Rev. Lorne Thrower passed away peacefully on Sunday June 4, 2023 at the age of 82 years.  He will be forever remembered and loved by his wife Joan (Bateman) Thrower, his sons Jim (Rebecca Liston) and David, his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Jaime and by his sister Marilyn Bailey.

Lorne retired from his Ministry with the United Church of Canada, having had several charges in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario.  He loved his daily interactions with people and always had a keen interest in helping others which made him a perfect fit for the path he chose in life.

The final days of Lorne’s life showed him to be content and at peace with God and for that we are thankful.  His wishes were simple and included to be remembered quietly by his family.  Cremation has taken place.

If you want to remember Lorne, do that by believing in a child.  Give them your undivided attention.  Listen to their stories and let them know that they are important.  If they want a ride on your scooter, make their day…you’ll be rewarded with a smile and sometimes it just doesn’t get any better than that.  Finally, consider supporting the Summer Reading Club at the Blenheim Library because reading was important to Lorne and he would have loved the chance to pass his passion along to the next generation.

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Douglas Brian Holdaway of Blenheim, age 67 years, on Tuesday, May 16^th, 2023, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Beloved husband and soulmate for 25 years to Diane Schives.

In Leamington, on May 22^nd, 1955, Brian was the first born son to Douglas and Florine Holdaway (both predeceased).  He will be forever missed by his sister Tammy Holdaway (Tom Hewak predeceased) of Blenheim, brother Ray Holdaway of Chatham and his beloved dog, Louis, which he loved to spend time with after a hard day at work.

Brian was also blessed with many half brothers and sisters.  They include Ken Holdaway (Sylvia) of Port Elgin; Barb Miller (Garry) of Paisley; the late John Holdaway of Port Elgin and Leslee Southgate (Eddie predeceased) of Wallaceburg.  He also will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

Brian leaves behind his mother-in-law Anna Schives (Donald, predeceased) and three brothers-in law, Randy Schives (Veronica) of Light House Cove, Mark Schives (Dawn) of Blenheim and Barry Schives of Brazil.

Loving stepdad to Carrie Girard-Gonzalez (Kuro) of Binbrook; Maria Michaud (Dominic) of Pain Court; Brandy Girard-Simpson (Jason) and Donny Girard (Cheryl) both of Tilbury plus step-grandfather to six grandchildren (Alexus, Payton, Jordan, Malik, Owen and Bentley).

Brian was extremely academic graduating from Blenheim District High School and then proudly obtaining his B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Western Ontario in London, ON.  Brian worked for many years at the family business, Holdaway Roofing, which after being sold, he started up his own business.  He was extremely proud of his biggest accomplishment in life which was the success of Summit Roofing that he started 30 years ago.  He was known to be a great boss and very devoted to his long time employees.

Brian was a very kind, at times sensitive, caring and generous person always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.  He was instrumental in helping many people during his life.

Being an avid guitarist, Brian had an amazing collection of guitars which he proudly had displayed in his home.  He admired the talents of Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers and local artist Tommy Lockwood, just to name a few.  Brian being a sports fan, would not miss a single Toronto Maple Leafs game on TV and would attend their home games in Toronto a couple of times yearly.  He loved golfing in the summer and curling in the winter.  He was also a member of the Blenheim Legion.  Over the years he enjoyed spending time fishing with his grandson, Malik, who constantly reminded Brian about the minnow size fish which Brian caught.

Brian & Diane spent time travelling, spending time at their trailer and boat in Erieau on weekends and formed many good friendships with other campers.

Brian had many friends who also knew him as ‘Pump’.  They loved laughing at his stories and jokes and listening to the latest prank he was pulling on people.  Everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves when he was around.

The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, PSW’s and staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance who provided exceptional care for Brian over the last few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Willow Ridge on Sunday June 11 from 2pm until 5pm with words of remembrance taking place at 3pm.

Donations can be made Brian’s memory to PAWR https://pawr.org/funds/ or a charity of personal choice in lieu of flowers.  A video tribute of Brian’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/2LJ8KDBXBR44ZY24

Terry Russel of Blenheim passed away suddenly at Four Counties Health Alliance in Newbury on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the age of 69 years.  He will be forever missed by his loving wife and best friend, Nancy Therrien, children Brandi Bassett (Jordan) and Shannon Large (Russell), and step-children, Mike Therrien (Chantel) and Jackie O’Brien(Chris). His grandchildren Kalleigh, Ryleigh, Millie, Jake, Kora, Owen, Calista, and Watson will greatly miss their “Papa Terry.”

He is survived by his sister Lois Miller (Grant), Predeceased by his mother, Audrey Whitehead and brother Jacky Russell.

Terry was self-employed as a carpet and flooring installer for most of his working career and was a volunteer fireman with the Newbury Fire Department. Terry was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Colour Guard for the better part of 20 years, where he made many friendships and memories that he cherished his entire life.

Terry and Nancy have recently found a passion for camping. While continuously changing campers and enjoying the great outdoors of Southwestern Ontario, they have created several memorable moments between the two of them and with their family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Hall in the Blenheim Legion on Wednesday May 31, 2023 at 2:00 pm to celebrate Terry.

Donations to the Legion Poppy Fund would be appreciated.

It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin Stanley King announces that they had to say goodbye to a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and neighbour.  Kevin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends after a short battle with cancer on May 17, 2023.  He took his last breath looking into the eyes of Fiona (Land) King, his loving wife of 21 years.  The Kings, the Land’s and Kevin’s mother-in-law Adrice Grenon are all devastated over their loss.

Kevin is survived by four children Darren, Karen, Bella and Adam and he will be remembered with great fondness by Summer and Fiona.  His daughter Karley passed away suddenly in 2021.

Born 65 years ago to the late Ken & Nancy King, Kevin is survived by his siblings and their families:  Ken & Rose King (Trevor & Catherine), Jamie & Bonnie King (Melissa, Matthew & Marcie), his twin sister Kathy & Rick Henry and Kris & Joanne King (Tara, Rachel and Adam).  He is also survived by Fiona’s family Shawn & Jocelyn Land (Nadia and Tanya), Colin & Joan Land (Megan & Jacob and Emma) and Lloyd & Jen Land (Jaime & Junior and Jackson).

Kevin lived for his family and friends and would do anything to help them.  He loved them unconditionally.  He loved big bonfires, fireworks and a nice cold Margarita or a Caesar.  He always went the extra mile to make things fun and exciting for his children like bringing out the popcorn maker, the cotton candy machine, the slushy machine or the hotdog maker.  He loved vacationing with Fiona and the children.  He wanted them to see as much as they could in life.  It makes us sad that he won’t see his children, nieces and nephews grow up, marry and have children of their own.

Kevin has always been there for everyone regardless of what he had going on in his own life.  He left the world a better place than he found it.

We want to extend a special thankyou to family friends and neighbours who supported us and our four children through Kevin’s battle with cancer.  Thankyou to Tilbury Concrete for his 28 years of employment and support.  Kris McPhee, you are an amazing person and the family thanks you for your care, compassion and friendship.  Ines Ritacco Quenville from CIBC; Kevin treasured your friendship and professional guidance.  Thankyou for all your support to the family care over the years.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Jamie & Bonnie King’s family farm, 9158 Drury Line, Blenheim on Sunday May 28 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. to celebrate Kevin’s life.

In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up for Kevin’s children.  Donations can be made by cheque either through the Blenheim Community Funeral Home or sent directly to Fiona through e-transfer at [email protected]

“When you’re having a bonfire on a warm summers’ night, look for me…I’ll be there.  Let the warmth of the fire surround you like a blanket and know how much I loved you.  And when you see the flames flickering in the night like shooting stars, make a wish and think of me.  Make your life spectacular.  I know I did”.      

Bruce Bellamy of Blenheim passed away at the age of 81 on May 16, 2023.  He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Margaret (DeLocht), his son Stewart Bellamy (Lori), daughter Charlotte Sherlock, grandchildren Danielle (Adam), Alysha, Eric and Melanie, great grandchildren Harper and Avery and his sister Eunice Segeren.  He was predeceased by his parents Lloyd & Leoma (Myers) Bellamy, his brothers Lloyd and Sam Bellamy, and his brother-in-law Pete Segeren.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday May 27, 2023 for a time of visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Parish prayers will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and a lunch will follow.  Bruce’s family will gather at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date when his urn will be placed with his Mother in a family plot.

Those who would like to remember Bruce with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving or the Canadian Diabetes Association https://crm1.diabetes.ca/bbis_CRMLive/tribute-donation-form?_ga=2.174389984.39988497.1494859396-1263524073.1494602796 .

On March 24, 1919 in Ribe, Denmark, a child was born to the late Aager and Toma Jacobsen. She was the youngest of four children and was given name Ragnhild or “Annie”. She was our Mom.  Mom’s birth came four months after the end of World War I and then when she was ten years old, she lived through the Great Depression. Although her young life was challenging, she made the best of it.  The events and the experiences of her childhood shaped her life and ultimately made her the Mom that we knew and loved. She was a strong person who worked hard and appreciated the little things in life like the companionship of a dog or a garden of flowers where she could sit and admire the beauty of the world.
On May 5, 1944 while still in Denmark, Mom married our father, Svend Christensen and the two became one. Over the next few years, our family grew to include John, Asger, Finn, Steen, Ann and Thomas. Back in the 1950s and 1960s there was a trickle of immigrants who left Denmark. It was the desire of many Danes to leave their country in search of a new lifestyle and a new home where there was little unemployment and a better future. Although Mom and Dad would always call Denmark home, they knew that they wanted a better life for their children. So in 1958, they moved to Canada, settling near Cedar Springs where Dad took a job at the Southwestern Regional Centre. It was in Canada that their family became complete with the addition of their son Michael. Once most of the children were grown and independent, Mom also took a job at the Southwestern Regional Centre, working in the dietary department. Mom and Dad were always grateful for the opportunities that were afforded to them in Canada and as they gave back as much as they could to make the world a better place.  Through it all, Mom was blessed with a long and happy life. She passed away on October 21, 2022 after being loved for 103 years. Her experiences in life were many and she was filled with gratitude. The best times of her life were spent watching her family grow to include grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The hardest times of her life were when she lost Svend in 1991, Ann in 2003 and Asger in 2005. Her favourite place became her cottage just outside Rodney where she would spend time by herself, remembering the good things in her life and making sense of the times that challenged
her.
In nature, a tree begins as a root. As the tree grows, its branches reach out in different directions but its roots always remain the same. It’s the same for families…we all grow in different directions but our roots remain the same. Mom and Dad’s “branches” reached from Denmark to Canada but their roots always remained in the place they called home; Denmark. In as much as they sacrificed what they had in 1958 to bring us to a land that would give us more opportunity, it is an honour now that we will return them home in Denmark to be buried together.

“Det var en aere at vaere dit barn”
“It was an honour to be your child”

A Celebration of Annie’s Life will be held in the Community Room at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home this Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm with refreshments being served.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Donald Wyndham Cowley who passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday May 11, 2023 at the age of 92. Don was the loving husband of Lorna Cowley (nee Prout) of Blenheim. Loving father of Dianne (Peter) Moffat, late Max (late Elaine) Cowley and late Mark (Pam) Cowley. Step father to Kim (Tom) Ward and Steven Russell. Grandfather to many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Brother to Wayne (Virginia) Cowley and brother-in-law to Eleanore (Ken) Dease. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Don will be dearly missed for his charming smile that was always a part of him. Many will remember Don for his years of fixing farm equipment and owning his own business, D.W. Cowley and Sons. Don had a huge heart for children and believed in the many charities helping kids. He was involved in the Blenheim Open at the golf club raising funds for the Children’s Make-A-Wish Foundation. He rode motorcycles with the Goldwing Road Riders raising funds for children as well. He was a chartered member of the Optimist Club and was even recognized in the community as the Senior Citizen of the year. He loved many card games, Euchre and Solitaire being his favourite. Don travelled the world and truly enjoyed a great life. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a children’s charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

It is with profound sadness to advise that Robert Bruce Tinline of Blenheim passed away, with his family by his side, on Thursday May 11th, 2023. Born in Chatham 74 years ago to the late Blake & Norma Tinline. Beloved husband of 52 years to Ellen (Kearney) Tinline. Proud and loving father to their sons Drew (Wendi Van Dyke) and Brad (Shannon Minor). He was the doting “Grandpa T” to his three grandsons Blake, Jack and Will and a granddaughter, Clair. Bob was predeceased by his infant son Stacey (Brad’s twin) and is survived by his only sister Wendy Hehn (Ernie) and sons, Matthew and David (Ambar) and their children, Harlow and Braylon.
Bob was born and raised in Thamesville where he loved to run the countryside, played sports and was a lifeguard at the Thamesville Pool. He frequented the Rondeau Pavilion where he loved to dance and hang with friends. He first set eyes on his soulmate, Ellen, at the RDHS Teen Town dance. From there they continued their lifelong journey together, finally settling in Blenheim to start their family.
Bob was a hard-working individual and owned his own construction business for many years. Bob took great pride in learning and sharing his knowledge with others (or anybody who would listen). Bob loved sports, especially playing and coaching baseball and hockey. He was fondly known as “Tinner” by his teammates and friends. Bob was passionate about hunting, but what he loved the most, as he got older, was going to The Watt’s Bay Hunt Camp and spending time with his sons, grandkids and friends.
Bob’s wish was to have a Mix and Mingle, as he called it. So please stop by the Blenheim Legion between 4pm – 9 pm, Monday, May 15th and share a drink with friends and family to reminisce, share a story or two to celebrate Bob’s life. There will be a light snack available.  Thank you to the staff at the Chatham-Kent Hospice for keeping Bob comfortable in his final days. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

It’s with great sadness to say that Ronald Cameron passed away peacefully with family surrounding him at the CKHA May 3, 2023.  Ron has been relinked with the love of his life Edith (2010) and was the last surviving of 9 siblings.

Ron was born in Nova Scotia and came to Toronto as a young lad where he met and married his best friend, Edith.  They moved to Chatham Kent in 1964, loved this area and raised their two children.

Surviving are his two children: Randy and Lerma of Alberta, Sandra and Mark of Blenheim and his cherished grandchildren: John and Tara of St. Thomas, Shawn and Ginger of Frogmore, Matthew and Amanda of Alberta, Richelle and Greg of London and Alex and Katie of Alberta.  The joys of his life were his Great Grandchildren: Auston and Jordon of Essex, Ashton, Tyson and Hudson of Frogmore, Logan and Sophie of Alberta, Tharron and Keaton of St.Thomas and Emily of London.  Ron is also survived by several nieces and nephews from the East and West Coast, who he loved like his own children.

Ron worked for many years at Eaton Yale and was a proud member of the Blenheim Branch Lion Club.  He enjoyed giving back to his community.  He and Edith travelled back and forth in the summers to the east coast, the place they called “HOME”.  They enjoyed travelling, watching the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, golfing, cards, and being around family and friends.  Camping was huge in the Cameron family; on most weekends the trailer, kids and dog were packed and ready to go.  Making pie irons, roasting hot dogs, marshmallows and even a few pairs of sneakers are all a part of the great memories we have.

During the winters Ron was either found at the arena or watching his TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS.  There wasn’t a weekend that he didn’t travel somewhere in Ontario to watch his son, his grandchildren and even his great grandchildren; most times it was 2-3 games a Saturday or Sunday.  He loved every minute of it too.

When Edith passed away, Ron still wanted to do some travelling but not alone, so he talked his good friend Bert into travelling to Florida, the East and West coasts and even hitting one place on Ron’s bucket list, Newfoundland.  To his good friends Bert, Bob and Cathy, thank you so much for being there for him.  He loved you like you were his brothers and sisters.

A special thank you to Kathy Lee and Cindy Schippies from VON.  These ladies not only provided care for him but shared companionship.  They showed their love and devotion for the elderly.  We also want to thank the nursing staff and doctors at CKHA.

Ron has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 9 at 11:00 am.

Please come in your blue and white.  GO LEAFS GO!!!

Donations to the Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.ca/ or the Multiple Sclerosis Society https://mssociety.donorportal.ca/ would be appreciated by the family.

Sandra Elaine Gauthier of Merlin passed away with her family by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday May 3, 2023.  Daughter of the late Marian (nee Ford) (2015) and Ken Dawson (1971), also predeceased by her step-father Albert Eskritt (2007), Sandra was raised on the family farm outside of Merlin with her sister Heather Dawson and brother Murray Dawson.  She was the self-proclaimed angel of the group!

In High School, she met a young man named Richard Gauthier and fell in love.  They married in 1977 and raised their son Kenny also on the home farm.  Sandra’s life was complete with the arrival of her grandchildren Samantha and Kayden who she loved with all her heart.

After working for a time at the hospital in Chatham, Sandra decided to team up with Richard, obtaining her truck driver’s license and running the roads with the cb handle “Northern Sunshine”.  Their final trip was just last year…a 14,000 km vacation through the United States, up through British Columbia and back home…  she was so happy that they did that.  Beyond that, she enjoyed walking, she enjoyed stopping and talking to folks and watching animals along her travels and she enjoyed her family.  She was loved and will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held and announced for Sandra at a later date.