Lloyd “Brock” Bussey of Blenheim and formerly of Port Dover passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday April 27, 2010 at the age of 70. Brock was born August 25, 1940 in Simcoe, the first child of the late Lloyd and Edna (Seymour) Bussey. It was in that town where he would meet his soul mate Ina (Armstrong) and began a journey that would last over forty-two years. Brock and Ina raised three children; Michael Bussey & Lisa Dunn of Calgary, Diane Bussey & Carol Mansley of Simcoe and Kerry & Will Foster of Blenheim. They were also blessed with five grandchildren; Michael (Brittney), Sarah, Seth (Megan), Liam and Grace as well as two great-grandchildren Morgan and Sydney all of whom affectionately referred to Brock as their “Poppi”. Brock is also survived by his siblings Margaret Want of London, Richard & Sue Bussey of Blenheim, Doreen & Harold Staib of Simcoe, Diane Bussey of Simcoe and Judy Underhill of Simcoe as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Marion Rutter. As a young man in Simcoe, Brock was a Scout Master and worked at J.B. Jackson’s. With his move to Port Dover, “Chocolate Brocklate” was employed as a chef at the Erie Beach Hotel where he worked for over thirty years. A man of few words (“Kuala Lupur er, er, ER!”) but a keen sense of humour, Brock will be remembered for the love he had for his family, ice cream, his crossword books and a refined preference for certain brands of beer. Respecting Brock’s wishes cremation is to be followed by a Memorial Service to be held in Port Dover at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Brock with a memorial donation are asked to consider Scouts Canada or the Alzheimer Society.

Surrounded by our love and in the comfort of his own home, our husband, father and Opa Harrie Voets passed away on Thursday April 7, 2011. Henricus Franciscus Voets, who later adopted the name “Harrie” was born in Holland on November 24, 1932. He is one of seven children, being survived by his sisters Net van den Akker and Jans van Rijzingen. He was predeceased by Toos, Tina, Theo and Jan.

While Harrie was still in Holland, he married his one true love Nellie in 1959 and determined to follow his dream he moved his family to Canada in 1968. He found work at a pig farm but had to leave because of a lung condition. He worked at Thomas and Dorssers building silos but after a fall which left him paraplegic he couldn’t return. That didn’t stop Harrie…in between giving talks of encouragement to others at University Hospital and nurturing his passion of woodworking; Harrie finished his career at Peeters Mushroom Farm.

Harrie was an inspiration to us, his children Johanna & Rick Wightman of Blenheim, Marion Smith & Steve Cutler of Blenheim, Ellie & Steve Voets-Sterling of Blenheim, Marco & Heather Voets of Blenheim and, Angeline & Troy Humber of Belle River as well as to his grandchildren Jeremy, Tawnya, Gregory, Nastasha, Sean, Terra, Bryce, Zoe, Cassandra, Mikayla, Joey, Wesley, Bailey, Caitlyn and Savannah and to his great grandchildren Tyler, Brennan and Ava. Our promise to him is that his memory will live on in the great grandchild who we will know soon. Predeceased by his daughter in law Katherine Voets-Keating in 2005.

It is said that a father is his daughter’s first love and his son’s first hero. Our Dad was that. When you hear the word Superhero, you might think of a tall man with a loud voice, flying through the air. Our Superhero was not tall. His voice was soft and it echoed words of wisdom and encouragement to us which made us who we are. And our Superhero walked with two crutches. He overcame many challenges and always came out a stronger man. But over the past few weeks our Dad’s fight was to find rest, and that he has. Rest well, dear Superhero…rest well.

Please join us for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday April 10, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Harrie will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church on Monday April 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Harrie with a memorial donation are asked to support his family’s team ”Outrageously Orange” as they walk for cancer at the Blenheim Relay for Life. Luminaries supporting the team may be arranged at the Funeral Home.

It’s so hard to say goodbye without being able to say hello. In the early morning hours of March 27, 2011 our daughter Carlin Leslie Travene arrived into our world. And although Carlin could not stay, she will always be with us. She was loved and will be missed by her grandparents Janet & Mike Pilon of Rondeau, Marilee Travene of Rondeau and Andy Travene of Charing Cross, her Aunts Madison Pilon and Jennifer Travene, her uncles Fysher Pilon and Justin Travene, her cousin Ava Travene and her great grandmother Shirley Pilon. Caring for our baby Carlin in Heaven are her great grandparents Carl & Bonnie Atkins, Eileen & Andrew Travene, Leslie & Georgina Lewis and Charles “Sonny” Pilon. We will have a private family graveside service for Carlin. We are very grateful for all the heartfelt compassion and assistance of long time family friends Marc & Gail Eskritt, Shawn & Kelly Schleihauf, Jessica Fritz and the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital in London and would appreciate any memorial donations to be directed to that Foundation.

MacKenzie Pilon and Ryan Travene

Mary Anne (Ford) Brooks passed away on Monday March 14, 2011 just three days before her 67^th birthday. Mary Ann was the eldest of three daughters born to their late parents Tom and Marion (Attridge) Ford. As a child her family lived above the Ford Funeral Home which was located on Talbot Street. Later she would follow her father’s footsteps and work for a number of years at Southwestern Regional Centre where she became an Assistant Supervisor. During that time she raised her daughters Lisa & Bernie Howard of Blenheim and Michele and Brad Thompson of Saskatoon. In 1988 Mary Anne left Southwestern Centre and joined the staff at McIntyre I.D.A. In her spare time she enjoyed her grandchildren Zach, Evan and Darien Howard of Blenheim and Brooke, Torri, Brady and Katie Thompson of Saskatoon, she enjoyed that special bond that only sisters can share with Peggy & Bob Knott and Linda & Tom McNear of Blenheim and she enjoyed golfing. She will also be missed by her dear friend Chris Rumble and by her loving companion, Chynna. It was Mary Anne’s wish that cremation be followed by a private graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her parents. Friends wishing to remember Mary Anne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Relay For Life through the Cancer Society or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Norma Jean (Zoller) Hux passed away on Monday March 14, 2011 in Hamilton where she had recently moved to be closer to her family. Norma was predeceased by her husband Art Hux on March 18, 2006. She will be sadly missed by her children Margaret Hux & Bob Niven of Hamilton, Barbara Hux & Clive Baugh of Hamilton, Dan and Barbara Hux of Penetanguishene, Robert Hux of Montreal and Bill Hux of London, by her grandchildren Michael, Laurel, Gillian, Collin and Dee Jay, her cousin Ross Zoller of Blenheim and by her foster daughters Ethel Collins and Sandy Coons. Predeceased by her parents Simon and Blanche (Thompson) Zoller, her brother Bill Zoller and her foster daughter Marie Babineau. Norma was a member of the Blenheim Baptist Church and was employed as a Social Worker at Southwestern Regional Centre for a number of years. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Norma will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Churchville Cemetery, Rodney. Friends wishing to remember Norma with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Baptist Church.

Muriel (Shivas) Jackson passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday March 10, 2011. Born in Raleigh Township 96 years ago, Muriel was the last surviving member of her family. She was predeceased in 2007 by her husband Garnet after 66 years of marriage. Muriel will be remembered fondly by her children Julia & Carl Russell of Blenheim and Don & Nancy Jackson of Merlin, by her grandchildren Rob & Nicol Jackson, Craig & Lori Russell and Jenn & Kevin Knights and by her great grandchildren Thomas, Katrina, Madison and Joshua Jackson, Kerrigan Knights and Brad and Brodie Russell. A Private Family service will be held on Saturday March 12, 2011 with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Muriel with a memorial donation are asked to consider Talbot Trail Place through the Blenheim Rotary Club.

Donna Edith Sarginson of Chatham passed away on Friday March 4, 2011. Born to her late parents Douglas & Edith Guyett on January 20, 1934, Donna was a loving wife, mother and friend. She held a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cat Sassy. Donna will be sadly missed by her husband Thomas Sarginson, her children Robert Nykolozyn, Mary Shaw & Morley Sommerville, Nancy Hammond, Kathy Mealing, Karen Nykolozyn and Margaret & Paul DeCou, by her grandchildren Dwayne Shaw, Jeff Shaw, Lisa Mealing & friend Bob, Tina Mealing & friend Jay, Aimeé DeCou and Adam DeCou and her great grandchildren Samantha, Tyler, Paige and Colten, by her sisters Grace & Tom Tong, Ruth Walker & Cyril Roets, Dorothy & Rob Debiasi, Doreen & Pete Verhart and her brothers George & Rose Guyett and Beverly Guyett, her brother in law Martin Beales and a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her twin brother Donny (1934), her sister Evelyn (1989) & brother in law Julien Mortier (1990), son-in-laws David Shaw (1993) and Joseph Hammond (2009) and by her sister Joyce Beales (2010). Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Donna will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday March 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A. or the Cancer Society.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Donna Ernest on Monday February 28, 2011. Mom was born in Ingersoll on April 4, 1933 and was predeceased by her parents Mark & Jean (Sutherland) Simpson. She was a wonderful role model to her three children; Rob & Debbie Ernest of London, Cheryl & Fred Miles of London and Mark Ernest of Shrewsbury, to her grandchildren Tracy & Jeff Reid, R.J. Ernest & Holly Robertson, Jennifer Baynham & Rue Murphy, Cory Baynham, Hannah Miles, Jade Ernest and Shelby Ernest and to her great grandchildren Caden Murphy and Elizabeth, Callum and Victoria Reid. She will be sadly missed by her sister Doreen & Ken Hogg of Thamesford and by her brother Bob & Barb Simpson of London. Mom had lots of personality, loved to travel and had many friends. She was very generous in her life, often sacrificing her own wants for the benefit of others. It was an honour to call her our Mom. Cremation has taken place and the Blenheim Community Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Blenheim and Community Seniors Drop In Centre was a big part of Mom and it was her wish that we celebrate her life with a Memorial Service there. Please join us at the Centre on Saturday March 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. as we share stories and pay tribute to a life well lived. Friends wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

June Doris Shaw passed away at the Meadow Park Nursing Home on Monday February 21, 2011 at the age of 81 years. She is survived by her children Barb & Duncan Pickering of Blenheim, Pam Beattie of Calgary, Diane & Omer Reaume and Gary & Cindy Donais of Tilbury, her sister Betty Davidson of Tilbury and her brothers in law Gord Jeffery of Chatham and Glen Gryp. June will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters Marjorie & Murray Willan, Dorothy & Edmond Duyck, Bonnie Jeffery and Doreen Gryp, by her brother Harrlow Shaw and by her brother in law Arnold Davidson. June was a long time employee of Thamesview Lodge in Chatham. She will be remembered for her keen sense of fashion, her love of travelling and most importantly for her ability to remain so positive as she dealt with challenges in her life. Visitation for June will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Friday February 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Susan Jolley officiating. Interment in Merlin Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember June with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Teunisje “Toos” Vandersluis of Blenheim passed away on Thursday February 10, 2011 at the age of 80 years. Born in Spakenburg-Bunschoten, Holland, Toos moved to Canada as a newlywed with her husband Mike; a journey that would span 59 years. Toos and Mike were blessed with four children; Margaret & Colin Pool of Ridgetown, Linda & David Gagner of Burlington, Sarah & Gerald Hutten of Ridgetown and Mark & Barbara Vandersluis of Fergus. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren whom they love very much; Mitchell, Alan, Virginia, Maggie, Bailey, Lyndsay, Olivia, Joshua, Megan, Katelyn, Emily and Addison. Toos was predeceased by her four brothers. She will be well remembered for her determination and her commitment to help others. She loved to knit and crochet and she used that gift not only to keep her own family warm but to provide many hats, mitts, slippers and baby blankets to charities. Recently she was able to provide Loads of Love with 48 matts, each being crocheted with 440 plastic milk bags. Church and Faith were very important to Toos and in keeping with that, friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee or the Christian School in Chatham. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Toos will be held in the Christian Reformed Church on Monday February 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Frank DeBoer officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.