Edward Ernest Hanson, also known as “Mr. Minor Hockey” passed away at the Village in Ridgetown on Saturday April 4, 2009. Edward was born in Kingsville to his parents Ernest and Florence Hanson 85 years ago. One night after going to the Capitol Theatre in Chatham he met a young lady named Leta Burk and the two fell in love. Edward joined the Army, fighting at Juno Beach and helping to liberate the Concentration Camps in Holland. Leta also joined the Army, being stationed in Kingston. Edward returned to Canada in July, 1945 and he and Leta were married on August 14th that same year. Together they raised three daughters: Louise & Ray Mack, Carroll & Wayne McDermid and June Hanson all of Blenheim. They were also blessed with three grandsons: Kenneth McDermid of Blenheim, Timothy Mack & Josē DaSilva of London and James Mack of Toronto. Edward had a passion for hockey and baseball. He was instrumental in organizing the Minor Hockey leagues in Blenheim. His dedication garnered him the distinctions of “Mr. Minor Hockey” in 1963, “Sportsman Of The Week” in 1963 and he was the recipient of the “Service To Mankind Award” in 1971. Friends may also remember Edward from his days at the Shepherd Printing Company in Chatham and at the Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology. Edward is survived by his sisters Lillian Smith of Leamington, Barb & Tony Denboar of Arizona and Ruth & Grant Doney of Virginia and by his brothers Norman & Rosie Hanson of Kingsville, Donald Hanson of Essex and Murray Hanson of Tilbury. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Robinson and by his brothers Doug and Bob Hanson. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Burk Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Edward’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Minor Hockey Association.

Danuta (Trebaczkiewicz) Kalinowski passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday April 2, 2009 at the age of 58. Danuta was predeceased by her husband and best friend Stan on January 21, 2009. Happiness in Danuta’s life was defined by the moments spent with her husband and her children. She is the loving mother of Dariusz & Agnieszka Kalinowski of Blenheim, Consuela Kalinowski at home & her friend Jim Brown of Blenheim. She is the proud grandmother of Daniel Kalinowski and Julia Kalinowski.

The Kalinowski family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday April 6, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Danuta will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Blenheim on Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to honour Danuta’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or the O.S.P.C.A.

Lucie Georgine “Jean” (Nichol) Porter passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday March 23, 2009. Jean was born to her parents Senior Bruce and Margaret Nichol 84 years ago. She joined the Air Force in her early years and was a member of the Women’s Air Corps stationed in Jarvis Ontario carrying out her duties as a Parachute Packer. Shortly after her marriage to William de Graff in 1945 the couple moved to Winnipeg where they had five children. Following Bill’s death, Jean and her children returned to Blenheim where she met and married George Burns. Jean was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and became the first female president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 in Blenheim. Following the death of her second husband, Jean married John Porter. Together they lived in the Toronto area and after his death, Jean moved to Windsor before moving to the Blenheim Community Village in 2007. Jean loved to golf, knit and play cards, but her first love was her family. She is survived by her children Debbi de Graff of Aurora, Ken & Mae de Graff of Manitoba, Dennis de Graff of Windsor and Nick & Nancy de Graff of Whitehorse as well as eleven grandchildren. Jean is also survived by her sister Margaret & Bill Petrie of Mississauga and by her brothers Robert & Amy Nichol and Walter & Helen Nichol, both of Blenheim. Jean is predeceased by her daughter Carol de Graff Harrington, her granddaughter Jolene de Graff, her sister Mayme Samson and her brother Tom Nichol. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday March 27, 2009 at 1:30 with Rev. Doug Rowley officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to honour Jean’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the charity of their choice.

On Friday March 13, 2009 Mason Berubé, his dad Jason and Mason’s best friend Devon Tinus were on their way back from a London Knights game. In a tragic accident, Mason and Devon were taken from us all too soon, and on this day a part of all of us has gone with them.

Mason Eugene Berubé is the son of Ghislain (Jason) Berubé of Chatham and Renee Berubé & Mark Massender of Blenheim. Mason was born in Chatham on May 5, 1996. He was a fun spirited boy whose interests included hockey, fishing, reading and spending time with his dog Hershey. He attended McNaughton Avenue Public School in Chatham. Mason is the dear brother of Denielle Berubé & Jeremy Bellamy of Edmonton, Vincent Berubé of London and Carson Mann of Blenheim and step brother of Kody and Kelsey Massender. He is an uncle to Preston Bellamy of Edmonton and the much loved grandson of Mary Anne Rumble of Chatham, Sandra Rumble of Erieau and Rejeanne Berubé of Quebec. Mason was predeceased by his grandfather Robert Rumble on February 26, 2009 and also by his grandfather Paul Berubé. He will be missed and forever loved by his aunts and uncles Michelle Rumble & Kathy Mondo of Thamesville, Lisa & Todd Edmondson of Blenheim, Mark Rumble of London, Jeannot & Heather Berubé of Chatham, Leo & Stacy Berubé and and Claude Berubé of Blenheim and by his aunts and uncles Ginette, Charlotte, Pauline and Diane & Camillien and Ghislaine & Gilles all of Quebec. Mason will also be fondly remembered by his cousins Aaron and Brent Austen, Shannon and Madison Rumble, Ainslie and Amelia Edmondson, Annie, Stéphane, Sébastien, Patryk, Sarah, William, Jonathan, Eric, Nicolas, Catherine, Dylan, Diana, Samantha, Shawn, Baven, Lauren and Xavier as well as friends Shannon Bell and Dillon Bell. He was predeceased by his cousin Thomas Edmondson. A Funeral Service will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church, Blenheim on Wednesday March 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to honour Mason’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A. or Dresden Minor Hockey. The Facebook site r.i.p mason and devon has been created for friends wishing to add pictures and condolences.

“Mason, you were taken from us too soon. We love you and we will never forget you. Although we are apart, your spirit lives within us and you will be in our hearts forever. Two young souls were taken together forever. Along the shores of the lake comes a song from all of our hearts. Throw your line in and Papa will be there to guide you.”

It is with great sadness that we announce the death John Earl (Jack) Ramsden at the University Hospital, London Ontario on Sunday March 1, 2009. Born in Erie Beach in 1931 to the late Charles and Sarah Ramsden, Jack was well known in the community as he owned many businesses. He will be remembered for his many innovations and colorful stories. He will always be thought of as a true fighter. At the age of 20, he was struck by polio and although he was starting out with his young family he always found ways to make an impression on those around him. He was never really handicapped. He is survived by his bride of 58 years Luella (Jeffery), by his children Laurie (Barb), Amy Dalton & Joe Boothe, by his grandchildren Jeff Ramsden (Sandra), Emily Ramsden Stirling (Matt), Bart McClintock (Erin), Beau Dalton and Daisy Dalton as well as his great grandchildren Peyton McClintock and Kaiya Ramsden. Survived by brothers Don Ramsden (June) and Wilmer Ramsden (Connie). Predeceased by his brothers Sylvester and Eric and his sister Jean. Many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends will mourn the passing of John. The Ramsden family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim for visitation on Wednesday March 4, 2009 from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday March 5, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to honour John’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Special Olympics.

With her family by her side, June Louise Manninger, a lifetime resident of Blenheim passed away after a brave, short battle with leukemia at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on February 28, 2009. Born in Chatham-Kent on June 5, 1930, daughter of the late Reginald and Alice McEachran. Beloved wife of Joseph (Joe) Manninger of 45 years. Loving and cherished mother of John Steen, Greg (Diane) Steen, Mary Louise Clark (Ric), Gail Steen and Linda (Russel) Hillman. Sadly loved and missed by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by brothers and sisters Fred McEachran (Mary Anne), Wayne McEachran (Marion), Vera Robertson, Lorraine Weaver (Bill), Betty Massender, Marjorie Alpaugh (Jack)and Marilyn St. Pierre (Doug). Aunt to several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Lloyd and Leonard McEachran. In respect to June’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family and relative graveside service will be held. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the 4th floor medicine unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Robert James Rumble of Erieau passed away at home on Thursday February 26, 2009 at the age of 71. Robert was predeceased by his parents Dorothea and Lionel “Blink” Rumble. He was a butcher by trade and worked at the Dominion Grocery Store in Chatham. Robert and his wife Sandra (Lachine) enjoyed times of travelling, hiking and during the quieter times, walks around Erieau. Robert is the proud father of Michelle Rumble & Kathy Mondo of Thamesville, Lisa & Todd Edmondson of Blenheim, Renee Rumble & Mark Massender of Blenheim and Mark Rumble of London. He loved his grandchildren Aaron Austen, Brent Austen, Shannon Rumble, Madison Rumble, Ainslie Edmondson, Amelia Edmondson, Denielle Berube, Vincent Berube, Carson Mann and Mason Berube as well as his great grandchild Preston Bellamy. He is predeceased by Amelia’s twin brother Thomas Edmondson. Robert is survived by his sister Mary Grace DeClerk of Orillia, by his mother in law Loretta Lachine and by Sandra’s family Carol & Wayne Parker of Erieau, Sandra Lachine of Blenheim, Edward & Bev Lachine of Erieau, Evelyn Nott of Ridgetown, Janet Vandehogan of Listowel, Randy Lachine of Windsor, Wendy Lachine & Linda Dunn of Cedar Springs, Daniel & Alicia Lachine of Kitchener, Lawrence Lachine of Ridgetown, Cameron & Bernadette Lachine of Westland, Michigan, Dianne Payne of Blenheim, and Bob & Jane Antaya of Victoria, B.C. as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father in law Donald Lachine and by his brothers in law John Payne, Gary Nott, Donald Lachine and Leonard Lachine. It was Robert’s wish that cremation take place. In keeping with his love of travelling, hiking and walking, it was his wish that friends wishing to make a charitable donation would consider the South Kent Trails. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Karen Louise Armstrong of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday February 26, 2009. Karen was born 50 years ago to Mary (Kozlof) Johnston and the late Walter Kozlof. In 1977 she married her “lifetime best friend” Philip. When asked what she was most proud of in life, Karen’s reply was her children and her grandchildren. She was the proud mother of Jennifer & Paul Dowd of Blenheim, Matthew Armstrong & Emma Poirier of Windsor, James Armstrong of Windsor, Lisa Armstrong & Murray Work of B.C. and Lacey Armstrong of B.C. She was the much loved Grandma to McKenzie Dowd, Olyvia Dowd, Natasha Maurina and Victoria Armstrong. Karen will be missed by her brothers and sisters Janice & Glen Yourex of Alberta, Sharron & Brian Cooper of Chatham, Larry & Jane Kozlof of Blenheim, Paul Kozlof of Alberta, Pat & Tom Hamelin of Essex, Maggie & Rudi Engel of Ailsa Craig and David Johnston of Blenheim. She is predeceased by her father Walter Kozlof and her dad Clarence Johnston and by her brothers Alex Kozlof and Ricky Kozlof. In life there are givers and there are takers. Karen was a giver. She was passionate about helping people. She was employed as a Psychiatric Nurse, a career that she described as the “work love of her life”. She had a large garden and she canned food that she grew. She made maple syrup. She enjoyed making crafts and sewing. Most importantly she shared with those in need and she instilled values in her children that will be carried on through them. The Armstrong and Kozlof families invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday March 1, 2009 from 2 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday March 2, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Cremation will take place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. In keeping with Karen’s love of children, friends wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Make A Wish Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Joanne Elizabeth Jubenville passed away at her home on Tuesday February 24, 2009. Joanne was born to her late parents Mary (Matt) and Chris Hainge 58 years ago. She was predeceased by her husband Perry. Joanne is survived by her daughter Lisa and Todd Reaume of Chatham and by her grandson Josh whom she adored. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Bill Hainge, John Hainge, Jimmy & Darlene Hainge, Mary Jane Letourneau, Linda Ceppi and Loraine & Clare Laliberte all of Chatham, Carol & John Veasey of B.C. and Theresa & Dave Pillon of Windsor as well as her sister in law Gail Hainge of Chatham. She was predeceased by her brother Chris Hainge. Friends will remember Joanne for her love of golfing, gardening and cooking. Joanne’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brian for the care given to Joanne during her illness. It was Joanne’s expressed wish that cremation take place. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to honour Joanne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Molly Hood passed away peacefully at her home on Friday February 13, 2009. Molly was born 92 years ago in Dreghorn, Scotland. She and her family left their home in Scotland and came to Canada in 1956. Molly worked as a receptionist in Blenheim for Dr Graham, Dr Green and Anne Campbell. Molly is survived by her daughter in law and friend Bonnie Hood, by the granddaughters whom she adored Janet & Greg Bayly, Tina Hood & Greg DeBoer and Jennifer & Shane O’Donohue and by her great grandchildren Mac Bayly, Jenna Bayly, Connor O’Donohue and Ryan O’Donohue. She will missed by several nieces and nephews in Canada and Scotland. Molly was predeceased by her husband James in 1976, by her son Al in 1995 and by her infant daughter Janet. She was also predeceased by her sister Anne and her brothers John and Robert. Molly’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Sunday February 15, 2009 from 2:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00. A Funeral Service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday February 16, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Molly’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church Memorial Fund.