After a short battle with cancer, God has decided Ed has done his duty here and it was time for him to come home. He had a chance to talk to and say goodbye to some close Family & Friends. It is comforting to know how peaceful he left us, and that his last breaths were not alone. Please keep him and his lovely Wife of 64 years, Joanne in your thoughts and prayers.

It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of our father Ian Hunter on May 13, 2025.

Dad was born in Scotland on June 4, 1950.  His parents moved to Canada with their two children Ian and Allan when Dad was sixteen years old, settling in Chatham.  Dad completed his high school years at CKSS before studying to become a licensed electrician.  He was the owner of Hunter Electric in Blenheim for many years.  He was a man of sheer determination who worked hard in life to become successful.

We always knew how proud Dad was of us and our own accomplishments in life.  He was the proud sponsor of Hunter Electric Baseball Teams over the years that supported both his and our teams.  He had a penchant for fine cars, enjoyed golfing, and playing darts and euchre at the Blenheim Legion.

Dad fought a difficult battle with diabetes at the end of his life resulting in the loss of his eyesight and robbing him of his independence.  As fierce as his determination was, this one was one fight that he just couldn’t beat.  We will miss him.

Dad’s final wishes were to buy everybody a drink at the Legion which we will do soon, and then take him home to Scotland.  But first everyone is invited to join us for time of visitation on Tuesday May 20, 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Lindsay Keillor & Kirk Vollans (Myla)

Shaun Hunter & Christine (Hailey, Blake and Zoey)

Ryan Hunter & Chantel

⚘️On Mother’s Day 0ur Matriarch MaryAnn (nee Gernaey-Ayres) Wright Passed peacefully at home with loved ones, in her 86th year💖. Mom, Grama, Nana, Aunt, friend & longtime neighbour loved Life in Erieau. There she & our Dad, Tom of 30 years raised us 4 kids with many friends always free to stop in. They enjoyed life whether burger flipping, boat renting at the old Boathouse or snorkeling & travelling in Little Torch Key FL .

Mom was a lover of all animals, initially horses which she rode in Chatham as a young girl & later Pets were always valued members of our Family .

Then Mom Married Brian Wright for 30 years. She was their Co Bookkeeper at Wrights Plumbing. Together they enjoyed gardening, all flowers here & tropical ones too. They were avid bike riders and often enjoyed dining out.  MaryAnn was an avid reader who enjoyed her time at Erieau’s Volunteer Library.  Mom loved her Family, her Grandkids & Great Grandchildren too, such gifts ❤️ In keeping with Mom’s wishes there will be no Funeral.  She will be cremated and in time Laid to Rest with her Parents in Chatham Cemetery ⚘️ Rest in Peace , you were a great Mother to us all . Your legacy & zest to learn lives on in each of us. 🫂💝⚘️

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Winnifred “Winnie” Kunzler who left us peacefully on the wings of a dove in the early morning hours of May 2, 2025.  She passed away knowing how much she was loved by the people around her.

Winnie was born on August 10, 1942 in London Ontario.  She was predeceased by her loving partner Roger Heatherington in 2017.

She will be greatly missed by many, including her three children; John Kunzler (Melinda), Robert Kunzler (Lisa) and Kathy Kunzler (Jamie), nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her children’s father, John Kunzler in 1988 as well as eight of her thirteen brothers and sisters.  She will be remembered by her siblings Rosetta, David, Hugh, Mary and Debra as well as many nieces and nephews.

Winnie was a firecracker who loved her nights out doing karaoke.  Her quick wit and genuine sense of humor will be greatly missed.  A private interment will take place at Rodney Cemetery.

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 at Pardoville Cemetery on Friday May 23, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. 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.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our Husband, Dad and Grampa, Richard Keith Malott who died suddenly on May 1st, 2025.

Richard was married to the love of his life, his bud, Debbie. They would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on June 1. Richard and Debbie have been in each other’s lives for 56 years, getting engaged when he was 18. They married in 1974 and together raised their daughters Amanda and Dezarae. He adored his girls and made sure they wanted for nothing. He anticipated their needs before they ever had to ask, always ready to help, build anything they asked, or simply be by their side.

Richard found immense joy in his role as Grampa. Dezarae and her husband Gavin Kemp blessed him with three grandsons—Sebastien, Damien, and Xavier—who became the light of his life. He would drop everything to be with them, always hoping the time they shared would become treasured memories to carry them through their lives. The boys brought endless joy, pride, and laughter into his life.

Richard had an impeccable sense of humour—quick-witted and always ready with a perfectly timed joke that made you laugh out loud. He was a man of quiet strength, deeply respected, and his presence brought comfort and calm.

Richard was the oldest child of Keith (1993) and Carrie (2017) Malott. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Tape (Ed), brother David (Wendy), nephew Kenny Hall, and niece Carol Gillett (Nathan). He was predeceased by his sister Carol (1975) and brother Morice (2025).

A highly skilled and respected Plumber and Gas Fitter for 50 years. Richard ran his own successful company, Malott Plumbing, for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Even in retirement, Richard was always busy with a project. He had a beautiful property that he worked hard to build and maintain—growing food, creating trails, and building a space for his family to enjoy together. He always had a project on the go, whether it was around the house or bringing to life whatever his daughters or Debbie dreamed up. He built the family home with his own hands, a place filled with love and memories. His generosity of time and talent was unmatched.

In his later years, Richard discovered a passion for baking and cooking. He found joy in preparing meals, caring for his family, and simply being with the people he loved most. His greatest happiness came from seeing his wife happy. He truly loved Debbie—every action he took was to care for her, support her, and make her feel loved.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, there will be no service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pet and Wildlife Rescue, a cause that is special to Amanda.  Online donations can be made at https://pawr.org/funds/

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work and humour. His family will carry his love with them always—in the home he built, the laughter he shared, and the memories he helped create every single day.

It is with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to Gary on April 27, 2025; losing the battle with a sudden, aggressive AML diagnosis.  His difficult suffering ended with the caring help of M.A.I.D.

He leaves his loved ones; Linda (Bella, Danny), his loving, small family in Windsor; his brother Greg (Fran), nephews Paul (Alissa, nephew Nathan and niece Addie), Mike (Sydney), Mark (Hiran) of Montreal, brother-in-law Michael (Genny) of Saskatoon, cousins Karen (Duane) of Kitchener/Waterloo and Janie (Jim) of Alberta.  He was blessed with the very BEST friends in Hamilton, B.C. and Port Rowan, New Hamburg from working at Westinghouse, ETI and General Electric, as well as his newly made friends in Blenheim who are so kind, generous, giving and have the largest hearts ever.

Thank you all.

Gratitude and thanks are extended to Dr. Chandrasena, Dr Lazo-Langner, the oncology nurses and staff of the CKHA ambulatory clinic, VON, Willi and Marc.

Cremation has taken place.  A small family gathering will take place at a later date.

Sleep in peace, Gary.

Yots

XO

Gail Mariash (nee Brock)

December 3, 1953 – April 28, 2025

Gail Mariash passed away on April 28, 2025 in her 72^nd year.  She leaves behind her husband David, daughter Jenna (Cameron Murray), sons Michael and Aaron (Mary Berg) and brothers Dennis Brock (Brenda) and Russel Brock (Susan).  She was predeceased by her mother Nancy and father Harry Brock.

Gail was born and raised in Hamilton, moving to Blenheim as a teenager.  While she left to attend university in Hamilton, she returned to Blenheim after her marriage to raise her family.

You might remember Gail from Brock’s Drive-In Restaurant…if you had a Brockie Burger, she probably served you.  She drove school bus for over a decade and later managed the office at Nuco Plastics.  After her retirement, Gail enjoyed moving to Shrewsbury to build a new home.  She was active in a wonderful circle of new and old friends and neighbours (especially the book club ladies!)  She was a gardener, a talented ceramicist and painter, and maintained a deep, lifelong appreciation for nature.

At Gail’s request there will not be a funeral, however a celebration of life will be held in the future.  In lieu of flowers or donations, please plant a native species tree or pollinator plants.  She would really love that!

Finally, a note of thanks to the oncology teams in London and Chatham for their compassionate efforts in treating her, and the ER staff in Chatham who showed her great care in her final days.