It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Burk, age 96, on June 6, 2026.  She was predeceased by her husband, veteran Leonard Burk in 1997.

Jean was born on April 3, 1930 just outside Ridgetown.  She was one of nine siblings born to the late Orlo “Pete” Jackson and Neva (Merritt) Jackson and is survived by her sister Doris Tengelis (late John) and brother Lloyd Jackson (Joanne).  She was predeceased by her sisters Velma Miklos (late John) and Gloria Ripley (Melvin), and by her brothers Glen Jackson (Nellie), Herbert Jackson (late Francis), Leo Jackson (late Freda) and Cliff Jackson (late Audrey).

Jean and Leonard were also parents to nine children: Gloria Bell (late Jim), Gary Burk (Elena Huseynova), Lenny (Leonard) Emmerson Burk who died in infancy, Laura Shoemaker (Brad), Sandra Burk, Donna Ogle, Connie Stothart, Kimberly Burk (Larry Osmon) and Jamie Burk (Kathy Kunzler).  She was loved by 23 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.  She was predeceased in life by her grandchildren Chawn, Dustien and Braedon.

Jean enjoyed going for walks, crocheting, knitting, sewing and growing plants.   She was a queen of crossword puzzles and a professional living room Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy contestant.  She loved all pets, especially her budgies and her memories of Bailey were always close to her heart.  Jean’s final days were filled with tenderness, surrounded by the grandchildren who stayed close and held her with the same love she had always given them.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private family interment will take place in Burk Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ontario SPCA or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn Arthur Rice, aged 71, who left us peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Ontario.

A longtime resident of Blenheim, Glenn was born to the late Donald Rice and Helen Smith. Known to many as “Papa Rice,” and to his adoring grandchildren as simply “Papa,” he was a man who lived life at his own pace. While he was famously late for almost every event, however he was somehow always exactly where he needed to be whenever someone needed a hand. He was a natural fixer, builder and a keeper of odds and ends, operating under the firm belief that nothing should ever be thrown out because it might just fix something down the road. 

Glenn’s life was defined by adaptability. When a back injury took away his career as a mechanic, he didn’t slow down; he went to night school, conquered computer science, and built a successful career in IT with MPAC. Later in life, he traded keyboards for sawdust, picking up the carpentry tools of his father, and finding peace in working with his hands.

Glenn’s greatest joy was found in the company of his family. Whether traveling together or simply gathering at home, he was the steady presence and heart of the family. He was also a devoted member of Charing Cross United Church, where he generously volunteered his time and found great fulfillment in serving others. Each spring, without fail, Glenn could be found on the water, enjoying his passion for fishing alongside the same close-knit group of lifelong friends. 

Glenn leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his wife, Betsy Adair-Rice; his children, Laura (Darren) Murray and Grant (Karla) Rice; and his four grandchildren, Lincoln, Lillian, Elizabeth, and Matteo, who were the absolute lights of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Don, Doug, David, and Bruce and their families, his extended Adair and Chapple families, and countless friends. He goes to join his parents, Donald and Helen, and his brother-in-law Don Chapple, who went before him.

Family and friends are invited to honour Glenn at Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions to the Charing Cross United Church or Carpenter Hospice Burlington would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Glenn taught us how to fix what was broken, how to show up for the people we love, and how to hold onto what matters. We will miss him terribly, but we take comfort in his favorite parting words, knowing this isn’t a final goodbye, but simply: “Bye for now.”

Grace Wick, the much loved wife of the late Elmer Wick (1995) passed away with her daughter by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on May 26, 2026.  She will be forever loved and missed by her children Noel, Shannon and Jay (Joanne), by her grandson Quinn and her siblings David Robb (Janet) and Gordon Robb (Tracy).  She was predeceased by her brothers Jim Robb (survived by Cathy), Randy Robb and her parents Dolores & Bill Robb.

Grace was a kind and caring person who always thought of other people first.  She spent her working career with the Ministry of Community & Social Services, beginning at the Midwestern Regional Centre in Palmerston before moving to Blenheim, where she retired from the Southwestern Regional Centre.  She loved people, playing the piano and watching her orchids bloom.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Grace will be interred with Elmer in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.  If you want to do something in memory of Grace, give your kids an extra hug, your grandchildren two extra hugs, and always let them know how much you love them.

Donald W Chapple passed away with family by his side on Monday, May 18 at the age of 80 years. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Peggy), son Craig (Tracey), and daughters Kelly Roy (Rick) and Dawn Anne Drouilllard (Don). Grandchildren Chase, Kaden, Soren and Zane. His bother Roger and several nieces and nephews.

Don spent more than 30 years of his career at Thompsons, where he finished as CFO. He also dedicated many years to serving in various roles on Blenheim Town Council and was a longtime member of the Rotary Club.

He was passionate about caring for his wife, spending time with his grandchildren and golf.

A private family service will be held Saturday, May 23 as per his wishes.

Friends and family wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation https://kidney.ca/ or the Alzheimer’s Society https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en .

Special thanks to the staff at Village on the Ridge for taking such good care of Dad, Mom and us.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong fisherman whose love for the water defined much of his life.  Throughout his career as a commercial fisherman captain on the tug boat Kar Lou, he found purpose on the open water, earning the respect of fellow fishermen through hard work and determination.

Fred leaves behind his wife and best friend of 59 years Barbara (Round).  He was born in Port Elgin to the late William and Alma (Terry).  Cherished father of Lisa (Stephen) Rigby and their children Austin and Aiden who he was so proud of.  Father of Frederick James Jr and his children Cody, Brylie and Tryten.

Predeceased by his brothers Ed, Ralph and Carl, sisters Edith and Marie.  Survived by his brother Norman.  Brother in law to Doug Round, Daniel Round (deceased), Dona Fields, David Round (deceased), Patricia Dyck, Linda Heyninck, Duane Round (deceased) Carol Round, Marjorie (Dave) Trotechaud, Deb (Doug) Toland, Darrel Round (deceased), Dean Round and Doreen (Gord) McGee.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday May 18, 2026 from 11 – 1 p.m. followed by the funeral.  Interment at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of donations, Fred would be most happy if you spent time on the water, which he was never far from, enjoying those you hold dearest.

Jeff Patterson passed away peacefully with his loving partner and best friend Laura by his side on Thursday May 14, 2026, just one day after their 50^th wedding anniversary.  He was an incredible father to Chris (Vandana) and Justin (Kate) and the adored grandpa to Nathan and Stella.

Jeff was born in London, the only child of the late John & Carolyn Patterson.  At a young age he learned the importance of devotion to family and the art of selflessness; characteristics that he carried throughout his life.  Beyond that, he was a humble man who was more comfortable being behind the scenes and not taking credit for his accomplishments.

He worked for IBM as a technician for 35 years.  One of the highlights of his career was going to the 1988 Calgary Olympics where he was responsible for ensuring every jump, finish and record-breaking moment was captured with total accuracy.  He was a member of the Blenheim Kinsmen for 30 years and enjoyed acting with Theatre Kent in Chatham.

Sometimes in life you are lucky enough in life to find someone you love and who loves you back as much.  Jeff was that someone to us.  He was one of a kind and we were blessed.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday May 20, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 followed by words of remembrance.

Friends and family wishing to remember Jeff with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/   or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Barry Sutton passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the age of 83.  He is survived by his wife Cairn Sutton, his daughters Elissa Sutton and Hilary Sutton (Tom Shrubb), sisters Diane Handsor and Geri Bailey (Wes), brothers Trever Sutton (Sandy) and Kevin Boswell, grandsons Oliver Whitman and Connor Millar, granddaughters Lily and Iris Shrubb, and many more loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his father John Walter Sutton, his mother Dorothy Boswell, step-father Harold Boswell, brother Alvin Boswell, brother-in-law Marvin Handsor, and his nephew Michael Maxwell.

Barrie was born in England during WWII and came to Canada after the war with his mother and two brothers. As a young man, he joined the Canadian Navy and later the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Sooke, BC, where he enjoyed performing in the Sooke choir. In his later years, Barry worked on the C & O Railway and with Commissionaires Canada. He loved watching sports, telling bad dad jokes, caring for the cats he didn’t want to get, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, travelling, and keeping up with the news. A special time in Barry’s life was when he was able to meet his long-lost cousins through investigating his ancestry.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Community Room at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday May 23, 2026 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.