With peace and trust in his Heavenly Father, Bryce Oliver Baker left his earthly life at Village on the Ridge, on November 11, 2025 at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Betty Lou (Sloan) in 2020. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bryce will be deeply missed by his children Susan (Tom) Hebblethwaite, Brent (Agnes) Baker, Cheryl (Bruce) Ross and Bradley Baker. He was loved by his twelve grandchildren, Tammy, Amanda, Lauren (Devon) Taylor and Matthew (Christianne) Hebblethwaite, Kyle (Alicia) and Kelsie (Matt) Baker, Nicholas (Clara) Van Dyk, Carmen (Matthew) Cox and Hannah Ross and Scott, Stephanie and Laura (Stan) Baker and his 11 great grandchildren.

Bryce was the son of Charles and Ruby (Towl) Baker who owned a farm in Raleigh Township. He is survived by his sister Lorraine (Ray) Dhaen, his brother David (Susan) Baker and sister-in-law Shirley Baker. He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister, Gordon (Donna) Baker, Shirley (Tom) Jensen, George (Marilyn) Baker, Wayne Baker and Irvine Baker. Also survived by members of Betty Lou’s family, in-laws Bonnie Sloan, Barbara Donnelly, Norine (Allen) Duck and Lyle (Pat) Sloan. Predeceased by in-laws Ralph Sloan, Jim Donnelly and Gordon Sloan.

Bryce worked several jobs as a young adult, including at the Co-op in Chatham and he studied how to repair tube televisions. He owned his own Sunoco Gas Station (Baker Sunoco)on Grand Avenue in Chatham. Then, in 1965, he and Betty Lou made the courageous move to open Baker Farm Equipment in Ridgetown, where they worked together for many years. They relocated with their family to a new home on the shores of Lake Erie, the first of three homes by the lake. After Bryce sold his business in Charing Cross, which he opened in 1969, he and Betty Lou moved to Blenheim and he used his lifelong love of driving for many years including for Blenheim Bus Lines and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Bryce was a long-standing member of New Scotland United Church where he guided many young people in their faith as a SundaySchool teacher, served on the session and sang in the choir until 2018. He bowled in a league with his brothers at Sunset Lanes and sang with many Baker-family relatives in the Chatham Cultural Centre Chorale.

Bryce and Betty Lou beautified every home that they lived in with colourful flowers and designs. They shared their love of God’s beautiful world with friends and family. They passed this love onto their children, who now in turn, pass this love on to their own children and the story continues.

Bryce looked forward to rejoining the love of his life, Betty Lou, and we can only imagine them holding hands while walking through gardens once again and singing in the heavenly choir.

Our family is truly thankful to the staff at Village on the Ridge and in particular the nursing team in Assisted Living for their love and support of Dad as he transitioned from independent living to the care he needed over the past year. ‘Dr. Rachel’ Simmons provided medical care to Mom and Dad throughout their senior years and we are grateful.

Donations in memory of Bryce can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or the Salvation Army Food Bank, Blenheim https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/66335 through the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Larry Clark of Erieau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday October 31, 2025 at the age of 75 years.  Born in Chatham, son of the late Earl & Bette (Hedrick) Clark, Larry is survived by his only brother Paul (Vera) Clark.  He will be missed by his children Brandy & Chad Minnie, Kendall Haskell & Drew Brown and Craig & Stacey Clark, their mother Lorraine Clark and his grandchildren Evan, Cooper, Ashton, Kaylee, Greyson and Dayton.

Larry will also be missed by his partner of many years Gayle Lehman, her children Denise & Graham Brown, Gary & Wanda Lehman and grandchildren Aidan, Sarah, Ryan, Hannah and Owen.

Dad grew up in Guilds, spent many years living in Blenheim, and eventually moved to Erieau, a place he truly loved. He put in 30+ years working at Navistar and eventually retired in 2003. He spent many years enjoying the things he loved most, such as scuba diving and riding his Harley-Davidson. In his later years, he was a devoted supporter of his grandkids and their hockey, often spending his weekends at the rink, cheering them on from the stands. For our dad, though, his true happy place was always by the water. He loved spending his days with Gayle sitting by the bay and welcoming his kids and grandkids to the cottage for relaxing visits and family dinners. Mornings often found him on the front porch, coffee in hand, watching the lively buzz of Erieau on a busy weekend. He demonstrated incredible resilience and strength throughout his seven-month battle with cancer. In his final days, he was lovingly cared for in hospice and surrounded by his family. Many thanks to the abundance of nurses and doctors that cared for dad on his journey, including the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and the London Health Sciences -Cancer Clinic. Our sincere gratitude to Chatham-Kent Hospice for the outstanding care and support Dad received during his time there.

In keeping with his wishes, a private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Larry’s life at the Golden Acres Curling Club (430 Catherine Street, Blenheim) on Saturday November 15th from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Those wishing to remember Larry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice at https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lucia (Lucy) Edmunds.

Lucia was born in Santa Barbara, Panay, Philippines, and built a beautiful life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robert, her son Michael, his wife Mylene, and her cherished grandchildren Olivia  and Samuel.

Lucia’s warmth extended to everyone she met. She loved to travel, discovering new places and cultures with curiosity and joy. At home, she found happiness in gardening, tending to the plants that reflected her care and patience.

Her faith was a constant source of guidance and peace throughout her life. She lived with gratitude, humility and a deep trust in God’s presence.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity and grace that will bloom in the hearts of all knew her.

It is with such sadness that we announce our mother Doris Jean Goodwin passed away on Sunday October 19, 2025.  She was the center of our family, a Mom who truly showed everyone what unconditional love looks like. Her kindness and strength brought us all together, and her caring spirit touched every generation. In return, we all loved her just as fiercely. Her memory lives on in every hug, every laugh, and every connection she helped create.  She was married to our father Lorne Goodwin for almost 55 years before he passed away in 1999.

She was the proud mother of Carol Embury (late Bruce), Linda & Jim Minnie, Patty Dauphin (late Bill) and Laurie & Dale Glassford.  She was predeceased by her daughter Diane Wilkins (survived by Jeff).  She will also be remembered with fondness by her grandchildren Rick & Anne-Marie, Shelley & John, Jamie, Chad & Brandy, Todd, Matt & Cassie, Jeremy & Lauren, Mitchell & Stephanie, Billy Jo & Chris, Jessie & Matt and Nick & Taylor as well as 22 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.  She was the last surviving member of her family, having being predeceased by Evelyn, Margaret, Lorna and Gordon.  She is survived by her sisters-in-law Donna and Marie as well as her brother-in-law Charlie.

Mom was a seamstress all of her life.  She owned DL’s Fashion in Ridgetown which was destroyed in a fire.  After that she worked at and purchased the MaryLou Shop in Blenheim where she retired from.  She also worked at Stoner’s Jewellers in Blenheim.  She was a long-time member of Trinity Anglican Church and was one of the original pie ladies there.  She loved cooking and baking for her family.  Her baking was always the best because of her special hidden ingredient…love.

We will be remembering Mom with a private family service in Trinity Anglican Church before laying her to rest with Dad in Evergreen Cemetery.  We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Blenheim Community Village for her great care and the Chatham-Kent Hospice  for the kindness that was extended to Mom in the last journey of her life and ask that anyone considering a memorial donation would consider them https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or the Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim.

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Richard ‘Ric’ McArthur who left us peacefully surrounded by family.

Ric will be forever remembered by his wife Anne, his two sons Stephen (Heather) and Brian (Angela), and his grandchildren Quinn, Chloe and Lucas.  He is also survived by his sister Jaquie and many nieces and nephews.

Ric lived a life filled with curiosity, kindness and quiet appreciation for the natural world.  An avid birder and photographer, he spent countless hours capturing the beauty of the world around him – in Rondeau Provincial Park and around the globe.  His memory lives on in the photographs he took and the hearts of those who loved him.

An Open House in Remembrance of Ric will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 19 from 2 pm until 4 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Friends of Rondeau Park https://rondeauprovincialpark.ca/donate/  or a charity of your choice.  And, of course, because it’s Ric, dress will be casual!

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Klassen, who passed away at the age of 49 on October 11th, 2025.

John was the beloved son of Susan and the late Jacob Klassen. He is survived by his sisters Mary Guenther (Perry) and Susana Klassen, and his brother Pedro Klassen (Sherry). He was a proud uncle to Jessica, Michael, Nicholas, Kelly Ann, Emily (Kamaljit), Kayla, Jenna, and Alexander, and a cherished great-uncle to Jackson and Judy.

John enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, attending car shows, watching western movies, and visiting Tims.

He was a caring and loyal friend who will be deeply missed by his friends, neighbours, and co-workers.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to everyone at Community Living Chatham-Kent and to all the staff at Bayshore Home Health for their compassion and care.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16th, 2025. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service. Interment will follow at Pardoville Cemetery

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Beverly Curtis (nee Kenyon), age 77, of Morpeth Ontario went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thanksgiving day surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 29 1948,  in Westerly Rhode Island USA , she was the beloved daughter of the late William Sr and Beverly Kenyon. She was welcomed into eternity by her late husband Michael James Curtis. She was predeceased by brothers Alfred and Alan. Survived  by her brother William Kenyon Jr.

Cherished mother of Christopher Curtis (Carol), Robert Curtis (Lily), and Pauline Thwaites (Jeff). She was also a proud grandmother to Jennifer, Jenny,  Kyle (Christina), Jonathan (Eleni), Matthew, Justin and Jamie , and great grand children, Ryan and Avery.

A woman of deep faith, her children would say she lived her life anchored in Christ’s love. She was known for her kind heart and unwavering trust in God, and she touched countless lives through her beautiful life.

She encouraged all who would listen to trust in the Lord. She comforted many, and fought the good fight.

Her favorite scripture verses were :

“On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided”

Genesis 22:14

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬ ‭

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will forever remain in our hearts as a shining example of faith, grace, and love.

A simple private ceremony will be held at the Maple Leaf Cemetery where she will be laid to rest.

We’re heartbroken to share that our son Blake Michael Clarence Daniel Swackhammer was born sleeping on September 26, 2025. Even though his time with us was so short, he touched our hearts in ways we’ll never forget. He was already so loved by his parents, grandparents and everyone else in the family, and we had all started imagining the laughter and happiness he’d bring.

We didn’t get to hear his giggle or see his smile, but from the moment we learned he was coming, he was cherished. We’ll always remember the hope and excitement as we waited for him, and the huge love that grew in our family.

He’ll stay with us in soft memories, quiet thoughts, and every wish for what could’ve been. Our love for him won’t fade—he’ll always be part of our story and the light in our lives, even if just for a short while.

Rest gently, little one. We love you to the moon and back, and you’ll be missed every single day.

Bobbie-Lynn Reaume & De Swackhammer