Murray Gordon Grainger

Sunrise: July 11, 1935

Sunset: June 10, 2013

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Murray on June 10, 2013 at Carpenter House, Burlington. Murray was surrounded by all of his family; his wife Sally, his daughter Anne, his son Scott with his wife Glenys and his two granddaughters Katelyn and Emily Grainger.

Murray was born in Chatham on July 11, 1935 to Glenn and Winnifred (Hogarth) Grainger. He lived with his family in Burlington and Erieau for the last 45 years. He loved people and in his own selfless way Murray left the world a better place through his volunteer work, acts of kindness and by being a role model to future generations. He was a member of the Burlington Central Rotary Club earning the designation of a Paul Harris Fellow. He also volunteered at many local organizations involving seniors and young people. In his time at Erieau he was very active with the Erieau Yacht Club.

Murray was very privileged to spend his last weeks as a patient in Carpenter Hospice (God’s Waiting Room) where he and his family were treated with much love and kindness. We will never be able to thank them enough…it is truly a very special place.

In keeping with Murray’s wishes, cremation and a private ceremony have taken place. There will be a celebration of his life on July 11, 2013 at the Erieau Fire Hall. In keeping with Murray’s charitable spirit, donations to The Carpenter House – 2250 Parkway Drive, Burlington Ontario, L7P 1T1 would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Maria Elizabeth “Liz” Vandehogen passed away on Tuesday June 11, 2013 at Riverview Gardens in Chatham. Liz was born in Eindhoven Holland on December 30, 1936 to her late parents Anne (Lucassen) & Henry Wilken. On October 12, 1957 she married the love of her life Martin Adrian Vandehogen and began a wonderful journey that would last 49 years until Martin’s passing in 2007. Liz and Martin raised two sons, Ron & Brenda (Ivan) Vandehogen and Scott & Janice (Uher) Vandehogen both of Blenheim. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Brandon & Amy (Hummel) Vandehogen and their children Tessa and Stella of Blenheim, Brett Vandehogen of Windsor and Cora, Rachael and Drew Vandehogen all of Blenheim. Liz will be missed by her siblings John Wilken, Annie Gielen, Rita & Theo Burm and Conrad & Bonnie Wilken all of Chatham and by Martin’s family Nellie & Joe Venclik of Blenheim, Annie Beuglet of Chatham, Mary Vandehogen of Windsor, Adrian & Anne Vandehogen of Goderich, Joe Vandehogen of Ridgetown, Peter & Annette Vandehogen of Blenheim and Frank & Carol Vandehogen of Mitchells Bay. Predeceased by her sister Lenie Wilken and brothers in law and sisters in law Margaret Wilken, Peter Gielen, John Vandehogen and Helen Vandehogen. Liz was a very faith filled woman who recently was recognized by the Catholic Women’s League as being a 25 year member. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to the Vandehogen Family. Parish Prayers will be held at 3 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Liz will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday June 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Liz with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society.

Edith Mae (Beaubien) (Pickering) Durfy of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on June 9, 2013. Born 78 years ago to her late parents Mabel and Henri Beaubien, Edith was predeceased by her husbands Melvin Pickering in 2002 and Ken Durfy in 2004. Edith and Melvin raised four children who they were very proud of; David & Robin Pickering of Shrewsbury, Dianne Fochuk & Carl Bauslaugh of Burlington, Deb & Dan Bechard of Dealtown and Dan & Roxanne Pickering of Blenheim. She is survived by her sisters Mary Johnson of Blenheim and Lillian & Alex Mervin of Ridgetown, by her sister in law Blanche Beaubien of Blenheim, by her extended Durfy family and her special feline friend Precious. Predeceased by brothers Ed and George Beaubien. Edith will be remembered for many things; the dedication to her children, her perfectly coiffed hair, dining out and her faith in God, but maybe she will be remembered most for the lipstick kisses that she left on the cheeks of her 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who she loved so much. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Edith’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Wednesday June 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be grandsons Carl, Ryan and Al and great grandsons Justin, Travis and Brad. Friends wishing to remember Edith with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association.

Peter Calder Green, M.D., 72, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 12, 2013. A private service will be held for the immediate family. Friends and family will meet together later in the year at “the cottage” on the shores of Lake Erie to celebrate the life of this remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, friend and physician. Memorials: Friends wishing to remember Dr. Green with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent OSPCA or The Salvation Army. Peter was born March 19, 1941, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to his late parents, Dr. Andrew and Mildred Green. Peter received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Western Ontario School of Medicine (London, Ontario) in 1966. He fulfilled his internship requirements at Detroit General Hospital in Detroit, Mich., and completed a one-year residency at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. Peter dedicated his life to the field of medicine, practicing in Blenheim, Ontario, for 25 years, and in Fort Worth for 19 years. Well respected by the medical community and his patients, he was honored as one of Fort Worth’s “Top Doctors” (Fort Worth, Texas Magazine). He enjoyed traveling, reading, photography and the arts, and was an avid University of Michigan football fan. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Shirley Irwin, and brother-in-law, David Perry. Survivors: Peter will forever be remembered by his wife of 48 years, Lyn Irwin Green; children, Jason Green and wife, Cherie, Sarah Green and husband, Patrick Jacobsen; grandchildren, Rachel, Julia and Natalie Green, Ava Jacobsen; brothers, Kenneth Green and Shirley, David Green and Penny; sister, Kathleen Perry; mother-in-law, Neva Irwin; sister-in-law, Candace McCurdy and James; and their families. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME 3100 White Settlement Rd., 817-336-0584. Condolences and donations can be left at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

WIEBENGA, W. Ben passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. He was born in Holland on November 23, 1930, to Hendrick & Johanna Wiebenga and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1946 where he eventually settled in Blenheim, Ontario. Ben is survived by his sister Joan & Pete Anderson and was preceded in death by 3 of his siblings, Janet & husband Glen Ogle, Bill Wiebenga, and Grace Warwick. Ben was owner of Resistance Welding Products, Blenheim, with his partner George McLeod.
He is survived by his wife Betty (nee Spin) of 58 years and his children, Henry & his wife Sue (nee McKillop), daughters Hilda and Jodie and their husbands Ewoud Van Goch and Randy Charles. He was a beloved grandfather to grandsons: Lucas (and Katie), Mitchell, Neven & Aidan Wiebenga, Dylan & Griffin Van Goch and granddaughter Jordan Charles. Also survived by one sister-in-law, Joyce Wiebenga, brother-in-law, Gary Warwick and several nieces and nephews.
Never a man to sit still, Ben was known for his hard work whether it be at his business, home, cottage or garden. He had a keen intelligence, compassionate nature, quick wit and sense of humour. He loved to fish and was always eager to share the proceeds of his labour, whether it was his smoked fish, homemade sausages, or flowers, fruit and vegetables from his garden. He treasured the innocence of children and many in his Church and neighbourhood will miss his endless supply of candies and ice creams.
Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim to show their support to Ben’s family on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Ben will be held in First Reformed Church, 632 Lacroix Street, Chatham on Friday May 24, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held in the church from 12:00 – 1:00 prior to the service. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a memorial donation to World Vision, Leprosy Missions Canada or Christian Blind Mission. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Deanna Bokor of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with her family by her bedside on Thursday May 9, 2013. Deanna, who just celebrated her 75th birthday on May 1st was born in Pain Court to the late Doria and Felix Charron. She is predeceased by her husband John Bokor (Dec. 22, 1993). Loving mother to Kevin Bokor of Wildwood Florida with his children D.J. and Frank, Monica & Gordon Swance of Morpeth with their children Shalynn, Desiree and Brandon, and Renee & Larry Willemsen of Rondeau with their children Zachary, Joshua and Kirsten. She was one of six children and is survived by brothers Lloyd & Shirley Charron, Gene & Joanne Charron and Michael & Sharon Charron and her sister Maureen & husband Real H. Charron. She was predeceased by her brother Clifford Charron. Deanna will be missed by John’s family Frank Bokor, Cecilia Stewart, Mike & Lillian Bokor, Jim & Gail Bokor, Frances Foster, Irene & Mike McCarron, Predeceased by Rose & Rene VanTorre, Mary & Karol Istok, Joe Stewart, Charles Foster, Vera Bokor, Annie Bokor and Emilia Bokor. Deanna will be greatly missed by several nieces and nephews. Deanna trained as a Registered Nurse and while working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham she met a young man named John Bokor whom she would fall in love with and marry on April 30, 1960. John and Deanna farmed on New Scotland Line and it was there that they raised their three children; Deanna had many interests in life, the greatest being her family, followed closely by her vast collection of frogs and by John Wayne memorabilia. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday May 12, 2013 from 2 – 4pm & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Deanna’s family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Deanna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Gail Barnes passed away at home on Tuesday April 23, 2013 at the age of 73 years. Born in Chatham to her late parents Margaret (Russell) and Mackenzie Rosser, one of three siblings, Gail was predeceased by her sister Peggy Scott and is survived by her brother Bill & Teddy Rosser of Blenheim. Gail was predeceased by her husband Doug Barnes in 2010 who she shared 47 years of marriage. Gail and Doug raised two sons; Rob & Jane Barnes and Mike Barnes, both of Blenheim and they were blessed with one grandson Dylan Barnes who they loved very much. Gail is survived by her sisters in law Rose & Leroy Brackett of Chatham, Donna Meyers and Bev Barnes of Blenheim, by several nieces and nephews and by Judy Hornblower who was her travelling companion and best friend since she was five years old. Friends will remember Gail from her years of service at the CIBC in Blenheim and at Mallory Industries as well as her involvement with the Blenheim Legion, Branch 185 where she was a member and served as an Executive. In keeping with Gail’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Gail’s family. A Legion Service will be held on Friday night at 7 p.m. On Saturday April 27, 2013 a Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Friends wishing to remember Gail with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Legion Poppy Fund or VON.

After a short battle with cancer, Gerald “Jerry” Martin passed away peacefully at home in Rondeau. Beloved husband and best friend of Helen (Krause) Martin for 55 years. Dear father of Martha (Gerry) Sullivan of Erie Beach and Scott (Tracy) Martin of London. Devoted grandfather to Shaun Sullivan, Ryan Martin and Chad Martin. Predeceased by his parents Carlyle & Bertha (Goodhue) Martin, his sister Joan Morgan and nephew Steve. Dear brother-in-law to Donald & Sharon Krause, Bill & Marg Shillington, Jack & Pam Krause and Mary Ellen & Wayne Namtu. Also loved by many nieces and nephews and his aunt Catherine Holdaway of Sarnia.

Jerry’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them for a Memorial Celebration of Jerry’s life on Sunday April 28, 2013 from 2:00—4:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Commuity Golf Course.

Surrounded by the love of her family, Theresa Elizabeth (Horak) Dauphin passed away peacefully at home on Thursday April 18, 2013 at the age of 56 years. Theresa will be forever missed by her husband Randy Dauphin, her sons Derek Smyth of Chatham, Ryan Smyth and Shawn Smyth of Blenheim, Shawn Dauphin of Hull and Joshua Dauphin of Windsor. She was one of four children born to the late Mary (O’Connor) Horak and Frank & Doris Horak. She is survived by her sisters Carolyn & Russ Johnston, Mary Ann Horak & Hugh Stonehouse and her brother Francis Horak all of Blenheim. She was also the best Grandma to Maya Smyth, Stevie Dauphin, Mariah Caldwell and Tyler Dauphin and Aunt to Craig & Amanda Horak with their children Connor and Casey and Cole & Kendra Johnston. Theresa wore many hats in her life; she worked at Southwestern Regional Centre, she had her own home daycare and most recently she worked at the Blenheim Arena. She was happiest when she was around children and children were happy when they were around her. She will be missed. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday April 21, 2013 from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Monday April 22, 2013 from 11:00 – 1:00 to show their support to Theresa’s family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday at 1:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Theresa with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with deep sadness that Jan “John” Woudenberg passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday April 15, 2013 at the age of 78 years. John will be missed dearly by his loving wife Dini with whom he shared the last 56 years. John was very proud of his children who will also miss him dearly; Henrietta (Henny) & Rick Hoy and Marrianne & Jon Willis of Chatham, Janet & John Ostrander of Thamesville, John & Kathy Woudenberg and James Woudenberg of Blenheim and Rob Wever of Holland. He was the best Grandpa to Matt Woudenberg, Jason Hoy, Justin Hoy, Jessica Woudenberg, Jillian Woudenberg, Alexis Woudenberg, Kiley Woudenberg, Kaitlin Woudenberg, Kim Wever and Sharon Wever and Great-Grandpa to Nathan, Mya, Jordan, Jaylynn, Jay and Trevor. Predeceased by his great-grandchildren Jayden and Jazzlynn.
John was born in Holland, son of the late Hendrikus and Maartje Woudenberg, the brother of Jannie & Derik Bakker of Holland, Peetje Mouissie†, George & Pierrette Mouissie of Chatham, Bert† Woudenberg & Betty Woudenberg of Blenheim, Hank & Clara Woudenberg of London, Deena Chambers† & Ken Chambers of South Buxton, Marsha & Pete Sluys of Alberta, George & Joyce Woudenberg of Charing Cross, Murray & Margaret Woudenberg of Chatham and Corrie & Al Foerster of London. He will also be missed by brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews.
A man of great faith and a plasterer by trade, John also enjoyed carpentry and birds so it would come as no surprise that he would spend his quiet times creating birdhouses. Still, nothing gave him a greater sense of joy than watching the family that he and Dini raised to become the family that they are today.
Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to John’s family. On Friday April 19, 2013 a Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
John’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sultan and Dr. Iyer and the nursing staff on the 2nd floor and Medicine A, 4th floor of CKHA for the kindness and care that you have shown to both John and to us.
Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider Operation Smile.