William “Peter” Girard of Erieau passed away on Wednesday October 6, 2010. Pete was born 68 years ago to his late parents Edward “Peter” and Mary Girard and spent much of his life as a commercial fisherman. One night on a blind date at the Tilton Hilton in Erieau Pete met his lifelong partner Barbara (Smith) and they began a life together that would have reached forty years on November 10. Pete and Barb are the proud parents of Chrystal Girard of Erieau and Andy Girard who predeceased his mom and dad in his first year. Pete will be missed by his brother John Girard and by his sister Betty Ann & Larry Collins all of Erieau. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. In keeping with Pete’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim on Wednesday November 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. where Pete will be interred with his Mom. Pete was proud to be a part of Erieau. It would have been an honour to him if friends wishing to make a memorial donation would consider the Erieau Firefighter’s Association or St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Luella (Jeffrey) Ramsden at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday October 1, 2010 at the age of 79. Luella, a small woman who took up a lot of space was an influential woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Everyone knew her opinion and appreciated her quest to always understand how machinery worked. Luella was predeceased by her husband Jack in 2009 after 58 years of marriage. In their lives together they faced and overcame a number of challenges. She was an original March of Dimes mother and she ran her own successful sewing business but most importantly she enjoyed her family and was proud of her granchildren’s accomplishments. She is survived by her children Laurie (Barb), Amy Dalton, by her grandchildren Jeff Ramsden (Sandra), Emily Ramsden Stirling (Matt), Bart McClintock (Erin), Beau Dalton and Daisy Dalton as well as her great grandchildren Peyton McClintock, Kaiya Ramsden and Alexis Ramsden, her sisters Violet Glazier and Sharon Polowick (Mike), her brothers Gordon Jeffrey (Vi) and Norman Jeffrey (Charlene) as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Predeceased by her son-in-law Mike Dalton and her brothers Joseph (Mary), Ed (Esther) and David (Katie). The Ramsden family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 3, 2010 from 2 – 5 & 7 -9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Luella will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday October 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to honour Luella’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Elizabeth “Joan” Newton of Blenheim, formerly of Barrie passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Monday September 20, 2010 at the age of 74. Joan is survived by her husband Carl, by her children David Slusarchuk and Cassity Kingswell, by her step-children Doug(Nancy), Craig(A.J.) Sean(Lisa) Newton, Leesa(Dave) Woodhouse, Susan(Greg) Graham and Lynne(Kelly) Broadbent as well as her grandchildren Jocelyn, Jamie, Eric, Ben, Chad, Brittany, Michael, Cheryl Ken, Donald, Michelle, Louise, Phillip, Walter, Sean and Fran. Also survived is her companion “MAXI” (a miniature schnauzer). Joan studied Accounting in college. She also ran her own Daycare in Barrie. She loved bowling and arts/crafts and spending time with Carl at Lions Conventions until her illness made it impossible for her to attend. In keeping with Joans wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at The Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday September 22, 2010 from 1:00 pm- 2:00pm. A funeral service officiated by Rev. Curtis Marwood will be held at 2:00pm. Friends wishing to remember Joan with a memorial donation are asked to consider Cancer Research.

Gordon Burchiel passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the age of 52 years. Gordon was predeceased by his parents Jean and LLoyl “Lloyd” Burchiel and was one of five siblings including June (2006) and Wayne Knowler of Blenheim, Marie (2009) and Flip Vandersluis of Blenheim, Don & Ann Furman of Morpeth and Larry Furman (2007) and Loretta Brown. Gordon is survived by his nieces and nephews Dennis & Janet Knowler, Stephanie Lee, Dave & Elaine Knowler, Jill & John Day, April & Dave Stepniak, Scott & Janice Knowler, Brad & Andrea Knowler, Rick & Cathy Vandersluis, Bonnie & Chris Delargy, Rob Vandersluis, Wendy & Larry Smith, Phillip Vandersluis, Laura & Dave Huffman, Julie & Tom Wright, Nancy & Dave Aikens and his very good friends Candy Williston and Gerry Doey. Friends will remember Gordon working at the Rutherford Mill, Mallory’s and Thompsons in Blenheim as well as Riegling Brothers in Chatham. Cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010 when Gordon’s urn will be buried with his dad. In keeping with his love for animals, friends wishing to remember Gordon with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A. or a Food Bank.

Gerald William “Bill” Knight of Blenheim passed away on Saturday September 4, 2010; three weeks before his seventy fifth birthday. Bill is the much loved husband of Georgia (Mitchell) Knight and father of Jeffrey Knight of Cold Lake, Alberta and Gregory and Leslie Knight of Glencoe. Missing Grandpa are Michelle & Nathan Stevens, Johnathan & Beth Knight, Mitchell Knight, Keegan Knight and Kylie Knight. Bill is survived by his brothers Donald Knight of Comox, B.C., Dan Pretty & Deborah of Leamington and Ken Pretty of Chatham, his sister in law Helen Knight of Norwich as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ihrma Pearl and Russell Andrews Knight, his brothers Bob and Wayne Pretty and by his stepdad Earl Sidney Pretty. Bill, who was an electrician by trade was an avid supporter of Blenheim. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185, the Kent Lodge #274, the Royal Arch Masons #73, the Kent Preceptory No 20, the Blenheim Shrine Club, the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, the Order of Eastern Star Mecca Chapter #58 and he served on the Board of the Legion Villa. Bill was a volunteer fire fighter with the Blenheim/Harwich Fire Department, retiring after 30 years of service. Bills family will receive family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2:00- 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. immediately followed by a Masonic Lodge Service. A Funeral Service for Bill will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 7, 2010 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Terris, Legion Padre officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Regional Cancer Program.

Arnold Johannes Nooyen of Blenheim, son of the late Petronnella and Johannes Nooyen passed away on Thursday September 2, 2010. Arnold was born in Holland and shared forty six years with his true love Rikie. Together they raised three children of whom they are very proud; Dan & Liz Nooyen of Blenheim, John & Judy Nooyen of Kent Bridge and Sandra & Dean Burks of Essex. Opa, who will be missed by James, Miranda, Jennifer, Christine, Dawson, Johnny and Alexa is now taking care of Candace in heaven. Arnold was a man of great faith who loved farming, horses, playing cards with friends and golfing. He served on the Blenheim Branch Council of the St. Willibrord Credit Union, now Libro and as a Director for the Kent County Ontario Pork Producers Association. He will be fondly remembered by his sister Joanne Monden of Ridgetown and brothers Harrie & Christine Nooyen and Wim & Monique Nooyen of Ottawa and Marius & Mary Nooyen of Blenheim. Arnold was predeceased by his sister Diny Van Heesch (1998) his brother Peter (2000) and his brother in law Chris Monden. He is survived by his sister in laws and brother in laws Cathy Nooyen of Blenheim and Martin Van Heesch of Blenheim as well as Rikie’s family Hubert & Sia Kennes, Tony & Annie Jans, John & Paula Jansen, Adrian & Cathy Versteegden, Bill & Tinie Bastiaansen, Peter & June Jansen, Bill Jansen & Jenny and Dale & Mary Thorne and respected by many nieces and nephews. The Nooyen Family will receive family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Arnold will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday September 6, 2010 at 11:00 with Fr Greg Mulligan officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Arnold with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Oncology Unit.

Theunis (Dennis) Nicolai of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday August 26, 2010. Dennis was born in Holland 77 years ago and came to Canada with his parents at the age of 15. He settled in the Pembroke area where he farmed. Upon his retirement, Dennis and his wife Jean (Verhoeven), who passed away on December 11, 2009, lived in Blenheim. Dennis was the last surviving member of his family which included 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. A Funeral Service for Dennis will be held on Monday August 30, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Friends wishing to remember Dennis with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Rene Derkzen, beloved husband of Alice (Miller) Derkzen passed away with quiet courage at his home on Monday August 23, 2010 at the age of 69 years. Rene is the loving father of Tamara Derkzen & Shawn Thomson and grandfather of Olivia Derkzen Thomson of Ottawa. He will be missed by his brother Hank & Judi Derkzen his sister Dieny & Eugene Putman of Blenheim, his brother in laws Les & Fran Miller of Victoria B.C. and Ray & Dayle Miller of Baden. Rene was predeceased by his parents Herman & Maria Derkzen and by his brother in law and sister in law Kenneth & Mary Miller. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews Erik Derkzen, Dena Derkzen, Jeanette Hodgson, Nancy Green, Charlotte Miller, Jeff Miller, Shirley Hayes and Brian Miller and by many very special friends. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday August 26, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Rene with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Laura Marie (Reynolds) (Brown) Vidler of Erieau passed away in Wallaceburg on Friday August 20, 2010. Laura, who was born in Erieau 95 years ago was predeceased by her husbands Adam Brown and William Vidler. She will be fondly remembered by her daughter Judy Lamb of Erieau, her daughter in law Marg Brown of Mississauga, her brother Jack & Brenda Reynolds of Erieau, by her grandchildren Debbie Spitzer, Greg Brown, Shelley Montgomery and Matt Lamb, by her great grandchildren Josh Spitzer, Bob Brown, Dan Brown, Austin Lamb and Owen Lamb and by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son Douglas Brown, her son in law Doug Lamb, her great-grandaughter Madison and by her brothers Jack, Bryce and Doug Reynolds. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements. In keeping with Laura’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Clayton Henry Huckle passed away of natural causes at his residence on Tuesday August 17, 2010. Clayton was born in Chatham 71 years ago to his late parents John Henry and Delina Marie (Barnier) Huckle. He is survived by his wife Ovliya and by his children Bryan, Rachel, Clayton, Reubin and John Henry, by his sister Betty Horton, his brothers David & Dorothy Huckle and Roy & Shirlene Huckle as well as many nieces and nephews. Clayton was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Huckle. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends wishing to remember Clayton with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.