Murray Kenneth Drewery passed away at home on Sunday August 11, 2019. Born 64 years ago to Jeanette (Little) and the late Raeburn Drewery, Murray leaves behind the love of his life Rita (Gillier) who he married 45 years ago, his son Kenneth, his daughter Lisa (Kyle George), his grandsons Tucker and Avery, his brother David and his children. He was predeceased by his sister June Drew.

Murray will also be fondly remembered by his sisters in law Joanne Van Praet, Lynda Radamaker, Margaret Parker (Tim), Helen Zsiros, Ruth Ann Buis (Bob), Teresa Owen (Rob), Phyllis Vogler (Terry) and his brother in law Harold Gillier (Jill), and many nieces and nephews.

It should seem easy to sit down and make a list of all the things that someone did and loved in life, but in Murray’s case it would be easier to make a list of the things he didn’t do and love because he did it all and he enjoyed doing it all. From trips to Bob-Lo or Cedar Point to boating, driving his bronco or jeep, to snowmobiling,  fishing and hunting, to fixing cars and spending time at the cottage in Rondeau or the various trips to Manitoulin Island, Murray lived.  He enjoyed his pond in his backyard along with watching the birds, or simply watching his favorite game shows, old shows or star trek.

He was a hard worker and cared for many through his life, with an open house and heart to many. He will be missed so much by his family and of course his dogs (even if they did chew everything in his wallet).

The most important thing to Murray was making memories , living life and spending time with those who were close to him. To that end, his family will be remembering him privately. Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday night from 7 – 9 p.m.  Cremation will follow. To those of you who would like to honour Murrays life…let yourself live, laugh and love. Get out there and have some fun!

James Bertram Fennell of Erieau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday August 6, 2019.  Jim was born in New Toronto 72 years ago to his late parents Haviland & Jean (Elliott) Fennell.  He was avid admirer of any outdoor activity and so it would come as no surprise that he was camping in Algonquin Park when he met the love of his life Lauraine Vidler who was from Erieau.  On October 10, 1970 Jim and Lauraine married, making Bramalea their home.  Their amazing adventures over the next 48 years included raising two daughters Michelle Fennell (Brent) and Leigh Fennell (Jeremy) and becoming grandarents to Nathaniel and Carissa.  Four years ago in his declining health, Jim and Lauraine moved back to Erieau to be closer to the support of family.

Jim will be remembered fondly by his brother Edward (Lore) Fennell, by Lauraine’s mother Jeannette Vidler (late George) and siblings Joanne Adams (late Gerry), Scott Vidler (Patti) and Brian Vidler (Heidi), by his nieces and nephews and by many casual acquaintances he met just by being the friendly, outgoing person that he was.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday August 17, 2019 where visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. David Fuller.

Friends wishing to remember Jim are encouraged to allow flowers to make the world beautiful and instead consider making a memorial donation to either St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau or the Chatham-Kent Hospice in recognition of the care and compassion that was shown to him in his final days.

Donald Boylan passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with his family at his side on August 4, 2019. Donald was born 76 years ago to his parents Phyllis and the late Donald Boylan. He is survived by his wife, Carol (nee Havens) and daughters Jennifer Boylan, Tim Morency; Janice (Lonnie) Hamilton and Angela (Donny) Grogan.

Don will be missed by his grandchildren Grace Allison, Jacob Hamilton and Leah Hamilton. He will be missed as well as by his siblings: Dennis (Lynn) Boylan, Garry (Patty) Boylan, Darlene (Philip) St. Pierre, Brian (Donna) Boylan and Stephen Boylan. Brother-in-law to Jeanie Havens (late Lucien), Jeannine Parsons (late Bill), and Dee Wagner (late Moe).  He was a beloved uncle to his nephews and nieces.

Don worked for 32 years at Arvin-Meritor in Chatham, and retired in 1995. It was Don’s wish that this part of his life be shared with his family. His service will be private. Cremation has taken place.

Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Surrounded by his loving family, Herman Kempe, age 73, beloved husband of Janet, passed away peacefully, at his residence on August 1, 2019.   Born in Clinge, Netherlands, son of the late John and Cornelia Kempe, he is survived by his wife Janet (Van Damme) of 51 years, and daughters Jennifer Bushnell (John) of Lakeshore, Melissa Fiesser (George) of Oakville, and sons Michael Kempe (Margaret) of Oakville and Jeffrey Kempe (Diana) of LaSalle.  He is also survived by his nine grandchildren:  Hunter (Rebecca), Noah, Daniel (Marilou), Stephanie, Nicholas, Michael David, Stephen, Julia and Joseph.  Herman is also survived by his sisters Tina (Gys) Versteegh, Marie (John) deJeu, and Jo-Anne Kempe and his brother Fred (Cindy) Kempe and he is predeceased by his brother Jerry (Monique) Kempe.

Herman was very passionate about a solid education and family foundation.  He enjoyed travelling the world with his wife and sharing words of wisdom with his children and grandchildren.  The family would like to thank Dr. B. Yee Providence, Dr. I. Dhaliwal, Dr. J. Raphael, and Dr. D. Brisbin and Nurse Practitioner Jon Ann Meko.  Special thanks to the VON and nurse Karen Reid along with Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network staff.  Thank you as well to the nurses of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chemo Unit.

Visitation on Monday, August 5, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. As well, The Knights of Columbus will lead prayers at 7 p.m. at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, Blenheim with Father John Juhl officiating.  Memorial donations may be made at the funeral home to St. Mary’s Parish for Parish projects.

It is with complete sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Frederick Hugh Pardo at the age of 58 years. He is the son of Jean Pardo-Fenwick and the late Frederick T. Pardo. He is survived by his beloved wife and soul-mate Cathy (Calhoun). The best Dad to his children Nicole (Florin) Neaga, Laura Pardo (Nathan Waddick), and Frederick Daniel Pardo. Loving Papa to Hayden, Caitlin, Tristan, Logan, Tierian, Sebastian. Big brother to Margaret Pardo (Moe Trepanier) and the late Melanie J. Brother-in-law to Tony (Kathy), Greg (Nora), and Michael (Shelly) Calhoun. He was a loving Uncle Hughie to many nieces and nephews. Step-brother to the late Ross (Kathy), Bill, Andrew (Jo) and Susan Fenwick. Brothers from another mother John VanVeen (Peggy) and Pat (Linda) McGuigan. Fur children Qilak, Satchmo, Katness, and grand furbaby Adobe. Predeceased by his step-father JAF Fenwick, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phyllis and James Calhoun, brothers-in-law David and Ronnie, and sister-in-law Leslie.

In addition to having a great love and devotion for his family, Hugh loved the outdoors and nature. He was happiest surrounded by the bush with his wife by his side, navigating off the beaten trails and waterways. Hugh was a member of the Sheet Metal Union Local 235 and a Trustee on the Pension and Benefit Board for said union. He was also the Secretary Treasurer for Craford Cemetery.

The passing of Hugh has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. Friends wishing to remember Hugh are asked by the family that in lieu of flowers a memorial donation be made to Tree Canada (http://www.treecanada.ca), a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting trees or to Craford Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 31 for visitation from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral service will be conducted by Fr. David Fuller taking place at Trinity Anglican Church (59 Ellen Street, Blenheim) on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Cremation will follow.

Wilfred Henry Harback of Chatham passed away at the Meadow Park Nursing Home with his loving wife Cathy (Lachine) Harback by his side on Saturday July 20, 2019.  Wilf was born in London 85 years ago to the late Wilfred & Eileen Harback and will be remembered by his sister Janet Taylor, his brother Rick Harback, by his children Mary Sue, Rosemarie, Kathy, Wilfred and Jim, by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and by his sister & brother-in-law Lorrie & Ron Little.  He was predeceased by his mother & father-in-law Earnestine & Leao Lachine and by his brother & sister-in-law Jim & Linda Lachine.

Wilf was a good-natured man who worked at London Hoisery before taking a job in Security at the London Courthouse.  He and Cathy retired in Chatham where he enjoyed music, dancing, tennis and going for long walks.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take on August 14, 2019 at the Campbell AME Church (corner of King Street East and Prince Street in Chatham) at 3:00 p.m. followed by a luncheon.

Friends wishing to remember Wilf with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimers Day Program in Chatham, the Campbell AME Church Soup Kitchen or the Meadow Park Nursing Home Activity Music Program.

Gwendoline Belle Hitchcock of Guilds passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday July 19, 2019.  Gwen was born 97 years ago to the late Robert & Jane “Jennie” Shaw and was the last surviving member of her family having been predeceased by her sisters Betty Ouellette, Bonnie Shaw and Geraldine Shaw as well as her brother Robert Shaw.

Gwen and her husband Bruce Raymond Hitchcock (1992) farmed for many years in Guilds.  They raised three children; Geri McPherson of Guilds, Jack & Katherine Hitchcock of Rondeau and Don Hitchcock of Guilds.  She was the proud grandmother of Alicia & Jarrod Kemp, Wyatt Hitchcock, Danielle & Scott Parker, Leah Guyitt, Julie Guyitt, great-grandmother of Dylan, Darrell, Laci and Livia Coll, Alexia Huffman Guyitt, MacKenzie and Leland Parker, and Isabel Kemp as well as the great-great-grandmother of Nash Beecroft Coll.  She is also survived by her sister in law Ann Hubbard Johnson.  Gwen is now reunited in heaven with her great granddaughters Amelia Ann and Christina Emily.

Gwen worked at the Sara Johnson Residence in Guilds prior to her retirement and was a lifetime member of New Scotland United Church.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will take place at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Gwen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the New Scotland United Church.

AINSWORTH, Glenn Ross                                     1962 – 2019

Glenn fought a very courageous battle with cancer and died peacefully at Chatham Kent Hospice on Thursday, July 11, 2019.  He was born in Montreal on June 6, 1962 to the late Ross Clifford Ainsworth (1993) and Dorie (Dunn) Ainsworth (1994). Glenn is survived by his older sister, Lynn Ainsworth. Glenn was very proud of his two children, Robert Glenn Cameron Ainsworth and  Natalee Rose Brittany Wheeler (Matthew).  His grandchildren were a special light in his life, Dante Robert Ainsworth and Quinn Caroline Wheeler. Glenn will be dearly missed by his close friends, by his cousins and extended family.

In 1968, when he was in elementary school, Glenn’s family moved from Montreal to Mississauga and new friendships took root. Dave Rowlison, Gavin Morcom, Phillip Chmielinski and Michael Mizzi became true, lifelong friends.  Glenn, Dave, and Gavin passionately raced go-karts when they were teenagers in the 1970’s. In their later years, they also raced cars and sailboats. Their friendship of three grew to include Phil and Mike in the 1980’s as they graduated from Erindale Secondary School, Mississauga in 1981.

Glenn graduated from Sheridan College and the highlight of his working career was when he joined his Dad at Gorrie Marketing. He eventually advanced to become an Account Executive and enjoyed the clients he served.  It was his father who introduced the family to the joys of sailing.  As an adult, Glenn’s ongoing interest in the sport led him to the Mississauga Sailing Club.  He became an avid racer and a volunteer.  Sailing vacations to the British Virgin Islands with his family will remain a treasured memory.

Glenn was consistently captivated by cars.  His comment when he heard race car motors revving was, “it is just like music.”  As often as possible, Glenn enjoyed following young and up and coming racers both locally and professionally as they honed their skills. He was an avid arm chair racer each weekend.

At aged 49 Glenn retired from work due to failing health.  He enjoyed the pace of his most recent home in Blenheim.  He often commented on his happiness with this region of Chatham Kent, because it is a mecca for high end car restoration.  Glenn thoroughly enjoyed the vintage cars when they paraded along the main street of town.

In the last week of Glenn’s life he became addicted to Mott’s Fruitsations Freezies. Country apple was his favorite, go out and  try one! And then, when you have it in your hand, smile and think of Glenn’s deep appreciation for life’s Simple Pleasures.

A special thanks to Darren, Andrea, Judy, Marnie, Joanne and Tony.

If so inclined, a Memorial donations may be made in memory of Glenn to Chatham Kent Hospice, or a  charity of your choice.

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.