With profound sadness, his family announces the passing of Ward Parker, suddenly but peacefully at home after a brief illness in his sixtieth year. Ward was a loving husband to Karen Reid – life partners for more than thirty years. He is sadly missed by his daughter, Madison Reid, stepson Darrin Jacques (Jamie), and his grandchildren, Ashton and Autumn.  He was a beloved brother-in-law to Lynn Reid Barbour (Bert) and Stuart Reid (David Sereda) and an caring uncle to Ashley Burgess (Delvin), Courtney Reid (Brittany-Lee Levesque) and Nicole Reid. He is mourned especially by his “ride or die” brother, Tony Parker, as well as many siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Ward was predeceased by his father-in-law, John Reid (2003), his “mom” Carol Brown (2022), and mother-in-law, Margaret Reid (2023).

Ward enjoyed travelling the roads, resulting in a career as a truck driver with Warren Gibson Trucking for over fifteen years. He loved people, having a chat and sharing a Bud Light with anyone that happened by.  Many summer evenings were enjoyed at the race track – Ward was an active member of a pit crew for many seasons. He loved tending a roaring campfire, a swim in his backyard pool, and most of all, spending time with his many “fur babies.”

Ward treasured his childhood years, being raised by his grandparents, Jennie and Talford Jefferson. That nurturing and caring environment instilled in him the capacity to be the world’s best “Gramps” to his own grandchildren.

Ward will be sadly missed as the family barbeque king and the turkey guy at the holidays. He loved to feed everyone and he was an amazing cook. Our family celebrations will never be the same without his joyous and fun-loving spirit. Look to the open sky where the eagle flies and Ward will be there.

The family will host a celebration of Ward’s life on Saturday, October 5 at 11 am, at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim. Bring your memories, stories, or songs and pay tribute to a life well lived.  The family invites you to help others by making a donation to a charity of your choice in honour of Ward.

Marcus Maxwell Coates passed away on Wednesday August 21, 2024 following a tragic accident that took place on the land where he lived and loved so much.  Marc married the love of his life Tanya (Dobbie).  When they were blessed with their daughter Cheyenne, his life was complete.  He lived and breathed for his girls and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do to make them smile.

Along with Tanya and Cheyenne, Marc will be missed by his mother Geri Coates, his sister Crystal Sheppy (Dan) and their daughter Sydney, his life long friend Ben Coll and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marc is in heaven now with his dad Ken Coates who passed away just fourteen months ago.  They are both greatly missed.

He is also predeceased by his grandparents Jean & George Verstraete and Doris & Max Coates.

We will celebrate Marc’s short but wonderfully lived life at a later date.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Arthur David Breward of Blenheim ON announces his passing on August 8, 2024 at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of his family, on the fifth anniversary of his wife’s death.

Beloved husband of the late Bianca (August 8, 2019).

Treasured father of Lynda (John) Miller, the late Alan (Feb, 2019), Michael (Katherine) and Owen.

Cherished grandfather to Michael (Samantha), Katy, Bianca (Steven Harismowich) and Natasha (Sean) Elliott and Great Grandad to Sophia, Charlie, Chase, Sawyer, Willow, Lucy and ?

Predeceased by parents Arthur (1950) & Florence (2001) and sister Madge (2006).

David was accepted to University of Birmingham Medical School in 1948, following in the footsteps of his much loved older sister.  After graduating from medical school he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for four years, achieving the rank of Captain.  Although he was based for most of his time in the RAMC in Munster, West Germany, he served many British regiments throughout Germany as their medical officer, even having a call out once to the Soviet Embassy.

He emigrated to Canada in 1967 with his wife and three children, having a final (and in his words “true Canadian”) child three years later.  His career as an Anesthetist/Anesthesiologist in West Germany, England and Canada spanned more than sixty-four years eventually retiring at the age of 88 in January 2019.

When not working, he loved spending every moment with his family, as they all equally loved spending time with him.  Without complaint he spent endless hours on the ski slopes, as the designated boat driver while all of his children had a turn on waterskis and leading canoe trips into Algonquin Park.  He always made the time to listen to all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether that be at sporting events or performances or even just advising on various medical issues that any of them had.

Putting education above all else, he never hesitated giving his children the best education possible.  A lifetime gardener, he was also a voracious reader, consumer of knowledge and an avid storyteller.  All of his children and grandchildren were left in awe as he described his childhood years growing up during the Great Depression and in war-torn Britain during World War Two.

While we lost our Dad, many lost a friend and loved one.  He has been a rock and guiding light to many, a master of humour and loved watching Britcoms, comedy shows and classic war movies.

There was so much more to him than just Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad, though to us, that was his greatest role.

As Ernest Hemingway wrote:  “When my old man grinned, nobody could help but grin too.”

We love you Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Dudley Gerald Sparks passed away on July 26th at the age of 93 years. Much loved husband of 71 years to Shirley (Seney) Sparks. Dudley attended Blenheim High School. He was a past member of Merlin Kinsmen, Past Noble Grand of Merlin 100F Lodge, a member of the Charing Cross United Church and a long time member of Merlin Legion where he enjoyed the Dart and Euchre Leagues. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his hunting trips to Northern Ontario with his hunting buddies. He was a Blue Jays and Leafs fan. Dudley was a member of The Boosum Beauties where as “Darling, Debbie”, he played first base for the team to raise funds for charities. He loved to tease everyone, especially his grandchildren. Dudley was the son of the late Burvil and Viola (English) Sparks. He is survived by his daughters, Lori (Bill) Thompson and Lisa Sparks, his grandchildren, Aaron (Nadia), Lauren (Chris), Adam, Kendra (Jake), Shannon (Matt), Lisa-Ray (Anthony) and Dakota (Ryan). He was Poppy to his great-grandchildren, Koen, William, Marlee, Maddox, Miles, Luca, Maverick, Nora, Layla-Rae and Beatrix. Also survived by daughter-in-law Janice Vince and son-in-law Paul Deneve, his sister Audrey (Orville) and in-laws Diana (Jim), Jim (Late Nancy), Bev (Lynda) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased parent to his son Danny, great grandson Andrew and his in-laws Alena and Harry Seney. Dudley was a well known builder and Craftsman who built many beautiful homes in Chatham-Kent with his father Burvil, later with his son Danny and friend Cyril.  Dudley had a lot of one liners… “Keep your stick on the ice and the puck toward the net”.  Or when saying goodbye, he would say “Be good.  If you can’t be good, be careful. If you can’t be careful, don’t name it after me.”  We will all miss him and his wonderful sense of humor.  He was an amazing, talented man.

Goodbye my love.

Visitation for Dudley will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday August 11, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  A Celebration of his life will take place at the Merlin Legion on September 29, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Oakland Martin McColl Shillington was born sleeping July 27 2024 at 1:24pm at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Although our time to physically hold him close to us was short, Oakland left tiny footprints in our hearts that will never disappear. From day one he was loved beyond measures by his parents Tayler Stewart and Jordan Shillington. His siblings Malakia, Rowan and Skylah-Mae were anxiously waiting to teach him how to ride a bike, play catch and catch turtles. Oakland’s siblings loved him incredibly! He will be missed by his grandparents Tracey Shillington, Jim Shillington and spouse( Corrine Summerfield ), Harley King, Kimberly Everitt, Cari and Great Aunt Jess. Great grandparents Sharon King, Shirley and the late Erl Rayment (2007), Grandparents Jack and Elaine Shillington, and Grandmother the late Michline Lemay (2023), Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and family friends! A small private service will be conducted on Thursday at Blenheim Community Funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Children’s Health Foundation at https://childhealth.ca/donation/ or PAIL network https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/PAIL

Nettie Apthorp of Blenheim passed away surrounded by the love of her family at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday July 29, 2024.  Born in Fargo 83 years ago to the late Mildred & William Tye, she married the love of her life Dan Apthorp on April 4, 1964 and began a journey that would span over 60 years.  Together they raised three children; Mike Apthorp (Lisa), Lori Jones (Ron) and Jason Apthorp (Rachel).  Their blessings grew with the addition of three grandchildren Megan, Cassie (Cameron) and Ronni Jones.  Nettie will be missed by her sisters Dona Holling (Bill) and Joyce Clark (John), her sister-in-law Mary Lou Tye (late Jim) and by her chosen daughter Heather.   She will also be missed by Ken Apthorp, Wendy Apthorp and many nieces and nephews.

Nettie was a kind and wonderful lady who was cherished and loved by all.  She will be remembered fondly by all her family and friends for her gift of hospitality, always sending cards or just checking in with a phone call to let you know he had been thinking about you.  She was a lady who put others before herself.

Nettie could be found frequently sharing in her ministry by serving, not only with her church family, but also the community.  You would typically find her in the church kitchen, helping to prepare meals or luncheons for a variety of different functions.  As well, you could find her at home in her own kitchen preparing pies, cookies or even simple chocolates for Christmas.  Nettie was a lady who loved to bake and share with all.  If she wasn’t found in the kitchen at church, you could always find her in the lobby, welcoming all her church friends and family on Sunday mornings.

Nettie’s love for young children was evident through the many years she spent teaching Sunday School and caring for infants in the nursery.  She also took care of children in her own home for various families throughout Blenheim.  If she wasn’t at home or church, you could find Nettie at the Blenheim Community Senior Center doing whatever was needed of her.

If you had the chance to know Nettie, you would have understood that her life was fulfilled by serving her friends and family, just as Jesus Christ had shown her through his own examples during his time here on earth.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m. A funeral service for Nettie will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Friday August 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (visitation will take place from 10 – 11 a.m.)   Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Nettie with a memorial donation are asked to consider Glad Tidings Community Church.

Shirley Louise Smith passed away peacefully at Streamway Villa, Cobourg on Friday July 26, 2024 in her 94^th year.  She was a loving aunt and great aunt.  She was predeceased by her parents Vernon and Mary Smith as well as her brother Clare Smith.  A graveside service for Shirley, her brother Clare and her sister in law Elva will be held in Evergreen Cemetery on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

Surrounded by his wife Helen and family, Harold Moir passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 23^rd in his 81^st year.

He will be reunited with his parents Harold George Moir & Jean Somerville (John McLean) and his siblings Michael Moir (Darlene), Sandra Caughy and Darrell McLean.  He is cherished by his surviving siblings Lillian Emmerson (Ken), Deb Kuhn (Joe), Barb Durk (Steve), Hughie Moir (Jill) and Marie Landry (Ed).

Harold was the cherished father of Ricky Moir (Arlene), Kelly Dixon (Frank), Randy Moir (Lisa), Tammy Moir (Shawn) and Cindy Fisher-Moir, and “Papa” to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He enjoyed a very fulfilling career as a Millwright (Local 1244), had a huge passion for antique cars, car shows and 50’s – 60’s music.  He loved watching Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs games.

It was Harold’s wish that his family remember him privately.

It is with great sadness we announce the very sudden and tragic passing of Jessica Stoehr.

Loving mother of Elena Stoehr-Yeo.  Loving sister of Melissa Stoehr and Jordan Zimmerman.  Loving aunt of Ryker Stoehr.  Loving daughter of the late Tawnya Stoehr-Stevens.  Granddaughter of Albert and Joanne Brown, the late Wayne Stoehr and Debra Stoehr.  Loving niece of Trina Hrdlicka, Scott Brown, Brian and Tammy Brown aw well as many other distant aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jessica passed away suddenly in a motor vehicle accident in Valley View, Alberta, just months after her thirtieth birthday.  Jessica always had the biggest, most contagious smile on her face!  She was an amazing mother and friend.  Jessica also loved her daughter more than anything in this world!  No matter what Jessica was going through or faced, Elena was always the first thought in her mind and she loved her unconditionally.  Jessica also loved her kitty cats and they always brought her comfort when she was sad.

Jessica loved being anywhere near the beach or any running water as it brought her peace and tranquility.  She was also an avid gamer and could be found playing video games in her free time, as well as spending time with friends and family.  Jessica spent the last seven years living in Alberta, but was born in London, Ontario.  We all know Jessica as being a very loving but stubborn lady who always had your back and could definitely make you laugh.

Cremation has taken place.  Jessica’s family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in the very near future which will be posted on Facebook through her sisters, with interment to follow at a later date.

If friends would like to make a donation in Jessica Stoehr’s memory, a Go Fund Me account has been created and is located on the go fund me website under her name.

May she rest in the sweetest peace.