Theresa Margaret Myers passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday July 18, 2013 at the age of 69 years. Theresa was the oldest of three children born to Marie & Henry Homick. She is survived by her sister Marion & Arthur Tremblay of Tilbury and was predeceased by her brother John Homick. Once upon a time a young lady named Theresa Homick met a young man named Bob Myers who told her that if she came for a haircut he would buy her a drink. Theresa took Bob up on his offer and on Valentines Day in 1970 they were married. Three years later on that same day they welcomed their son Derek into this world. Derek and his wife Emma live in Scotland. Next they would welcome their only daughter Michelene who, with her husband Elliot Blackshaw and their children Georgia and Maisie live in Blenheim. And finally they welcomed their second son Jonathan who lives in South Carolina with his wife Chrissy and their son Jacob. Possibly one of the greatest lessons that Theresa would learn in life was about the dynamics of a small family such as her own vs Bob’s family which included 15 siblings, their spouses and families…life would become full and fun and it offered Theresa the opportunity to bake more which she loved to do. Along with baking and her favourite musicians Willy Nelsona and Johnny Reid, Theresa’s passions in life included playing the piano, tending to her gardens and long walks along the shores of Erie Beach. However, it was always abundantly clear that nothing in life surpassed the love she had for her family. In keeping with Theresa’s wishes, cremation has taken place. On Tuesday July 23, 2013 there will be a time for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. which will be followed immediately by a Memorial Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce of the Word of Life Church. Following the Memorial Service, friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Legion while the immediate family gathers at Evergreen Cemetery where Theresa will be laid to rest with her Dad. Bob, Derek, Michelene and Jonathan would like to acknowledge the kindness and professionalism that was afforded to them over these past few weeks by the Nursing Staff of the CKHA Intensive Care Unit and Progressive Care Units and by Dr. Tran as well as Dr.’s Heather and Zeke Milkovic. Friends wishing to remember Theresa with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Robert George “Bob” Wardle passed away at home on Monday July 1, 2013. Born in Harwich Township 80 years ago to the late Earl and Ora Wardle, Bob is the loving husband of Deborah (Rumble) Wardle with whom he would have celebrated 33 years of marriage this fall. Bob will be missed by his children Gerry Wardle & Deb VanGassen, Robert & Donna Wardle and Richard & Veronica Wardle. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bob was one of thirteen siblings and is survived by his brothers and sisters Hildred Hillman of London, Gary & Carolyn Wardle of Brownsburg Indiana, Arthur & Pat Wardle of Rondeau Park, Nancy Crow of Chatham, Harold Wardle of Blenheim, Brenda Ritchie of Chatham, Wanda & Ken Travis of Chatham and Becky & Romeo Brideau of Chatham and by his brothers in law Bud DeLeeuw of Chatham and John Rumble of Merlin as well as his sister in law Barb & Doug McTavish of Chatham. Bob was predeceased by his sisters Carris Wickwire, Betty DeLeeuw and Marjorie Formosa and by his brother John “Bo” Wardle. Bob was a gentleman who enjoyed life in the country and fishing whenever he could. He retired from International Harvester in Chatham and was a past member of the Moose Lodge in Blenheim. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday July 8, 2013 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. when a Memorial Service will be held with Pastor Ken Powell officiating. Inurnment in the columbarium at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army or the Cancer Society.

John Henry Wicken of Blenheim passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday June 27, 2013 at the age of 89 years. John was born in the town of Barking which is located in Essex, England. One of two sons born to Ethel Mary (White) and James Henry Wicken, John was predeceased by his brother James Gordon Wicken.

In 1942, John enlisted in the RAF and, after his initial training in England, was sent to Canada for Navigator training. On completion of that training, John served with the No. 418 “City of Edmonton” Squadron of the RCAF as Navigator of a Mosquito bomber until he was disabled by a shrapnel injury in 1945. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in 1945. Veterans’ benefits made it possible for John to obtain training in England to be a teacher. In 1965, John’s career would bring him to the Blenheim District High School where he was Head of the History department until his retirement in 1980.

While training at the Mount Hope base near Hamilton, John met the true love of his life Florence May (Clause) Wicken who travelled to England for their marriage in 1946. She predeceased him in 1973. Together, John and Florence raised four children; Margaret Wicken (Jean-Claude Arcand) of Fredericton, NB, Pat Wicken of Blenheim, Nancy Wicken-Cohen of Windsor and Bill Wicken (Jane Greenlaw) of Halifax, NS. Their family grew to include grandchildren Antoine Arcand ( Michelle Benthall), David Raul Wicken (Andrea), Jonathan Cohen, Adam Cohen (Seanna), Keelin Greenlaw, Marcus Greenlaw and great grandchildren Raphael and Scarlett Arcand. John is also survived by his nephews Stephen Wicken and David Wicken, both of England.

In keeping with John’s belief of teaching future generations, he unselfishly opted to donate his body to the University of Western Ontario where he will help tomorrow’s doctors, dentists and health researchers make this world a better world. A Celebration of his life will be held at a future date and will be announced at that time.

Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.

Mr. Isaac Wiebe of Merlin passed away on Sunday June 23, 2013 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 59 years. Husband of Maria Wiebe. A Funeral Service for Mr. Wiebe was held at the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Charing Cross on Thursday June 27, 2013. Interment in Pardoville Cemetery.

Donald Simpson of Ridgetown, much loved husband of Donna Jean (Pfaff) Simpson passed away at Victoria Hospital, London surrounded by his family on Friday June 21, 2013.

At their home on May 2, 1925 to Willard & Janet (McLarty) Simpson a son was born. The seventh of fourteen children who would be born on this farm and to this family, they named him Owen, after his uncle and Donald which would become his given name. Growing up in a large family had both challenges and rewards. Long days and hard work would form the backbone of a closely knit family; a family who would appreciate the gifts of an ordinary day…a ride in a rumble seat, the shade of the big maple tree in the yard, an orange for Christmas and a walk to the Klondyke to pick watercress for sandwiches. Don was able to attend the Ridgetown Vocational School, but after his mother’s death when Don was 16 and his father’s death when he was 21, he stayed at home to help farm and raise his younger siblings. One day he met a beautiful young lady named Donna Jean Pfaff and on May 2, 1955 they married, beginning a journey that would span over 58 years. Don and Donna stayed on the family farm which was recently given the status of a Century Farm and raised their own children; Deb & Andy Bossy of Chatham, Dwayne & Dorothy Simpson of Leamington and Deena & Sean McBrien of Ridgetown. They were also blessed with grandchildren Jessica & Emilio Iacobelli and their daughters Bria and Aylin, Erica & Ryan Reaume and their children Rex and Qhloe, Nicholas Bossy, Gregory Bossy, Melissa Simpson and Christopher Simpson & Stephanie Puhr and their children Liam and Noah and Chris’ daughter Taylor.

Don loved to work the land. He was a good neighbour. In his spare time he loved to go to auction sales and repair bicycles. Often he would have a row of bicycles that he had fixed in the front yard for sale. If you needed a bike part, somewhere in the barn he would be sure to have one. He was a kind man with a gentle voice; a man of infinite wisdom.

Don is survived by his siblings Fern Simpson of Strathroy, Ruth Campbell of Blenheim, Ray & Ruth Simpson of Blenheim, Russel & Ruth Simpson of Glencoe and Fred Simpson of Dutton, by his brothers and sisters in law Marjorie Simpson of Ridgetown, Bob Eskritt of Ridgetown and Helen Field of Ridgetown and by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Kelso & Grace Simpson, Max Simpson, Eileen & Adrian Hayes, Adelaide Simpson, Doug & Marjorie Simpson, Beth Eskritt, Ivan Simpson, Edward Simpson, Percy Pfaff, Rev. Alex J. Simpson, Mac Campbell, Bernice Simpson, Donna B. Simpson, Jean Simpson and Jack Field.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday June 24, 2013 from 3:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Donna and her family and again at the Erie Street United Church in Ridgetown on Tuesday June 25, 2013 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the Funeral Service for Don which will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridgetown Rotary Club or World Vision.

Gertrude Joan McLeod of Erieau passed away on Friday June 21, 2013. Gert was born in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia on November 27, 1938. She was one of ten children born to Lillian (Watson) and Thomas Brown, being survived by her sisters Avis, Audrey, Thelma, Sharon and Maxine and by her brothers Terry and Cyril. She was predeceased by her sister Carmen and by her brother Billy. Gert was always very proud of her family. She will be missed by her daughters Gina & Brian Currie of Erieau and Glenda McLeod & Jason Geerts of Woodstock and by her son Wade McLeod & Diane Guitard of St. Annes as well as her grandchildren Jessica & Aaron Mallory and their daughter Savanah, Jennifer Currie & Rob Bacik, Brody Currie & Kayla Brisette, Jake McLeod, Mary Kate Thain and her daughter Sophia, Tori Geerts, Braedon Geerts, Riley Geerts, Corey Guitard and Chantal Guitard. In keeping with Gert’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life followed by a time of fellowship and lunch will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday June 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Tim Joyce officiating. Friends wishing to remember Gertrude with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.

Murray Gordon Grainger

Sunrise: July 11, 1935

Sunset: June 10, 2013

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Murray on June 10, 2013 at Carpenter House, Burlington. Murray was surrounded by all of his family; his wife Sally, his daughter Anne, his son Scott with his wife Glenys and his two granddaughters Katelyn and Emily Grainger.

Murray was born in Chatham on July 11, 1935 to Glenn and Winnifred (Hogarth) Grainger. He lived with his family in Burlington and Erieau for the last 45 years. He loved people and in his own selfless way Murray left the world a better place through his volunteer work, acts of kindness and by being a role model to future generations. He was a member of the Burlington Central Rotary Club earning the designation of a Paul Harris Fellow. He also volunteered at many local organizations involving seniors and young people. In his time at Erieau he was very active with the Erieau Yacht Club.

Murray was very privileged to spend his last weeks as a patient in Carpenter Hospice (God’s Waiting Room) where he and his family were treated with much love and kindness. We will never be able to thank them enough…it is truly a very special place.

In keeping with Murray’s wishes, cremation and a private ceremony have taken place. There will be a celebration of his life on July 11, 2013 at the Erieau Fire Hall. In keeping with Murray’s charitable spirit, donations to The Carpenter House – 2250 Parkway Drive, Burlington Ontario, L7P 1T1 would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Maria Elizabeth “Liz” Vandehogen passed away on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at Riverview Gardens in Chatham. Liz was born in Eindhoven Holland on December 30, 1936 to her late parents Anne (Lucassen) & Henry Wilken. On October 12, 1957 she married the love of her life Martin Adrian Vandehogen and began a wonderful journey that would last 49 years until Martin’s passing in 2007. Liz and Martin raised two sons, Ron & Brenda (Ivan) Vandehogen and Scott & Janice (Uher) Vandehogen both of Blenheim. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Brandon & Amy (Hummel) Vandehogen and their children Tessa and Stella of Blenheim, Brett Vandehogen of Windsor and Cora, Rachael and Drew Vandehogen all of Blenheim. Liz will be missed by her siblings John Wilken, Annie Gielen, Rita & Theo Burm and Conrad & Bonnie Wilken all of Chatham and by Martin’s family Nellie & Joe Venclik of Blenheim, Annie Beuglet of Chatham, Mary Vandehogen of Windsor, Adrian & Anne Vandehogen of Goderich, Joe Vandehogen of Ridgetown, Peter & Annette Vandehogen of Blenheim and Frank & Carol Vandehogen of Mitchells Bay. Predeceased by her sister Lenie Wilken and brothers in law and sisters in law Margaret Wilken, Peter Gielen, John Vandehogen and Helen Vandehogen. Liz was a very faith filled woman who recently was recognized by the Catholic Women’s League as being a 25 year member. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to the Vandehogen Family. Parish Prayers will be held at 3 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Liz will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday June 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Liz with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society.

Edith Mae (Beaubien) (Pickering) Durfy of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on June 9, 2013. Born 78 years ago to her late parents Mabel and Henri Beaubien, Edith was predeceased by her husbands Melvin Pickering in 2002 and Ken Durfy in 2004. Edith and Melvin raised four children who they were very proud of; David & Robin Pickering of Shrewsbury, Dianne Fochuk & Carl Bauslaugh of Burlington, Deb & Dan Bechard of Dealtown and Dan & Roxanne Pickering of Blenheim. She is survived by her sisters Mary Johnson of Blenheim and Lillian & Alex Mervin of Ridgetown, by her sister in law Blanche Beaubien of Blenheim, by her extended Durfy family and her special feline friend Precious. Predeceased by brothers Ed and George Beaubien. Edith will be remembered for many things; the dedication to her children, her perfectly coiffed hair, dining out and her faith in God, but maybe she will be remembered most for the lipstick kisses that she left on the cheeks of her 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who she loved so much. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Edith’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be grandsons Carl, Ryan and Al and great grandsons Justin, Travis and Brad. Friends wishing to remember Edith with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association.

Peter Calder Green, M.D., 72, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 12, 2013. A private service will be held for the immediate family. Friends and family will meet together later in the year at “the cottage” on the shores of Lake Erie to celebrate the life of this remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, friend and physician. Memorials: Friends wishing to remember Dr. Green with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent OSPCA or The Salvation Army. Peter was born March 19, 1941, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to his late parents, Dr. Andrew and Mildred Green. Peter received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Western Ontario School of Medicine (London, Ontario) in 1966. He fulfilled his internship requirements at Detroit General Hospital in Detroit, Mich., and completed a one-year residency at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. Peter dedicated his life to the field of medicine, practicing in Blenheim, Ontario, for 25 years, and in Fort Worth for 19 years. Well respected by the medical community and his patients, he was honored as one of Fort Worth’s “Top Doctors” (Fort Worth, Texas Magazine). He enjoyed traveling, reading, photography and the arts, and was an avid University of Michigan football fan. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Shirley Irwin, and brother-in-law, David Perry. Survivors: Peter will forever be remembered by his wife of 48 years, Lyn Irwin Green; children, Jason Green and wife, Cherie, Sarah Green and husband, Patrick Jacobsen; grandchildren, Rachel, Julia and Natalie Green, Ava Jacobsen; brothers, Kenneth Green and Shirley, David Green and Penny; sister, Kathleen Perry; mother-in-law, Neva Irwin; sister-in-law, Candace McCurdy and James; and their families. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME 3100 White Settlement Rd., 817-336-0584. Condolences and donations can be left at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.