The family of Harland Drury is sad to announce his passing. Harley passed away July 12, 2012 at the home he was born in on January 18, 1923 at RR5 Blenheim. Harley and his late wife Jean (Embury 2006) farmed there and raised four surviving children; Christine Ryckman of RR5 Blenheim, Sue & Bob Segeren of Windsor, Terri & Lorne Fryer of RR2 Blenheim and Ken of RR5 Blenheim. Harley is also survived by his only sister Evelyn Edmonds of Ridgetown and sister in law Joan Drury of Blenheim. Predeceasing Harley are his parents George and Florence Drury, brother Leonard Drury, brother in law Glenn Edmonds and grandson Dustin Drury. Harley was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation is at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday July 17, 2012. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be grandsons Tony Segeren, Jeremy Segeren, Eric Fryer, Nick Fryer, Tyler Drury and Rob Milne. Flower bearers will include granddaughters Daffny Milne, Ann Rotschenk, Emily Segeren, Amanda Fryer, Kelsey Fryer and Lizzi Fryer. Friends wishing to remember Harley with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Association or the Cancer Society.

Bonnie Bowman (nee Rumble) passed away peacefully on July 10, 2012 with her daughter Cathy and her son Brad assisting her in her last stage of God’s journey through life. Bonnie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Sandy Bowman in 1996. Bonnie and Sandy were blessed in life with their children Cathy & Richard Sibinski of Dorchester and Brad & Janice Bowman of Sudbury as well as their grandchildren Craig VanTorre of London and Tanner Sibinski of Edmonton. Bonnie was predeceased by her only brother Ken Rumble whose wife Mary Jane and daughter Shan live in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She is survived also by Sandy’s brother Murray & Carol Bowman of Erieau, their daughters Linda, Jackie and LeeAnn and their extended families and was predeceased by Sandy’s sister Betty Bowman.

Bonnie may be remembered for her many years at Serena’s Ladies Wear in Blenheim, a position that she inherited from her mother and kept until she was 70 years old. She may be remembered for chosing to live life on her own terms; a quality sometimes misconstrued as being stubborn instead of determination to maintain her independence. And Bonnie may be remembered for her liberal views of life or her impeccable taste in fine clothing and white wine. Ultimately, Bonnie Bowman was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister in law and aunt who will be missed by all.

It was Bonnie’s wish that this time be regarded with quiet grace and dignity. To that end, cremation will take place and a graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Cathy & Richard and Brad & Janice invite friends and family to an informal gathering at Bonnie’s home, 185 Cameron Street, Blenheim on Friday July 13, 2012 between 2:00 and 7:00 to share a memory and a glass of wine. Friends wishing to remember Bonnie with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Lung Associating or the Farley Foundation www.farleyfoundation.org

Cathy and Brad would like to extend a warm thank you to the staff at Bayshore Home Health Care for their compassion in Mom’s last few days.

Martha Elizabeth Kirkpatrick (nee Jenner) of Chatham passed away on Friday June 29, 2012 at the age of 70 years. Martha met and married her best friend Donald Kirkpatrick and together they raised two children; Jill and Roy who also met and married their best friends. Jill & John Whelan of Pickering and Roy & Wendy Kirkpatrick of Chatham gave Martha her greatest source of pride and joy, her grandchildren; Riley Kirkpatrick, Emily Kirkpatrick, Colleen Whelan and Scott Whelan. She is survived by her sisters and their husbands Jean Agar & Alfred of Woodstock and Katherine & Richard Whittington of Chatham and her brother-in-law Jack Hunt of London. She is predeceased by her parents Roy & Margaret (Jackson) Jenner and by her sisters and brothers- in-law, Ruth Myers (Francis), Shirley Marlatt (Nick) and Keith Coutts. Martha was a dear sister- in- law to the late, Jean Henry (Tom), the late Margaret Hunt, the late Betty McLaren (Ernie), and the late Mary Lou Conway (Ray). Martha was respected and loved by many nieces and nephews.

Martha trained at Woodstock General Hospital and shared her compassion and caring by working as a Registered Nurse until her retirement. Friends will remember Martha through her years at Southwestern Regional Centre where she worked as a Nursing Supervisor.

In keeping with Martha’s wishes, a private family gathering took place followed by cremation. A graveside service will be held at Thanksgiving in Bracebridge, Muskoka. In keeping with her kind and caring ways, Martha’s wish would have been that in lieu of flowers or memorial donations, you give a child an extra hug. Blenheim Community Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

It is with great sadness that we share news of the sudden passing of Diana Lynn (Fell) Amlin on June 19, 2012 at the age of 67. The many treasured people in Diana’s life looked forward to sharing many more years with her. Despite Diana’s health-related struggles over the past 20+ years, she never let them define her and she stayed strong, active, and committed to life. The daughter of Jean and Bill Fell, Diana spent her formative years in St. Catharines, Regina, and Belle River. Following her marriage to Vincent Amlin, they lived in Dutton and outside West Lorne and then later on Diana lived in Ridgetown, Rodney and Blenheim. An independent spirit, Diana thrived on her work with horses and her love of animals. During a 30-year career as a Dental Assistant, she still managed to lovingly care for her horses and animals, muck stalls, put up hay, and parent her two daughters, Michelle and Niki. Her closest friends were made many years ago through her work and through her quarter horse related endeavours. Mom was blessed in the friend department – Nancy, Vicky and Judy deserve special recognition, as does her sister Debby who was a special friend and confidant. They cooked for Diana, looked after her when she was ill, kept her looking beautiful, and most importantly, shared in many wonderful times filled with loads of laughter! A music lover, Diana’s daughters have wonderful memories of her dancing around the kitchen preparing dinner to the tunes of Roy Orbison or Elvis (although she good naturedly accepted many jibes about her cooking abilities)! Diana and Vincent raised two strong daughters who have gone on to marry wonderful men and to become mothers themselves. It’s a testament to Diana that both her daughters had relationships with her not only as their mother, but as a best friend as well. She is deeply missed by Michelle Amlin and Chris Pearen who are parents to Carter and Maia and by Niki Amlin and Trevor Henry who are parents to Olivia and Chase. Diana treasured her grandchildren and was frequently seen cheering them on at hockey games and during their other endeavours. She was always urging them to be the best that they could be, to work hard in school and to enjoy life. Niki caught the horse bug as a young girl and Diana spent years hauling her around to shows, rising early and driving a big rig around the Province. Diana was an active member of the Area 1 Quarter Horse Association and recently received her 30-year recognition. Diana shared her sense of humour and zest for life with her brother Paul (Judy) Fell, sister Debby Rennie, and with her many and wonderful nieces, nephews and grandnieces/nephews. The numbers and volume at the “Fell Family Gatherings” has grown over the years and were another blessing in her life. An avid reader, Diana quickly befriended the local librarians in numerous towns and was a great source for literary suggestions. Nice weather often found her nurturing her passion for gardening. Diana also left behind her companion and dog Moxie – which adds to our sadness. Those of us who call Diana, Mom, grandma, sister, aunt or friend will be often reminded of ways in which we miss her. A friend of Michelle’s shared the following quote, which exemplifies Diana’s impact on others: “When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Diana’s family owes a great deal of gratitude to the health care providers and emergency responders that supported her (and her family) through her final hours. A special thank you to the emergency and ICU staff at Chatham Kent Health Alliance. Diana’s family and her close friends are invited to participate in a celebration of her life on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home (60 Stanley St.) – a few words will be shared at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diana’s memory can be made to the OSPCA, the Canadian Arthritis Society or to a charity of your choice.

John David Hunter of Blenheim passed away on Monday June 18, 2012 at the Blenheim Community Village. Born in Chatham 78 years ago, the son of the late Angeline (Gereaux) and Gordon Hunter, John worked as a Yardman for the CNR Railroad. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. John and his wife Alberta (Smith) would have celebrated their 59^th Wedding Anniversary in November of this year. John and Alberta’s lives were blessed with eight children; Jackie & Ron Rossignol of Newcastle, Robert & Elsie Hunter of Simcoe, John & Brenda Hunter of Delhi, Liz Patterson & Rae Donaldson of Port Hope, Gordon & Bernadette Hunter of Chatham, Raymond Hunter of Newcastle, Trish Tschetter of Blenheim and Herb & Shelly Hunter of Sarnia. They were also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. John will be missed by his brothers Don & Louise Hunter of Chatham and Edward & Noreen Hunter of Blenheim. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday June 21, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to John’s family. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday morning at 11:00 with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember John with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society or the Diabetes Association.

March 9, 1931 – June 2, 2012

Sidney Ward Jr of Blenheim passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance at the age of 81. Born in Blenheim to the late Sidney Ward Sr and Lottie (Walker) Ward. Predeceased by brothers Earl and Ray and also by his brother-in-law Byron Tole. Survived by his wife Jacqueline (Chesney) Ward, sisters Jean Tole, Leora (Clarence) Rodwell and Blanche (Frank) Burke of Blenheim, Shirley (Jim) Green of Dresden and brother John (Doris) Ward of Blenheim. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Loving father of Donna (Garry) Vandenbrink of Edmonton, Linda (Wendell) Holmes of Blenheim, Alan Ward of Edmonton and Brian Ward of McKays Corners. Also survived by Grandchildren Mark Vandenbrink, Kevin (Jenn) Vandenbrink, Ryan Vandenbrink, Sean Vandenbrink, Bradley Ward and Michael Ward all of Edmonton, Amanda (Marc) LeBlanc of Mississauga, Maureen (Rob) Kent of Blenheim and Wayne Holmes of Blenheim and Great-Grandchildren Alex, Kerrie, Justin and Dillon of Edmonton, Tyler of Mississauga and Connor, Alizabeth and Ethan of Blenheim.

Sid worked as a farmer for 18 years and then for Harwich Township. After his retirement he took up wood carving, loved to work in his gardens and have morning coffee with his little buddies.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Sid are asked to consider the Blenheim Baptist Church.

Florence Ellen Smith (Nell) of Cedar Springs passed away on Thursday May 24, 2012 at the age of 97 years. Born in England, daughter of the late Gertrude & John Heathcote, Nell is the last surviving member of her family having been predeceased by her sisters Win, Nance and Kit and by her brothers John, Bill, Fred and Joe. Nell moved from England to Canada in 1948 and then back to England in 1961. But then in 1967 she made Canada her home, living for a time in Highgate before settling in Cedar Springs. Nell was predeceased by her husband George Smith in 1984. She will be missed greatly by her sons Allen & Donna Smith of Shrewsbury and Rod & Alice Smith of Cedar Springs, by her grandchildren Robin & Susan Smith, Rod Smith, Laurel Echlin, Holly Clements and Christopher & Lynda Smith, by a number of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday May 27^th from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Nell’s family. A Funeral Service for Nell will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday May 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ed Nicol officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Nell with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer’s Society or the Arthritis Society.

Patricia (Sass) Parker (nee Cosbey) passed away peacefully at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Saturday, May 5th.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 34 years, Don Parker, and her son Richard Sass, of Erieau. She will be missed by her daughter, Rebecca Spicer of Chatham, and her son, Paul Sass, of Calgary, as well as her stepchildren, Pam & Tom Innes of Petawawa, Larry & Gloria Parker of Cedar Springs, Tim & Marg Parker of Blenheim, Don-Paul Parker of Chatham, and Dennis Parker of Erieau. She was loved by eleven grandchildren and many great grandchildren as well.

Pat served for over 30 years as a nurse in Chatham, and is survived by many fellow nurses who were wonderful lifelong friends. She was a painter and knitter who generously taught others everything she learned. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo with many special friends in Erieau, who will miss her generous spirit and kindness.

Friends and family are invited to offer their support at gatherings on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. A Funeral Service for Pat will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 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 Pat with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Paul’s Church of Erieau.

Maurice Lemoyne McGuigan of Blenheim passed away at home on Saturday May 5, 2012. Born 78 years ago to his late parents Florence (Fitzgerald) and Virgil “V.G.” McGuigan, Maurice lived a full life displaying the values of a true Christian man sharing his love, his life and his home to many. A machinist by trade, retiring just three years ago from Anbo Machine and a farmer as well, Maurice was an active member of Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim, a Past President and member of the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen, an honourary member and Past President of the Blenheim Rotary Club, having been awarded the distinction of a Paul Harris Fellow, a Past President of the Blenheim Kinsmen and a long time member of the Craford Cemetery Board. Maurice was active with youth in the community by being a leader of the Blenheim Air Cadets and a leader of the Cedar Springs Boy Scouts. At school Maurice met and fell in love with a young lady named Simone Verhoeven and on October 23, 1954 they were married. Maurice and Simone were blessed with four sons; Alan & Candy McGuigan, Robert & Adrianna McGuigan, Paul & Linda McGuigan and Patrick & Linda McGuigan. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren Amanda, Spencer, Britni, Matthew, Guy, Nicholas, Lindsay, Nathanial, Michael, Christopher, Angela and Breanne and 3 great grandchildren Brooklin, Nevaeh and Royce. Maurice is survived by his brother Robert & Tena McGuigan, his sister Helen & Ed Miller, his brother in law Remi & Ramona Verhoeven and his sister in law Mona McGuigan as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Jim McGuigan and David & Helen McGuigan. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday May 7, 2012 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 to show their support to Maurice’s family. A Funeral Service will be held for Maurice at Trinity Anglican Church, Blenheim on Tuesday May 8, 2012 at 11 a.m. with Fr. David Fuller officiating. Acting as pallbearers will be Maurice’s sons Alan, Robert, Paul and Patrick and longtime friends Bob Verscheure, Ron Sullivan, Rusty Smith and Hector Delanghe. Cremation will follow with interment in Craford Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Maurice with a memorial donation are asked to consider New Beginnings, Blenheim Rotary or Trinity Anglican Church.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Rick Steel announce his passing on Saturday April 21, 2012 at the age of 55. Rick will be forever loved and missed by his best friend and wife of 33 years, Paulette (Gervason) Steel, by their three children Adam Steel, Julia Steel and Eric & Vanessa Steel and by their beautiful new granddaughter Reagan Steel. He will live on in the hearts of his mother and stepfather Carol & Dave McVicar, his mother and father-in-law Mary and Ron Gervason, his brother Mike (Lori) Steel, his sisters Cindy Graves and Kelly (Mike) DeLong, his brother-in-law Dave (Yolanda) Gervason, his sisters-in-law Pam (Leon) Dorssers, Patti (Dave) Smith and Yvette (Paul Rivait) White, by many nieces and nephews and finally by his four-legged sidekick Maddy. Rick was predeceased by his father Garry Steel in 1999. He was a proud Toronto Maple Leafs fan and a follower of Nascar who could often be found sitting by a campfire in his backyard. Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Rick’s family on Monday April 23, 2012 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 9 p.m. A private family service will be held on Tuesday. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Rick with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A.