of the beauty that the world had to give.  She was a kind and caring person whose thoughts were never far from the ones she loved.

Michelle’s family will be remembering her privately.  Friends wishing to remember her are asked to consider supporting the SickKids Foundation in Toronto as children were always close to her heart, or the Ross Tilley Burn Unit at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in recognition of the care and treatment given to her following her accident.

Max A McLeod passed away at the Tilbury Manor on Wednesday June 5, 2019.  Max was born to the late Neil & Mabel (Carr) McLeod 86 years ago and lived in the Merlin area all of his life.  He is survived by his wife Muriel (Sheeler) McLeod, his daughter Carolyn Lavigne (Andre), his son Brad McLeod (Sarah), grandchildren Andre Jr, Ashleigh, Vanessa, Dylan and great grandson Benjamin.  He is also survived by his sister Barb Zavitski (Ed) and brothers Wayne McLeod (Mary) and Roger McLeod.  He was predeceased by his son Stephen Max and his brothers Glen and Bill.

A private family graveside service will be held at Pardoville Cemetery.   Friends wishing to remember Max with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Pet & Wildlife Rescue Society.

William Ivan Knight passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village on June 4, 2019.  Born in Niles, Ontario 92 years ago to the late Jack & Florence (McWinney) Knight, Bill will be greatly missed by his daughter Bonnie Greene, his granddaughter Melissa & Doug Jansen and his great-grandchildren Tanner, Taylor, Hunter and Maci Jansen.  He was predeceased by his adoring wife Doris (Hoy) Knight, his infant daughter Sherry Knight and his son Rick Knight.

Bill is the brother and brother-in law of Beulah Good (late Marvin), Betty Johnston & Guy Robinson, Pauline & Gaetan Jacques, Dorothy Squire (late Don), Marie & Gerry Dobie, the late Elmer & Betty McWinney and the late Harold Knight.  He will be remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  A private family interment will take place in Merlin at a later date.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Lodislav “Lyle” Trinacty announces his passing on June 2, 2019 with loved ones by his side.  Predeceased by his parents Francis (Vsetula) and Jerry Sr, his brothers Frank and Jerry Jr.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife Lorraine (Monkhouse), by Brian (Barb), Randy (MaryAnn), Kevin, Kandace (Eric), Todd (Lisa) Judi (Raul) (late Jim) and Kim as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lyle’s wishes were that his family remember him privately.  In lieu of donations, Lyle would be best remembered by paying it forward and doing a kindness to a neighbour, friend or pet.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Edsel Dick, formerly of Blenheim passed away in Windsor on Sunday May 26, 2019.  He was 88 years old.  Edsel was the son of the late Emerson & Grace (Ronson) Dick.  He was a child who was gifted with a keen sense of foresight and determination in life.  He ventured out early becoming a mechanic and then moved on to be a successful entrepreneur in many businesses including R.E.D. Excavating, a business that he shared with his sons.  In his spare time he enjoyed travelling, spending time with friends, going to dances and an appreciation of horses.

Edsel was the father of Ralph & Gayle, Kevin & Lisa, Darrell & Kathy and Brian & Sherry, the late Brenda Poile (survived by Rob) and the late Diane Dick.  He enjoyed nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  He was a brother of Charlotte VanNeck (late Gary), Phyllis & Bob Bayly, Homer Dick (late Shirley).  Predeceased by Ruth & Fred Lapp, Lillian & Bob Flynn, Reg & Elma Dick and Archie Dick.  He will be remembered fondly by his special friend Judy Bloemen.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Legion on Sunday June 2, 2019 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. for a celebration of Edsel’s life.  Memories will be shared at 3:00 p.m.  A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Edsel’s family would like to express a sincerest of thanks to the staff of The Village at St Clair in Windsor for their kindness and care of an extraordinary man.

Friends wishing to remember Edsel with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Alzheimers Society of Chatham-Kent.