Antonie “Toni” Von Wegner of Kingsville and formerly of Blenheim passed away at the Leamington District Memorial Hospital on Saturday April 4, 2015 at the age of 87 years. Toni was predeceased by her husband George in 1988. A private graveside service will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Mary Margaret (Stefina) Pirhalla of Blenheim passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 at the age of 91 years after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born in Strezenice, Slovakia on November 19, 1923 to her late parents Anna (Gazova) & Andrew Stefina Sr. She was predeceased by her husband, Karl (October 2014) of almost 65 years, her sister, Anne Janicek, her brothers Joseph, Steve, Frank, Andy Jr. and Stan, her brother-in-law Steve Janicek, and her sisters-in-law , Hilda, MaryAnn and Emma. Their surviving daughter Patricia Pirhalla lives on part of the family farm near Blenheim. Their second daughter Nancy Susan Pirhalla (1956) passed away as an infant. Mary is survived by several sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews throughout Ontario, New Jersey and Slovakia. She was the last surviving member of the original Stefina family that came to Canada in 1936 and came to settle in Blenheim shortly thereafter. She met her husband Karl, (known to many as Charlie) at a picnic that was held by the Slovak community in a bush outside Blenheim and six months later, on her birthday in 1949, they were married. Mary was a homemaker, mother and worked together side by side with her husband on their farm all her life. She loved to garden and the garden we had could have fed half of Blenheim. She cooked, pickled, canned and preserved everything from that garden. Anyone (family or friend) that visited our home or cottage never left hungry or thirsty. It was Mary`s wish that no visitation take place, but family and friends are welcomed to attend a Funeral Mass to celebrate her life at St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday April 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery and a luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall. Blenheim Community Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Mary with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Canadian Breast Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke or the Karl and Mary Pirhalla Family Burse through the Capuchins at St Mary’s Church. I would like to thank the staff at Blenheim Community Village, Dr. Perkin, and especially, Dr. Haddad for showing my mom such loving care during her stay.

James Douglas Lane of Chatham passed away peacefully in London on Saturday March 21, 2015 at the age of 61 years. He will be missed by his best friend and wife Audrey (Antworth) Lane, by his daughter Veronica & Max Girardo with their children Ryenne and Luca (and a baby due in September), by his son Steven Lane, by his sister Patricia Leight, by his very best friend Dan Marlatt, by his extended family in New Brunswick including his mother-in-law and father-in-law Rae and Orlo Brewer, Karen & Jason Acott, Andrea & Pat Underhill and Susan & Shawn Wood and their families including Logan, Lanson, Heidi, Rachel, Keaton and Carson. Jim was predeceased in life by his parents Frances (Scarlett) and Malcolm Lane and by his brother Bruce Ogg. Friends will remember Jim as a generous man who had great compassion for life…he never left a task undone.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Wednesday March 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the VON Palliative Care Program or the CKHA Chemotherapy Unit.

It is with such profound sadness that we share with you the passing of our father, Stewart “Stubby” Knights on Wednesday March 18, 2015.

Over the past few weeks we have been pondering what measures a man’s life and what we will remember about our dad, and we’ve come to this:

Our dad was born on December 27, 1961 to his parents Donna (Rigby) and the late Bill “Stub” Knights who were the two people he admired most in his life. They not only gave him a sister to grow up with (Jane & John Pratt) but they gave him the tools that he would need to make it in life, taught him how to get back up if he fell down and taught him about hard work. Our dad got along with his dad so well that he quit school in 1978 to partner with him at Blenheim Abattoir and Meat Markets. Being in the cattle business brought him the opportunity to go show livestock at fairs…the most memorable time for him was when he met the Queen at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

Our dad had a contagiously positive outlook…he lived life instead of letting it pass him by. He smiled and he laughed and he didn’t let the bad things get him down. He was all about kids, especially his three daughters Billy Jo & Chris Cunningham, Jessica & Matt Hall and Claire Knights. He was crazy about his grandchildren Jolee, Cameron and Emily and was looking forward to his fourth grandchild in just a few months. He helped coach minor league baseball when we were small and he was a sponsor of the Blenheim Open where he also helped to cook the steaks for the meal. His cooking abilities brought together a production company called “Bent Rim Productions” that participated in BBQ competitions across Ontario.

Our dad loved sports…he was a true fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the winter he spent countless hours on the ice playing for many local teams and in the summer he spent his time on baseball diamonds. He was the one who started the “case of beer strike out rule” just to keep things interesting and to motivate players. He had his own hockey card made up which maybe has been best shared only with the other guys of that same elite group. He also enjoyed spending summers on his boat “Stubs Tub” which docked in Erieau.

Finally our dad surrounded himself with friends…many good friends; some who remained close since their school days. Friends were so important to him…whether it was a beach party in the middle of winter where everybody wore beach attire, whether it was going to an AC/DC concert or whether it was just a quiet time watching his favourite movie “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”, our dad was always up for a new and fun challenge with his friends. He will be missed.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Following that, and in keeping with our dad’s sense of adventure, we will celebrate his life at the Blenheim Memorial Arena on Saturday March 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. where his urn will be placed on center ice and his friends will sit in the bleachers!

If you wish to remember our dad with a memorial donation, we hope that you will consider All For Kids which will provide funding for boys and girls in the Blenheim and Ridgetown area who otherwise would not be able to play sports.

Billy Jo, Jessica and Claire

Barbara Weir (Fraleigh) MacLean of Blenheim passed away peacefully at Blenheim Community Village on Saturday March 14, 2015 at the age of 86.

Born in London, Ontario she was the beloved wife and partner of J. Lachlan MacLean (2009) and the daughter of the late Sidney A. and Cecille (McLurg) Fraleigh of Forest. The dear mother of Deborah Ann MacLean-Brine and her husband Bob Brine of London; the late Heather Fraleigh MacLean- Meek (2004) and her husband Fred Meek of London ; Ian Lachlan MacLean and his wife Mara Sperandio-MacLean of Vancouver; Stephanie Lynn MacLean and her husband Ralph Romano of Blenheim. The adored grandmother of Meggan Brine, Cameron Meek, Fiona Meek, Nicolas MacLean, Sophia MacLean, Clara Romano and Eric Romano. Great -Grandmother of Heather Richmond. Dear Sister of Ann Manning (John) of Forest; Sidney Fraleigh Jr. (Velma) of Forest and Janet Smart (David) of Chatham. Sister-in- law of Phyllis Nelson (William-2013) of Peterborough. Barb will be missed by her many close, loving friends and fondly remembered by a number of nieces and nephews.

Barbara graduated from the School of Journalism at University of Western Ontario in 1950, a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She married Lachlan in 1951 and their careers took them to Windsor, Toronto, Sarnia and Blenheim. Barb was a journalist for the Sarnia Observer newspaper, member of I. O. D. E. in Sarnia and Blenheim and served as Regent of both chapters, a past president of University Women’s Club in Sarnia, and a member of the Golden Acres Curling /Club in Blenheim. She was active in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Sarnia. Her connections were strong as a CGIT leader and convener of United Church Women at the Blenheim United Church where in 1965 she became the Assistant to the Minister in Christian Education and Leadership. She was a secondary school supply teacher in Kent County. Always an energetic volunteer, she was a past chairperson of the Chatham-Kent Advisory Board of the CNIB. She was an active supporter of the blind and deaf-blind and was named to the Board of Directors, Ontario Division for CNIB. After her retirement she never failed to contribute her help and advice to the many volunteers who offered their time and services to the CNIB. In 2001, Barbara received recognition from the federal government for outstanding service and contribution as a volunteer. A loving mother she looked forward, with great anticipation to the family cottage holidays at Hillsboro Beach. She was an ardent swimmer all her life, loved to travel and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Barbara’s family is appreciative of the care and compassion provided by the staff of the Blenheim Community Village Nursing Home who cared for Barb over the past 10 years and particularly over this past month. The family also valued the medical care of Dr. Martha Clendenning.

Family and Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday March 27, 2015 for visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed a memorial service and celebration of life at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim, at a later date. Memorial contributions to the Chatham-Kent Alzheimer’s Society’s Day Program, the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (Windsor -Essex-Kent District) or the Blenheim United Church Benevolent Fund are asked to be considered.

Surrounded by his family, John Walker Ward passed away peacefully at home on Sunday March 15, 2015. Born in Harwich Township 87 years ago to Sidney & Lottie (Walker) Ward John worked hard all of this life eventually running his own backhoe and trucking business. As a young man he met his wife Doris June Story and after a five year courtship, John and Doris married and would have celebrated their 67^th wedding anniversary this May. John and Doris raised three children, Dianne & Derick Goddeeris of Aylmer, Paul Ward & Michelle Legue of Blenheim and David Ward of London. They were also blessed with four grandchildren; Carey & Richard Marshall, Gilbert John & Charmaine Goddeeris, Matthew Ward and Rachel & Ben Kirkconnell as well as four great grandchildren Ryan Marshall, Caitlyn Marshall, Tyelor Goddeeris and Hailey Goddeeris. John is survived by his sisters Jean Tole (late Byron), Leora & Clarence Rodwell, Blanche Burke (late Frank), Shirley & Jim Green, by his sister in law Jackie Ward and by several nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brothers Earl, Raeburn and Sidney. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday March 17, 2015 for visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 and a service conducted by Rev. John Anderson at 2:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army.

Surrounded by her loving family, Lillian May (Peacock) Holcombe passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Monday March 2, 2015; just one day after celebrating her 86^th birthday. Lillian was predeceased by her husband Kenneth in 1982, by her children Ron Dunn and Sandy Parker and by an infant granddaugher. She is survived by her children Linda Dunn (Wendy Lachine) of Cedar Springs, Gerry Dunn of London, Terry Holcombe (Leigh) of London, Pam Clancey (Bert) of Halifax N.S., Dave Dunn (Cynthia) of London and Cheryle & Garry Cheetham of Blenheim as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Myrtle Dunn and son-in-law Ron Parker, both of London and step-daughter Carol Southern (Jim) of St. Thomas, by her sister Marion Welch (late Art) of Newbury, and her brother Mel Peacock (Laurie) of London.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Saturday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday March 8, 2015 at 2 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. Friends wishing to remember Lillian with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Cancer Society.

Linda Glazier of Raglan passed away on Saturday February 21, 2015 at the age of 66 years. Linda is the much loved wife of Nick Glazier, mother of Pam & Frank Fiala and Brian Glazier & Cheryl Risdale, grandmother of Keith Glazier, Ariana Glazier, Tori Hooper, Brody Risdale, Alena Fiala and Jared Fiala, daughter in law of Violet Glazier and sister in law of Melinda Glazier. One of four children born to her late parents Emile & Peggy (Johnson) Amerlinck, Linda is survived by her brother Alphonse Amerlinck and sisters in law Carolyn Amerlinck and Jane Amerlinck. She was predeceased by her brothers Joe and Pat Amerlinck. After meeting Nick at the Cadillac Hotel and beginning a happy marriage, Linda worked for a time at Southwestern Regional Centre before working with Chatham Corrections Services. She also worked in the family business Glazier Canning in Blenheim for a number of years. She found peace being at home, working in her flower gardens and surrounding herself with her family which came to include the wonderful nursing staff of the CKHA Intensive Care Unit. She was especially proud to have been married to the man she loved for 49 years. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday February 26, 2015 for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at the Funeral Home on Friday February 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Linda with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Stewart Hulme of Blenheim passed away on Friday February 20, 2015 at the age of 72 years. Stewart will be missed greatly by his sons Chris Hulme (Sheri) of Blenheim and Parry Hulme of Erie Beach, by his grandchildren Mackenzie, Ryley and Kelsi and by his sister Charlotte Melnyk of Chatham. He was predeceased by his wife Brenda in 1994, parents Ruth & Gordon Hulme and by his brother in law Dale Melnyk. He is survived by many brothers & sisters in law, aunts & uncles and nieces & nephews. Stewart spent most of his life driving truck, retiring from Charron Transport in Chatham. He spent his early days farming in Dover as well as Chatham Township where he was the first person to spray ethrel on tomatoes to ripen them. He was a Volunteer Firefighter at Kings Corners in Chatham Township. In his quiet times, he loved a good Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game and a Blue Jays baseball game. Stewart was faced with challenges after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy fifty years ago, but he picked himself up, brushed himself off and made his life the best that it could be. Maybe the biggest accomplishment in his life was being an awesome role model to his sons, teaching them the value of hard work, an honest living and of keeping a positive outlook on life. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday February 24, 2015 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 and again on Wednesday February 25 from 12 – 2 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service, conducted by Rev Bill Terris. In keeping with Stewarts wishes, cremation will follow. Friends wishing to remember Stewart with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Marie Maxine Hebblethwaite of the Chatham Retirement Resort and formerly of Blenheim, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday February 19, 2015 at the age of 88 years. Marie was one of four children born to the late Catherine and Walter Knott and is survived by her sister Irene Wildgen (late Robert) of Blenheim and her brother Raymond & Pat Knott of Pickering. She was predeceased in life by her brother and sister in law Maurice & Florence Knott. Friends will remember Marie for her kind ways, for displaying the values of a true Christian. She put the needs of others before her own, she prayed for her family and friends, she planted flowers to make the world a nicer place. She kept very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, for they were the most important people in her life. In her spare time she loved to read, listen to music (especially Lawrence Welk and Frank Sinatra) and she loved to do word searches. One day a young lady named Marie Knott met a young man named Jack Hebblethwaite at a dance held at the Rondeau Pavillion. In 1956 they were married and began a journey that would span over 45 years until Jack died on March 11, 2002. Marie and Jack raised three children; Ann Bokor of Cedar Springs, Bob & Pam Hebblethwaite of Blenheim and Cathy & David Sykes of Owen Sound. They were the proud grandparents of Jenny & Tony Acampora, Jared Bokor & Chrissy Bonneau, Sarah Anderson, Jesse Anderson, James Hebblethwaite, Caitlin Sykes and Cody Sykes and great grandparents of Estella, Julia, Ava, Emma and Laila Acampora and Gracie Bokor. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 23, 2015 where visitation will take place from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held at 3:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Marie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent.