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.

After 92 wonderful years, Arthur James Stewart passed away on Friday March 15, 2013. One of three children born in Harwich Township to Joseph Armstrong Stewart and Sarah Jane (Huffman) Stewart, Art is survived by his sister Lyn & Don Jenner and Wallace & Fran Stewart. Art married Gladys Eaton who predeceased him in 1967. Art and Gladys raised two children, Janet & Ivan Warriner of Blenheim and Barbara & the late Brian MacDonald of Florida. Art was very proud of his grandchildren Julianne Warriner and Todd & Bev Warriner as well as their children Ava, Sam, Heidi and Tessa. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews. Before his retirement in 1985, Art farmed from spring to fall and then kept himself busy in the winters working at the Sugar Beet Factory or the Tobacco Factory. He was a member of the Blenheim United Church. When Janet and Barbara attended Ransom School, Art became a trustee. He and Gladys were founders of the Blenheim Skating Club. Later in life, Art married Margaret Snobelen who predeceased him in 1980 and his family grew to include his step children Mike Snobelen and Brian Snobelen. Art is survived by his third wife June (Cheetham) Stewart and her children Jeanne Nussey, Garry & Cheryl Cheetham and daughter in law Jessie Cheetham (predeceased by June’s son Doug) as well as grandchildren Jeff, Janice, Ronnelee, John, Brent, Kevin, Ashley, Becky and Karmen and numerous great-grandchildren. Art and June enjoyed their retirement years at the Blenheim Legion Villa and their winters in Florida. In keeping with Art’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday March 23, 2013 for a time of visitation between 12:30 – 2:00 followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Wanda Burse. Friends wishing to remember Art with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church or the Blenheim Food Bank.

Gerald William Martin
February 2, 1936 – March 12, 2013

After a short battle with cancer, Gerald 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.
After graduating from Albion College, Michigan Jerry had a long and successful career in the insurance business before retiring with AON Consulting. He was an avid hunter, boater and later in life enjoyed his afternoons at the golf course at the 19th hole. He enjoyed and was very proud of all his grandchildrens’ activities. He also enjoyed his retirement winters in Rice Creek, Florida. At his request cremation has taken place with a Memorial Celebration of Jerry’s life to follow in April.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the junior programs at either the Rondeau Yacht Club or the Blenheim Golf Course. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left for the family at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

George Walter Randall of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday March 4, 2013. George was born in Dundas, Ontario 65 years ago to his late parents Hank and Ruth (Findlay) Randall. He was one of four siblings, being survived by Frank & June Randall of Havlock, Harry & Pat Randall of Kitchener and Jackie Anne Elliott of Goderich. George will be missed by his children George Jr & Suzanne Randall of Kapuskasing, Ed & Amanda Randall of Hamilton and Tim & Missy Randall of Blenheim along with their mother Linda Breese of Blenheim. He will also be missed by his favourite mother in law Mary Lou Crewe and by his grandchildren Geordan, Samantha, Dillon, Grace, Gabriel, Michael, Kaitlynn, Dylon, Ella, Alexa, Jocelyn and Megan. George was a jack of all trades whose specialties included furnace installations and carpentry. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 6th from 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to George’s family. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember George with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185, Blenheim.

Betty Marie (Wood) Wilkinson passed away at her home on Wednesday February 13, 2013 at the age of 77 years. Beloved wife of the late Art Wilkinson (2006). Loving Mom to Randy & Peggy, Neil & Sandi and Steve & Tracy. Loving Grandma to Jodi, Jeremy, Jessica, Derek, Becki, Michael, Jason and Bobbi-Jo and to ten great grandchildren. Betty is survived by her brother Bob & Shirley Wood. Friends will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St on Saturday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday February 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, friends are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Keith Stuart Sambell of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday February 10, 2013. Keith was born 82 years ago in London England to his late parents Rosina and Frank Sambell. One of ten children, he is survived by his sister Patricia Broadbent (Michael) of Windsor and his brothers Bernard (Margaret) Sambell of London, Reginald Sambell (Judy) of Souris, Manitoba and Edward “Ted” Sambell of London. In Canada Keith met his future wife Carole (Barber) who predeceased him in 1988. Keith and Carole raised two children; their daughter Katherine Rebecca Newcombe (Warren) of Blenheim and Christopher Andrew Sambell (Mary Ann) of Woodstock). Keith was also blessed with seven grandchildren Steven (Stephanie), Brittany and Carlson Kearley, Nicholas and Megan Sambell, Harmony and Frederick Newcombe as well as three great-grandchildren Andrew, Austin and Tye. Keith was a cycling enthusiast, riding his bike great distances both in Canada and the U.S. One summer he rode his bicycle fifteen thousand miles which included a trek from British Columbia to Ontario. Keith was a member of the Naval Reserve for 25 years and apprenticed in London to become a car man. The majority of Keiths working years were spent at the Blenheim District High School where he concentrated on woodworking and teaching driver’s ed. He retired from BDHS in 1985. Keith was a member of the Blenheim United Church and served his community there. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Keith will be held in the Blenheim United Church on Wednesday February 13, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Keith with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation, the Diabetes Association or the Cancer Society. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Margaret Georgina (Osborne) Scaman, affectionately known as Grandma to so many, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday February 7, 2013 at the age of 87. Margaret was one of ten children born to Neta and George Osborne and is survived by her sister s Lena Pickering of McKays Corners and Kathy Huiting of Tilbury. She was predeceased by her sisters Berniece McLarty, Mildred Kivell and Hazel Price as well as her brothers Harold, Gordon, Charles and Ray Osborne. Margaret and her husband Keith Benson Scaman who predeceased her in 1995 raised four daughters Joyce & John Geene, Patricia & Bill Hall and Nancy & Pat Griffore who live in Blenheim and Brenda Barr & Jim Jones who live in Ridgetown. Predeceased by her son-in-law Shannon Barr in 2000. She was a most attentive and loving grandmother to Sean Geene, Shari McCutcheon, Daphne Thatcher, Julie Charette, Carrie Pickering, Michelle Kempe, Ryan Griffore, Shantelle Barr, Sheila Bedford and Shawna Barr and great grandmother to Aaron, Nolan, Reegan, Jake, Kaatje, Kaelyn, Hailey, Cierra, Tammy, Samantha, Blaine, Quinn, Cole, Marnie, Myles, Alyssa, Trevor, Katelynne, Morgan, Cohen and was awaiting the arrival of her 21st great grandchild soon. Friends will remember Margaret from her days working at the old Metropolitan store, from her time spent at the Blenheim Seniors Centre and from her games of bowling. Mostly Margaret will be remembered as someone who put her family first, as the sister who loved playing cards and as the Grandma that everybody wanted. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Blenheim United Church on Monday February 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Sean Geene, Ryan Griffore, Aaron McCutcheon, Roger Dehn, Murray Hoffman and Bob Pickering. Flowerbearers will include Shantelle Barr, Sheila Bedford and Shawna Barr. Friends wishing to remember Margaret with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, Diabetes Association or charity of your own choice.

Carole Elaine Shillington passed away peacefully at the hospital in Chatham on January 30th, 2013. Born in Chatham 69 years ago to the late Francis and Margaret (Suitor) Balmer, she is survived by her husband of 47 years Paul of Erieau, three daughters; Kelly of Windsor, Lynn (Pat) Pearson and Heather (Matt) Boswell both of Chatham. Also survived by Aunts Gen Finlin of Merlin and Betty Suitor of Chatham, along with many cousins; brother-in-laws Peter (Ruth) and Jim (Mary) Shillington, nephews Harold (Dawn) and Cameron Shillington, nieces Gen (Dr. David) Huffman and Kim Shillington.
Carole enjoyed travelling, golfing, curling, sailing and Shriners Hospitals for Children through her membership in the Daughters of the Nile. Her real passion was her grandchildren Bridget and Bryan Lyne; Madelyn, Jacob, Alexander, Abigail, Isaac and Johnathin Pearson, Benjamin Boswell and Danielle Laier. Her special and dear friends were her bridge club members of 48 years and Anne Gilbert.
Carole was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Peggy and Clare Shillington.
A celebration of Carole’s life will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday February 9th, 2013 at 11 a.m. with visitation on February 8th from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. A private interment will take place at a later date.
Friends wishing to make a donation in Carole’s memory may do so to her favourite charities; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Cancer Society. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Jerry John Suk at the age of 70 has passed away peacefully and has gone home to be with the Lord. “And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither shall there be sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have all passed away”.
Survived by his loving wife Janet ( Russell )Suk, his son Scott ( Tara ) and daughter Krista ( Jamie), his grandchildren Brandon ( Ashley ), Rachel ( Gerrit ), Micheal, and Cassandra and great granddaughter Kaylee. Dearest brother of Joe ( Virgina ), Mary and the late Lilllian. Predecreased by his parents Frank and Anne Suk and infant son Ronnie. He will also be missed by his four legged companions Cody, Katie, and Suzie.
Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support. A Funeral Service for Jerry will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Monday January 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Revie officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
Jerry’s family would like to thank everyone who surrounded and supported him during his journey the past few months. Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider Glad Tidings Community Church, VON, the Chatham-Kent OSPCA or a charity of your choice.