Roberta Eltervoog of Merlin passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice with her loving family by her side on Thursday February 15, 2018. Roberta was one of 6 children born to the late Robert & Beulah (Broadbent) Pratt and was the last surviving member of her family. She and her husband Gordon farmed for many years in Merlin until his passing in 2005. They were the proud parents of four sons; Wayne & Mary, Craig & Anne, David & Kathy and Paul Eltervoog. Family was the most important thing to Roberta…she was a very proud Grandma to 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Roberta worked alongside Gordon on their farm. She was also a valued member of her community. She was a long time adherent of St. Andrew’s Church in South Buxton where she served with the UCW, the Ladies Aid and helped with quilting bees. In her spare time, she enjoyed a good game of euchre, cribbage or crokinole, a roaring bonfire on a warm summers night and the picture-perfect days that autumn leaves brought. She and Gordon enjoyed trips to northern Ontario and the eastern provinces.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Roberta will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday February 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating. Interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Roberta with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, St. Andrews Church in South Buxton, the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

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

With completely broken hearts we share the very sudden passing of an incredible man at just 51 years young. Warren Gowman was a completely devoted husband who adored the love of his life and best friend, Andrea (Verstraete) with whom he would have celebrated 14 years of marriage this weekend.

Besides being an amazing husband, Warren’s purpose in life was found when he became an incredible father to Kambri-Anne, his pride and joy who is just weeks from her 13th birthday. Kambri worshiped her dad and the bond that they shared will be forever imprinted in her heart. She was the light of his life.

Warren was the very proud son of Richard Gowman (Colleen Gransden-Gowman & daughter Meghan,) and Carolyn Cockerton (Dan). He was beyond adored by his two sisters Sherri Gowman (Scott Wilcox) and Marcie Gowman (Brian Levant).   The incredible love and closeness that he shared with his family will live on in their memories. He is survived by his dearest mother-in-law Marilyn Verstraete who he loved for her family devotion. Marilyn was always just steps away and valiantly tried to help Warren in his final moments. He was the son-in-law of Jim Verstraete, brother-in-law of Stephanie Segeren, brother-in-law and dear friend of Don Segeren and dear friend of Jim & Jenni Donohoo, all of whom he enjoyed many meals and laughs with.

Warren was an incredible role model and loved Uncle to heartbroken Blake Gowman-Donohoo, Kary Donohoo, Maddison Segeren and Braydon Segeren. He made a lifelong impression to them by always being what they needed him to be, showing them great love, leadership, and endless wit and humour. He is survived also by Adam Gowman and many extended Verstraete family members. He will be especially missed by his Burrows family: Mrs. B, John, Karrie and Gracelyn.

Warren was an incredible asset, leader and role model for many years in his careers with McKesson Canada, Jamieson and Accucaps where he shared his talent and strong work ethic. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, golfing with friends, cooking and completely devoting his life to his family. Anyone who had the privilege of spending time with him quickly appreciated his incredible wit, sense of humour and intelligence. He was a source of strength, support and loyalty to many friends.

As a family, we will always treasure the last Christmas we celebrated together and the laughs and smiles that it brought. Now we comfort each other in our incredible grief, share our common love and vow to continue the imprint that Warren’s life made on all of us. With all of our love until we meet again….

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday February 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to remember Warren with a memorial donation is asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our family rock, Barbara Marie O’Brien (nee VanNeck) on February 4, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her parents Leon VanNeck (2001) and Irene VanNeck (nee Nourse, 2000) and her brothers James VanNeck (2016) and Gary VanNeck (2016).

Barbara is survived by her husband Duncan O`Brien, her children Tim O`Brien, Susan O`Brien Drew (Patrick) and Kelly O`Brien Dale (Greg) and by many nieces and nephews.

Barb`s greatest passion was her pets, gardening and travelling with family but her grandchildren Lauren, Connor, Ryan and Logan were her greatest joy. Family was what mattered most to Barb.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the 4^th floor at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their exceptional care of Mom in her final days.

As per her wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Barb`s honour, she would have appreciated if you would support her favourite charities; the Chatham-Kent Pet & Wildlife Rescue or the Alzheimer`s Society.

Len Thomas Woofenden of Ridgetown passed away on Wednesday January 31, 2018 at the Blenheim Community Village. Len was born 76 years ago to his late parents Blake & Dorothy (Gladstone) Woofenden. He worked for a number of years at E.L. Fordham in Rodney as an Auto Body Mechanic. He is survived by his wife Lisa Woofenden of Ridgetown and his children Laura, Harold, Leonard, David, Daniel and Lonnie. He is also survived by his sisters Elaine of Florida and Lorraine of Calgary.

In keeping with Len’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will remember him privately. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Len with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

There is great sadness for us as we announce that on Tuesday January 30, 2018, our dad Randy Musyj passed away. One can only believe that turning, suddenly, he would have found himself reunited with our brothers Derek and Dylan, and with our mother Donna Musyj who predeceased him only 5 months ago. That moment alone would have made Dad very content with the new life that he has started.

It’s hard to describe our dad in just a few paragraphs. He was one of a kind. He had a keen sense of humor with a dash of sarcasm that made him the life of a party. He was able to make friends wherever he went. He successfully juggled many years of shiftwork at Southwestern Regional Centre with family life to be the best dad that he could be. Not only did he love being a father, but when his grandchildren Zayden and Carson came along, he was the best “Gigi” that we could have asked for. He was so much looking forward to his third grandchild who will be arriving soon and was always grateful that his boys were never far away.

We know that Dad often bragged about us to his friends…he was so proud when Zakry and Alisha got married and began a family. That pride shone through again when Isaiah and Brooklyn started their own family. And then there was Rebekkah…the daughter who he was “one” with…separated only by distance when she went off to school but always connected by love. His and Mom’s unconditional love and their belief in all three of us is what we have now to carry us through the next chapters of our lives.

Dad was only 57 years old. There was still so much that he wanted to experience in life, but he will still live on in us. He taught us well. He was predeceased by his Mom and Dad (Dolly and Alexander Musyj) and will be sorely missed by his sister Brenda Birokraly and his brother Bradley Musyj in Saskatchewan.

In keeping with Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Friday February 2nd from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. A short service will be held at 7 p.m. with Fr. John Juhl officiating. Dad’s idea of formal wear was to change into a new golf shirt with the jeans he was wearing, so in honour of him, please dress “appropriately”!

One last thing…Dad had an admiration for the Chatham-Kent Hospice and although he didn’t get that far in his cancer journey, he would have appreciated it if you would consider donating to them in his name.

Jerry Filby of Erie Beach passed away at home on Monday January 22, 2018 at the age of 65 years. Jerry was one of five children born to his parents Mary (Longbottom) and the late Leigh Filby (2009) and is survived by his sister Leigh-Ann Olabek (Steven) and his brothers Kim and Blake Filby. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Agnes Filby.

On October 18, 1975 Jerry married the love of his life Vickey (Clark) and began a journey that would span over 42 years. Together they raised three daughters who brought them much pride; Crystal Raes (Leon), Shannon Kuhn and April Matteis (Justin). Their pride grew even more when their family grew to include eight grandchildren Roen, Sawyer, Riley, Jackson, Noah, Jonah, Sylas and the late Sophie (2011). Jerry was predeceased by his father in law Ken Clark in 2008 and his mother in law Betty Clark in 2017.

Jerry was a hardworking individual who started his working career as a farmer. After a few years of driving truck for Roy Downey he joined the crew at Kent Centre where he spent the next 27 years working for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. He served as a volunteer fire fighter with the North Harwich Fire Department for over 25 years. Two years ago he and Vickey moved to “the cottage” in Erie Beach, making it their full time residence. It was there that he was able to relax and enjoy life, listening to the birds and having a beer with friends in his back yard.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday where visitation will be held from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Revie will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday January 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.

Friends wishing to remember Jerry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House.

Peacefully, with family at his side, James Scott McCurdy of Erieau passed away on Wednesday, January 17th 2018.  Born in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, 83 years ago, to Herbert Victor (1971) and Bessie McCurdy (Scott) (1988), older brother to Ronald Herbert McCurdy (2017).  He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years Candace Ann (Irwin), their children Christopher (Nancy), Erin Claeys (Bob) and Kevin (Sue) as well as his eight grandchildren: Connor and Katie; Megan, Michael and Andrew Claeys; Justine, Brianne and Libby.  Also survived by mother in law Neva Irwin, sisters in law Lyn Green (Peter) and Joan McCurdy, nephew Jason Green (Cherie) and niece Sarah Jacobsen (Pat).

Jim was raised and received his schooling in Chatham.  He served in the Royal Canadian Navy (1953-58) before returning to Chatham where he worked for the T.H. Taylor Company.  Jim met Candy in 1957 and they were married in the Trinity Anglican Church at Blenheim.  Life was to continue in Blenheim for the next 35 years.  He was employed by E.M. Warwick eventually leading to a career in the seed corn business.  He became president and co-owner of the Warwick Seed Company, employing many youth with detasseling jobs.

Jim was very active in the community.  He was a founding member of the Blenheim Golf Club, president of the Kinsman Club and member of the K-40 and Blenheim Curling Club.  He was treasurer of the Blenheim Public School Board, chairman and member of the Legion Villa board of directors and a council member for the village of Erieau.  He has been an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 for over 50 years.

Retirement years in Erieau have been enjoyed with family and friends – life on the lake.  Jim requested a private family gathering and cremation, which has taken place.  Celebration of his life continues as we reflect on his love, compassion and kindness.  Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Freedom Library & Military Musuem, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 or the Cancer Society.

Jim’s favourite Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

And rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Gloria DeBruyn

“And angels came and they carried me to a safe place.”

Peacefully at Riverview Gardens in Chatham on January 14, 2018, Gloria went to be with our Lord.  Born in Pain Court, Ontario, 90 years ago, daughter of the late Raymond (1933) and Deliska (1963) Benoit.  Beloved wife of the late Joesph DeBruyn (1998).

Gloria was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed by her children, Joanne, London; MaryJane and husband Harv Stansell London; Dianne and husband Hector Lloyd, Chatham; John and wife Caroline DeBruyn, London; Joe P. DeBruyn deceased (2006).   She will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Meghan, Jillian, Andrew, Devon, Amanda, Ryan, Wilhem, Jacob, Samuel and Christopher.  She also leaves behind 10 wonderful Great Grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, January 19, 2018 where visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A funeral service to follow at 11:00 with Father John Juhl. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of dear Rosemary (Rose) Lynne Morden on January 1, 2018 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was taken far too early from us and will be dearly missed by so many. A loving and devoted wife to Ken, loving mother to Andrew and Roslyn Fisher (Chris) and adoring grandmother to Madison, Ryley, Blayke and Cole; loving daughter of Blanche and the late Frank Burke and brothers Doug (Lynne) and Peter (Sherri); loving sister-in-law to Julie Davis (Mike), Margaret; and adoring aunt and grandaunt to many nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on January 10, 2018 at Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of her Life will be held the following day, Thursday January 11, 2018 at St John’s United Church, 262 Randall Street, Oakville at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wellspring Birmingham Gilgan House. Please visit the Book of Memories for Rosemary’s life story, at www.wardfuneralhome.com

Harold Leslie “Bill” Prout of Merlin, loved husband and best friend of Johanna, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday December 31, 2017 at the age of 71 years. He was the son of the late Ethel & Leslie Prout and the proud father of Bill Prout (Susan) of Highgate and Tammy Fisher of Chatham. He was loved by his grandchildren Rachel, Derian, Rylee and Gavyn. He will be missed by Johanna’s family including Diana and Isabell and their children Matt, Nikki, Nadine, Chelsee and Aubrey. Harold is survived by his three sisters Shirley Wright (late Earl), Lorna Jean Cowley (Don) and Elenor Dease (Ken). He will be missed by his longtime friends Kingsley & Phyliss Davidson and their family.

Harold wore many hats in his life. He worked as a millwright for many years at Meritor in Chatham, he drove truck and he farmed in Raleigh Township which he loved very much. But his creative passion was in his shop where he could always be found designing, building or fixing anything that he put his mind to. He was the kind of man who would give a helping hand to anyone in need.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Harold’s life will take place at a later date. Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider Cystic Fibrosis Canada or the Ronald McDonald House. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com