WIEBENGA, W. Ben passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born in Holland on November 23, 1930, to Hendrick & Johanna Wiebenga and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1946 where he eventually settled in Blenheim, Ontario. Ben is survived by his sister Joan & Pete Anderson and was preceded in death by 3 of his siblings, Janet & husband Glen Ogle, Bill Wiebenga, and Grace Warwick. Ben was owner of Resistance Welding Products, Blenheim, with his partner George McLeod.
He is survived by his wife Betty (nee Spin) of 58 years and his children, Henry & his wife Sue (nee McKillop), daughters Hilda and Jodie and their husbands Ewoud Van Goch and Randy Charles. He was a beloved grandfather to grandsons: Lucas (and Katie), Mitchell, Neven & Aidan Wiebenga, Dylan & Griffin Van Goch and granddaughter Jordan Charles. Also survived by one sister-in-law, Joyce Wiebenga, brother-in-law, Gary Warwick and several nieces and nephews.
Never a man to sit still, Ben was known for his hard work whether it be at his business, home, cottage or garden. He had a keen intelligence, compassionate nature, quick wit and sense of humour. He loved to fish and was always eager to share the proceeds of his labour, whether it was his smoked fish, homemade sausages, or flowers, fruit and vegetables from his garden. He treasured the innocence of children and many in his Church and neighbourhood will miss his endless supply of candies and ice creams.
Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim to show their support to Ben’s family on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Ben will be held in First Reformed Church, 632 Lacroix Street, Chatham on Friday May 24, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held in the church from 12:00 – 1:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a memorial donation to World Vision, Leprosy Missions Canada or Christian Blind Mission. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Deanna Bokor of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with her family by her bedside on Thursday May 9, 2013. Deanna, who just celebrated her 75th birthday on May 1st was born in Pain Court to the late Doria and Felix Charron. She is predeceased by her husband John Bokor (Dec. 22, 1993). Loving mother to Kevin Bokor of Wildwood Florida with his children D.J. and Frank, Monica & Gordon Swance of Morpeth with their children Shalynn, Desiree and Brandon, and Renee & Larry Willemsen of Rondeau with their children Zachary, Joshua and Kirsten. She was one of six children and is survived by brothers Lloyd & Shirley Charron, Gene & Joanne Charron and Michael & Sharon Charron and her sister Maureen & husband Real H. Charron. She was predeceased by her brother Clifford Charron. Deanna will be missed by John’s family Frank Bokor, Cecilia Stewart, Mike & Lillian Bokor, Jim & Gail Bokor, Frances Foster, Irene & Mike McCarron, Predeceased by Rose & Rene VanTorre, Mary & Karol Istok, Joe Stewart, Charles Foster, Vera Bokor, Annie Bokor and Emilia Bokor. Deanna will be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews. Deanna trained as a Registered Nurse and while working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham she met a young man named John Bokor whom she would fall in love with and marry on April 30, 1960. John and Deanna farmed on New Scotland Line and it was there that they raised their three children; Deanna had many interests in life, the greatest being her family, followed closely by her vast collection of frogs and by John Wayne memorabilia. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday May 12, 2013 from 2 – 4pm & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Deanna’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Deanna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Gail Barnes passed away at home on Tuesday April 23, 2013 at the age of 73 years. Born in Chatham to her late parents Margaret (Russell) and Mackenzie Rosser, one of three siblings, Gail was predeceased by her sister Peggy Scott and is survived by her brother Bill & Teddy Rosser of Blenheim. Gail was predeceased by her husband Doug Barnes in 2010 who she shared 47 years of marriage. Gail and Doug raised two sons; Rob & Jane Barnes and Mike Barnes, both of Blenheim and they were blessed with one grandson Dylan Barnes who they loved very much. Gail is survived by her sisters in law Rose & Leroy Brackett of Chatham, Donna Meyers and Bev Barnes of Blenheim, by several nieces and nephews and by Judy Hornblower who was her travelling companion and best friend since she was five years old. Friends will remember Gail from her years of service at the CIBC in Blenheim and at Mallory Industries as well as her involvement with the Blenheim Legion, Branch 185 where she was a member and served as an Executive. In keeping with Gail’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Gail’s family. A Legion Service will be held on Friday night at 7 p.m. On Saturday April 27, 2013 a Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Friends wishing to remember Gail with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Legion Poppy Fund or VON.

After a short battle with cancer, Gerald “Jerry” Martin passed away peacefully at home in Rondeau. Beloved husband and best friend of Helen (Krause) Martin for 55 years. Dear father of Martha (Gerry) Sullivan of Erie Beach and Scott (Tracy) Martin of London. Devoted grandfather to Shaun Sullivan, Ryan Martin and Chad Martin. Predeceased by his parents Carlyle & Bertha (Goodhue) Martin, his sister Joan Morgan and nephew Steve. Dear brother-in-law to Donald & Sharon Krause, Bill & Marg Shillington, Jack & Pam Krause and Mary Ellen & Wayne Namtu. Also loved by many nieces and nephews and his aunt Catherine Holdaway of Sarnia.

Jerry’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them for a Memorial Celebration of Jerry’s life on Sunday April 28, 2013 from 2:00—4:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Commuity Golf Course.

Surrounded by the love of her family, Theresa Elizabeth (Horak) Dauphin passed away peacefully at home on Thursday April 18, 2013 at the age of 56 years. Theresa will be forever missed by her husband Randy Dauphin, her sons Derek Smyth of Chatham, Ryan Smyth and Shawn Smyth of Blenheim, Shawn Dauphin of Hull and Joshua Dauphin of Windsor. She was one of four children born to the late Mary (O’Connor) Horak and Frank & Doris Horak. She is survived by her sisters Carolyn & Russ Johnston, Mary Ann Horak & Hugh Stonehouse and her brother Francis Horak all of Blenheim. She was also the best Grandma to Maya Smyth, Stevie Dauphin, Mariah Caldwell and Tyler Dauphin and Aunt to Craig & Amanda Horak with their children Connor and Casey and Cole & Kendra Johnston. Theresa wore many hats in her life; she worked at Southwestern Regional Centre, she had her own home daycare and most recently she worked at the Blenheim Arena. She was happiest when she was around children and children were happy when they were around her. She will be missed. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday April 21, 2013 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Monday April 22, 2013 from 11:00 – 1:00 to show their support to Theresa’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday at 1:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Theresa with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with deep sadness that Jan “John” Woudenberg passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday April 15, 2013 at the age of 78 years. John will be missed dearly by his loving wife Dini with whom he shared the last 56 years. John was very proud of his children who will also miss him dearly; Henrietta (Henny) & Rick Hoy and Marrianne & Jon Willis of Chatham, Janet & John Ostrander of Thamesville, John & Kathy Woudenberg and James Woudenberg of Blenheim and Rob Wever of Holland. He was the best Grandpa to Matt Woudenberg, Jason Hoy, Justin Hoy, Jessica Woudenberg, Jillian Woudenberg, Alexis Woudenberg, Kiley Woudenberg, Kaitlin Woudenberg, Kim Wever and Sharon Wever and Great-Grandpa to Nathan, Mya, Jordan, Jaylynn, Jay and Trevor. Predeceased by his great-grandchildren Jayden and Jazzlynn.
John was born in Holland, son of the late Hendrikus and Maartje Woudenberg, the brother of Jannie & Derik Bakker of Holland, Peetje Mouissie†, George & Pierrette Mouissie of Chatham, Bert† Woudenberg & Betty Woudenberg of Blenheim, Hank & Clara Woudenberg of London, Deena Chambers† & Ken Chambers of South Buxton, Marsha & Pete Sluys of Alberta, George & Joyce Woudenberg of Charing Cross, Murray & Margaret Woudenberg of Chatham and Corrie & Al Foerster of London. He will also be missed by brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.
A man of great faith and a plasterer by trade, John also enjoyed carpentry and birds so it would come as no surprise that he would spend his quiet times creating birdhouses. Still, nothing gave him a greater sense of joy than watching the family that he and Dini raised to become the family that they are today.
Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to John’s family. On Friday April 19, 2013 a Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
John’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sultan and Dr. Iyer and the nursing staff on the 2nd floor and Medicine A, 4th floor of CKHA for the kindness and care that you have shown to both John and to us.
Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider Operation Smile.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Agnes Marie Vincent (nee Lipa), born February 2, 1922. She began her long life in Straznice, Czechoslovakia. She immigrated to Canada in 1930 with her mother and younger brother Lyle, following their father who had made home for them in Blenheim / Ridgetown. Agnes was devoted to her family, a great friend to many, she loved sports and dancing and made carrot cake to die for. She was loved by her family; her late husband Gus (Arthur) Vincent and their sons, (late) John (Mary) and Ted (Maryan) as well as her step-son Robert and step-daughter Carole. She was a wonderful Nana to Marcie and, Shona (Chris) and their children Madden and Logan, and Grandma Vincent to Lori (Gregg) and their children Ryan and Brett. She will be remembered for her great love of dogs, her contagious laugh and her prized baking. She ended this journey on April 10, 2013, in her 92nd year, with her son Ted by her side. The family would like to thank the staff at Leacock Care Center and Solders Memorial Hospital, Orillia ON for their patience, care and compassion. Friends and family will gather in a celebration of her life on Saturday April 20, 2013 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim at 10:00 am (visitation) 11:00 am (service), followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OSPCA.

Helen Margaret Gawne of Blenheim passed away on Monday April 8, 2013 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born near Pardoville to the late Letson and Lilly (Spicer) Doey, Helen would have been 97 years old this June. She was one of four children, being survived by her sister Audrey Douglas of Victoria and predeceased by her brothers Gilbert and Carl Doey. Helen attended the University of Toronto on scholarship at the age of 16, and graduated with an Honours Degree with combined Majors in English and History. She taught High School in Mitchell, Blenheim and Ridgetown. During her career she taught English, History, French and Phys.Ed., served as English Department Head and as a Teacher-Librarian. She was also a Charter Member of University Women’s Club, Chatham Branch. Her love of reading, travel and her quest for knowledge never ceased. When asked of her greatest accomplishment in life however, Helen would reply that it was her family that she loved so much. On August 1, 1942 she married Clarence Gawne (predeceased 1981). They had five children; Cathie Blair of Ingersoll, Barbara Hogan of Whitehorse, Richard Gawne of Lone Butte B.C., Steven Gawne of Sidney, B.C. and Peter Gawne (predeceased at the age of 7 ). Helen was also blessed with nine grandchildren; Nathan and Andrew Dufton, Kieran and Brendan Hogan, Stephanie and Adam Gawne, Adolina, Edward and Matthew Gawne and three great grandchildren, Madelyn Dufton, Alexander Dufton and Azaria Hogan. The Blenheim Community Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. It was Helen’s wish that cremation would take place followed by a private interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Clarence and Peter. Given Helen’s commitment to reading and to children, it was her desire that friends wishing to remember her would consider a donation to Canadian Blind Mission, World Vision or a Children’s Charity of your choice.

William George “Bill” Deseure of Blenheim and formerly of Palmyra passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday March 20, 2013. Bill was born in Duart 69 years ago to his late parents Maurits Deseure and Lillian Heard and as a young lad he attended the Palmyra Public School. He met and married a young lady named Alice Langstaff and began a journey that would have seen 44 years in April. Bill and Alice raised three children; Rob & Samantha Deseure, Karen & Scot Love and Kathy & Mike McCracken. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren; Adam and Brayden Deseure, Emma and Alex Love, and Eric, Owen, Kaitlyn and Dylan McCracken. Bill was a kind and caring soul who lived his life upholding the values of a true Christian. He appreciated the beauty of nature, he loved the sound of water and he took care of God’s creatures. He helped those who were less fortunate, he planted trees and he appreciated a warm summer rain. Retiring from Southwestern Regional Centre after many years of service, Bill was looking forward to spending time with Alice, helping his children, watching his grandchildren grow and to spending time creating things in his woodworking shop. Despite his health challenges over the past few years, Bill felt blessed and was at peace. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 6 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Alice and her family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday March 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bill Pipke of Evangel Community Church officiating. Interment in Duart Cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Adam Deseure, Allan Deseure, Grant Langstaff, Kyle Langstaff, Chris Langstaff and Scott Langstaff. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider CurePSP to assist with research and patient/family support for patients with PSP www.psp.org or the Water For Life Program of Life Outreach International to drill wells and provide families and communities with clean water www.lifetoday.org/outreaches/water-for-life .

Genevieve Lucia Finlin of Merlin passed away peacefully on Monday March 18, 2013 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Genevieve was born 87 years ago to her late parents Austin and Margaret (Chinnick) Suitor and was the last surviving member of her family, being predeceased by six brothers and one sister. Beloved wife of the late Glyn Finlin (2007). Dear Mom of Glynda & Allan Slade of Merlin, Tommy & Jillian Finlin of British Columbia and Jill Finlin & Elizabeth Roberts of Ottawa. Special Nana of Andrea Slade & Trevor Travis, Stephanie & Jeffrey Fox, Melanie & Christopher Morrison and Matthew Finlin. Proud Great Nana of Colton Fox, Slade Travis and Logan Morrison. Aunt Gen (Gee Gee) will be missed by many nieces and nephews, by her sister-in-law Bette Suitor and especially by her faithful canine companion Mickey. Genevieve will be remembered with great fondness by the number of lives she touched in her life. She drove a school bus for many years, she was the Grandma who was cheering from the sidelines at baseball and hockey and she was the Grandma who drove a dune buggy. But most of all, Genevieve was a Mom whose family was the most important thing in her life. Her perseverance and determination will continue on in her children and her grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Genevieve’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Merlin on Saturday March 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Greg Bonin as celebrant. Cremation will follow with a private interment in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Genevieve with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.