Clayton Alexander Mervin of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Monday May 26, 2014 at the age of 84 years. He will be missed by his wife Gloria (Speed) Mervin, his step-daughters Carol Korpela of Calgary and Sally Mandeno of Chatham, by his sister Marie Inchley of Sarnia, his brother Alex & Lillian Mervin of Ridgetown and by several nieces and nephews. Clayt was predeceased by his sister Marg Trudeau, his brother and sister-in-law Bob & Jean Mervin and by his first wife Nellie (Stover) Mervin. Clayt was born at Rushton’s Corners, son of the late Otis and Ellen (Clayton) Mervin. He was a crane operator by trade and worked for Huron Construction and Maurice Doyle. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim where he held the position of Past President. He was also the Past President of the Blenheim Seniors Centre. In his past time he enjoyed woodworking, craft shows and reminiscing about his years of operating cranes. It was Clayts wish that cremation take place and a Memorial Service would be held at a later date (to be announced). Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Clayt with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Friends wishing to send a card to Gloria may address it to:

Gloria Mervin

c/o Riverview Gardens,

519 King Street West,

Chatham ON N7M 1G8

Douglas Neil (Doug) Hope of Blenheim died peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Friday May 2, 2014 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance at the age of 74. Doug was born 8 May 1939 to Tom and Elizabeth Hope and was raised with 8 other siblings. Doug and Jane (Ford) raised two boys Chris who married Leanne of Winnipeg and Scott who married Laura of Blenheim. He was very proud of his five grandsons, Brett, Brenden, Kyle, Shawn and Jeremy. Doug worked for the Bank of Montreal after high school. He then worked for W.G. Thompson and Sons for 39 years as a Bean Broker. Doug had the opportunity to travel the world in his duties at Thompsons. Doug was the President of the Blenheim Golf Course where he was a life member. He was the Treasurer of the Blenheim Curling Club and he also was involved with the Kinsman Club of Blenheim where he also was the President. Doug enjoyed golfing, curling, snowmobiling and being around friends and family. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life which be held at the Blenheim and Community Golf Club on Tuesday May 6, 2014. Doug’s family will receive visitors from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. when a short service will take place followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice, the Canadian Cancer Society or Charity of Choice.

Nancy Kelly-Smith of McKays Corners passed away on Wednesday April 30, 2014 at the age of 64 years. She will be missed by her husband Gary, her children, grandchildren and sisters. At Nancy’s request, her funeral arrangements will remain private.

Elaine Cowley, a resident of Riverview Gardens and Blenheim passed away on Wednesday April 30, 2014 at the age of 63 years. Elaine is the much loved wife of Max Cowley of Blenheim and will be missed greatly by her children Jennifer & Jeff Couture of Grande Pointe and Michael & Sarah Cowley of Chatham, by her grandchildren Jeremy, Jordan, Seth, Hunter and Emma and by her sister Peggy & Jack Groot of Ridgetown. She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Kathryn (Broadwood) Meehan. Elaine enjoyed and was well known for her ability to sew, having received many awards for her sewing displays at the Ridgetown Fair. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held on Saturday May 3, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Elaine with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinson’s Society.

Dorothy Jean (Cox) Brinkman passed away on Saturday April 26, 2014 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Dorothy was born in Erieau 81 years ago, one of four children to the late Dorothy Ethel (Hollewel) and Norman Livingston Cox, being predeceased by Evelyn & Gordon Parker, Jim & Greta Cox and Margaret Cox. On March 25, 2014 Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Bill Brinkman who she had been married to for over 55 years. Dorothy will be missed greatly by their son Jeffrey, his wife Debbie and their daughter Abbie. She will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews. In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A reception to celebrate the lives of both Dorothy and Bill will be announced and held at a later date.

William “Bill” Buxton of Brantford passed away in Brantford on April 23, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born 57 years ago to his parents Ann & the late John Buxton. While in High School he met his best friend Darlene Hyatt and on September 10, 1976 they began a journey that spanned over 37 years. Bill and Darlene raised two daughters, Marsha & Jerry Fisher who live in Niagara Falls and Amy Buxton & Roy Stevens who live in Brantford. He was also the very proud grandfather of Olivia, Grace and Hailey and was looking forward to the birth of his first grandson Isaac in May. Bill was a welder by trade and was a friend to all. He enjoyed camping, fishing and backyard barbeques and a trip to Graceland, but above all he loved his family. He was one of 8 children and is survived by Millie VanderNaalt (late Harry), Jackie Ross, John & Angie Buxton, his twin sister Kandy & Rick Osborne, Jerry & Cindy Buxton, Sherry & Tom Driver and Sally & Brad Caron. He will also be missed by his sisters and brothers in law Pat & Eugene Hinz, Saundra & Mike Maynard, Charlene Eskritt (late Ron), Royce & Karri Hyatt and Claire Hyatt (late Blake). He was the much loved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday April 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Brantford General Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

There is profound sadness in sharing that our child, who gave us such joy, made us so proud, and who taught us unconditional love was born still on Sunday April 20, 2014. Our deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Jackie Wolting, Dr. Martha Clendenning, Dr. Neerja Sharma and Megan Soloy-Theil N.D. for their kindness and guidance on our journey. A special thank-you to the caring staff of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their compassion and assistance over the past few days. We thank our family and friends and community for their support and sympathy, and take comfort in knowing that our baby knew and felt love and joy.
Sincerely,
Julie Zaylor and Paul Warriner

Douglas Maxwell Pickering of Blenheim passed away on Monday April 14, 2014 at the age of 72 years. Doug was the son of the late Joe & Clara (Comboye) Pickering. He had a great sense of humour and a charismatic personality. Friends will remember him from his working days at Turners in Blenheim and the Deer Run Golf Course. On May 22, 1968 he married the love of his life Goldie (Hull) and together they raised their daughter Melissa Pickering of London and welcomed their son-in-law Damian McKinlay into the family in 2007. Doug was predeceased by his only brother Jim in 2012. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Shirley Hull and Bonnie Hull of Garson, Pat McCallum of Dutton, Sheila Lyons of London and Norma Pickering of Blenheim and by his brothers-in-law Geroge Hull and Raymond Hull of Dutton and Arnold Hull (Eileen) of London as well as several nieces and nephews. It was Doug’s wish that this stage of his life be quiet and dignified. Cremation has taken place. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Doug with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Robarts Research Institute in London.

Diann Blonde of Blenheim, much loved wife of Dennis Blonde passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday April 12, 2014. Diann was born in Chatham 48 years ago to her late parents Charles and Lois (Hopper) Rumble and spent her childhood growing up in the Highgate/Ridgetown areas. She will be missed greatly by her sons Larry Wood and Richard Wood both of Barrie, by her sister Robbin Smolders of Blenheim, her brothers Richard & Greta Rumble of Alcona Beach, Wayne Rumble of Blenheim, Brian Rumble of Ridgetown and Grant & Linda Rumble of Lucknow as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Brenda Osborne and by her nephew Darren Smolders. Diann will also be missed by Dennis’ parents Michael & Mary Blonde of Shrewsbury, by his sisters Catherine & James Ellis of Midland, Jane & Robert Westhouse of Saskatoon, SK and by his brother Timothy and Susan Blonde of Blenheim. Diann had a soft spot for children and was employed as a High Needs Itinerant for the Board of Education. She also loved dogs. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday April 17, 2014 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 to show their support to Diann’s family. A private family interment will take place at a later date when Diann’s urn will be laid to rest with her mother in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Diann with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (Autism Program).

Shirley Leona Brown of Blenheim passed away on Monday April 7, 2014 at the age of 82 years. Shirley was born in Egermont Township, one of thirteen children to her late parents Emma & Albert Rae. She spent her childhood in the Mount Forest area where most of her surviving siblings still reside. It was there that she met her husband, Rev. Lloyd Brown. When Lloyd was ordained, Shirley resigned her secretarial position and took on the role of a “minister’s wife”. They jointly served in their many parish charges which included Radville, SK., Brussels, ON, St. Thomas, Montreal, Kitchener, Brantford, Hamilton, Wheatley, London and Belmont. When they retired to Blenheim, they continued to assist in parishes including Merlin, Fletcher, St. Paul’s, St. Johns and Zion. Throughout their many charges, Shirley’s main focus in life was her family including her daughters Shirley Anne & Jim Barth of Waterloo, Pam & Jim Prokop of Blenheim, Winston & the late Janet Brown of California and Tim & Heather Brown of Paris ON. Shirley was blessed with grandchildren Carolyn & her husband Adam, Katherine Barth, Sherri & her husband Rob, Michael Prokop, Daniel, Victoria, Stephen, David Brown, Christopher and Nicole Brown. In keeping with Shirley’s devotion to her family, it was her wish that a private family service would take place. Her family will gather together at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday April 9, 2014 to celebrate her life. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Diabetes Associations or the charity of your choice.