Mom passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village. Mother of ten, Mary is survived by her children Larry Kozlof (Jane), Sharron Cooper (Brian), Patricia Hamelin (Tommy, deceased), and Maggie Engel (Rudi).  Mom is also survived by her sister, Lillian Mervin.

Predeceased by her husband Clarence Johnston and first husband Walter Kozlof.  Also predeceased by her siblings George Beaubien, Ed Beaubien and Edith Pickering, and parents Henry and Mabel Beaubien.

Sadly, Mom was also predeceased by her children Alexander Kozlof, Janice Yourex (Glen-deceased), Richard Kozlof, Paul Kozlof, Karen Armstrong (Phillip) and David Johnston.

Lovingly remembered by her many, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren and all her wonderful nieces and nephews.

Our heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at the Blenheim community Village, and to DR. Martha Clendenning.

According to Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday October 16, 2023 from 12:00 – 1:00pm.  A Funeral Service will follow immediately after the visitation and will be livestreamed by clicking the following link:https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=110de57f-5d09-482b-ad37-6bdeebd1ecef

A private interment will be held at a later date, at Evergreen Cemetery.

Norma Margurite Pickering of Blenheim passed away at home on Friday October 6, 2023 at the age of 84 years.  She was the daughter of the late William and Lela (Haskell) Shepley.  Norma met the love of her life James Pickering while they were both attending Blenheim District High School and were married almost 52 years before James predeceased her in 2012.  She had five children; Susan Rood (Gerard), Chris Pickering (Mary Alice), Timothy Pickering who predeceased her in 1985, Shawn Pickering (Maria) and Michelle Miles (Rick).  She was the proud grandmother of Tina (Dan), Brian (Bailey), Ashli (Joe), Taylor (Kayla), Tim (Paige), Kody and Alex and great-grandmother of Lukus, Hunter, Emily, Alivia and Emerson.  She is survived by her sister Donna Goodwin and was predeceased by her siblings Aileen Murray, Marie Pepper and William Shepley.

Norma enjoyed her career of being a homemaker for the Red Cross where she became long time friends with Alvin and Wilma Armstrong.  She was a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre and enjoyed doing many crafts.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday October 11, 2023 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Cremation will follow and a private graveside service will take place in Evergreen where Norma will be laid to rest with Jim.

It is with great sadness that we, Tyler, Boyd and Daniel Nichol announce the sudden passing of our dad, John Nichol.  Dad fell ill recently and on September 27^th, he unexpectedly succumbed to his illness.  He spent his last days at home with our loving mom Karen.  This is a great shock to us as dad was just visiting Tyler and his family in Dawson and everything was great.  Maybe the only consolation in all of this is that he’s giving a big hug to our brother Jesse who passed away in 2018.

Dad was one of a kind and we’re gonna miss him like crazy.  He was a man of the fire, always cutting wood, spending time with friends and family around the campfire telling stories.  He was super generous and was always there to help people.  He really believed in living simple and understood the benefit of small communities.

Many years ago Dad went to Dawson City to mine for gold and loved it so much that he moved his family of 6 there in a school bus.  It was a grand adventure driving across the country moving to the north.  During that time, he worked gold mining and for the Yukon Government maintaining parts of the Dempster Highway and surrounding area.  Even though the family  moved back to Blenheim, part of Dad’s heart stayed in Dawson City.  He loved the country and he loved the people there.  Everyone had so many good times going to Dawson and camping at his place.  He loved hosting people and spending time with the younger generation and the energy they brought.  The past few years found him in Dawson again helping Tyler build the dirt work for the winter terrain parks at Moose Mountain and Mt Maichen and the Cross Country ski trails at Mt Mac in Whitehorse.  Dad loved the trails and spending time on them with us. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, it would’ve made him smile.  Please consider a donation to the Klondike Active Transport and Trails Society in Dawson City to continue the work that he loved so much.  Donations can be mailed to KATTS, Box 1223, Dawson City, Yukon, Y0B1G0 or e-transferred to [email protected] stating who the donation is for.

Dad was an inspiration to all four of us growing up, and in turn, we became an inspiration to him.  He was 65 years young.  He showed us you’re never too old to learn how to snowboard, downhill mountain bike or tow behind Bella his dog on his longboard, he was a natural.  His energy brought so much to all of our lives.  His inward happiness and adventurous sides were gifts that he gave us and for that we will always be grateful.  His free spirit took him far and wide where he was able to experience so much of what life has to offer.  He was a talented heavy machine operator whose favourite pieces of equipment were the grader and excavator.  He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union – Local 793, working wherever the job took him.  A Celebration of Life for John will be held at Karen’s, 19360 Fargo Rd. Blenheim on Sunday October 15 from 2pm-5pm.  Please bring your lawn chair and favourite pot luck dish.

Dad, there’s no one like you and we’re really gonna miss ya.  We love you so much!

Tyler, Boyd, Daniel and Mom

Gavin Mifflin of London and formerly of Blenheim passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2023.  He was born 49 years ago to his parents Gaele and Gary Mifflin, the two people he gave credit to for the successes that he, his brother Richard & Heather with their children Aislinn and Kaelan, and his sister Rebecca experienced in life.

Gavin’s careers in life took him to Toronto, Chatham, back to Blenheim and finally to London.  He would tell you that London was his best move, because it was there that he met the love of his life Jennifer and where he became a dad to Connor and Spencer.  Being a husband and a dad were the two greatest journeys of his life.

He was a graduate of Blenheim District High School and played football there for the Blenheim Bobcats.  After graduation, he enjoyed coming back to be an announcer for the games.  He will always be remembered for his catchphrase that the opposing team had been “stopped by a pack of cats”.  He was a part of the Blenheim Blades and would also be an announcer for their games.  He had a great voice, whether it was announcing or singing and it was no surprise that he studied at Humber College to be a radio announcer, working for CKSY in Chatham and Rogers TV in London.  He always smiled.  He had a way, even after long absences of making friends feel like they were an important part of his life and he always took the time to keep in touch.

Gavin loved all kinds of sports.  He cheered for the Wings, the Lions, the Pistons and the Tigers, but his all time favourite was the Florida Gators, the team that he had his license plates personalized with.  He spent time working with his friend Matt at Sport Travel before making his final move to London.  After taking the Golf and Club Management course at Fanshawe College he accepted a position at the Innerkip Highlands Golf Club before moving to be the General Manager at the Sally Creek Golf Club.  He also became a Professor at Fanshawe College, teaching his graduate course.

Gavin was welcomed with open arms by Jennifer’s family including her Mom Martina, her Dad Kerwin & Joanne, her Oma Carla, siblings Karen and Stacey, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was a loved uncle, nephew, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend.  His enthusiastic personality and contagious laugh could light up a room.  He will be missed.  He always looked out for his family and friends and they looked out for him.  His last post on Facebook said “I am beyond words and filled with love and support from you all.  Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement and positive messages.  I am blessed”.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday October 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. and again on Thursday October 5 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  A private family interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Wallaceburg.  Donations in memory of Gavin can be made to an education fund set up for his children or to the London Humane Society.

A memorial tribute of Gavin’s life may be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PTBJ3HD8DRMPSG8L

It all began New Year’s Eve 1979 in Windsor at a dance. Jean said because she was only 18 yrs old, she fell for his line of , “Where have you been all my life?” This New Years Eve 2023, their love story would have gone on for 44 years. I guess his line worked after all.
Grover Elgin Gall of Blenheim passed away on September 20, 2023 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with Jean by his side. Grover was born in Chatham in June of 1949. His parents were the late Joyce Elizabeth and Elgin Ray Gall. Grover was married to Jean Gall (nee Kane) in December of 1980. Grover and Jean had no children of their own, however, their nieces and nephews, “the Buckwheat’s”, were always in their life. Ashley (Mark), Katie (Fil), John (Sarah), Ian, Sean (Mila) and Leah (Curtis). Grover leaves behind his sister-in-law, Maggie Buckwheat of Erieau and brother-in-law, Bill Kane of Chatham. Predeceased by his in-laws Bill and Betty Kane who he loved as his second parents and in return was loved and respected by them.
Being housebound from the spring, Grover had some great visits whether on the phone or in person with his cousin Jack (Jane Ann) Tasker, as well as some great visits with Linda (Doug) Dyet when they moved to Blenheim.
Grover worked at Canadian Fram when he met Jean. After a few years in Chatham, they bought Jimmy J’s Drive In Restaurant (formerly known as Brockies). After running the drive-in for two seasons, they added a dining room and it became Grover’s Family Restaurant. They sold the restaurant and bought a home at Rondeau while Grover worked at the Southwestern Regional Center for a short time before becoming ill. Although it wasn’t required for his job, he wrote the government exam and received his chef’s papers. Jean and Grover sold their home at Rondeau and became Winter Texans for two winters. Home from Texas they settled in Ridgetown. From there, they lived in London and finally returned to Blenheim. Grover got sick in the spring but was thrilled to reconnect with old friends from AA, Brentwood, and his church friends. September was the month he passed away but it was also the anniversary of his 45th year of being sober. Our family doctor, Dr. Anna Pawelec is one in a million. At the Chatham hospital Jean would like to say thank you to Dr. Newell and Dr. Merotto. The palliative nurses at the hospital are angels in disguise. Karen and Ashley you have compassion beyond measure for your patients and their families. You both were everything that a hospice setting should be. Terry, Aleena, and LeeAnn, thank you for getting Grovers sense of humour. You showed such great kindness in caring for him. Marc and Mike from the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, thank you for your compassion and guidance. To Rev. Ken Powell for your visits and Godly counsel. Pat, Bev, and Nettie for your friendship and support. Grover was a humble man who loved God with all his heart. His animals at home were a comfort to him. Leaving behind Spice the cat, and Mabel his dog. As per Grover’s wishes there will be no funeral service at this time with a possibility of a Celebration of Life at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Grover’s name, you can give to the wonderful rescue that his dog Mabel came from: Barks and Meows Rescue, or the Chatham Kent Hospice would be appreciated.
Dear Grover: “Lovin’ you was easier than anything I’ll ever do Again” -Jeannie

A memorial video of Grover’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/8CQPXX2C2MCDDSNT

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hughie Stonehouse Jr, our son, brother, father, uncle, and friend in his 50th year.

Hughie’s proudest accomplishments in life were, as everyone knew, his two beautiful daughters, Oliva Pre and Morgan Rose.  Hughie is also survived by his parents, Linda Stonehouse-Paling (George), Hugh Stonehouse Sr (late Mary Anne), sister Karen Stonehouse and her son Isaac, brother Jeff Stonehouse, sister-in-law Lisa and their children Brady, Abby and Brett, his stepbrother, Craig Horak, his wife Amanda and their children Connor and Casey.

Hughie was born May 30^th, 1973, and recently celebrated his milestone 50^th birthday with two of his favourite people, his mom and daughter Olivia who proudly cooked him a homemade meal. Most recently, just two weeks ago, Hughie was able to check off his main bucket list item of going to a Guns n Roses concert with one of his daughters.

Hughie was the Habs biggest fan, a goalie extraordinaire and he couldn’t have been happier than just two years ago having the chance to attend Maskfest where he had the opportunity to meet a former NHL mask maker and be surrounded by hockey enthusiasts such as himself.  “Goaltender – the one brave player willing to have pucks chucked at his face all in the name of hockey and enjoys it.”

Hughie was an active child playing most sports and found his passion playing net. Even as young adults his large circle of friends that chummed around since public school could be found playing some road hockey. His social life was full through his teens and 20s and he loved throwing his annual Halloween party where many Blenheim folks danced the night away.

Hugh “had eyes of the bluest sky”, Nothing last forever and all you need is a little patience. Shed a tear ‘cause I’m missin’ you, I’m still alright to smile. We pray that when Hughie Knocked on Heaven’s door, that his predeceased family, friend, rock, and hockey icons were all there to Welcome him to Paradise City. Don’t you cry tonight, there’s a heaven above you, And don’t you cry tonight.

Hughie had a huge impact on countless children and youth over his 15-year span of being a Children’s Service Worker. He also coached Olivia and Isaac through their Blenheim Minor Hockey years.  His dedication to children and the impact he made on their lives will be remembered by so many young athletes.  With that in mind, donating to a cause that involves youth and sports such as ALL for Kids would be a great way to continue his legacy.  He would have wanted any child to have an opportunity to play sports.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 25^th from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. This will be followed by a celebration of life in the upstairs of the Blenheim Legion where we welcome you to share some favourite ‘Stoney Stories’ beginning at 7:00 p.m. Please wear your favourite jersey, band tee or flannel!

“Remember, in this game we call life, that no one said it’s fair” – Breakdown

“Play every game as it is your last one.” Guy Lafleur

Our hearts are breaking as we announce the passing of Christine Edwards (nee Cullmann) on July 14, 2023, after a short illness. Best friend, true love, and high school sweetheart of David with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Loving and proud mother to sons Jeff (Lindsay), Mike, and Tim and devoted Oma to Alex, Stella, Logan, and Jackson. Greatly missed by her parents Hans and Ursula Cullmann and mother-in-law Joan Edwards, sisters Pat Cumming and Debby Glavin, brothers-in-law Paul Edwards and Terry Cumming, sisters-in-law Janie Boult and Debbie Edwards, and her many nieces and nephews.

Christine grew up in King City, Ontario where she was an alumnus of King City Secondary School.   She graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1978 and embarked on a career as a physiotherapist and healthcare administrator, beginning at St. John’s Rehab Hospital in Toronto and Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls before moving to Windsor Regional Hospital where she provided patient care and administrative leadership in a variety of roles for ~ 30 years.  Christine loved gardening, hiking or any activity that took her outdoors, and she was in her happy place walking on the shores of Lake Erie at her home outside Rondeau Provincial Park with her dogs Foster and Yuko. She was proud of her German heritage and enjoyed many trips to Germany to visit family as well as travels throughout Europe, Scotland, Ireland, and the southwestern United States. Although she traveled extensively outside Canada, she also experienced and enjoyed the beauty of our great country from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Tofino, British Columbia.

Christine was first and foremost a caregiver in both her professional and personal life. Her kindness and optimistic approach to life were appreciated by her patients and her friends and family. She valued the opportunity that she had in retirement to spend more time caring for her parents, mother-in-law, and grandkids and she took immense pleasure in her volunteer work helping newcomers to Canada with their English communication skills.

We are grateful to the staff at Windsor Regional Hospital, Metropolitan Campus for their exceptional professionalism and compassion in caring for Christine throughout her illness. Those who wish to honour her memory with a charitable donation may wish to support the Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation https://www.wrh.on.ca/Support , Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation , Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada https://secure.llscanada.org/site/SPageNavigator/donate.html?fa=STD&s_locale=en_CA , or other healthcare-related cause that you are passionate about.

Cremation has taken place and interment will occur in a private family ceremony at Schomberg Union Cemetery.

We will celebrate Christine’s beautiful life at events in King City (King City Community Centre) on Sunday, October 15 between 2 and 5 pm and in LaSalle at the Vollmer Centre (Kin Club Multi-purpose Room) on Sunday, October 22 between 3 and 6 pm.  All who knew her are invited to join us to share stories and memories and connect with friends and family.  Casual dress, light refreshments will be served.

Paula Dawne Clarke died in London, Ontario, at age 69, having lived for two-and-a-half years with ovarian cancer, yet embracing every opportunity for travel, good food, and gatherings with family and friends.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Aileen Clarke, to whom she gave tender care in their elder years. She leaves her siblings Janis, Jon, Greg, and Julie; brothers-in-law Ray and David; nieces and nephews Raphael, Kim, Gail, Fiona and Thomas; and her great-nephew Gabriel.

Paula was born in Windsor, attended King Edward and Ada C. Richards public schools, Herman Collegiate and the University of Windsor, developing many lifelong friendships at every stage. At age 21 she began a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. For over three decades, in Windsor, Toronto and London, she nurtured children’s confidence, joy for learning, and love of reading. Later in her career she provided one-on-one tutoring and play therapy.

Paula’s nieces and nephews meant the world to her, and she was an integral part of their childhood and development–cheering them on at races, music performances and graduations. She offered her calm presence in many quiet hours of school work and life preparation, and supported them in all their milestones, large or small. Her dog Jesse gave her much comfort and companionship, and her charm and friendliness shone as she and Jesse walked the neighbourhood. She enjoyed all kinds of travel: camping in Ontario’s parks, European river cruises, or practicing her French in Paris. She joined meditation groups, sang alto beautifully, and danced whenever she could. But most of all she was deeply happy around a feast table with family, or a board game table with any who would agree to one more round.

Her family wishes to thank the dedicated health care providers and wonderful friends who sustained Paula to the end. We mourn the loss of a precious sister, aunt and friend, but cherish the laughter and memories she gave us.

Paula hosted her own delightful celebration of life four months ago; at her request there will be no funeral. In her memory, in your own way, support a child in need, here or around the world.

Carol Anne Boylan passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday September 7, 2023. Carol Anne was born 77 years ago to her parents, the late Omer and Clementina Havens. Survived by her three daughters, Jennifer (Tim) Morency, Janice (Lonnie) Hamilton, and Angela Boylan. Loving grandmother of Grace Allison, Jacob Hamilton, and Leah Hamilton. Survived by her sister Dolores (Dee) Wagner, sister and brother in laws, Jeanie Havens, Dennis (Lynn) Boylan, Garry (Patty) Boylan, Darlene (Philip) St. Pierre, Brian (Donna) Boylan, and Stephen Boylan. Predeceased by her husband Donald, her brother Lucien Havens, her sister Jeannine (William) Parsons, and brother in law Maurice (Moe) Wagner. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held at the funeral home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery to follow. Donations made in memory of Carol Anne may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, or the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

John C. Wood passed away on September 3, 2023 at the Chatham hospital at the age of 82.

He died peacefully after a long battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Beloved husband of Norma Wood (née Beadle). Loving father of Laura Rainbow Dragon, John M. Wood (Colleen). Proud grandfather of Ian and Emily. Son of the late John F. and Nellie (née Cresswell) Wood. Survived by his brother Graeme (Andres).

A celebration of life service will be held at North Bramalea United Church (363 Howden Blvd, Brampton) on September 17 at 1 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy friends might consider a donation to The Friends of Algonquin Park or a charity of their choice.