Obituaries

Noel Loyson

A photo of Noel Loyson

Noel Andre Loyson passed away on August 5, 2026 at the age of 75 years.  Born in Belgium to the late Andre (1985) & Josephine (2024) Loyson, Noel came to Canada in 1957 at the age of six.   He is survived by his wife Marnie, sister Lisa Gehl, sister-in-law Beth Lachine, nephews Joshua Gehl, Robert McLaughlin and Kevin McLaughlin, niece Alisha Lachine, step-sons Sean Lamb (Liz) and Jason Lamb (Jen), grandchildren Owen and Avery Lamb and his step-grandchild Peyton Slaughter.  He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Europe.

Noel worked in tobacco at an early age as well as in many factories in Chatham until his retirement in 2021.   His greatest passion in life was training and practicing karate.  He shared his skills with many children who he taught over the years.

Noel’s wish was for his family to remember him privately.  Friends and family wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the C-K Hopsice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or the C-K Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/

Catharine “Cathy” Rose Burk Van Breda

A photo of Catharine “Cathy” Rose Burk Van Breda

Service:

A celebration of Catharine's life will be held on Saturday,
August 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a time of sharing
at 1 p.m., at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley
Avenue, Blenheim.

In Loving Memory of Catharine “Cathy” Rose Burk Van Breda
June 8, 1941 – July 30, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announced the passing of our mom, Catharine Rose Burk Van Breda of Chatham, with family and friends by her side at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on July 30, 2026.
Mom had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed and important. She never asked for recognition or praise – she simply gave of herself; quietly and wholeheartedly, every single day. Her greatest joy was making sure that everyone around her felt comfortable, supported and never alone. No matter the circumstance she always had a listening ear, a warm hug, and a comforting smile. To us, she was so much more than a mother. She was our safe place, our greatest supporter, our teacher, and our constant source of love and strength. She showed us through her actions what it meant to live with compassion, humility and grace.  The lessons she taught us, the traditions she created and the unconditional love she gave us so freely will remain with us always. The loss of Mom leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully express, but we find comfort in knowing that her love continues to surround us.  We will miss her every day – her gentle laugh, her caring heart, her quiet wisdom and the way she made each of us feel like we mattered most. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in our hearts, in our memories and in the love we share because of her.  She will be forever loved, deeply missed and never forgotten.
Catharine is lovingly remembered by her daughters; Carrie Bissonette (Rick), Lorrie Vandersluis (Tim), and Shellie Sawyer (Terry). Grandmother to Nathan Trudell (Melanie), Rowan and Ayden Bourdeau, and a great-grandmother to Nolan, Madison and Griffin Trudell.
She is also survived by her siblings Tom Burke, (Kathy), Freda Montague, Glen Burk (Sandy) and Susan Hind (Terry), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Catharine also leaves behind her lifelong friends, Sharon Pepper (Toller) and John McGregor.
Catharine was predeceased by her beloved husband William “Bill” Van Breda, her sister Carol Schade (Jack), sister-in-law Connie Burk, brother-in-law Blaine Montague, her dear friends Sue Legue and Mary Van Waes and her faithful feline companion Missy.
Our family is deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and compassionate care Mom received during her final years at Levante Resort. The special friendships she shared with Lorraine, Brittany, Sebastian, Autumn and Tiffany brought her comfort and happiness and a true sense of belonging. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Catharine’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a time of sharing at 1 p.m., at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Avenue, Blenheim.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to PAWR- Pet and Wildlife Rescue by calling the funeral home or using this link. https://pawr.org/.

Lawrence Fulkerson

A photo of Lawrence Fulkerson

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday August 6, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Lawrence Fulkerson passed away on August 1st, 2026 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Fifty-Six years ago, Lawrence married Wendy (Lehman).  He was a proud parent of Shawn (Diana), Melissa (Gerry) and grandfather to Nate, Nick, Karlee and Abby & Austin.  Predeceased by Tyson Fulkerson.

Lawrence is survived by his sister Joann.  He is predeceased by his mother, Theresa, his father, Rod and his brother, Cameron (Nancy).

Being the adventurous type, Lawrence decided to move to Alberta, retiring after 27 years at Syncrude Canada Ltd.  He then decided we should move to a small northern Village in Saskatchewan (Buffalo Narrows) where we spent 8 years before moving back home to Ontario.

In the summer months, Lawrence’s happy place was fishing on his pontoon boat.  During winter we enjoyed our time in Barbados, meeting up with cherished friends that we got to know over the years.

A special thank you to the Chatham-Kent Hospice, the nursing staff and volunteers.  Your care and kindness will forever be remembered.  Friends wishing to honour Lawrence’s memory are invited to make a contribution to the C-K Hospice or a charity of their choice.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday August 6, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  A private interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Wendy, Shawn and Melissa

 

Francisco Quiring

A photo of Francisco Quiring

Service:

Charing Cross Mennonite Church 8684 Cundle Line, Charing Cross Ontario,
on Friday July 31, 2026 at 2pm. Internment following at Pardoville Union
Cemetery 7741 Talbot Trail, Blenheim

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim Ontario,
on Thursday July 30, 2026 from 6pm - 9 pm

A full obituary for Mr. Quiring will follow shortly.

Gary Wright

A photo of Gary Wright

Service:

Dog Day BBQ
400 Queen Street, Chatham
July 31, 2026
1:00 p.m.

Gary Wright of Chatham passed away on July 24, 2026 knowing just how deeply he was loved by his family.

Fifty-seven years ago, Gary married Ann (O’Phee) Wright.  Although their lives led them in different directions over the years, their friendship endured, becoming one of the great constants in both their lives.  Ann passed away just four weeks ago on June 25th.   They were the very proud parents of two daughters Kelly and Jennifer (Gary 2.0) and grandparents to Keegan and Bryden.   Gary was predeceased by his mother Jennifer (Sadowski) and his brother Michael Wright.

Anyone who knew Gary also knew this:  he loved hot rods; he loved talking about hot rods and he loved building hot rods.  That passion brought him lifelong friends from all over Canada and the USA.  Known as “Gabby Gary”, he was always the first to arrive and the last to leave at a hot rod show.  When he wasn’t touring hot rod shows, he could always be found putzing around in his prized shop.   Everyone who visited knew enough just to go to the garage.  Saturday mornings were reserved for trips to the “old boys club” at the Shady Pine where he loved dissing jokes with his car buddies.

As a dad, Gary instilled in his daughters a love of nature, boating in the summers and snowmobiling in the winter.  He filled their young lives with endless adventures and left them with many stories to tell.  He loved his girls with all his heart and was so proud of them when they in turn gave him love and nurtured him in his later life.  He kept telling them that they were “good women”.

As a husband, he and Ann spent many winters touring Florida and Mexico in some of the most hideous vehicles they could find and spruce up.  Again, “Gabby Gary” made friends wherever he went and always had a story to tell.

Gary was a special man who worked as a millwright at Navistar.  He was gifted with the ability to fix almost anything.  He had a compassionate heart for animals.  Over the years he had a few pets that each took a piece of his heart when they passed away.  His greatest joys in life were his cars, his tools, his friends and most importantly his daughters.

A private family interment will take place on Friday July 31st in Evergreen Cemetery where Gary will be laid to rest next to Ann.  Following the interment, at 1:00 p.m., family and friends are invited to gather at Dog Day BBQ, 400 Queen Street, Chatham, to celebrate a life well lived.

For those wishing to honour Gary’s memory, donations to the Leukemia Society https://www.bloodcancers.ca/?form=donate  would be deeply appreciated, as the organization held a special place in his heart.

Mary Beth Speller

A photo of Mary Beth Speller

Service:

Graveside Service
Evergreen Cemetery
August 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will follow at
18708 Erie Shore Drive, Erie Beach

Mary Elizabeth “Mary Beth” Speller passed away at home on July 23, 2026. She will be missed greatly by her husband of 36 years, Brian Massender; their daughter, Erin Marie Elizabeth Massender, of whom she was incredibly proud; her dog, Buddy; and her grand-dog, Remi.
Born in 1965 to the late Clayton Beverly and Betty Jean (Lister) Speller, Mary Beth grew up in Charing Cross with her three brothers, where she was well known throughout the community. She is survived by her brothers, Mike and Paul Speller, and was predeceased by her brother Bill (William) Speller. She was the much-loved niece of Diana and Frank Lewis, John Speller, and the late Earl Speller, and will be missed by all of her Lewis/Lister, and Speller cousins and their families. Mary Beth was the cherished aunt of Brandon, Mark, Sarah, James, Anna, Kelsey, Kody, McKenna, and Cole.
Mary Beth worked incredibly hard and spent most of her free time with one too many projects on the go at her happy place, the farm. She loved animals, especially her English Springer Spaniels, as well as gardening and building things. In recent years, she found joy in travelling to warm places and creating memories with those she travelled with.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, August 1, at 12:00 p.m., where Mary Beth will be interred with her mom. Following the service, everyone is invited to the home of Sarah and Brennan Ramboer, 18708 Erie Shore Drive, Erie Beach, for the celebration Mary Beth would have wanted. Resort-casual attire is encouraged. Bring a lawn chair, if you’re able, and enjoy some time on the water.
Friends wishing to honour Mary Beth’s memory are invited to make a contribution to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CK Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/ , or a charity of their choice.

Terry Wheeler

A photo of Terry Wheeler

Service:

Pardoville Cemetery
Wednesday July 22, 2026
2:30 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday July 22, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Terry Wheeler of Cedar Springs passed away in Windsor on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 66. Born to the late Glenn and Elizabeth (Legue) Wheeler, Terry grew up as one of six siblings in the Cedar Springs community.

He is survived by his sister Mary Kay (Brian) Major and his brother Mark Wheeler (Karen). He was predeceased by his sisters Glenda Wilson (survived by Fred), Susan O’Brien (survived by Craig Attewell), Tammy Crozier (survived by Barrie), and by his brother Clayt Wheeler (survived by Cathy). Terry will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

In 1981, Terry’s life changed dramatically following a serious car accident. Despite the challenges that followed—including a prediction that he would never walk again—Terry faced each day with determination and resilience. He defied expectations, regained mobility, and built a life defined not by limitations but by courage and perseverance. He lived independently for many years and continued to do so until just a few months ago, when he moved to the Blenheim Community Village.

Terry’s strength, quiet resolve, and the love he carried for his family will be remembered always.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday July 22, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 followed by a graveside service in Pardoville Cemetery.

Jerry Vsetula

A photo of Jerry Vsetula

Service:

Blenheim Legion
Friday July 24, 2026
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Jerry Vsetula passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 after an epic battle with cancer.  He was 85.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judie, daughter Joan, son-in-law Ted, grandson Ben, and brother Joe as well as many loved extended family members.  He will now be joining his son Jay who he has missed quietly for far too long. Jerry was a life long resident of the area, growing up on a farm outside Ridgetown and eventually settling in Blenheim. He attended the Ridgetown Agricultural College and even without attending a lot of classes received his diploma. He met Judie on a blind date which according to her was not great, but somehow he won her over and they were married in 1964.  They originally lived in an apartment over a car dealership in Blenheim, and saved up for a tiny little house on Little Street, before eventually buying the house in Guilds where they would raise their children.  Jerry worked for years at Resistance Welding in Blenheim and continued to farm on the side, as he loved life on a tractor and forcing his kids to pick rocks and pull weeds.  After many years of working there he was unexpectedly fired and was forced to consider what to do next.  Being Jerry, he found a partner and started a business that went on to be very successful.  He and his partner Joe grew Spotaloy into a thriving business that employed many local people, including Judie.
Along with his strong work ethic, Jerry had a very strong fun ethic.  He loved going to the Legion to spend time with his friends, hanging out in different barns and machine sheds with buddies, and golfing.  He took many road trips to Florida to Ed’s condo.  He and Judie took Joan and Jay on yearly trips to Florida where the philosophy was we’ll go the bathroom when he has to go to the bathroom.  He and Judie also went on several cruises including a couple with some Hall family members which were memorable for everyone there.  Jerry also loved going to the casino and could often be found there when Joan needed to talk to him.
When Jerry found out he had cancer he was none too impressed.  He decided he was going to do whatever it took to keep living his life, and that’s what he did.  It was easy to forget that he was sick and he faced every challenge cancer threw at him.  He fought this lousy disease right to the very end. We will always be grateful to Dr. Tsvetkova, Nancy Gregg and the staff at the London Regional Cancer Program for the incredible care and support.  As well, thank you to the Chatham Kent Health Alliance and Bayshore for all of your help along this journey.
In keeping with Jerry’s love of his second home, a Celebration of Life will take place Friday, July 24 from 3-6 at the Blenheim Legion.  If you wish to make a donation in his name we have chosen the Terry Fox Foundation https://terryfox.org

Deurine Muckle

A photo of Deurine Muckle

Beatrice “Deurine” Muckle passed away on July 9, 2026.  She was preceded in life by her husband Lloyd in 2012.

As per Deurine’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Anyone wishing to remember Deurine is asked to make a donation to Pet And Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/ where she found her loving cats Charlotte and Charlie.  They were great company for her.

Sylvia Burk

A photo of Sylvia Burk

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday July 19, 2026
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday July 18, 2026
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Sylvia Mary Burk of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday July 10, 2026 at the age of 94 years.  She was the only child of the late Dorothy & William Knight, who emigrated from England to Canada.

Sylvia and her husband Ralph Burk, who predeceased her on January 14, 2005 became parents to six children; Sandra Burk, David Burk, Lorraine Burk, Michael Burk, Stephen Burk and the late Gordon Burk (2019).   She was also a proud Grandmother of Andrew, Johnathan, Richard and Sarah and Great-Grandmother of Sam, Trent and Jane.

Sylvia enjoyed her time working at a bank in Chatham before taking on the job of a full time Mom as well as being a member of the Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim .

In keeping with Sylvia’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A time for family and friends to visit will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday July 18th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Sunday July 19th at 1:00 p.m.