Frank Horak of Simcoe and Blenheim passed away peacefully in Blenheim on Wednesday October 29, 2014 at the age of 82. Frank was the proud father and father-in-law of Mary Ann Horak & Hugh Stonehouse, Carolyn & Russ Johnston, Francis Horak and Randy Dauphin. He was predeceased by his wife Mary (O’Connor) Horak in 1998 and by his daughter Theresa Dauphin in 2013. He is survived by his only brother John & Donna Horak of Blenheim, his grandchildren Craig & Amanda Horak, Derek Smyth, Ryan Smyth, Shawn Smyth, Cole Johnston and Kendra Johnston and his great-grandchildren Maya Smyth, Connor Horak and Casey Horak. He will be remembered fondly by his special friend Doris O’Connor of Simcoe, by his brother-in-law Joe & Fran O’Connor of Windsor, sister-in-law Catherine Ford of Ridgetown and by many nieces and nephews. Frank retired from International Harvester in Chatham and farmed in Blenheim. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 in Blenheim. Family and friends are invited to visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday November 2, 2014 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Frank will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Monday November 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Frank with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Parkinson’s Society.

Surrounded by her loving family, Cheryl Elizabeth Wellwood of Merlin passed away on Wednesday October 29, 2014 at the age of 71. Cheryl was one of eight children born to her late parents Stewart and Tillie (Morin) Eldridge and is survived by her twin sister Charlene (Dave) Weber of Chatham, her sister Janice Taylor (late Jim) of Chatham, by her brothers Larry & Jan Eldridge of Chatham, Glen Eldridge of Chatham, Neil & Jayne Eldridge of Merlin, Kevin & Deb Eldridge of Chatham, Charles & Kim Eldridge of Windsor, a special sister in law Kathy Eldridge of Chatham and several nieces and nephews. One day at a High School hockey game, she caught the eye of a young man named Neil Wellwood and on February 26, 1966 they married, beginning a journey that would span over 48 years. Cheryl and Neil were blessed with two daughters Colleen & Dennis Garlough of Merlin and Joan & Sandy Matthew of Blenheim and their blessings continued to include five grandchildren Rebekah, Joe, Meg, Grace and Cole. Cheryl will be remembered by her brothers in law and sisters in law who she loved very much; Diane Halliday (late John) of Kingsville, Keith & Ann Wellwood of Merlin and Marlene & Brad Delyzer of Merlin. Cheryl trained as a Registered Nurse and worked for a time at the Public General Hospital before beginning her most treasured career as a Mom and Farmer’s Wife. She was a kind and caring soul who always put the needs of others before her own. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Friday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 10 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings of St. Andrews Church in South Buxton will be held in the Funeral Home on Saturday November 1, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Pardoville Union Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Cheryl with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Andrews United Church or the Public General Hospital Foundation.

Karl Pirhalla of Blenheim passed away on Friday October 24, 2014 at the age of 88 years and three weeks short of his 65^th wedding anniversary . Karl was born in Kezmarok, Slovakia to his late parents Helena (Baltiscova) & Karl Pirhalla. He was predeceased by his only sister Hilda Stuchalova. He met his future wife who survives him, Mary (Stefina) at a picnic that was held by the Slovak community in a bush outside Blenheim and six months later, on November 19, 1949, her birthday, they were married. Their surviving daughter Patricia Pirhalla lives next to the family farm. Their second daughter, Nancy Susan Pirhalla passed away as an infant. Karl was a farmer all his life. In his spare time, he was a great advocate for his community. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Roman Catholic School Board who was instrumental in extending bussing for all Catholic district students to St. Mary’s, the new St. Anne’s and The Pines in Chatham. Karl served on the Board of the Credit Union in its infancy when it was operated out of the basement in St. Mary’s Church and for many years on the main street in Blenheim. He was one of the organizers of the Blenheim Summerfest which brought Walter Ostanek to Blenheim. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He is also survived by several sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews in Canada, New Jersey and Slovakia and a very dear neighbor, Giacomo Apuzzo. It was Karl’s wish that cremation take place. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday November 1, 2014 at 12:00 noon followed by an interment in Evergreen Cemetery and a luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Karl with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Alzheimers Society, the Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Richard “Dick” Pardo passed away October 24, 2014 at the age of 72 at Windsor Regional Hospital. Born and raised in Blenheim Ontario, beloved son of the late Lloyd “Red” and Eleanor (Robbins) Pardo. Dear brother of Joanne (Mike) MacFarlane, loving uncle of Andrea (Andrew) and Shannon MacFarlane. Adoring great uncle to Alex. Cremation to take place followed by a private family interment service to be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Dick to the Canadian Mental Health Association: Chatham-Kent Branch would be appreciated.

Violet Crawford, a resident of Village On The Ridge went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday October 21, 2014. Violet was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland 92 years ago to her late parents Edward & Jane (Fagan) McLaughlin. She was the last surviving sibling of her family having been predeceased by Jean, Sadie, Martha, Eileen, Mary and Ed. Violet emigrated to Canada in 1952 with her husband Morris Crawford and two sons. She and Morris, who predeceased her in 2003 were proud of their sons Maurice & Sally Crawford of Alabama and George & Donna Crawford of Shrewsbury. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren; Carey, Suzanne, Yvette, Tawnya, Terra, Brooke, Colleen, Colin, Carolyn, Amy and Richard, as well as several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday October 28, 2014 from 1:00 – 2:00 followed by a Memorial Service conducted by Pastor Eric Revie of Glad Tidings Community Church. An interment will take place in Memory Gardens, Pickering at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Violet with a memorial donation are asked to consider Glad Tidings Missions.

Gordon Burns Kent, son of the late George & Myrtle Kent, passed away on Sunday October 12, 2014 at the age of 85 years. Gordon met and married the love of his life Doreen (Jones) Kent and began a journey that would last over 59 years. Together Gordon and Doreen raised four children; Dana & Stephanie Kent, Dale & Sandra Kent, Elaine Bessie (late Dennis) and Darin & Susan Kent. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren; Jennifer & Greg, Meredith, Joseph, Owen, Steven, Logan and Tyler. Gordon will be missed by his brothers Marshall & Joan Kent and Lee Kent, by his sister in law Marlene Kent (late Doug) as well as his nieces Christine & Tim, Tracey & Brian, Julie & David and nephew Jeff & Tammy.

Almost seventy years ago Gordon became a farmer to help support his family and he never retired. For many of those years he shared his love of the land and farmed with his brother Marshall and dear friend Dwain Johnson. He was a lover of all sports, especially hockey and baseball. In his younger years he was an avid fastball player, being part of the Merlin team that won an Ontario championship. He loved to play hockey as well and enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play.

It was Gordon’s wish that this stage of his life be quiet and dignified. Cremation has taken place. A private family Memorial Service will be held on Thursday October 16, 2014. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald house as that charity held a special place in Gordon’s heart.

Betty Jean Smith (nee Hill) passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance surrounded by her family on October 12, 2014 at the age of 85. She is predeceased by her parents John and Alice Hill, husbands John Sebben and Maxwell Smith and by her son Patrick Smith. She is survived by her children Gwen Snobelen (Dave), Sharron Panchoo (Alex) and Mike Smith (Kelly) all of Blenheim, by her grandchildren Kim DeMeester (Aaron), Stacey Snobelen (Jason), Melissa Clayton (Ben), Jamie, Shawn, Andrew and Adam, by her great-grandchildren Alex, James, Mason, Brooke, McKenna, Paige, Emily and Leland as well as several nieces and nephews. Betty Jean was the youngest of eight children and was the last surviving member of her family. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday October 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Pardoville Cemetery. If you wish, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Janice Mary Gardiner (VanSlembrouck)

It is with deepest sadness that Jennifer, Jessica and Doug announce the passing of their mother and wife Janice. Jan was gently and quietly handed back to the loving arms of her mother and father (Georgette and Bob VanSlembrouck) in heaven on October 8, 2014 surrounded by her family. Janice will always be remembered for her steadfast dedication to her dearest loves in life, her daughters and loving husband. She spent her entire life caring for and nurturing her family, especially her two girls. She was always there unselfishly for her husband no matter the job from cleaning a days catch of perch to bringing in the docks at the end of the season. Jan was an avid outdoors person who loved to swim, boat, fish and camp with the family. Frogging, catching snakes and other creatures with the kids were also known to be among her outdoor adventures. Janice will be sadly missed by her sisters and best friends Linda (John Arnold), Karen (Francis Sterling) and Elaine (John Vleeming) who she loved with her whole heart. These wonderful sisters worked tirelessly throughout Janice’s illness to ensure the best quality of life was present at all times. Janice is also survived by a very proud and dedicated mother-in-law Sandra Gardiner (late Robert Gardiner) who was always there among the sisters lending a loving hand and support. Janice will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Leanne Reid (Dennis), Brett Stothart (Jennifer) and many special nieces and nephews who always made her smile. Janice wished to give her heartfelt thanks to all those who worked so hard to make things better during a very difficult time. A very special thanks to: Rev. David Fuller, Archdeacon Paul Millward, Brett Stothart, Cancer Drivers, Dawn, Pam, Sarah, Bridget, the nurses from Bayshore and Nurses of the Palliative Care Unit at CKHA, especially Danielle Cogghe. In remembrance of Janice, donations to the Cancer Society or St. Paul’s Anglican Church elevator fund would be appreciated. Friends will be received for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 10, 2014 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday.

Bradley Stuart McIlroy of Toronto and formerly of Erie Beach passed away at the age of 51 years. Brad is the son of John and Cathy McIlroy and the late Barbara Ann (Grady) McIlroy. He is survived by his siblings Kevin & Marilyn McIlroy of Tilbury and their children Ashley and Matthew, Catherine McIlroy of Blenheim and her daughter Heather, Jaime McIlroy of London and her son Anthony and by Dayna Gulyas of Leamington. Brad was a student of Blenheim District High School, an avid hunter and fisherman and a friend to many. Cremation to take place. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Craford Cemetery when Brad’s urn will be interred with his Mom. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

Marguerite “Peggy” McIntyre, a resident of Blenheim died peacefully at her farm on October 4, 2014 at the age of 96. Born in Blenheim, daughter of Ted Elsham and Kathryn Smedley. Beloved wife of the late George Mark McIntyre (1979). She is survived by her two daughters, Dixie McIntyre and Saundra Zajdlik (John), five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren and her sister Jeanne Fitz Patrick as well as several nieces and nephews. Peggy’s wish of donating her body to science has been fulfilled.
A Memorial Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held at the Blenheim Baptist Church on Saturday November 1, 2014 where visitation will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 followed immediately by the service. Donations in memory of Peggy to the Chatham-Kent Mental Health Services TNT Program or a charity of choice would be appreciated. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.