Penny McCullough of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday October 26, 2022 at the age of 79 years.  She was predeceased by her husband and best friend Ken McCullough in 2016.

Penny was a person of strength and determination who was dedicated to making the world a better place; a value that she also instilled in her children Bobbi-Jo Ferren (Stu), Jacques McCullough (Jennifer) and the late Daniel McCullough.  She was a kind and loving grandmother to Addison, Drew, Kyle, Gavin, Jacqueline,  Patrick and Tyler, and an honourary grandmother to Dan, Zackary and Anna who emigrated to Canada from the Ukraine.  Being a grandmother was the most rewarding part of Penny’s life.  She also enjoyed times spent with her grand-dogs.  She was an advocate and a friend, offering a hand up to those in need and a stable presence to anyone facing uncertain times in their lives.

Penny began her career in a predominately male workforce at Navistar in Chatham, paving the way for other women to join the force.  She was a pioneer in introducing Ringette to ice rinks in Chatham and she was the developer of the Best Learn to Skate Program; still holding many positions in the organizations to this day.  In the summertime, she spent her energy improving the quality of life for her friends and fellow campers at Wildwood Campground in Morpeth.  She will be forever missed by “the girls” there, who she enjoyed daily phone calls, visits and outings with.

Penny was one of four children born to the late Sarah Young and is survived by her sister Sandra Ferguson (Kinnon).  She was predeceased by her brothers Bob (survived by Ruth) and Kirk (survived by Yvonne).  She was a favourite aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Kate Bailey for the never-ending love and support shown to our mom over the years.

Family and friends are invited to an Open House at the Golden Acres Curling Club on Saturday November 12, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. to remember a life well lived.  Those wishing to remember Penny with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Senior Centre.

Annie Christensen of Blenheim passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Blenheim Community Village on Friday October 21, 2022.  Born in Ribe Denmark 103 years ago, Annie was the youngest of four children born to the late Aager and Toma (Fisher) Jacobsen.  She is survived by her sister Tova who lives in Denmark.  In 1944, Annie married husband Svend Christensen.  In 1958, with their children John, Asger (2005), Finn, Steen, Ann (2003) and Thomas, they immigrated to Canada, settling near Cedar Springs where their youngest son Michael completed their family.  Annie became a wonderful Grandma to many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; each of them holding a special place in her heart.  Annie and Svend spent 47 years together before his death in 1991.

Annie will be remembered from her years of working in the dietary department at Southwestern Regional Centre.  In her retirement years she enjoyed gardening, playing cards and caring for her dog.  One of her favourite places was her cottage just outside of Rodney.

In keeping with Annie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and her urn will be taken home to be interred beside Svend in Denmark.

A Celebration of Life for Annie will be held at a later time and will be announced.  Family and friends wishing to remember Annie with a memorial donation are encouraged to support her love of animals with a donation to Pet & Wildlife Rescue or the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.

Annie’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thankyou to the staff and residents of the Blenheim Community Village as well as Dr. Martha Clendenning for making her time there some of her best years.  She spoke of every one of you with such kindness.

Jack Pickering of McKays Corners passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday October 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Stewart) Pickering, as well as his children Donna (Wayne) Rumble, Jackie, Julie, Derek (Sara); Debbie Vandenhende (Brian Campbell), Alyssa (Dylan)Dietrich and Kendra (Brennon); John (Carmon) Pickering, Austin, Carter, and Everett; and Denise (Steve) Ladd, McKenna and Grayson and by two great-grandsons Warren and Nathan Rumble. He was born 82 years ago to the late Gordon & Lena (Osborne) Pickering and is survived by his sister Anne Duffy (Jim). He was predeceased by his brother Don (Beth).

Dad lived his life by enjoying the little things. He became a farmer at an early age and remained actively involved until the end. He graduated top of his class from the Agricultural College in 1957. Dad swept Mom off her feet at a ball game in Cedar Springs. They shared a pop that night in 1958 and shared their last one together on October 21, 2022.

Dad’s love of sports, especially baseball, was evident throughout his life. He started playing with the Junior Farmers and ended with the infamous Diehards team. “Lightning” was an exceptional infielder, catcher, hitter, and team mate.

Dad always made time for a nap and enjoyed dessert. He didn’t have to raise his voice -the silent stare spoke volumes to all of us (though we never saw it often). Dad always made time for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all their extra-curricular activities. We are sure many of you can remember seeing Dad and Mom at many arenas, ballparks, gymnasiums, or soccer fields.

Dad always lived by the motto, “Hard work will always be rewarded.” We feel truly blessed. He will be missed.

It was Jack’s wish for his family to remember him privately. A funeral service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Jack and his family will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to him by the third floor staff of the CKHA and the Chatham Kent Hospice. Friends wishing to remember Jack are welcome to make a memorial donation to one of these organizations.

To view the video tribute for Jack, click on this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/X5JJLZ8B5F4RWSD3

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Hewak announces his passing at the age of 88, on October 22, 2022.  He is survived by his children; Marianne and Bob Coatsworth, Honey Lea and Brad Flook, Paul Hewak, Charlotte and Dave Vynckier, Adam Hewak, Sarah Gordon, Shawn and Chris Hewak, and daughter in law Tammy Holdaway.  Predeceased by his son Tom (2018) and infant son Timothy (1962), his former wife Mary Whittington, and his partner Charmaine Gawne.  Also predeceased by his parents Andrew and Pauline Hewak and his brother Harry.

His legacy of grandchildren includes Jacob, Joe, Zach, Jordan, Laurel, Corbin, Daymin, Atlanta, Olivia, Nash, Amanda, Coral, Bailey, along with his step grandchildren Jessica, Lindsey, Alicia, Tyler, Courtney and Nicholas as well as 14 great grandchildren.

Remembered by his sisters and brothers Violet Hoffman, Mike Hewak (Donna), Linda Hawkins (Paul), Helen Chandler (Wayne), and Andy Hewak.

Dad grew up in Ridgetown on the family farm. His teen years showed his love of old, fast cars.  He settled in Blenheim and raised a family of nine children while working for Harwich Township and also Standard Tube, until his retirement.

Dad was a collector of sorts, always looking for that great find. He enjoyed the outdoors and trailer camping and had a passion for gardening-he could grow anything.  He loved old movies, Elvis, his tickets (chasing that windfall again), and a good homecooked meal of cabbage rolls and perogies.  He will be forever missed.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday for visitation from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday October 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

William Birse Scott, 77 of Blenheim passed away on October 9, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Bill was born to the late Art & Nancy (Boyd) Scott.  He was married to Ruth (McMillan) for 54 years.  He is survived by his sister Heather (David) Gaze of British Columbia, his sister-in-law Jean Phillips and his niece Donna Phillips.  He was predeceased by his sister Janet Scott.

Bill retired from the Ontario Provincial Police force after 25 years.  He was stationed in the Petrolia, Blenheim and Chatham detachments.  He served on the R.I.D.E. team as well as being a Community Service Officer.  Bill had a life long passion for antique vehicles.  He spent time working on his own car collection and was happy to meet people at various car shows.  He had been on the committee for the Blenheim Car Show and was a long-time member of the Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada.  He had been active with the local Blenheim Bombers Air Cadets as well as the Chatham-Kent Council, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Association and the Chatham-Kent Museum Board.  He also served on the Board of Directors for the Legion Villa in Blenheim.

Friends are invited to a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 14 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  and again, on Saturday October 15, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 when a funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Bill Terris.  Interment will take place at a later date in Gosnell Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember Bill with a charitable donation are asked to consider a charity that is meaningful to themselves.

Marsha Denise Shelp, daughter of the late Everett & Doris (Rumble) Shelp, passed away peacefully at the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown, Ontario on Saturday October 8, 2022 at the age of 61.  Marsha has joined her twin sister Marie (May 2015).  She will be missed by her older sister Carrie (Ron) Ball, her niece Heather (Cass) Ball, her nephew Bryan (Abbie) Ball and her great nieces & nephew Keira Harder, Riley Harder and Zephyr Ball.  She will be remembered also by her Uncle Keith (Doris) Rumble.

Friends and family will remember Marsha for her quick humour and her love to tease.  A very special thank you to the Village On The Ridge for their loving care shown to Marsha over the past seven years.  A graveside service will be held in Morpeth Cemetery on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Those wishing to remember Marsha with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association.

A resident of Blenheim, Johnny Kassiotis passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on October 1, 2022 at the age of 54. Born in Leamington Ontario, Johnny was the son of Demetrios and Lucia Kassiotis of Chatham. Loving father to Jimmy Kassiotis (Kendra Purdy) and Nick Kassiotis (Samantha Steel). Grandfather to Hazel and Beau Kassiotis. Brother to Chris Kassiotis (Kimberly Butzer) and Louise Kassiotis (Jim O’Connor). Johnny will be dearly missed by all his family, best friend Stine Toft and all his friends. Johnny had a great love of fishing, wood working, and held a special place in his heart for his grandkids which meant the world to him. Cremation has taken place and the family will be remembering him in private. Donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A most generous and loving soul has gone too soon.  Deborah Shirley Marriott, born on March 31, 1957 to the late Earl and Irene (Fields) Coll passed away on Thursday September 29, 2022.  She was the dear mother of David (Carrie) Marriott and proud grandmother of Tyler and Owen.  She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Jean Marriott in 1991 and her “partner in crime” Bert Clark in 2017.  Debbie is survived by her siblings Sandy, Riley, Raymond, Rick (Carol) Coll and Pattie (John) Spacil.  She had much love for her nieces and nephews.  She was also predeceased by her sister Diane Lynn Coll and sister-in-law Diane Margaret Coll.  As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place next Saturday October 8^th.  Anyone wishing to remember Debbie is welcome to make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society https://mssociety.ca/ .

It is with fond memories that we, the family say our final farewell to our Mom.

Jean leaves behind three daughters Pat Getty (late Bob), Donna Clapp Turk (Jack) and Gerri Coates (Ken), her step family Jim Verstraete (Marilyn), Tom Verstraete (Val), Joanne Stoehr Brown and Ursula Verstraete (predeceased by Bill).

She is survived by her brother Bill Parker, sister-in-law Alice Parker and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husbands Earl Dibbley and George Verstraete, her sisters Dorothy Bond, Bessie Turner, Hazel Tanner, and her brothers Harold, Jack, Gordon, Don and Bob Parker.

As per Jeans request, cremation has taken place.  Her family will celebrate her life privately at a later date.

Jean’s family wishes to thank Becky and Jody, her home care nurses.  Special thanks to the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for the excellent care they gave to our Mom in her final days, all of the PSW’s, her Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Perkin.  Special thanks go out to Jenny, Jinny, Laura, Christie, Sarah and Curtis.  Thank you so much for all your support.

Jean Verstaete’s family.

Friends wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Church Food Bank.

On Wednesday September 28, 2022 Larry Pope, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, age of 84.

Larry was born November 8, 1937 in Bothwell Ontario to the late William and Rhoda Pope. Larry worked in carpentry with his grandfather in his younger years. On July 11, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Laura Allen. They moved to Erieau where Larry worked at the Southwest Regional Center before starting his own business in Cedar Springs – Larry and Laura’s Gas station & Restaurant. After years of running his own business Larry returned to carpentry. Together they raised two daughters, Cindy and Jennifer.

Larry had a passion for hunting and fishing, and he combined his two favourite hobbies to create an extraordinary place for friends and families to gather for years to come – The Ponderosa. Larry was known as “the Pope” and was a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the Blenheim Legion. He and his buddies spent many great times at the hunt camp and times away moose hunting. He was an avid Blue Jay’s fan and watched the games with Laura, never missing a game right up to the end. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and big heart despite his rough exterior.

Larry was predeceased by his parents William and Rhoda Pope, and brother Bill Pope III. Survived by his wife of 63 years Laura, daughters Cindy (Bert) Stothart, and Jennifer (Jeff) Parney. Siblings Darelene (Jack) Robertson, Ron (Shelly) Pope, Kim (Rick) Seguin. Grandchildren Brandi, Jessie (Sam), Brett (Jenn), Claire and Hilary. Great grandchildren Michael (Carrie), Keegan, Skylar and Morgan. Great – great grandchildren Samuel, Hailey and Harrison.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday October 2, 2022 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday October 3, 2022 at 11am, with an interment at Evergreen Cemetery, followed by a light luncheon at the Blenheim Baptist Church.

Donations may be made to a charity of choice and online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com