Malcolm Benson, a resident of Rondeau Bay Estates passed away peacefully at CKHA with his loving daughters and wife at his side on January 15, 2025.  Born in Hartlepoole, England, Malcolm was the son of Henry and Mary (fortune) Benson.

Malcolm was the beloved husband of 49 years to Judy (Garlick) and is survived by his children Heather (Scott MacFarlane), Stephanie (James Baillargeon) and Ashley (Trent Zimmer).  He was an amazing grandfather to Hillary, Regan, Liam, Jameson and Walker.  Predeceased by his siblings Eric, Joan and Steve, he will be forever loved by Martin (Lisa), Graham (Darlene), Pam, Terry Paul, Kathryn and many nieces and nephews.

Malcolm worked at Navistar for 30 years and took care of his family first.  When he was not working, he was out on the water with his wife and daughters sailing, boating and windsurfing which he loved.  He enjoyed time at Rondeau Joe’s.

Malcolm had the ability to bring everyone together.  He would fix anything for anyone and would bring a smile to your face with those quick witted singles.  He didn’t just leave behind his loving family and friends, he left us with a template on how to live the perfect life.  We miss you always and forever.

May the wind always be in your sails, Daddy.

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Donations to the Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Wayne Patrick Smith

March 17, 1967 – January 6, 2025

A resident of Blenheim, Wayne Smith passed away suddenly on Monday January 6, 2025 at the age of 57.

Born in Chatham, Wayne was the son of the late MaryEllen Smith (Zimmer) (2021) and Jim Smith (2022).  He was the dear father of Dylan Smith and the late Bailey Smith (2023).  Brother of Deb Brown (Bob), Marg Bliss (Jeff), Ron Smith and Bill Smith (Kat).  He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Wayne worked for Canadian Tire for several years managing stores in Ontario and Manitoba.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved his hockey, playing goal in his younger years and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Family and Friends wishing to remember Wayne with a memorial donation can consider the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, Chatham-Kent Mental Health or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Hilda Nauta entered her heavenly home on January 5, 2025 at the age of 93.  Born December 24, 1931 to the late Gerrit & Ida (Vanderveen) Veenstra, she and her family immigrated to Canada when she was 22 years old while her oldest brother Eppe remained in the Netherlands.

Hilda was the beloved wife of the late Abe Nauta who she married on March 18, 1955.  She was the dear mother of Ida & Harold Vyn, Jake & Patti Nauta, Gary & Jackie Nauta, Wendy & Dave Feddes, Susan & John Marentette and Rhonda & Rob Burns.  She was also the loved grandma to 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by one granddaughter.

Hilda is survived by her sister Susan Cotè, her brothers and sisters-in-law Mike & Jean, Henry & Kathryn, Carl & Susan and Thea Veenstra.  She was predeceased by Eppie & Annie, Martin, Steve & Joyce, Frank and Doede Veenstra and Phil Cotè.

She is also survived by Abe’s family John Timmermans, Marie, Hermina, Ralph & Margaret and Lise Nauta, Hilda Berghuis, Clara & Hank Woudenberg, Ruth Oden and a cousin-in-law Corrie Blommers.  She was predeceased by Ronnie Timermans, Harry, Dick, John and Jake Nauta, Gus and Joan Sonneveld, Pete Berghuis, Catherine & Marius Verbeek, Hunter Oden and Diane & Gerry Gracie.

Hilda loved reading, doing puzzles and playing scrabble.  She was a devout Christian who loved her Lord and her family.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 10, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service for Hilda will be held in the Christian Reformed Church, Blenheim on Saturday January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  A private family interment will take place in Pardoville Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to remember Hilda with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or World Renew https://worldrenew.ca/ .

Paul Gerard Hould of Charing Cross passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on December 26, 2024.  He was the proud dad of Paul Hould Jr and Leigh Hould and was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Linda (Bonner) Hould in 2020.

Born in Quebec to the late Roger & Simone Morisette, Paul made his way to Blenheim and worked for many years at Thompsons.  He made many good friends through his daily visits and conversations with people at Tim Hortons in Blenheim.  He was a man with a heart of gold who would drop what he was doing to help anybody.  He planted a large garden every summer and was quick to share vegetables with neighbours and friends.  He could do anything that he put his mind to from painting to renovations to mixing cement.

A private gathering of family and friends took place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home and was followed by cremation.  Paul and Linda’s ashes will be scattered together at some of their favourite places in life.

With her family by her side, Karen Gillespie passed away knowing she was loved on Tuesday December 31, 2024.  She will be missed so much by her husband Joe and her children Bree, Carrie, Chris, Dianna and Jennifer as well as 13 grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud.

Karen was born 75 years ago to the late Mabel and Elgin Faules and was raised in the Arkona area.  She was a business teacher by profession and enjoyed doing bookkeeping for many years.   She appreciated all the beauty that the world had to offer, be it a full moon over the lake, a fresh blanket of snow or a garden full of spring flowers.  She was at peace amongst nature.  She made Ridgetown and Shrewsbury her home before settling in Blenheim.  She will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 18, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. for a time to meet Karen’s family and to share memories of a life well lived.

David Charles Lewis

“I can do all through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”

-Philippines 4:13-14

David (Dave) Charles Lewis, son of the late Elsie Holbert and step son of Edward Holbert. David was born on May 1, 1973 and passed away on December 28, 2024 at the age of 51 due to cancerous glioblastoma multiforme brain tumors. 

He will be forever loved and cherished by his wife Rachel Lewis; His daughter Addisyn Lewis, (Joseph Reimer), and the rest of the family. David is the Son-in-law of Martin and Glenis Huggins; Brother of Michael Holbert; Brother-in-law of JonPaul Huggins (Catriona), and Stuart Huggins (Barclee); and Lifelong friend of Damon Matteson. David is also a proud uncle of 6 nephews and 2 nieces. As well as a fur dad to our puppies Thrasher and Lexi. 

He was born in Norwich, New York. David spent the majority of his life in Sherburne, New York, until he moved to Blenheim, Ontario in 2009, to be with his wife and daughter. He spent most of his time here working at Woodbridge foam in Blenheim. 

David had a deep love for fishing, and could usually be found by the water any chance he got. Countless memories were made fishing from the moment he was just a child to just a couple months before his passing. David was also interested in demolition derbies, tractor pulls, dad jokes and the show “cops” as could be explained by anyone who knew him closely.

He found spending time with family most important. Whether this was family movie night, going for day trips, or simply just talking in the car on the way to run errands. He made it a priority to never miss any of his daughters’ dance competitions or softball games no matter the circumstance and to try to hide his tears of pride. He always demonstrated love and kindness to everyone around, this can clearly be seen in his actions and openness to his daughter’s boyfriend, Joseph who became like a son to him, he attended as many of his football games as possible and made sure to state his opinion on every call.  

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 3, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

John Knights of Mull (Blenheim) passed away on Tuesday December 17, 2024.  He walked this earth for 86 years…66 of them with his wife Sally by his side.  He was the proud father of Peter (Daphne), Jeffery (Tracey) and Kevin (Jennifer), grandfather of Matthew (Christine), Nicole (Brad) and Kerrigan (Gavin) and great-grandfather of Nolan and Nash.

John was one of four children born to the late Clarence & Eileen (Johnston) Knights and is survived by his sister Ann Morrison (Jack).  He was predeceased by his sister Mary Sutherland (Bill) and his brother Bill Knights (Donna).  His career was spent in the agriculture business, starting out on a farm raising sheep and finishing working with Lyle Giffin at Milling Products but his passion in life was hockey.  He was a founding member of the Morpeth Oldtimers Hockey Team and was a driving force in getting the team to the playoffs in both Holland and Switzerland.  In 1991 John was officially inducted as a player, manager and builder into the Canadien Oldtimers Hockey Hall of Fame.  He was also an avid Lions, Tigers and Maple Leafs fan.

One of John’s favourite places to visit was Mackinac Island, especially during the lilac festival in spring.  He and Sally made several trips there as a couple, as a family and with friends.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held at the Morpeth Hall on Saturday December 21, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  It will be a casual afternoon so come as you are.  If you have a favourite team jersey to wear, that’s even better!  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blenheim Health Hub which John talked about often or the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent that he accessed services through would be appreciated by the family.

Beverly Catherine (Muller) Stover of Ridgetown Ontario passed away at home at the age of 97 years.  Predeceased by her husband John (Jack) F. Stover in 1968.

Bev came to Ridgetown as a new bride.  She was a professional figure skater who travelled the world with “Holiday on Ice”.  Born in Syracuse, New York she was predeceased by her mother, father, sister and last her brother.  She loved playing golf, her games of Bridge and wintering in Florida.

Beverly is survived by her four children:  Christine Vanderlip of Rondeau, Joan Craig of Malibu, California, Jack Stover of London, Ontario and Laura Stover of Ridgetown.  Beverly treasured eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place.  In memory of Mom, please enjoy skating or a game of Bridge.

Rest in peace at 97.  Your life was well lived and loved.

Bertha Jean Case, November 14, 1947 to December 14, 2024 passed peacefully at home with her husband at her side in the early morning hours of the 14^th.

Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who will be forever loved and remembered for eternity by her husband Brian Case and all the family.  Bertha is also survived by her children Brent (Dana) Case and Brooke Case, by her grandchildren Avery (Jaymes) Brophy, Cohen Case, Mitchel Bellamy, Marshal Bellamy and great grandchildren Brooks Brophy, Cam Bellamy, and Crue Bellamy.

Bertha is also survived by her brothers Jim (Janice) Fulkerson and Mark (Gail) Fulkerson.  Bertha was predeceased by her parents Albert “Bud” (2003) and Audrey (2009) Fulkerson and her sister Susie Attewell (2020).  She is also predeceased by her in laws Doug (2006) and Rita (2016) Case and a sister in law Dianne (2011).

From Her Children:

She was the matriarch of our family.  And so difficult to sum up what she meant to us.  She was who we went to for advice, to confide in, to laugh with.  She always had a guiding hand in our life, from how we parented our own children to our grandchildren.  Mom’s ability to show love, compassion and forgiveness was unparalleled.  She was a fierce protector of us as well as her grandchildren.  Her imprint is forever etched with us.  Mom will be forever missed, forever loved, forever remembered.  We love you Mom, Always.

Bertha was loved by all who knew her and her affection for her friends was mutual.  Those friends had a spark of light in their life that went out with her passing.

The luckiest day of my life, speaking as her husband was Friday December 13^th, 1968 when I asked her to marry me and she said yes.  Bertha was a small town girl form Erieau who married a small town boy from Byron, who at the time was living and working in Toronto.  This was the start of our journey that lasted for over 55 years, covered jobs and careers, raising a family, travel to various part of the world, most of Canada and several states in the U.S.  The memories of the travel were always fond but her most favorite spot was Bermuda.

Visitation for Bertha will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 1:00.  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 and will be followed by a reception at St. Paul’s Church in Erieau.

For those wishing to remember Bertha, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau, the Erieau Fireman’s Association or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.    

Albert Collins of Blenheim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 11, 2024, at the age of 87.

He will be forever loved and cherished by his children, Tawnya Collins Thompson and Steve Collins; his step-daughter, Liane Snobelen; and his many grandchildren: Indica Thompson, Nolan Thompson, Daniel Collins, Brittany & Josh Peck-Dorman, Nicole Snobelen & Andy Simek, Mikaela & Jordan Wolsey, Mackenzie & Aaron Hooper, Randi-Lyn & Cody Vandewynckel, and Danielle Bellamy. Albert was also a proud great-grandfather to Lincoln, Hudson, Drew, Josiah, Reuben, Leona, and Blake. He was predeceased by his step-son Randy Bellamy, granddaughters Rebecca and Rachel Bellamy, and his beloved life partner, Evelyn Bellamy.

Born in Erieau, Albert was one of seven children of the late Dorothy (Pilon) and Bill Collins. He is survived by his siblings Sheila Tiederman and Larry Collins, as well as sister-in-law Marcella Collins and brother-in-law Dick McIlroy. He was predeceased by Barbara & Bob Maynard, Margaret McIlroy, Jack Collins, Jim & Donna Collins, and Betty Ann Collins.

Albert had a deep love for travel, and he and Evelyn explored the world together, creating countless memories of adventure and discovery. He also had a lifelong connection to the water. Whether he was fishing, boating, or swimming, Albert felt most at peace surrounded by the beauty of nature. His passion for the outdoors reflected his adventurous and determined nature, and he found joy in sharing these moments with his loved ones.

Family was everything to Albert. It was always important to him that his children were cared for and doing well. He never came to visit without a car packed to the brim with care packages, and he never missed a special occasion. Whether it was Easter, Valentine’s Day, or just because, Albert made sure there was something in the mail for his loved ones. His efforts to be there for his family were endless, and his thoughtfulness and love will be deeply missed.

Many years ago, Albert answered a call to assist a young woman, Evelyn Bellamy, recovering from an accident. That selfless act blossomed into an almost 37 year journey of love, laughter, and partnership. Together, they built a life rich with memories, and though she passed away just three months ago, he carried her love in his heart until the very end.

Albert’s family and friends will honor his memory with a graveside service in the spring at Pardoville Cemetery, as was his wish. He asked to be remembered with the same warmth and joy that he held for Evelyn, a testament to the enduring love they shared.

He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.