Obituaries

Tom Bondy

A photo of Tom Bondy

Service:

Private

Thomas Lenard Bondy of Chatham passed away at home on Monday August 27, 2018.   Tom will be missed by his wife Shelley (Steele) Bondy.

Tom was one of three sons born to the the late Roy & Genievive (Meloche) Bondy. He is survived by his daughter Karrie Stowe and his son Allan Bondy and their children. He is also survived by his brother Earl “Mike” Bondy (late Yvonne). He was predeceased by his brother Robert “Bob” Bondy.

Tom drove truck for many years. He enjoyed when his friends and his grandchildren Jake and Skye would come to visit. He also enjoyed raising Corgi dogs with Shelley.

It was Tom’s wish that this chapter of his life be regarded with quiet dignity. In keeping with his love of animals, friends who wish to remember Tom with a memorial donation are asked to consider the building fund for the new animal shelter in Chatham or the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Mary Gervason

A photo of Mary Gervason

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Saturday August 25, 2018
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday August 24, 2018
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Mary Magdelena Gervason (nee Van De Velde) passed away peacefully with family by her side, at the Chatham Kent Hospice, on Tuesday August 21st, 2018, after a lengthy illness. Born 82 years ago, she was the youngest child of Alphonse and Martha (DeMeester) Van De Velde. She was raised on the family farm in Wallaceburg On, then eventually became a long-time Blenheim resident.

Mary was the beloved wife of Ron Gervason for 62 wonderful years. She was a loving mother to 5 children, Paulette Steel & the late Rick (2012), Dave Gervason & Yolanda Brisco, Pamela & Leon Dorssers, Patty & Dave Smith, Yvette White & Paul Rivait. She was an amazing grandmother to her 12 grandchildren, Adam & Nathalie Steel, Julia & Ernie Jenkins, Eric & Vanessa Steel, Corey & Natalie Gervason, Aaron & Amanda Gervason, Heather & Jeremy Vlasschaert, Drew & Angele Dorssers, Lee Dorssers, Tiffany & Aaron Benoit, Rachel Smith, Jillian White & Armando Lucarelli, Vanessa White & Brad McCallum. She adored her 14 great grandchildren: Alexys, Oliver, Reagan, Sophia, Lachlan, Grant, Autumn, Evelyn, Isabelle, Ivy, Koraline, Elliot, Emmett, Nolan, and the 15th on the way. Mary will also be remembered by her special step grandchildren Chris & Danny Smith, Jason, Jeff, Kelly & Brandon Brisco, Shelby Rivait.

Mary was the youngest sister to the late Rene & Alice Van De Velde, Nascarino & the late Harry Rosseel, Clara & the late Alton Brown. Sister-in-law of Paul & the late Gladys Gervason of Nova Scotia. She will also be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews & dear friends that were like family to her.

Mary and Ron owned and operated the IGA grocery store in Blenheim for 5 years. Following that, they opened the BP Mini Mart/Petro Canada gas station and variety store, that they owned and operated for 20 years. Following their retirement in 1989, Mary & Ron enjoyed a small farm in Harwich Township.

Special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mayo, Dr. Chandrasena, the caregivers and volunteers of the Chatham-Kent Hospice for the kindness, dignity and compassion shown to Mary and her family during her final weeks.

Family and friends will be received at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, August 24, 2018 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 95 Marlborough St. Blenheim. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Barbara McMillan

A photo of Barbara McMillan

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday August 16, 2018
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday August 15, 2018
2:00 - 5:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Barbara Marion McMillan passed away after a lengthy illness with her family at her side. She was 91 years old. Barbara was born on January 30th, 1927 in Harwich Township. Her parents were Raymond Holdaway and Margaret (Galloway) Holdaway.

Beloved wife of Ross McMillan (1993) for 45 years. Loving Mother of the late Elaine McMillan (2014), Ruth Anne Aerssen of Chatham and Edward McMillan of RR#4 Blenheim. Barbara is survived by sisters Margery Roe (Murray) and Jean Crackel (late Jack Sparks and Ken Crackel). Four brothers predeceased her; Keith Holdaway & Jean, Kenneth Holdaway & Joan, Douglas Holdaway & Florine and Donald Holdaway & Peggy.

Barbara is also survived by 8 Grandchildren; Benjamin Aerssen & Christine, Sarah Aerssen & Wesley Myers, Caitlin Emerick & Eric, Jada Dawne McMillan, Suzanne Gurd & Wade, Murray McMillan & Amy, Leah Bratt & Bobby Hupp, Jonathan Bratt & Cathy McGarth as well as 9 Great-Grandchildren.

Barbara attended SS#19 Harwich School and Blenheim District High School. Later she trained as a Registered Nurse at the Public General Hospital in Chatham. She graduated in 1947 and was Valedictorian of her class. She worked in the Operating Room at St. Joseph’s Hospital and she did private duty nursing for many years. Later she worked for 25 years at Southwestern Regional Centre, retiring in 1992. She was a dedicated member of the Ridge Community Church, Blenheim, the Nurses Alumnae and the Blenheim Seniors Centre.

The McMillan family invites family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday August 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Barbara with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridge Community Church or the Blenheim Seniors Centre.

 

Harry Brock

A photo of Harry Brock

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday August 17, 2018
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday August 17, 2018
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Harry Stanford Brock passed away peacefully at Blenheim Community Village on Thursday, August 9, 2018, in his 89th year.   Father of Gail (David) Mariash of Chatham, Russell (Susan) and Dennis (Brenda) of Blenheim. Grandfather to Jessica and Joel Brock; Michael, Jenna and Aaron Mariash; Alexandra Rosilius (Stuckey); and Shianne Tyler. Great-grandfather to Hudson Brock and Elena Rosilius. Predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy (Oribine), brothers Ray and Ron. Survived by sister Hilda Fritz (Dundas) and many nephews and nieces in the Hamilton area.

Harry was born in Hamilton, where he owned several businesses before moving to London and then Blenheim as a representative for Supertest. He and Nancy later opened Brock’s Drive-In (home of the famous Brocky burger!); and Nancy’s Lunch. In the 70’s he helped revive the marina and boat-building industry in Erieau. Harry was also the superintendent at the Chatham-Kent housing apartments on Talbot Street from 1993 until 2009.

“The General” was a familiar face around the card tables in Blenheim and Erieau. Some claim he still holds the high score for bid-euchre in Erieau. It certainly didn’t take much to get him into a game of gutsy, even if he never remembered what was wild. And he was always ready to burst into a whistle or song without warning. Harry also loved the races in Dresden, especially with a side-trip to the casino. This year also marked 31 years with AA in Blenheim.

Please join us for a celebration of Harry’s life on Friday, August 17th at Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Humane Society (he did love his faithful companion and wonder-dog Pebbles), would be appreciated.

We would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff at Blenheim Community Village who treated Harry like family, and Dr. Perkin, who was so kind, patient and caring with Dad.

Hunter Xavier Pinsonneault

A photo of Hunter Xavier Pinsonneault

Service:

Private

Visitation:

Private

It is with such sadness we announce that on Wednesday August 8, 2018 our son Hunter Xavier Pinsonneault was born still. He was loved from the time that we learned that our family was going to grow and although he couldn’t stay, his footprints will remain etched in our hearts forever. Hunter’s parents Kyle & Jessica (Randall) Pinsonneault and his big brother Liam were looking forward so much to teaching Hunter how to walk, ride a bike and make new memories as a family.

Looking forward to being part of Hunter’s family were his grandparents Sherry Pinsonneault & Tom, Greg Pinsonneault & Louise and Carolyn & Ken Randall, his Meme & Pepe Pinsonneault and his great-grandmother Evelyn Rumble. He was going to be spoiled by his uncle Nick Randall, his aunts Courtney Pinsonneault, Taunia Beneteau, Tiffany Baker (Corry) and uncle Chris Bardoel as well as all of his cousins and extended family members. He was predeceased in July by his Uncle Ken Randall Jr.

Hunter’s family will remember him privately.

Jim Collins

A photo of Jim Collins

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday August 13, 2018
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday August 12, 2018
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

James D Collins, born in Erieau on August 3, 1942 passed away surrounded by his family on August 8, 2018 at Bluewater Health in Sarnia after a fight with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his daughters  Renee (Jean) Bechard, Tami (Eugene) Cury, Charlene (Joe) Vanbavel, Joni (Roland Brown) Warren , Sandy (Brian) Lee, Eileen (John) VanDusen, Jami Gratton, Bonny Cameron and Lori (Blake Morrison) Chapman and by his sons Jimmy Collins, David (Sheri) Warren, and Gerald (Joanne) Warren. Also survived by his brothers Albert (Evelyn) Collins, Larry (BettyAnne) Collins, brother in law Richard McIlroy, his sister Sheila Tideman and sister in law Marcella Kenty. He was a grandfather to many and most recently became a great-grandfather to Benny and Alexis Layne. Predeceased by his wife Donna Collins, parents Dorothy and Bill Collins, sisters Margaret McIlroy and Barbara Maynard, brother Jack Collins, brother in law Rick Tideman and son James Warren.

Jim loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and especially loved to fish. He enjoyed spending time at his trailer at The Summer Place where he could be found cruising around on his golf cart, stopping in to chat with his many friends. He was touched by the number of phone calls and the support that he received in return while he was in the hospital these last few weeks. He was fortunate to have spent this summer out on the lake with his fishing buddy Jeanno, bringing home the pickerel limits.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday August 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation will follow and a private family interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Doris Clipson

A photo of Doris Clipson

Service:

Forest Lawn Cemetery
2001 Dundas Street East, London

Saturday August 11, 2018
11:00 a.m.

It is with great sadness that we share this news but also with a certain warmth in our hearts knowing that Mum can finally rest pain free.

On Tuesday August 7, 2018 Doris May Clipson peacefully passed away.  Her final wish to be kept in her home and cared for by her loving children was granted.

Doris is survived by her daughters Janet Emery (Alvin), Karen Clipson and her son David Clipson (Debbie).  She will be forever missed by her treasured grandchildren Shelby, Devin, Chelsea, Jesse and Sammi.  A large void will be left in the heart of her beloved fur baby Bentley.  Doris touched the hearts of many others who will also grieve from this loss.

Predeceased by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Francis Clipson in 1997 as well as her parents Jack and Norah Moriarty.

Family and friends are invited to an interment service for Doris on Saturday August 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2001 Dundas Street East in London Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted at: “B.I.A.C.K.” (Brain Injury Assoc. of Chatham Kent) or Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

 

Mary Remsik

A photo of Mary Remsik

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Monday August 6, 2018
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday August 5, 2018
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Parish Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Mary Anne (Novosad) Remsik passed away on Friday August 3, 2018. Mary was born 92 years ago in Czechoslovakia. She was married to her husband Charles for 64 years before his passing in 2011. Mary will be fondly remembered by her sons Ken & Donna Remsik of Shrewsbury and Brad & Barbara Remsik of Chatham. She was loved by three grandchildren Chris & Charlene Remsik, Mike & Michelle Remsik and Jenny Remsik, by seven great grandchildren Joshua, Katie, Braden, Kessa, Reina, Samantha and Andrew and by two great-great grandchildren Oliver and Jackson. She is survived by her brother in law Wilfred Schneider and by several nieces & nephews. Predeceased by her sisters Georgina Schneider and Agnes (George) Prokop.

Mary enjoyed many years of dancing and going for drives with Charlie and playing cards with friends. She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Church. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Mary will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday August 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham.

Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Violet Glazier

A photo of Violet Glazier

Service:

Trinity Anglican Church
Friday August 10, 2018
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday August 8, 2018
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

In the early hours of Thursday August 2nd 2018 Violet (Jeffery) Glazier slipped quietly into the awaiting arms of her Saviour at home surrounded by the love of her family. After almost 40 years of being apart, she was looking forward to being reunited with her husband Keith. She was 94 years old.  Left to mourn are her adoring son Nickolas Jeffery Glazier and her faithful companion at home Melinda Lu Glazier. Never forgotten and forever loved by her daughter-in-law Linda Glazier (2015). Left behind to fulfill her legacy and live true to her words of wisdom are her grandchildren Pamela and Frank Fiala, and Brian Glazier. Lasting memories were shared with her great grandchildren, Alena and Jared Fiala, Arianna and Keith Glazier. She was a true matriarch to her small but mighty family.

Violet shared wonderful stories of happy family times on the farm growing up with her siblings. Violet was born by the lake on January 17, 1924 to Albert and Ida Mae Jeffery along with her siblings who predeceased her; Ed Jeffery (Esther), Joe “Toots” Jeffery (Mary), Luella Ramsden (Jack), David Jeffery (Katie), Norman Jeffery (Charlien), and Sharon Polowick. She is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, especially Amy Ramsden-Dalton, Laurie and Barb Ramsden, Albert Jeffery, Penny Jeffery, Tracy Jeffery-Jackson, Nadine Jeffery and Polly Jeffery-Florius. She is survived by one sibling Gordon Jeffery and by her brother-in-law Mike Polowick.

Violet had a passion for farming and the agricultural business. She and her husband Keith were the proud business owners of Glazier Canning Company Ltd. After her husband’s passing, Violet continued to run the canning business, along with her family. She was one of the only woman tomato operators in Ontario but never let gender determine success. Violet was a voice to be heard and a force to be reckoned with. She will leave a void in the lives of all those who loved her.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday August 8th for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow. A Funeral Service will be held in Trinity Anglican Church on Friday August 10, 2018 at 11:00 followed by a private family interment in Pardoville Cemetery.

Donations to World Vision, Covenant House for Homeless Youth Toronto, and Trinity Anglican Church Blenheim. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Ed Nicol

A photo of Ed Nicol

Service:

Charing Cross United Church
Monday July 30, 2018
2:00 p.m.

Shallow Lake United Church
Wednesday August 1, 2018
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Charing Cross United Church
Monday July 30, 2018
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Shallow Lake United Church
Wednesday August 1, 2018
2:00 p.m.

Edward Alexander John Nicol, born June 26 1944, died July 27 2018 after a brief but courageous fight with colon cancer. Predeceased by his parents George and Evelyn Nicol of Owen Sound. The family home was on Nicol Gully. Ed was also predeceased by his siblings Sharon Nicol and Marshall Nicol.

Married to the love of his life Joan (nee Pemberton), Ed was father to Sarah Nicol and her partner Paul Matteau of Bengough Saskatchewan and to Greg and Amy Nicol of Owen Sound. Cherished Grandpa to Zachary and Colin.

Ed lived a wonderful life. After graduating from Owen Sound Collegiate Vocational Institute, he attended the University of Waterloo for a year before leaving to work for the Ministry of Highways as a surveyor. After a time he left to seek his own dream of owning a business and purchased Sunworld RV, however, other plans were to be laid and in the early 1990’s Ed became a Lay Minister with the United Church of Canada. He has had several pastoral charges including Kyle Saskatchewan and most recently Cedar Springs Ontario. He was an active Rotary member. He found pleasure in driving the Rotary wheelchair van and doing church services at Blenheim Community Village. He enjoyed crosswords, camping, the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Team, Diet Pepsi and travelling to England with his beloved wife.

Visitation will take place at the Charing Cross United Church in Charing Cross in Charing Cross on Monday July 30, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a Memorial Service.

Visitation will take place again at Shallow Lake United Church in Shallow Lake on Wednesday August 1, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a Memorial Service. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Fourth Line United Church or the Paul Harris Foundation/Rotary Club of Blenheim. Friends in Owen Sound are asked to consider the Shallow Lake United Church Missions and Services Fund.