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.

Nyhl Berna Faussett of Ridgetown and formerly Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and London passed away at the Village Retirement Residence on Friday July 3, 2009. Nyhl was born in Ottawa eighty one years ago to her late parents George Elmore and Edith Myrtle (Young) Glossop. She and her husband Frederick Earl Faussett (November 20, 1982) moved to Ridgetown forty three years ago and raised their children Peter (Ridgetown), James (Durham, North Carolina) and David (September 14, 1976). She was mother-in-law to Linda MacDougall (Peter) and Cathy Faussett (James) and proud Grandmother of Jamie, Nicholas, Rachel, Matthew and Cooper Faussett. Nyhl is predeceased by her sisters Audrey Lois Glossop and Mavis Leona Teraschuk.She was an avid reader and held degrees in History and Education. She shared her knowledge with many through her time as a school teacher. Thirty eight years ago when Nyhl and Fred moved their family to Ridgetown, Nyhl worked beside Fred in their law firm “Stirling and Faussett”. Although her intent was to help out only for a couple of hours, Nyhl stayed for twenty five years; a career that she said was “the longest afternoon of my life”.

Friends will remember Nyhl for her grace, her caring nature, and her wonderful dry sense of humor. An avid reader, she had a great love for language, culture and theatre, and was a long time patron of The Grand Theatre in London and The Stratford Festival. She was also a member of the Ridgetown I.O.D.E. and a 30 year volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society.

In respect of Nyhl’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no Funeral Service. Family would welcome words of remembrance to Box 1033 Ridgetown N0P 2C0

Friends wishing to honour Nyhl’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or The Canadian Cancer Society.

Mrs. Stella (Dolata) Sibinski of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday June 28, 2009. Stella was born in Poland 80 years ago to her parents Sophie and Frank Dolata. Determined to be with her family, Stella and her husband Chester, who predeceased her on June 4, 1988 moved to Canada in 1953. Together they raised their children Jerry & Judy Sibinski of Shrewsbury, Helen & Dale Weller of Chatham and Rick & Cathy Sibinski of Dorchester. Stella was the best Babcia to Craig, David, Jack, Tanner and Laura and Great-Babcia to Dawson, Riley and Tyson. In her life, Stella worked for a time at Greer’s and later she sewed many draperies for people in the Blenheim area. Although her love of sewing showed in the quality of her work, Stella’s life was defined by the love she had for her family. Stella is survived by her sister Irene Srokosz of Blenheim and by her brother Henry & Eileen Dolata of Wheatley. She is predeceased by her sister Angela Koscielski. Stella’s family invite friends and relatives to visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday June 30, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by a C.W.L. Prayer Service. A Funeral Mass for Stella will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday July 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Greg Mulligan officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Stella with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.

Richard Ivan Rumble passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday June 14, 2009 at the age of 63. Richard is survived by his loving wife Jane (Crewe), by their sons Mark (Charlene) of Guelph and Philip (Shannon) of Strathroy and by their grandchildren Aidan and Alex. He is also survived by his only brother Fred (Sondra) Rumble of Blenheim, by his niece Sarah Girty of Blenheim and by his nephews Neeland Rumble of Sarnia, Warren Rumble of Blenheim and Greg Girty of Amherstburg. He is predeceased by his parents Ivan & Helen (Scoyne) Rumble and by his infant sister Margaret Jean Rumble. Richard, whose favourite saying was “be the best at whatever you are” was a teacher not only in a school but in the community that he lived in. His teaching career took him to W.J. Baird Public School and to Ridgetown Public School. He was a coach and referee for Blenheim Minor Hockey, he was a life member of the Merlin Legion, the Blenheim Blades Alumni, the Chatham Maroons Alumni, and the Blenheim & District Freedom Library & Military Museum. He was the Past President of the Merlin Legion, the Blenheim Community Golf Course and the Blenheim Minor Hockey Association. He was currently on the executive of the Blenheim Blades Hockey Club. Even after his retirement from Ridgetown Public School, Richard continued to volunteer at schools which showed a dedication and commitment to future generations. Recently Richard and Jane were able to enjoy vacations to the Western and Eastern parts of Canada, to southern points, cruises and most recently to New Zealand. In his quiet times, he enjoyed golf, bridge and gardening. The Rumble family invite friends and relatives to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim for visitation on Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. Members of the Merlin Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 465 will hold a Legion Memorial Service on Wednesday at 7 p.m. A Funeral Service for Richard will be held at the Blenheim United Church, 49 George Street Blenheim on Thursday June 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Richard’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kidney Foundation, the Canadian Liver Foundation or the Blenheim Freedom Library & Military Museum.

Donald Laurie Charlton of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday May 29, 2009 at the age of 87 years. Don is survived by his wife Elaine, by his children Donna, Bob and Jeff and by three grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter Linda, his son Stephen Donald and his brother Bill. In respect of Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim.

John Eric Kloss passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday May 21, 2009 after a nine month battle with esophageal cancer. John was born in Wardsville 69 years ago to his parents, the late Olga and Albert. He was a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, an uncle and a friend to many. John lived his life as an adventure. He defied odds and he overcame obstacles. He trapped in the Yukon, he designed and built houses, he spent winters in his motorhome exploring the southern states and he spent summers exploring the northern parts of Ontario. Despite his sometimes Nomadic existence, there was one certainty in John’s life…the place he called home. Whenever John was not on the road, he lived in Dealtown with his much loved sister Rena Delargy who was instrumental in helping him maintain his independence throughout his journey with cancer. In addition to his sister Rena Delargy & Gary Dickson, John is survived by his brothers Lionel & Marlynn Kloss of Goderich and Dick & Roberta Kloss of Hensall & Florida, by his sons David Kloss of London, Robert & Julianna Kloss of Parkhill, by his grandchildren Joanna & Robert Brunnenmeir, Bob Kloss and David Johnson & Lois, by five great grandchildren and by his best friend and faithful companion “Honey”. John is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. In respect of John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Thursday June 4, 2009 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. John believed in helping people and in that spirit, friends are encouraged to remember him with a kind deed or a donation to Myles Miracle Missions or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Robert “Bob” Weaver passed away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Saturday May 16, 2009. Bob was born 72 years ago, son of the late Bertha (Bond) and Bertram Weaver. He was a commercial fisherman, he worked on the C&O Railroad and he was an employee of Metaldyne but his favourite job was when he sold John Deere tractors. Bob and his wife Sylvia (Carther) Weaver celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 19, 2008. Together they raised their children Cheryl Weaver & companion Gary Johnson of Ridgetown, Sandra Weaver of Blenheim and Robert Weaver of Blenheim. Bob enjoyed camping trips with his grandchildren Shauna Jackson (Derek), Ashley Ross (Matthew) and Jarrod Weaver and he was blessed with twin great grandchildren Leah and Jonathan Jackson. Bob enjoyed coaching baseball, teaching Sunday School and his involvement with the Blenheim Community Seniors Centre where he was a past President and where friends will remember his participation with the “Happy Gang”. After Sylvia’s retirement, they were fortunate to enjoy many trips together. Bob is survived by his sisters Wendy Weaver and Debby Howe both of Chatham and by his brothers Joe Weaver & companion Janice of Ridgetown and Grant & Kaye Weaver of Buxton. Bob is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Betty McIlroy and by his brothers Wayne and Gary Weaver. The Weaver family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday May 19, 2009 from 2 – 4 p.m. & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday May 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Bob’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Seniors Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Peter William Vermist passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham on Saturday May 2, 2009. Peter was born 71 years ago in Amsterdam to his parents Peter and Marie (Fowels) Vermist. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia (Paradise) Vermist and by his two sons Matthew Vermist and Steven Vermist. Also Surviving is a sister Marja Mulder of Amsterdam, and a brother Robert Vermist of Alkmarr. Visitation for Peter was held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim on Monday May 4, 2009 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A service celebrating Peter’s life was held at the funeral home on Monday May 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Tim Joyce of the Word of Life Church officiating. Friends wishing to honour Peter’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Food Bank.

James “Jim” Titus passed away Thursday April 30, 2009 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus. Jim was born in Chatham 61 years ago to his parents Lorne and Mae (Siddall) Titus. He is survived by his loving wife Carmen (Harris) Titus of Blenheim and by his children Eric and Marla Titus of Ottawa, Daniel Titus of Michigan, David Hunter and Andrea Gunraj of Toronto and Susan Hunter and Craig Cybulski of Ottawa. Also surviving is a grand daughter Kate-Lin Osborne of Courtland. Jim is also survived by his sister’s Patty Caissie and Cathy Mills and by brothers Larry Titus, Lorne Titus, Jack Titus and Tom Titus. In addition to his parents, Jim is predeceased by his sister Tammy Titus. The Titus family would like to invite friends to attend visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim on Saturday May 2, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Members of Wellington Victory Lodge will be holding a memorial service on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday May 3, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ed Nicol officiating. Friends wishing to honour Jim’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider Blenheim’s new Community Park project (sponsored by Blenheim Rotary, Ridge Landfill Community Trust and the Blenheim Beautification Committee) or the Blenheim Freedom Library. Donations can be arranged by contacting the funeral home.

Joyce Irene Lynch passed away on her 57th birthday, Wednesday April 8, 2009. Joyce was raised in Ridgetown, the daughter of the late John and Eva (Jennings) Spilsbury. She has been the best friend and soul mate of Barrie Wilson for many years and will be sadly missed by her son John Lynch and his daughters Abby and Jillian. Joyce is survived by her sister Norma & Gord Learn of Restoule and by her brother David & Jane Spilsbury of London. Joyce was an employee of W.G. Thompson’s.

Barrie and John invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday April 10, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Joyce’s life will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday April 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Friends are asked to consider donations to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chemotherapy Unit or to Cancer Research. Online condolences and memorial donations may be left for the family at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

“A mother allows her son open access to her heart, unlike any other man in her life.”