Everett Isaac Shelp of Rondeau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday February 26, 2010. He will be missed by his loving wife Doris (Rumble) Shelp, his daughters Carrie & Ron Ball of Aylmer and Marie Shelp and Marsha Shelp of Rondeau, by his grandchildren Bryan & Abbie Ball of Barrie and Heather & Chris Harder of St. Thomas, his great grandchildren Keira Harder and Zephyr Ball and by his sister in law Carole Shelp of Kingston. He is predeceased by his only brother Lloyd Watt Shelp. Everett was born in Russell Ontario and celebrated his 82nd birthday on February 11th. He was a well respected member of the Ontario Provincial Police being stationed in Ridgetown, Chatham and Merlin before returning to Ridgetown and retiring at the rank of Corporal from the Ridgetown Detachment in 1984. Everett was passionate about his career in law enforcement and his footsteps have been followed by his granddaughter Heather and his grandson Bryan as well as a nephew and great-nephew. Retirement allowed Everett to concentrate on his woodworking skills which was another passion in his life. In 1985 Everett built the house that he and Doris share at Rondeau. He also worked for Faas Construction in Ridgetown framing houses and was appointed Building Chairman of Emmanuel Congregational Church in Ridgetown, a position that he was very proud of. Doris and Everett’s family invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Sunday February 28 from 7- 9 p.m. and again on Monday March 1 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Everett will be held at Emmanuel Congregational Church, 68 Erie Street North in Ridgetown on Tuesday March 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Barry Dixon officiating. Interment in Morpeth Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Everett with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or Emmanuel Congregational Church.

Hazel Arrand (nee McLaughlin) passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village. Born 90 years ago in St. Thomas, Ontario to her late parents Matthew and Laura (Batté) McLaughlin, Hazel was predeceased by her sister Ruth Kavanaugh in 1986, her brother Joseph Frank McLaughlin in 1999 and her nephew Michael Joseph McLaughlin in 2003. Hazel worked in Chatham at the old Rockwell Plant during the Second World War where she was a “Shift Supervisor”. She returned to St. Thomas where she was employed by the local newspaper “The Times Journal” and later by the law firm of “Sanders, Cline” until her retirement. She stood by her parents and took care of them until her father’s death in 1963 and her mother’s death in 1967. Hazel leaves behind her nephew Paul & Wendy McLaughlin and their sons Robert and Kevin, niece Marnie & Noel Loyson and their sons Sean & Christine Lamb (son Owen) and Jason and Justine Lamb, niece Beth & Wayne Lachine and their daughter Alisha, niece-in-law Maureen McLaughlin and her son Mark, nephew Jim & Sheila Lumley and their children Bradley and Sandra, nephew Don Lumley and his children Theresa and Coleman, nephews Bill Lumley and Bob Lumley and niece Karen & Tim Dennis and their sons Tim and Ryan. Hazel was a long standing member of Holy Angels’ Parish in St. Thomas where she held local executive positions with the Parish as well as Catholic Women’s League in her younger years. Hazel moved to Blenheim in 2004 and resided at the Blenheim Community Village until her passing on February 20, 2010. A memorial service will be held at a later date in St. Thomas at Holy Angels’ Parish. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Donna Marie Williams passed away on Wednesday February 17, 2010 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor. Donna was born in Hamilton 71 years ago to her late parents Ann Marie & Harold Knight. She is predeceased by her husband Richard Williams. Most important to Donna in her life were her children Richard Williams of Blenheim, Scott & Shannon Williams of Blenheim, Robert & Robbin Williams of Cambridge, Jason Williams of Blenheim and Jamie-Lee Taylor & Anthony Vander Molen of Blenheim. Donna was predeceased by her son Mark Denman in 2001. She is the loving grandmother of Kristin, Trevor, Justin, Ashley, Chantelle, Danielle, Ricky, Jesse, Kayli, Kyle, Korey, Tiffany, Tyler, Vince and Shy-La, and great grandmother of Brenden, Kayden, Nathan, Nollen, and Harmony. Donna is survived by her sisters Edith-Ann Robertson of Fisherville and Bonnie-Lynn Hendwick of Hamilton. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday. Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A.

On Tuesday February 16, 2010 Trenton Calvin Ray Russell tip-toed into the lives of his parents Rebecca Stothart and Jeff Russell. He stayed only for awhile, but the footprints he left in the hearts of those who love him will last forever. Trenton is the precious grandson of Connie Stothart and Mike Stothart, both of Blenheim and Calvin & Jannie Russell of Blenheim. Becky and Jeff invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday February 18, 2010 from 7 – 9 p.m. A private family service for Trenton will be held on Friday.

Dr. Howard J Rees died at his home on Tuesday February 9, 2010. Born in Toronto, Howard was raised by his mother Marjorie Rees who predeceased him in 1988. He studied at the University of Toronto Medical School, graduating in 1951. After learning that Dr. Pickering was selling his business, Howard and his mother moved to Blenheim in 1956 where he became a much respected physician with over 5000 patients before his retirement in 1996. Howard’s office was in his home which enabled him to always “be there” day and night for his patients. Howard was not only generous in the time that he gave to people, but he has been very generous to the community as a whole. In 1992 Howard’s vision of supporting his community was realized by the creation of the Dr. Howard J. Rees Foundation. The Foundation was established to support the arts, health and education in the Blenheim Area. Since its inception, the foundation has provided academic scholarships, assisted in the expansion of the Gable Rees Rotary Pool and made it possible for school-aged children to receive swimming lessons. In 1994 Howard was awarded the Lifetime Membership in the Ontario Medical Association and later the OMA Glenn Sawyer award for his outstanding contribution to the medical community. A man honoured by many organizations, Howard always remained the humble man he was when he served his patients and delivered babies quietly in the wee hours of the night. Predeceased by his companion of many years Joan Boyes in 2004, Howard will be missed by his family Brian & Anne Fisher and their children Brian “Bo” Fisher II, Drew Fisher and Blythe Fisher as well as Neil Boyes and his family Cassie Boyes and Jeff Boyes. Brian, Anne and Neil invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday February 12, 2010 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Howard will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday February 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to honour Howard’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Dr. Howard J Rees Foundation.

Donald Allen Smith of North Buxton passed away on Saturday February 6, 2010 at the age of 55 years. Predeceased by his father Donald in 2005 and by his mother Alberta in January of this year, Don lived life to the fullest. He worked at Chrysler for 30 years until his retirement. He loved hunting and fishing and spending time with friends, and he loved country music and singing with the Buxton Men’s Choir. But most of all Don loved his family. He married the love of his life Linda (Weyrauch) on July 21, 1973 and together they raised three children of whom they are very proud: Gary & Sarah Smith of London, Charles Smith & Katie Martin of London and Brandie & Dave McKenzie of Stratford. They also are the loving grandparents of Tiffany Jubenville, Brent Smith and Reid McKenzie. Don is the brother of Barb & Robert Siddall of Wheatley and Leroy & Pam Smith of Monetville. He was predeceased by his brother Ralph. Don’s family invite friends and relatives for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday February 9, 2010 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow. A public graveside service will take place at the Morpeth Cemetery on Friday February 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Following the graveside service there will be a gathering at the Buxton Community Hall. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Wayne Thomas Stennett, a resident of Blenheim passed away on January 25, 2010 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with his loving and caring family by his side after a very brief, strong fight with cancer at the age of 57 years. Born in Chatham on December 22, 1952 Wayne is the son of Mac Stennett and the late Thelma (Crowder) Stennett (2006). Beloved husband for 35 years of Jane (Ramboer) Stennett. Dear father of two sons; Darryl Stennett of Blenheim and Chris & Heather Stennett of Chatham. Wayne is also watching over his two precious angels Mackenzie and Madison Stennett. He is survived by two brothers; Bill Stennett of Kent Bridge and Ron & Donna Stennett of Blenheim, four sisters; Shirley & Don Grant of Corunna, Helen Stennett of Brampton, Judy & John DeRooy of Blenheim and Carol & Laddie Spiruda of Highgate. He will also be missed by Wayne & Nancy Ramboer of Charing Cross and Marie & Ron De Caluwe of Wheatley. He was a loving and caring uncle to several nieces and nephews. Wayne is predeceased by his sister Barbara and by his brothers Jackie, Kenny, Bobby and Don. He is survived by Uncle Don Crowder and Aunt Norma & Mickey Pettypiece as well as several cousins. Wayne’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday January 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Wayne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

George Joseph Raes of Blenheim passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Tuesday January 19, 2010. George was born in Belgium 84 years ago to his late parents Philomena and Alphonse Raes. He was predeceased by his loving wife Edith on August 21, 2008. George was well loved by his children Sharron Stoehr and her husband Byron of Toronto, Min Falkins and her husband Dave of Guelph, Diane Geurkink and her husband Jack of Thorndale, Ron Raes of Blenheim, Randy Raes and his wife Debbie of Chatham and by his son Rob (Ron’s twin brother) who predeceased him in 1996 and his daughter Barb Knight who predeceased him in 2008. Missing their grandfather are Ryan, Rena, Vanessa, Ashley, Tyler, Mathew and Brandon. George was also fortunate to see the birth of three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Lynch and his brother Pete Raes. George’s family invite family and friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 22, 2010 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. David Fuller officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of George are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Association or your own charity of choice.

Richard Gerald DeClerck of Blenheim passed away on Sunday January 17, 2010. Born in Chatham 67 years ago to his late parents Maurice (1985) and Zelma (1995) DeClerck, Richard was a carpenter who took great pride in the houses that he built in Blenheim. He was a long time employee of Navistar, retiring almost 16 years ago and a member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club. Richard was an avid gardener who enjoyed building bird houses for his back yard. Friends will remember the years that he smoked meats. Richard loved the excitement of the South Buxton Raceway and at home he enjoyed modifying his own truck and his John Deere lawnmowers. Richard will be sadly missed by his loving wife Marilyn and by his children Diana & Mike Ytsma of Chatham, Ron & Lynn Robinson, Cheryl Haskell, Doug & Evelyn Robinson and Lynn Coll all of Blenheim. He will also be missed by 14 grandchildren and 8 great-granddaughters. He is predeceased by his only sister Mary Pelisek and by her husband Tony. Richard’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Richard will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Wednesday January 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ed Nicol of the Cedar Springs United Church officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Richard with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

James Robert “Erle” Cook passed away on Friday January 15, 2010. Erle is the father of Rev. Bruce & Donna Cook and the grandfather of Dawn, Sarah and David (2009) Cook. Visitation will be held at the Marshall Funeral Home 10366 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario on Monday January 18, 2010 from 7:00 —9:00 p.m. Mr. Cook’s Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday January 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Richmond Hill United Church, 10201 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario. A reception will be held immediately after the service. The family and close friends will proceed to the Cemetery after the reception.