Sam Hershenhorn of Erie Beach passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday October 4, 2012 at the age of 67 years. Sam is the much loved husband of Nancy (Crawford) Hershenhorn of Erie Beach and father of Elizabeth Bryant of Toronto. In keeping with Sam’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced at that time.

James Robert “Jim” Easter passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2012 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Jim was born in Sarnia 63 years ago to his late parents Vera (Cook) & Robert Easter and was one of four children, being survived by Kevin Easter & Shannon Skinner, Mark & Lisa Easter and Karen & Will Crich. On August 19, 1972 Jim married his best friend Donna Marie (Prendergast) Easter beginning a life journey that would span forty years. Together Jim and Donna raised three children; Michael Robert Easter of Windsor and his children Cristiano and Michael; David James Easter & Barbara of Hamilton and their children Ben and their expected child; and Lauren Marie (Easter) Hartley & Christopher of Westport and their children Sophie, Annabelle and Naomi. Nothing in Jim’s life surpassed the joy and the love that he shared with Donna, with his children and especially with the grandchildren whom he loved to spoil. Outside of Jim’s career as a Financial Controller for Siemens, he was an avid sportsman. He loved playing hockey, spending time on his boat and riding his motorcycles. He built his own RV7 Aircraft in 2010 and enjoyed using it with his friend Bill. He was President of the Kent Flying Machines, Past President of the Chatham Aeronauts and served as a trustee for the Blenheim United Church. Jim was an all around good guy. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Jim’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Blenheim United Church on Friday at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Health Science Centre or the Blenheim United Church Memorial Fund.

Howard George Mills passed away on Sunday September 30, 2012 at the age of 88 years. Born in Harwich Township, son of the late May Florence (Haskell) and George William Mills, Howard enjoyed living his life in the country and working the land. He was one of seven children, being survived by two sisters Jean Parkhouse of Blenheim and Mary Rumble of Chatham and predeceased by Pearl Stover, Flossie Wood, Evelyn Benjamin and Fred Shepley. Howard was loved by many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday October 3, 2012 to show their support to Howard’s family. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday October 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Following a luncheon at the Funeral Home, the interment will take place at Owen Cemetery in Dover Township. Friends wishing to remember Howard with a memorial donation are asked to consider their favourite charity.

Adrian Nicholas Hogg of Blenheim passed away at home on September 29, 2012, just ten days after his 57^th birthday. Adrian was born in Hillyfield, England to his parents Stella Hogg of Ridgetown and the late Max Hogg. He is survived by his brothers Ken & Mary Hogg of Blenheim, Barry & Brenda Hogg of Blenheim, Simon & Cindy Hogg of Chatham, sister-in-law Janet Hogg of Cambridge, nephews and nieces. Predeceased by brother Brian (1992). He will be greatly missed by his longtime friends Vicki Ceccacci and Fred Lindsay. Adrian worked for 27 years at Sinteris and enjoyed his many friends from there. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place followed by a private gathering. The family wishes to acknowledge the efforts of Tara Scott who went above and beyond to see that Adrian’s needs were met in the final stage of his life.

Clarence Allen Pfaff, a resident of R.R.#1 Blenheim, passed away on September 25, 2012 at the age of 83. Born August 9^th, 1929 in Howard Township, son of the late Ernest Allen Pfaff and Esther Woofenden Pfaff Ryckman. Beloved husband of Margaret (Tunks) Pfaff. Loving father of Ruth Ann (Patrick) Pickle of Blenheim, Margaret (Rodrick) Miller of Erie Beach, Harold (Sharon) Pfaff of Blenheim, John Pfaff of Alberta, Mary Lou (Dale) D’Clute of Alberta, Robert Pfaff of St. Thomas and Penny Pfaff (Darryl Throsel) of Blenheim. Proud papa of 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Gordon Pfaff, of Florida and brother-in-law James Charbonneau of Kitchener and extended family, Irene Smith (Bothwell), Joe Tunks (Chatham) and Arlo Smith (Bothwell). Clarence is survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Edwin Pfaff, Robert (Geraldine) Pfaff, sisters Norma (John) Campbell and Marjorie Charbonneau and sister-in-law Marjorie Pfaff. Predeceased by extended family Ernie (June) Tunks, Sam (Muriel) Tunks, Gloria Tunks and Elizabeth Pfaff.

A devout Christian, Clarence was known as a very hard worker all of his life. He was once a farmer, then later worked at Mallorys, Kysers and Motor Wheel, where he retired. He enjoyed traveling in Canada and the United States, Alaska and Florida being among his favourites. He also traveled to Israel, which he loved. Clarence loved his family dearly, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who he referred to as the joys of his life.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday September 27, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and at Glad Tidings Community Church on Friday September 28, 2012 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. to show their support to Clarence’s family. A Funeral Service for Clarence will be conducted in Glad Tidings Community Church on Friday September 28, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Clarence with a memorial donation are asked to consider World Vision or Glad Tidings Community Church (Operation Mustard Seed).

Larry “Snik” Parker of Cedar Springs passed away on Friday September 21, 2012. Born 64 years ago to his late parents Mildred “Mickey” (1975) and Donald (2011) Parker, Larry is survived by his best friend and wife Gloria (Crawford) Parker with whom he would have celebrated 45 years of marriage next month. Larry and Gloria raised two children Sherry & Jason Hope of Port Alma and Barry & Tanya Parker of Blenheim. They also shared the joys of being the grandparents of four, who were blessed with given names and “Grandpa” names…Madison, a.k.a. “Cricket”, Preston, a.k.a. ““Chico”, Alexis, a.k.a. “Peaches” and Logan, a.k.a. “Little Bou”. Larry will be remembered with great fondness by his sister and brothers Pam & Tom Innes of Petawawa, Dennis Parker of Erieau, Tim & Marg Parker of Blenheim and Donald, a.k.a. “Doc” of Chatham as well as his step family Rebecca Spicer of Chatham and Paul Sass of Alberta. He was predeceased by his baby brother Ricky Gordon Parker, by his Stepmom Pat Parker (2012) and by his step brother Richard Sass (2008). Larry enjoyed life. He loved country music and he had a sense of humor that seen him and others through many challenges in life. He enjoyed fishing up north, playing baseball, bowling and going for drives in his truck. But most of all, he loved his family and wished only the best for his grandchildren. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Larry’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with a private interment in Craford Cemetery at a later date.

Evelyn Mildred Steel, formerly of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Wednesday September 12, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Evelyn was born in Regina, the daughter of the late John Thomas and Ellen Horsfield. She was predeceased by her husband Murray in 1975. She enjoyed bowling, reading and playing cards, but most of all she enjoyed her family. Evelyn will be missed dearly by her children Laura-Ellen & Joseph Anderson of Bothwell, Sharron Carroll (the late Jim) of London, Murray & Evedna Steel of Morpeth and Chris & Kathy Steel of Blenheim and by her ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Evelyn was one of three children and is survived by one sister Vivian Pitre of Windsor. She was predeceased by her infant grandson Raymond Charles Steel and by her sister and brothers in law Helen & George Chapman and Barney Pitre. Friends gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Evelyn’s family on Friday. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday September 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers were Murray Steel, Michael Steel, Graham Carroll, Neil McQuarrie, Dan Steel and Jason VanderPryt. Friends wishing to remember Evelyn with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Debra Lee (Kay) Rumble, daughter of the late Margaret (Legue) and Andrew Kay passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family on Friday September 7, 2012. Deb married her best friend John Rumble on November 16, 1979 and they were blessed with three children; Jeff Rumble & Michelle Seller of Chatham, Amanda Rumble & Jason Scott of Charing Cross and their infant daughter Deb who was born sleeping. They are also proud of their grandchildren Ryan Seller, Mitchell Rumble, Morgan Scott and Ashton Scott as well as their great grandchildren Lane Seller who passed away on May 27, 2012 and Kadense Seller. Deb was predeceased by her brother Dennis and will be fondly remembered by her sister in law Gwen Kay of Chatham, Barb & Doug McTavish of Chatham and Bob & Deb Wardle of Blenheim, by her nieces Megan, Becky and Melissa, by her aunts and uncles and by her best friend Kim Nicholson of Chatham. Friends will remember Deb as a great friend, as a fellow employee of Home Depot in Chatham, for her keen sense of humor and for the many wedding cakes that she made in her lifetime. Mostly, Deb will be remembered as a great wife, mother and grandmother…family meant the most to her. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 10^th from 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to John, Jeff, Amanda and their families. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Deb with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House or the Cancer Society.

Rose Marie (Pepper) (Richards) Swance, much loved wife of Al Swance of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Tuesday, September 4^th, 2012. Rose was born in Raleigh Township 81 years ago to her late parents Walter & Florence Pepper and worked as a bookkeeper for Town & Country Lumber. She has one sister, Lorna Kay, of Chatham. Rose married her high school sweetheart, Harry Richards, who predeceased her in 1977 and together they had four children; Leroy (Karen) Richards of London, Ronald Richards of Delhi, Janet (Stephen) Ross of Dundas and Deborah (Mike) Degan of London. Their family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren Stephanie (Dan) Roberts and their daughter Savannah, Pamela (David) Pridmore, Andrew Ross, Christopher (Stephanie) Ross and their daughter Samantha, Nicholas Ross, Hannah and Olivia Richards. In 1982 Rose married Al Swance and her family grew again to include his children; Gary Swance (Kathy Kohajda) of Kearney, Gregory (Darlene) Swance of Blenheim, Gordon (Monica) Swance of Morpeth as well as Al’s grandchildren and great grandchildren Shalynn Ramsden, Desirée Swance, Brandon Swance, Colin [Nadja) Seney and their daughter Bianca, Jordan Swance and Kelsey Swance. Rose was a former member of Blenheim Kinnettes as well as a Past District Governor and National Convenor. She promoted youth bowling in Blenheim, was a former award winning ladies golfer at the Blenheim Community Golf Course, a member of the Blenheim United Church, and a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre. She enjoyed playing cards, knitting and dancing, travelling to new places, but nothing surpassed time with her family, especially on Christmas morning. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Rose’s family. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Friday, September 7^th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Rose with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society or Cancer Society.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother Clara Marie Sullivan who died on August 27, 2012 at Blenheim Community Village after a long fruitful life. She was in her 100^th year. Clara was born March 11, 1913 in Pain Court, daughter of the late Alphy King (Roy) and Olivia (Caron). She was the dear wife of Thomas W. Sullivan for nearly 60 years before his death in 1994. They started their life together in Tilbury East Township before moving to the Communication Road (RR 5, Blenheim) and later to RR 3, Blenheim where they farmed for many years. Clara and Thomas were blessed with three children: Betty Ann (Henry) Lister of Windsor, Ronald (JoAnne) and Robert (Beth) both of RR 3, Blenheim.

Clara was proud of, and will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren: Tom (Lori) Lister, Mary Lynn (Mark) Santavy, Gerry (Martha) Sullivan, Karen Sullivan, Michael (Debbie) Sullivan, Ronald (Leanne) Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick (Beth) Sullivan, Christine (Christopher) Chapman and Brian Sullivan. Eighteen Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. She was the oldest child in her family. She is survived by her sister Rita Burke of Chatham; sisters-in-law Irma King of Pain Court, Olive Bradley of Chatham and Irene Sullivan Vella-Zarb of Prairie Siding. She is predeceased by brother Roland (Cecile) King, Gerald King, and sister Pauline (Gerald) Gagner and infant sister, Laurentia, and brothers-in-law Donald Burke, Gerald and Leo Sullivan, Jim Bradley and sister-in-law Mae (Hilliard) Jubenville. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In their later years Tom and Clara enjoyed many happy winters in Lake Worth, Florida where they made new friends over the years. The church played an important and major role in Clara’s life. She was active and a lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League in Blenheim and Erieau, working tirelessly on numerous projects. A must part of Clara’s day was saying the Rosary through much of her life. For years Clara helped on the farm and tended to her gardens (she loved flowers) and her household chores.

The family would like to thank the staff at Blenheim Community Village for the tender care over the past 12 years. Mother would often say “this is my home”. The staff made her feel comfortable in “her home”. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Perkin.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home Wednesday August 29,2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Prayers will be offered at 7pm. Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Anne of the Lakes Church in Erieau on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11 am. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be Tom Lister, Gerry Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and Brian Sullivan. Donations to the Blenheim Food Bank or the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund would be appreciated.