Gerald Ross Pickering of Blenheim passed away on Monday June 13, 2011. Gerald was born 74 years ago to his late parents Carl and Jessie (Jackson) Pickering. He is the last surviving member of his family being predeceased by his brothers Glen & Barb Pickering, Elmer & Jean Pickering, Melvin Pickering, Norman & Jacqeline Pickering and Ray Pickering. Gerald is survived by his sister in law Edith Pickering Durfy of Blenheim and by many nieces and nephews. Friends will remember Gerald from his many years of working at International Harvester in Chatham, his love of bowling and for his daily treks to the Blenheim Family Café. Friends and family will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Gerald will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday June 17, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Gerald with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Surrounded by his family, Donald Leslie Parker passed away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Monday June 13, 2011 at the age of 86 years. A proud veteran of the Navy, having served in WWII, Don started his working life as a fisherman in Erieau and sailed on the Alexander Leslie but spent most of his career touring through Ontario working as a Hoist Engineer for Birmingham Construction. Donald is survived by his wife of 32 years Patricia Parker. He was predeceased by his first wife Mildred “Mickey” Parker in 1975 and by his infant son Ricky Gordon Parker. He will be missed by his children Pam & Tom Innes of Petawawa, Larry & Gloria Parker of Cedar Springs, Tim & Marg Parker of Blenheim, Don-Paul Parker of Chatham, Dennis Parker of St. Charles and by his step children Rebecca Spicer of Chatham and Paul Sass of Calgary, Alberta. Don is survived by his sister Jean & George Verstraete of Blenheim and his brothers Gordon & Evelyn Parker of Chatham, Bob & Alice Parker of Erieau, Bill & Mary Parker of Blenheim and by his sisters in law Helen Parker and Audrey Parker of Erieau. He was predeceased by his sisters Dorothy Bond, Bessie Turner and Hazel Tanner, his brothers Harold “Boots” Parker and Jack “JB” Parker, sister in law Irene Parker and step son Richard Sass. Donald was also blessed with eleven grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to offer their support at gatherings on Wednesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. A Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service for Don will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday June 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Fuller of St. Paul’s Anglican Church officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family graveside service at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with the greatest of sadness that Nastasha (Calhoun) and Wade Wheeler, along with big brother Brennan and big sister Ava announce the passing of Ryan Wheeler who was born still on Tuesday May 31, 2011. Looking forward to Ryan’s arrival were his grandparents Marion Smith, Greg Calhoun and Nata & Ernie Wheeler, Oma Nellie Voets, Aunts Terra Calhoun, Dawn & Paul Galton, Johanna & Rick Wightman, Ellie & Steve Voets-Sterling and Angeline & Troy Humber and Uncle Sean & Kiley Calhoun, Greg & Tove Calhoun, Patrick Calhoun and Marco & Heather Voets as well as many cousins. Ryan was predeceased by his Opa Harrie Voets on April 7, 2011. A private family service was held on Friday June 3, 2011 with Fr. Greg Mulligan officiating. Ryan was laid to rest with his Opa Harrie in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

We will love you forever, Ryan.

Mommy , Daddy, Brennan and Ava

XXXOOO

It is with heavy hearts we announce his passing on Sunday May 29, 2011 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

James Michael Kenneth Laurie surrounded by the love of his family passed away days following his 47th birthday. Proud and devoted Dad of Tyler Laurie and loyal companion Nugget. Beloved son of Jim and JoAnn Laurie (nee Embury). Loving big brother of Jen and her husband Michael Bush. Predeceased by his grandparents Ken and Evelyn Embury and Mike and Marjorie Laurie. Survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. A very special and caring friend to many. Friends and family will be received from 6 to 9 pm Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim, 519-676-9200. Cremation to follow. Private family service will be held with interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Following our Mike’s love for animals donations may be made to the Humane Society.

“Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky”

On Friday May 20, 2011 Ted Woodard of Chatham passed away at the age of 44 years. Ted, who is the much loved husband of Penny Jenkins was born in the Nobel Carling area near Parry Sound to his parents Audrey (Rand) and the late Donald Woodard. He was one of three siblings being survived by his sister Linda Woodard & Erinne Ritchie and his brother Bill Woodard & Chris Peyton both of Parry Sound. Eventually Ted moved to a hamlet near Blenheim that he would affectionately refer to as “Fargoville” and became a first time dad to his son Isaac Edward Donald Woodard who lives in Blenheim with his mom Karen Stonehouse. Ted loved being a dad. His own dad passed away when he was six years old leaving him with an empathetic nature that would make him the best dad and role model that he could be. Ted made every moment with Isaac count. When their favourite song “Watching You” came on the radio, one of their hands would inevitably slip into the others forming a bond never to be replaced. Ted is also survived by his son Raymond Roubos and by his daughter April Roubos of Chatham who affectionately referred to him as “Taddy” or as her “Study Buddy”. Uncle Ted will be missed by Kyle Woodard, Christopher and Matthew Jenkins and Aimee, Olivia, Morgan, Brady, Abby and Brett Stonehouse. He is survived by his brother & sister in law Chris & Sally Jenkins of Chatham, his Uncle Frank Woodard of Mission B.C. and his mother and father in law Patricia Marie & Bill Jenkins of Chatham.

Ted was an adventurous outdoorsman who understood the value of laughter and the element of surprise. His presence in a room was known. Through his keen eye and passion for photography, Ted was able to fill in the spots of life that eluded others. He was proud to be a licensed carpenter working for The Windsor Local 494, carrying the nickname “Teddy Two Boots”. Ted worked on projects such as the Capitol Theatre, the Thames Campus Arena, the Wind Turbine and Solar Panel projects, and the Windsor Casino.

On April 29, 2005 at the Masonic Hall in Blenheim, a young girl stepped on the boots of a young wannabe cowboy and it was then that Ted Woodard & Penny Jenkins fell in love. Six years later on that same date Ted was admitted to Victoria Hospital in London to be treated for a rare condition. On May 20, 2011, surrounded by those who loved him and with his little buckaroo Isaac rubbing his dad’s forehead, Ted passed away. As his friend Andy says “a legend lives forever”.

Friends and family are invited for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday May 25 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Ted will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday May 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Nobel Carling near Parry sound at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Ted with a memorial donation are asked to consider a trust fund that will be set up for Isaac.

Sometimes it is the smallest things that take up the most room in our hearts. On April 5, 2011 we welcomed our son Sylar Ray Peter Chandler into our lives, not knowing that one month and one day later, on May 6, 2011 we would say goodbye. Sylar was a fighter and has forever left footprints in the hearts of his Mom and Dad; Tiffany Jauniaux and Wes Chandler. He was very much loved by his grandparents Maureen & Pete Jauniaux and Uncles Tyler, Tyson and Trevor Jauniaux of Wallaceburg, grandparents Aimee & Tim Dauphin and Aunt Jacqueline Chandler of Erieau and grandparents Brian & Deborah Chandler of Chatham as well as his great grandparents Bernice & Raymond Chandler and Gail Jauniaux. Predeceased by great grandparents Peter Jauniaux and Bernida & Gerald Sterling. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday May 9, 2011. Sylar will be laid to rest in Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg with his great grandparents Bernida & Gerald.

Lloyd “Brock” Bussey of Blenheim and formerly of Port Dover passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday April 27, 2010 at the age of 70. Brock was born August 25, 1940 in Simcoe, the first child of the late Lloyd and Edna (Seymour) Bussey. It was in that town where he would meet his soul mate Ina (Armstrong) and began a journey that would last over forty-two years. Brock and Ina raised three children; Michael Bussey & Lisa Dunn of Calgary, Diane Bussey & Carol Mansley of Simcoe and Kerry & Will Foster of Blenheim. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Michael (Brittney), Sarah, Seth (Megan), Liam and Grace as well as two great-grandchildren Morgan and Sydney all of whom affectionately referred to Brock as their “Poppi”. Brock is also survived by his siblings Margaret Want of London, Richard & Sue Bussey of Blenheim, Doreen & Harold Staib of Simcoe, Diane Bussey of Simcoe and Judy Underhill of Simcoe as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Marion Rutter. As a young man in Simcoe, Brock was a Scout Master and worked at J.B. Jackson’s. With his move to Port Dover, “Chocolate Brocklate” was employed as a chef at the Erie Beach Hotel where he worked for over thirty years. A man of few words (“Kuala Lupur er, er, ER!”) but a keen sense of humour, Brock will be remembered for the love he had for his family, ice cream, his crossword books and a refined preference for certain brands of beer. Respecting Brock’s wishes cremation is to be followed by a Memorial Service to be held in Port Dover at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Brock with a memorial donation are asked to consider Scouts Canada or the Alzheimer Society.

Surrounded by our love and in the comfort of his own home, our husband, father and Opa Harrie Voets passed away on Thursday April 7, 2011. Henricus Franciscus Voets, who later adopted the name “Harrie” was born in Holland on November 24, 1932. He is one of seven children, being survived by his sisters Net van den Akker and Jans van Rijzingen. He was predeceased by Toos, Tina, Theo and Jan.

While Harrie was still in Holland, he married his one true love Nellie in 1959 and determined to follow his dream he moved his family to Canada in 1968. He found work at a pig farm but had to leave because of a lung condition. He worked at Thomas and Dorssers building silos but after a fall which left him paraplegic he couldn’t return. That didn’t stop Harrie…in between giving talks of encouragement to others at University Hospital and nurturing his passion of woodworking; Harrie finished his career at Peeters Mushroom Farm.

Harrie was an inspiration to us, his children Johanna & Rick Wightman of Blenheim, Marion Smith & Steve Cutler of Blenheim, Ellie & Steve Voets-Sterling of Blenheim, Marco & Heather Voets of Blenheim and, Angeline & Troy Humber of Belle River as well as to his grandchildren Jeremy, Tawnya, Gregory, Nastasha, Sean, Terra, Bryce, Zoe, Cassandra, Mikayla, Joey, Wesley, Bailey, Caitlyn and Savannah and to his great grandchildren Tyler, Brennan and Ava. Our promise to him is that his memory will live on in the great grandchild who we will know soon. Predeceased by his daughter in law Katherine Voets-Keating in 2005.

It is said that a father is his daughter’s first love and his son’s first hero. Our Dad was that. When you hear the word Superhero, you might think of a tall man with a loud voice, flying through the air. Our Superhero was not tall. His voice was soft and it echoed words of wisdom and encouragement to us which made us who we are. And our Superhero walked with two crutches. He overcame many challenges and always came out a stronger man. But over the past few weeks our Dad’s fight was to find rest, and that he has. Rest well, dear Superhero…rest well.

Please join us for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday April 10, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Harrie will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Monday April 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Harrie with a memorial donation are asked to support his family’s team ”Outrageously Orange” as they walk for cancer at the Blenheim Relay for Life. Luminaries supporting the team may be arranged at the Funeral Home.

It’s so hard to say goodbye without being able to say hello. In the early morning hours of March 27, 2011 our daughter Carlin Leslie Travene arrived into our world. And although Carlin could not stay, she will always be with us. She was loved and will be missed by her grandparents Janet & Mike Pilon of Rondeau, Marilee Travene of Rondeau and Andy Travene of Charing Cross, her Aunts Madison Pilon and Jennifer Travene, her uncles Fysher Pilon and Justin Travene, her cousin Ava Travene and her great grandmother Shirley Pilon. Caring for our baby Carlin in Heaven are her great grandparents Carl & Bonnie Atkins, Eileen & Andrew Travene, Leslie & Georgina Lewis and Charles “Sonny” Pilon. We will have a private family graveside service for Carlin. We are very grateful for all the heartfelt compassion and assistance of long time family friends Marc & Gail Eskritt, Shawn & Kelly Schleihauf, Jessica Fritz and the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital in London and would appreciate any memorial donations to be directed to that Foundation.

MacKenzie Pilon and Ryan Travene

Mary Anne (Ford) Brooks passed away on Monday March 14, 2011 just three days before her 67^th birthday. Mary Ann was the eldest of three daughters born to their late parents Tom and Marion (Attridge) Ford. As a child her family lived above the Ford Funeral Home which was located on Talbot Street. Later she would follow her father’s footsteps and work for a number of years at Southwestern Regional Centre where she became an Assistant Supervisor. During that time she raised her daughters Lisa & Bernie Howard of Blenheim and Michele and Brad Thompson of Saskatoon. In 1988 Mary Anne left Southwestern Centre and joined the staff at McIntyre I.D.A. In her spare time she enjoyed her grandchildren Zach, Evan and Darien Howard of Blenheim and Brooke, Torri, Brady and Katie Thompson of Saskatoon, she enjoyed that special bond that only sisters can share with Peggy & Bob Knott and Linda & Tom McNear of Blenheim and she enjoyed golfing. She will also be missed by her dear friend Chris Rumble and by her loving companion, Chynna. It was Mary Anne’s wish that cremation be followed by a private graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her parents. Friends wishing to remember Mary Anne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Relay For Life through the Cancer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.