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.

Ervine (Scherle) Huffman, beloved wife of the the late Dr. Arthur (Doc) Huffman, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham, Ontario, on May 25, 2019. She was 98 years of age. The eldest of seven, Ervine is survived by her youngest sister Kathy Plant (Carson), and predeceased by sisters Adele Carey, Elvera Howes of Chatham, Erna Handy of Blenheim, and brothers John Scherle of California and Frank Joseph Scherle of Chatham. She was previously married to the late Raymond Vaughan.

Born in Romania, her family moved to Canada when Ervine was seven years old, first settling in Regina, Saskatchewan, then soon after moving to Chatham. Ervine and Doc Art lived most of their life in Erieau, where they raised Joe Huffman and Art Huffman (Margaret). They were embraced by Doc’s three children from his previous marriage to the late Mary Winrow – Annabelle Salter (Chuck), the late Bruce Huffman (late Jane) and Doris Sikora (late Hank). Ervine was also a proud grandmother to David Salter (Sreya), Laura Salter (Michael McArthur), Bob Salter (Louise), Dr David Huffman (Gen), Steve Lane (late Suzy), late Jon Lane, Henry Sikora, Natasha Sikora, York Sikora (Vanessa),  and 13 great grand-children. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Monday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral service for Ervine conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will take place on Tuesday May 28, 2019 at 11 am. Internment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, with luncheon to follow afterwards.

Friends wishing to remember Ervine with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation in place of flowers.

Kim Lund Hansen, 65, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on May 18th, 2019 with his two daughters, sons in law and brother at his side.  He passed at University Hospital in London, ON where the amazing nursing staff showed great care, allowing him to pass with dignity and grace.

Kim was born on November 16th, 1953 in Denmark.  He then moved to Canada with his mom and dad as a young boy.  He worked at General Motors for more than a quarter of a century, where he made many life-long friends.  As he moved into retirement, Kim shared a passion of learning, as he continued to take many courses, keeping his brain sharp and expanding his repertoire.   He loved to garden in his spare time, taking great pride in his abundance of fruits and vegetables.  His love of animals was something to be awed.  His dog Buster always brought joy to his days.

He is sadly missed and survived by daughters; Tara Hansen-Rix (Matt) and Kimberly Cranley (Shaun); grandchildren; Matthew, Joshua, Mikayla Rix, Mariah, Cali and Rylynn Cranley.  Siblings; Eileen Merkley (Bob), Janet Lindsay (John) and Mark Hansen (Kathy). Uncle to Courtney Lachine (Craig), Carlin Cunningham (Matt), Jordin (predeceased), Ricky Lindsay, Daniel, Alan, Steven Merkley, Jared, Garnet, Jacob, and Grace Hansen.  Great uncle to Natalie, Meredith, Ben Lachine, Max and Henry Cunningham.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bente Wild (Hansen) and Eric Hansen and his Step-Father William Wild.

Services will be held at Noon on Sunday, May 26th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.  Burial of a tree in honour of Kim will take place at the Pardoville Cemetery, immediately following the service, friends and family are asked to join.

Arrangements under the direction of Blenheim Community Funeral Home in Blenheim, ON.

Mary Frances Johnson of Blenheim and formerly of Mt. Brydges passed away on Saturday May 18, 2019 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chelsea Park at the age of 84. Mary was the daughter of the late Albert and Alberta (Pomfrey) Crick.

Beloved wife of the late Hugh Johnson (2015), Franklin Fuller (1985) and Ben Craig (1985).  Loving mother of Wallace Craig, Albert Craig, Brenda Povey and Cathy Craig.  Dearest grandmother of Jeremy and Michael Povey, Ashley Glazier (Grant Chinnick) and Tim Glazier and great grandmother of Chelsea Yaroscavitch.  Mary is also survived by her sister Caroline Jacobs and many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by son-in-law Ron Povey and all her other siblings.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Wednesday May 22, 2019 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a funeral service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris.  Cremation will follow.

Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Big Fix Grassroots Cat Rescue.

Ted Rumble (Frederick Carl Rumble)

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ted Rumble announce his passing on Friday May 17, 2019 at the Chatham Kent Hospice. In the wee hours of the morning and on typical Rumble time, he left his mark on the world and on everyone that knew him.

We are proud to have been able to share in his zest and love of life for 76 years and sad that we will not have the life of the party to celebrate with us anymore.

It was in the halls of BDHS that this hockey jock met his life time cheerleader, Brenda Payne and for 55 years they enjoyed the adventures and love of raising their family in Erie Beach.

He leaves his legacy and his heart in his children, Becky and John Preston of Merlin, Beth and Rick Hall of Blenheim and Jenny Rumble of Blenheim. He was the sunshine and laughter to his grandchildren, Sarah and Catherine Preston and Evan, Colleen and Lydia Hall.

Stock car driver and pit crew to his brothers and best friends, Tony and Gail Rumble, Mike and Nancy Rumble and David and Carolyn Rumble all of Blenheim. Predeceased by his parents who taught him the importance of family, Leighton and Edith and his brother Timmy and his in-laws Harry and Velma Payne. Always the “favourite” brother in law to Ada Wright (Bill) and Joyce and Bill Guerin. Comedian and entertainer to many nieces and nephews from the Rumble and Payne families. He also leaves behind a varied and vast network of people he was proud to call his friends.

His 35 year school teaching career for the Kent County Board of Education saw him leave his mark on many schools but he and Brenda called Harwich Raleigh Public School their home. If you had him for a teacher he proudly referred to you as one of his many success stories.

Ted is perhaps best remembered for his infectious smile, his one liners and jokes, his musical talents and playing the piano and his ability to remember and recite poetry.

Whether you had an adventure on the Rumble bus, overindulged at one of his many smelting parties, played hockey or golf with him, called him Mr. Rumble, your favourite teacher, enjoyed his winter cottage and 4:00 Caesars in Florida, or sailed on a Princess cruise ship, you had the opportunity and privilege to enjoy his company and friendship.

He loved Rumble racing, the Rumble bus, cruising the world, wearing the loudest and craziest clothes, whiskey and water, late nights, arriving late to the party and being the last to leave, ragtime music and piano playing, and was never one to miss out on an adventure.

His smile and quick wit brightened all our days. A man who lived life to the fullest because no one else could have done it like Ted did!

We invite those that have been touched by Ted’s life to the visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon May 19 from 2:00 – 5:00 and again Monday May 20 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00. The Rumble family welcomes everyone to celebrate his life at a funeral service at the Blenheim United Church, Tuesday May 21 at 6:30 pm followed by a reception at the Willow Ridge Golf Club in Blenheim.

Those wishing to honour him and make a donation may consider giving to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Pastor Eric Skillings will lead his funeral service on Tuesday evening. Honouring and carrying this great man will be pallbearers, Tony, Mike and David Rumble, Rick and Evan Hall, John Preston and Doug McKillop.

Ted’s love of music will be sung to the heavens by his granddaughter Catherine Preston accompanied by his nephew Jeff Guerin and a one of a kind made just for him song will be performed by his long time friend Jerry Dalton.

Reminiscing and stories will be shared by his brothers, his girls and his grandchildren.

Christopher John Jennings, much loved husband of Ethel Jennings passed away peacefully at home on Thursday May 9, 2019. Christopher was born in England 73 years ago. He and Ethel moved their family to Canada making Chatham-Kent their home. He was the proud father of Eric, Anthony, Annette and Margaret. Friends will remember him from his years of working at Sinteris in Blenheim.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Christopher will be held at the Blenheim Baptist Church on Saturday May 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Madeline Tedford, much loved wife of the late Hubert “Sam” Tedford passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday May 8, 2019 at the age of 86 years. Madeline was one of nine children born to the late Pharilda and Benjamin Mortier and is survived by two sisters Irma King and Margaret DeWitte. She was predeceased by her sisters Cecile, Edna and Martha as well as her brothers Leo, Oscar and Al.

Madeline was the mother of Louise Tedford, Marie Parent (Craig), Pete Tedford (Christine) and the late Carol Tedford, all of whom she instilled wisdom and values to become the strong and independent adults she was very proud of. She became “Big Gram” to four grandchildren; Jason (Ashleigh), Jessica (Matt), Jalen (Alexis) and the late Devin, all of whom she spoiled and loved dearly along with her great-grandchildren Abby, Peyton, Gage, Parker and Georgia and the late Cody and her step-grandchildren Holly and Taylor. Madeline was so looking forward to her soon to be seventh great grandson Hudson. She had a special bond with many nieces and nephews.

Madeline and Sam farmed for many years on Fargo Road which is where they raised their children. After their retirement they moved into Blenheim where they were greeted by neighbours who she appreciated very much. She was a candy connoisseur who appreciated a good movie, a good game of cards at the Blenheim Seniors Centre and watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Most of all she loved her family who she made sure never went home hungry and who she always made sure the pole light was on for them to be safe as they left.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. for visitation. A Funeral Service for Madeline will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday May 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.   Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Sam.

Friends wishing to remember Madeline with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice where Madeline was well cared for in her final days.

William Wesley Gardiner of Erie Beach passed away peacefully at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Sunday May 5, 2019. He was the son of Gladys (Drury) and the late Percy Gardiner.

Bill was 77 years old when he passed away, 60 of which were spent beside the love of his life Joyce (Locke) Gardiner. Following two years spent becoming best friends, Joyce and Bill were married on September 16, 1961. They became the proud parents of a son Drew Gardiner (Agnes) and a daughter Kelly (Mark Zolkowski). They also became the super proud grandparents of Aidan Gardiner, Konar Gardiner and Indy Zolkowski.

More than anything else in this world Bill loved his family. Beyond that, he loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. Much of his time was spent with his buddies at the “Ponderosa” where lot of good history was written in the “Book of Wiarton”… tales of the great outdoors, long card games, close friends and cold beer… most of all, good memories to look back on when life turned a corner. Lake Erie was his backyard where he spent countless hours fishing, whether it be off a jetty, from his boat Rock Bottom, through a hole cut in the ice on the bay, fun fishing with Chuck or chartering with Butcher-Buoy.

For 53 years, Bill and Joyce have called Erie Beach home. They raised their children there, they made friends there and they appreciated everything that “The Beach” has to offer. In the summer it was hard not to notice the gardens that Bill tended to because they were perfect. He could always be counted on to help the summer residents prepare their homes for opening or to get repairs done before their arrival. A true handyman, he had a knack for restoring anything made of wood or metal to its original glory and his garage was a revolving door – everyone knew that it was the right place to go if they needed a tool or help finishing a project.

He retired after many years of working at Southwestern Regional Centre where he was well liked by all. For many years he would spend a week at a time with the boys there at Scout Camp. He was also a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club and mentored many girls and boys in the Gun Club Youth Program.

Early morning coffee gossip was a daily ritual which Bill enjoyed with Laird, Don, Ivan, and Scott, being served by Kim.

Bill will be missed by his sisters Donna Richardson (late Bruce), Ruth Francis (late Ron), his brother Wayne Gardiner, his sisters in law Cheryl Gardiner (late Jim), Sandra Gardiner (late Bob) and by Joyce’s brother Reg Locke and wife Mary. Bill was predeceased by his sister Darlene Gardiner.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club on Saturday June 1, 2019 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. His ashes will be divided between places that he loved most in life- the Poderosa, Lake Erie and with his soul mate Joyce. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Jesse Alan James Graham died as the result of an accident in Woodstock on Wednesday April 30, 2019. Jesse was born in Chatham 23 years ago and will be missed by his mother Mandy Winia-Graham and her husband Jeremy Deary, by his daughter Jessie Graceland, by his brothers Mathew, Christopher and Jeremiah and by all of his extended family and friends. He was predeceased by the father he looked up to most in life, Jason Graham in 2010.

Jesse’s roots were in Erieau where he did all of the normal childhood things like swimming and fishing, riding his bike and playing with friends. He enjoyed living by the water and had a great appreciation for sunsets on the bay. He graduated from Harwich Raleigh Public School before moving on to Blenheim District High School. He loved music. He lived 8621 short days on this earth and on each and every one of those days he was loved.

Jesse’s family will be taking time to remember him in their own way. Friends wishing to honour his life are encouraged to go sit on a beach, skip stones on the water and enjoy a sunset.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences for Jesse’s family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Gordon Curtis Scoyne passed away in Clearwater Florida on Friday April 26, 2019. Gordon was born 89 years ago to the late Russell & Nona (Burchiel) Scoyne. He is survived by his daughter Caryn Elizabeth Kalway of Zephyrhillis, Florida and his brother Jack Scoyne of Blenheim. He was predeceased by his wife Madeline (Ongena) Scoyne in 2011. Funeral Services for Gordon will be held at the Whitfield Funeral Home in Zephyrhillis, Florida. Gordon battled diabetes for 50 years and in keeping with that, donations to the diabetes association would be appreciated by his family.