It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Elizabeth Mary Wheeler in Winchester, England on 14^th June 2018, at the age of 95.  Elizabeth was a frequent visitor to the Blenheim area and developed many friends over the years whilst visiting her beloved daughter Gwen Williams (Graham).

Will be sadly missed also by all her Grandchildren  Kim Cowan (Garry) Blenheim, Sue Williams Cambridge, Steve Williams (Nicole) Paincourt, Adrian Williams (Kelly) Petrolia and her 10 special Great Grandchildren.

Jacob Dyck, of Chatham, loved husband of Helena passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday June 13, 2018 at the age of 69 years. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday June 17, 2018 from 6 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Jacob will be held in the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Charing Cross on Monday June 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

Robert Charles Thompson of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday June 10, 2018. Bob was one of three children born to the late Norman & Hazel (Green) Thompson and is survived by his sister Kay Holt of Calgary. Bob was predeceased by his sister Helen Green.

Bob and his first wife Jennie, who predeceased him in 2002 were the proud parents of three children; Rose Marie (late Archie) Johnston of Chatham, Kathleen (late Michael) Donahue of Newfoundland and John Robert Thompson who predeceased his dad in 2017. He loved being a Grandpa to 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

In 2008 Bob married Sandra (Shepley) and his family grew to include Sandy’s children Pat & Mike Nussey, Penny Wright & Don Quennville and Pam & Steven Renaud as well as 6 additional grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Bob worked for many years, being self employed in the construction business. His success could be attributed to his determination, his self discipline and his sense of accomplishment. Even in his retirement years he didn’t like to be idle. He was a kind gentleman who knew what he wanted and accomplished what needed to be done. He and Sandy were members of St. Andrew’s Church in South Buxton.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday June 14, 2018 where visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. followed immediately by a Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Bob will be interred next to his son John.

Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in memory of Bob are encouraged to remember the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Andrew Hewak announces his passing the day after his 61^st birthday.

Tom will be immensely missed by and survived by his lifetime love and soulmate Tammy Holdaway, his sons Jacob, Joseph and James Zachary and their mother Lori. He was the cherished grandfather of Kaiya Marie, daughter of Jacob.

Loving son of Bill Hewak and the late Mary (Whittington) Harwood (1996). Oldest brother of Marianne Coatsworth (Bob), the late Timothy (1962), Honey Lea Flook (Brad), Paul, Charlotte (Dave Vynckier), Adam, Sarah Gordon and Shawn (Chris). Also survived by many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom was born and raised in the Blenheim area. He enlisted in the army after high school and then raised his three sons. He was a long-time employee of Siemens as a millwright.

He ensured his sons got to experience the joys of being kids; playing baseball, taking the time to play catch and coach, spending great times at the ballpark seeing his favourite team – the Detroit Tigers. He worked hard, taught his boys lessons in life…to be strong, hardworking, loving, well mannered and to treat everyone with the respect they deserve.

He was an avid golfer and could be found on the golf course with his buddies at the crack of dawn. He enjoyed good friends, good laughs, a good drink and a good fight or two. He had an unapologetic manner that you just had to love. His off the wall character will be truly missed.

Tom’s family will receive friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday June 13, 2018 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of his life will take place at the Blenheim Legion on Friday June 15, 2018 from 7 – 10 p.m. Bring your favourite stories of Tom to share!

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

PETER BENJAMIN SHILLINGTON passed away at the age of 82, June 8, 2018, at University Hospital, London, Ontario. Born in Chatham in 1935, son of Clare and Edith Shillington, he grew up in Blenheim with hockey being a passion as a young lad and playing on an Ontario Championship team. In the summer, his passion turned to sailing, winning many sailing trophies. He coached Bantam and Midget hockey teams and won two Ontario Championships. In 1957, he returned to Blenheim from working in Toronto to join his father’s insurance business, and to marry his wife of 60 years, Ruth Gordier, who was a teacher at Blenheim District High School. They have one son, Harold (Dawn), two grandchildren, Ben (Robyn) and April, one great grandson, Noah, brother Jim (Mary); predeceased by brother Paul & sister in law Carole.

Peter served on many Boards, including the General Hospital Board, the Board of Chatham-Kent Community Futures Corporation where he also served as President. He was a member of the United Church Choir for over 50 years and served for many years as Trustee of Blenheim United Church. He loved his home town of Blenheim and had great foresight when it came to planning for the Town when he served as its last Mayor for nine years. He was also a Past Master in the Masonic Order and a Shriner. His latest endeavour was to oversee the building of the new Seniors Centre.

Visitation will be at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, June 21, from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9, with a Masonic service in the evening. Funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday June 22, at the Glad Tidings Community Church with the service being conducted by Rev. Tim Joyce of Word of Life Church and Rev. Bill Terris of the Blenheim Baptist Church. Donations may be made to a Charity of your choice or to the Soup Kitchen at the Word of Life Church.

Trevor “Benjamin” Ryan Murphy, formerly of Shrewsbury passed away at his home in St. Catharines at the age of 39 years.  He is the much loved son of Terry Lynn Murphy and Trevor Bernard Andrew.  He will be missed by his brother Stephen Saige Scott, by his daughters Kira and Kayla with their mother Kate Golla and his daughters Lillian Leora and Charlotte Valerie Lynn with their mother Ashely Gillingham.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday where visitation will take place beginning at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Benjamin will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday June 16, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. officiated by Reverend Leona Segee-Wright.

Benjamin will be laid to rest in the Shrewsbury Cemetery.

Bill Montgomery of Chatham passed away at home on Tuesday June 5, 2018 just two days after his 59^th birthday. He and his wife Shelley (DeMaeyer) Montgomery would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary on June 14^th.   Bill was the son of the late Ida & Bill Montgomery. He was the proud dad of Charles of Hamilton, David of Chatham and Patrick who predeceased him in 2005. He was especially proud of his granddaughter Jamie-Lee.

Bill was one of five siblings and is survived by Carol , Kerry, Al and Melissa.

The name William means “determined protector” and that is what Bill was to his family. He worked as a security guard for many years at Union Gas and the Courthouse in Chatham. In his spare time he enjoyed Karaoke, telling stories, building model ships and watching old John Wayne movies with Shelley.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday June 9, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 which will be followed by a Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Bill Terris. Interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Sadly, we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Claire Tribe, age 95, on Tuesday June 5^th at the Veterans Care Facilities of Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care in London Ontario. Fred is survived by his wife of 69 years Hazel (nee Smith) living at Longworth Retirement Residence, along with his daughters Terry (Elmer Johnson), Joanne Foster (Tony Vercouteren), son Kevin (Kathleen Quigley) and their children Laura (Josh Tabish) Eric (Lorena Pastorino) and Alex. He is also survived by his sister Marie Hartney and brother-in-law Doug Groat. Predeceased by his parents James and Gladys (nee Moody), brothers Keith (Marjory), George (Shirley), Bob (Tilly), sister Betty Groat and brother-in-law Tom Hartney.

Fred was born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, March 14, 1923. At the age of 19 he volunteered to join the Navy, in active service overseas from 1942-1945 aboard the H.M.C.S Iroquois escorting supply convoys across the North Atlantic to Russia, including trips over the Arctic Circle and south to Africa. His military service remained important to him throughout his life.

In December, 1948, he and Hazel were married. Shortly thereafter they moved to Ridgetown, where they opened a paint and wallpaper store on Main Street and established a very successful painting business. Later in life, Fred worked as the general manager of Keyser auto parts and then as Superintendent of Public Works in Ridgetown. He was active in the community and elected to town council for multiple terms. He was also a long-term member of Kiwanis, a 65 year member of the Legion and served as president of the Ridgetown golf course.

Upon retirement Fred and Hazel sold their house and travelled for 9 years in motorhomes where they found pleasure touring across every state and province from the Arctic circle to Mexico. They eventually settled in London where they continued to enjoy gardening and seniors clubs for shuffleboard, playing cards and building new friendships.

Fred enjoyed the residents and staff of both Longworth and Parkwood where he will be remembered for his kindness, patience and sense of humour. He was greatly loved by his family and we miss him already.

A service will be held Friday, June 8^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will take place at 10 am, followed by a remembrance service at 11 am and interment in at the Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to a charity of choice.

John Leonard Neville, a resident of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, mother, and sisters at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance – Chatham Campus on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the age of 53.

Born in Chatham, John was the son of Marie Neville (Manley) and the late John Larry Neville. Loving father of Rachael and Drew (Rachel Faussett), uncle to Jed, Hayden (Gould), Josh and Jenna (Beecroft), and brother to Nancy (Ken Gould) and Marilyn. He will also be missed by extended family and friends.

For 25+ years in the Lambton-Kent community, John was a teacher, coach and mentor, and will live on in the hearts of all that knew him.

A private family service is being held on Friday. The family invites you to join them for an informal celebration of John’s life at the Ridgetown Golf and Curling Club on Saturday June 9 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Please bring your favourite story to share with family.

Dona Marlene Bechard of Chatham passed away at home on Monday June 4, 2018 at the age of 53 years. She was the loved mother of JonAnn & Andrew Jones and Mandy Nealey and grandmother of Cheyenne, Sierra and Bryson. She will be remembered with great fondness by her longtime friend D. Jerry Bechard.

The youngest of nine children born to the late Dona & Bill Nealey, she is survived by her siblings Marie & Leonard Smith, Pat & Fred Ryckman, Gloria Anson (late Ed), Stacie & Doug Beaton, Tami & John St. Lewis and Ken (late Linda) Nealey. She was predeceased in life by her sister Fran & Frank Stothart and her brother Bill Nealey.

Dona was one of a kind whose adventurous spirit and strong will afforded her many opportunities and experiences in life…at 53 years of age she was able to look herself in the mirror and like who she saw…a woman who had accomplished everything she had hoped for in life. Her determination allowed her to overcome many of the medical challenges she faced every day…she was such a fighter.

Dona’s wish was that her life would be celebrated. Cremation has taken place and her family will gather together to remember her.

Family and friends wishing to remember Dona with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Pet And Wildlife Rescue efforts.

Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com