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.”

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.