Ora Winifred (Gable) McIntosh, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 17, 2009 at the Chatham Campus of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Ora was born in Blenheim 95 years ago to Lillian (Reynolds) and Charles Gable. She is predeceased by her husband Lyle McIntosh in 1990. Ora is survived by her sister Ruth Roadhouse of Blenheim and by her brother Jack Gable of Florida. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Verna Gable of Blenheim. Also surviving are nieces Anne Gammage, Janice Fletcher, Linda Karnas, Debbie Morrill and nephews John Roadhouse, Garry Gable, Ronald Gable, John Gable, Clark Gable, and Allan Camp. Ora will also be sadly missed by a special friend to the family, Eric Boekhoven. In addition to her parents, Ora is predeceased by her sister Meda Babis and her brothers Edward and Lloyd. Friends are invited to attend visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Tuesday October 20, 2009 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Ora’s life will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday October 20, 2009 at 1:30 with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Ora’s life are asked to consider either The Epilepsy Support Centre or the Blenheim United Church’s Memorial Fund.

Vera (McMillan) Rempel of Blenheim and formerly of Ridgetown, passed away Thursday October 15, 2009 in Chatham at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Vera was born 91 years ago in Highgate to her parents Annie Maude (Storey) and Jack Bowden. Vera is survived by her beloved husband David Rempel and is predeceased by her first husband Douglas McMillan (1975). Vera is survived by her daughters Jean Phillips and her husband Wray of Highgate, and Ruth Scott and her husband Bill of Blenheim. Surviving sons include Dennis Rempel and his wife Elaine, Fred Rempel and his wife Janet, Ed Rempel and his wife Ann, Bill Rempel and his wife Connie and Ken Rempel and his wife Wendy, and a son-in-law Ray Neuman. In addition to many nieces and nephews, Vera will be sadly missed by many grand children, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Vera is predeceased by a daughter Barb Neuman and by her sister Jean Bowden. Throughout her life, Vera was a faithful member of the Ridgetown United Church’s U.C.W. and she was also a life member of the Confederation Chapter of the I.O.D.E. Friends are invited to attend visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Sunday October 18, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service celebrating Vera’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday October 19, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown, will take place at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Vera’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the I.O.D.E. or a charity of your own choice.

Kenith George Shoemaker passed away on Saturday October 3, 2009 at the age of 76 years. He is the son of the late Arthur and Jessie (Pickering) Shoemaker. Kenith and Jean (Stothart) celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in May of this year. Together they raised their children Kathie Shoemaker of Windsor, Donna & Jim Unwin of Crediton, Brad & Laura Shoemaker of Red Deer Alberta, Todd & Colleen Shoemaker of Woodslee and Tracey & Bill Purdy of Blenheim. Ken is survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, his sisters Muriel & Cardy Teetzel of Highgate, Jean & Clarence Crowston of Chatham, his brother Bev & Shirley Shoemaker of Blenheim, sister in laws Marie & Bob Grant and Isabell & Dawn McAuley, Fran Stothart and Marsha Shoemaker and his brother in law Bert Stothart. He is predeceased by his sister Donna & Bob Andison, his brother Murray his granddaughter Jolene Unwin, sister in laws Nancy Stothart and Elleanore Heil and his brother in law Frank Stothart. A truck driver by trade, Kenith was happy to have been able to see so much of Canada and the United States in his travels. Visitation for Kenith will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday October 5, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday October 6, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Kenith with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimers Association.

André Boodt, was a man who saw life as a gift and no challenge was ever turned down. His grandchildren filled his life with love and laughter. He enjoyed his time taking long walks along the beach and tinkering in his workshop. André passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday September 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife Katharine, by his daughters Elizabeth & John Plat of Woodslee and Johanna Boodt of Blenheim and by his grandchildren Eric, Brian and Steven Plat and Alexa, Jordyn and Chloe Pugh. André was predeceased by his wife Mary Boodt in 1996. He is survived by his twin sister Johanna Van Berge, his sisters Jana Boodt, Vera Boodt and Nellie Boodt and his brother Pieter Boodt all of Holland. He is predeceased by his parents Marieka (Van Halen) and Pieter Boodt, his sister Marieka and his brother Kees. The Boodt family invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Thursday September 3 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for André will be held in New Scotland United Church on Friday September 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to honour André with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Association.

Agnes Prokop, beloved wife of the late George Prokop passed away on Friday August 21, 2009 at the age of 76 years. Agnes is the loving mother of Fred & Carol Prokop, Jim & Pam Prokop, David Prokop and Patti & Ron Dauphin all of Blenheim. She was blessed in life with five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Agnes is survived by her sister Mary & Charlie Remsik of Blenheim and by her brother in law Wilfred Schneider of Kamloops B.C. She is predeceased by her sister Georgina Schneider. Agnes and George owned and operated Prokop Variety & Texaco at Porky’s Corners for 21 years. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Agnes will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Monday August 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham. Friends wishing to remember Agnes with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.

Surrounded by a family who loved her dearly, Elizabeth Pfaff passed away at home on Saturday August 15, 2009. Elizabeth was born in Scotland 92 years ago to her parents Sarah & Robert Gilchrist and lived in Ridgetown for many years. She is the loving mother of Sarah & Delbert Want of Blenheim and Esther & Gary French of Thamesville and grandmother of Tracy & Lee Smith of Blenheim, Dan & Lisa Want of Blenheim, Kim & Rick Doom of Thamesville, Tammy & Eric Eskritt of Blenheim, Christene & Dennis Veenema of Dresden, Christopher & Karrie Geroux of Alberta and Jerry Pfaff of Chatham. Elizabeth is also survived by several great grandchildren and by her sister Sarah Roger of Fullerton. She is predeceased by her daughter Margaret Rose Pfaff, her son Ernest Pfaff, grandsons Tim Want, Michael Pfaff and David Pfaff, her sisters Janet and May and her brothers Robert, Peter and Bill. Elizabeth’s family invite friends and family for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday August 17, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Elizabeth will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday August 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Linda McFadden officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Elizabeth with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation.

Mr. Jack Knight Handy of Blenheim passed away on Monday July 27, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Erna Handy. Jack was born in Bounty, Saskatchewan 84 years ago to his parents Orin and Maude (Knight) Handy. Following the death of his father, his mother brought her family back to Blenheim in 1929. Jack was one of six children. He is survived by his sister Marion Trudgen and his brother Murray & Eva Handy. He is predeceased by his sister Zelma Smith as well as his brothers Clare and Keith Handy. Jack served in the Navy in World War II on a Corvet in the North Atlantic. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim and of the Naval Assembly in Chatham, a past member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Blenheim but still active in Thamesville and he and Erna are members of the Blenheim United Church. Jack was involved in the Blenheim & District Freedom Library and Museum. He made and donated a replica of the Corvet that he was on to the Museum. In 1959 Jack and his brother Murray co-founded Handy Brothers Heating & Cooling, a business that Jack retired from only 15 years ago. The Handy family invite friends and family for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday July 30 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Legion Service will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service for Jack will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday July 31, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim & District Freedom Library & Museum.

Mr. Abram Hiebert, a resident of the Blenheim Community Village passed away on Friday July 17, 2009. Abram was born in Saskatchewan 85 years ago and enjoyed a life of farming. He is survived by his wife Kathrina, by his children Abraham & Margaretha Hiebert of Wheatley, John & Neller Hiebert of Kingsville, Nelly & John Bueckert of Ridgetown, Isaak & Maria Hiebert of Mexico and George & Maria Hiebert of Mexico. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret & John Bueckert of Belize, Aganetha & Jake Bueckert of Manitoba, by his brother Johann Hiebert of Mexico as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Hiebert will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday July 19, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Blenheim E.M.M.C. Church, 428 Catherine Street on Tuesday July 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Abram with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim E.M.M.C. Church.

David Eric Cook of London and formerly of Blenheim passed away in London on Saturday July 11, 2009 at the age of 24 years. David is the much loved son of Rev. Bruce and Donna Cook of Blenheim and brother of Sarah Cook and Dawn Cook also of Blenheim. He is survived by his girlfriend Kara Hawthorne of Ridgetown and by his grandparents Erle Cook and Nina Swackhamer. David was born in Kingston but became a self proclaimed Newfoundlander after spending the first eight years of his life there. He would save his paper route money to fly back home in the summers and spend time with his family. David was known to his friends as “Newfy” and after dying his hair blue in high school he was affectionately known as “Newfy Blue”. A student of St. Anne School and later Blenheim District High School, David was full of love and life, exploring more in twenty four years than many do in their entire lifetimes. He loved music and he loved to spend time with family and friends. The Cook’s invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for David will be held at the Blenheim United Church, 49 George Street in Blenheim on Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to honour David’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church Benevolent Fund.

Surrounded by love, Marie Vandersluis passed away in the early morning hours of July 5, 2009 at her home in Blenheim. Marie was born 69 years ago to her late parents Gerald & Marjory (Pickering) Furman. She married her best friend Flip Vandersluis on March 14, 1959. Together, Marie and Flip raised six children; Rick & Cathy Vandersluis of London, Rob Vandersluis of Blenheim, Bonnie & Chris Delargy of Lavigne, Laura & David Huffman of Blenheim, Wendy & Larry Smith of Timmins and Phillip Vandersluis of Blenheim. They were blessed with eleven grandchildren; Cameron Vandersluis, Alexander Vandersluis, Ryan Delargy, Sean Delargy, Samantha Delargy, Shelby Huffman, James Huffman, Craig & Kym VanGassen, Brandon & Nikki VanGassen, Nathan Vandersluis and Nicholas Vandersluis and two great grandchildren Blake VanGassen and Jayden VanGassen. She is survived by her brothers Don & Anne Furman of Morpeth and Gord Burchiel of Chatham and was predeceased by her granddaughter Ashley Ann Marie VanGassen in 1987, her sister June Knowler in 2006, her brother Larry Furman in 2007 and by her step father Lloyl Burchiel in 1986.Marie loved cooking, canning, gardening, listening to country music and spending time with family. She loved to watch the different birds come and go in the garden. In keeping with Marie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The Vandersluis family invite friends and family to visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday July 6, 2009 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Marie will be held in Trinity Anglican Church on Tuesday July 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Fuller officiating. Friends wishing to remember Marie with a memorial donation are asked to consider Trinity Anglican Church.