Obituaries

Gerald Gardner

A photo of Gerald Gardner

It is with saddened hearts that the family announces the passing of Gerald Kenneth Gardner. Predeceased by mother Helen, father Murray, and brother Tim. Survived by loving wife of 52 years Chris. Also survived by sisters Jane (Norm deceased) and Pat (Jack deceased), brothers Jim (Landis deceased) and Randy (Marlene),  brother in law Wayne (Nancy deceased), brother in law Randy (Audrey), sister in law Cindy (Jerry), son Chad, daughter Jenna (Jeff), and grandchildren Ethan, Nathan, Nolan and Lili. He will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place. The family has decided to celebrate his life in private.

Beverly “Joy” Johnston

A photo of Beverly “Joy” Johnston

Service:

Saturday January 27, 2024
4:30pm

Visitation:

Saturday January 27, 2024
3:30pm - 4:30pm

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly ‘Joy’ Johnston who passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday January 25, 2024 at the age of 87.  Joy was the youngest of ten children to the late Joseph and Lila (Farrell) Lemoine.  She was the dear wife of the late John Johnston.  Loving mother of Mike and Russ (Carolyn) Johnston.  Grandmother of Kayla, Michael, Cole, and Kendra.  Joy loved gardening (particularly roses and other flowers), reading, baking, spending time with family and was a member of the Legion Auxiliary.

Visitation will take place on Saturday January 27, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim from 3:30pm until 4:30pm followed by a funeral service at 4:30pm.  A private family interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia will be held in Sarnia at a later date.  Donations made in memory of Joy to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Judy Beaubien

A photo of Judy Beaubien

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday January 27, 2024
1:00 p.m.

Judy Beaubien, a long time resident of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Sunday January 21, 2024.  Born in Chatham 75 years ago to George & Blanche (Faubert) Beaubien, Judy was predeceased by her only sister Linda Sadler.  She will be remembered fondly by her niece and nephew Christa Sadler and Jeffrey Sadler and by her brother in law Garry Sadler.

Friends will remember Judy attending the Blenheim United Church for many years with her Mom, attending social times with neighbours and for her love of crafts.   She was the master of creative abilities and the connoisseur of crocheted dish cloths.  She always had a few projects on the go.

Cremation has taken place.  A funeral service for Judy conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  Those wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent.

Cameron Fulkerson

A photo of Cameron Fulkerson

Captain Cameron Perry Fulkerson

Born in Port Burwell March 7, 1948

It is with great sadness that the Family announce the passing of Cameron Fulkerson.  Lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy (McCarthy), son Brad (Yvette), daughter Michelle (Fred), grandchildren Chelsea (Tyrus), Danielle (Jeff), Tanner, Megan (Adam), and great-grandchildren Jackson and Olivia.  Son of the late Rod Fulkerson & Theresa (Cameron).  He will be remembered by his brother of Lawrence (Wendy), sister Joann and many relatives in Quebec.

Because of his love for boating and water, Cam chose to upgrade from Deckhand to Captain earning his Captain licences, Fishing Master Class IV, Master of Minor Waters and enjoyed that profession for over 40 years.

As well as the love for his Family and making memories with them, he enjoyed taking care of his fur babies and all of natures four legged and feathered creatures.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, CAPTAIN

Cremation has taken place, and the Family has chosen to remember Cam privately.  Friends wishing to honour Cam’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations

Elsie Haskell

A photo of Elsie Haskell

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday January 16, 2024
5:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday January 16, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Elsie Pearl Haskell (February 25th, 1930 – January 11, 2024) passed away peacefully at Eden Villa in Chatham, ON at the age of 93 years with nieces Debi and Lee-Ann by her side. Daughter of the late Millard and Annie (Hillman) Haskell. Beloved sister-in-law of Mary Lou Haskell and Melvin Guy. Predeceased by her siblings Kenneth, Lloyd, Lorne, Hilda, Fern, Alta, Eleanor, Larry, Murray and Carole. Much loved Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-Great Aunt to Debi, Lee-Ann, Logan, Kramer, Gareth, Rhiannon and Talan. Dearly cared for by Jarel Lumley. Also remembered by Dennis and Doris Guy, Shawn and Cristina Haskell. Elsie retired from PGH after 30 years working as an RNA in the delivery room. She was also a volunteer at Meadow Park Nursing Home and attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Elsie was a long time fan of country music singer Bill Anderson. Elsie enjoyed travelling, eating out and listening to the Grand Ole Opry. Through the years, she attended many hockey and soccer games, swimming lessons and family celebrations for her Great niece and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Eden Villa for their compassion in caring for Elsie. Friends will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. Blenheim, on Tuesday, January 16th, from 4:00-5:00pm. A Funeral Service for Elsie, officiated by Rev. Eric Skillings, will be held at the Funeral Home following visitation at 5:00pm. A private family interment will take place at Stewart Cemetery on Wednesday. Donations in remembrance can be made to the charity of your choice.

Terry Pook

A photo of Terry Pook

Service:

Friday January 12, 2024
11:00am

Visitation:

Thursday January 11, 2024
7:00pm - 9:00pm

We are very saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Terry Pook on Thursday, January 4th at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, at the age of 72.

Dear husband of Doreen Pook (Pardo). Loving father of Gary (Amy) Pook, Randy (Julie) Pook, and Chuck Irwin (Leanne Senyk). Proud grandfather to Brady Pook and Kailem Sobry. Brother of Dennis (late Margie) Pook, John Pook, Cathy (Brian) Hitchcock, and uncle of the late Tammy (Junior) Daniels, Tonya Bechard, and Jason (Candace) Pook.

Terry retired from Navistar Industries in Chatham after 32 dedicated years. He then pursued many interests including travelling with Doreen to his favorite destination, the Dominican Republic. Terry was always happy to welcome family and friends to “the barn.” He was a long-time member of the Blenheim Legion (Colour Guard) participating in Remembrance Day Ceremonies, parades, and other events. You could often find Terry at Branch 185 or 185 EH!, having good times with good friends and always having the brightest smile in the room. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for Terry will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 7:00pm until 9:00pm with a service at the funeral home on Friday January 12 at 11:00am. A Celebration of Life for Terry will then follow the service at the Blenheim Legion. A private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Blenheim Branch 185 or the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Frederick Holmes

A photo of Frederick Holmes

Service:

Wednesday January 10, 2024
11:00am

Visitation:

Tuesday January 9, 2024
2:00pm-4:00pm
6:00pm-8:00pm

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Morley Holmes (known to many as “Papa Fred”) who passed away on Saturday January 6, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Eileen ‘Wendy’ Holmes (nee Richmond), his son David (Helen) Briscoe, and daughter Heather (Marco) Voets. He was the proud ‘Papa Fred’ to David, Josh, Brittany, Mykenzie, Cassandra, Mikayla, Johan, Wesley and great grandfather to Liam, Mya, Levi, and Eoin. He was the brother of Tom Holmes and predeceased by Robert, Bill, and Gordon Holmes. Brother-in-law of Ruth (Bill) Neil of Nova Scotia and the late Bob Richmond. Uncle of Kevin and Terry Holmes.
Predeceased by his parents Olive (nee Ramsdale) and Riley Holmes. Fred began his working career at Braithwaite Furs (‘the mink ranch’) and moved to the International Harvester (Navistar) until his retirement in 1995 which he also considered a “full time job with no holidays”. He was a lifelong resident of Blenheim, enjoyed woodworking, treasure hunting at auction sales, listening to 8 tracks, “puttering” in the garage and “little house”, telling a good joke, or doing great impressions. He was most famously a master storyteller, telling tales of fact or fiction, often intermingled.
He will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have had the pleasure of his company. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday January 9, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm with a funeral service taking place on Wednesday January 10 at 11:00am at the funeral home. Following the service will be an interment at Evergreen Cemetery. In accordance with Fred’s love of animals, donations made in memory to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A tribute video of Fred’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FNN3M49QHQF6DXFM

Alexandra North

A photo of Alexandra North

Visitation:

January 27, 2024
1pm-5pm
Elgin Mills Funeral Centre Richmond Hill

Alexandra North, affectionately known as “Sandy” by her friends and family, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on December 26, 2023.  

Born a proud Scot, Sandy immigrated to Canada in 1987 after sixteen years in Australia for a new start.  Proud mother and grandmother, remembered fondly by daughter Tracey & Mark Teague, along with their children Talia Fitzan, Ambriehl Teague, Tenaya Gardner, Quiana Teague and Lyshae Teague. Cherished and survived by her sons Jeff and Steven, along with his daughter Ashea North.  

Sandy will be dearly missed by her sister, June and Dave Stark, with their children Lindsay and David Stark. Sandies Roadtrek and Mini Lakes community had to say goodbye prematurely when she moved to Blenheim to be with her son and his wife in her final five months. They can finally say goodbye to her in conjunction with her wonderful friends and co-workers from Go Transit.

A Celebration of Life event will be held at Elgin Mills Funeral Centre in Richmond Hill on January 27th from 1pm to 5pm. Eulogies or guest speakers are welcome at 3pm. 

Sandie’s wishes were to receive donations in lieu of flowers to either the Chatham-Kent Hospice who provided a beautiful end of life transition or the Cancer Society of Canada. Respectfully if flowers are to be sent on the day, there is to be no lilies.    

Marilyn Newcombe

A photo of Marilyn Newcombe

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday January 7, 2024
4:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday January 7, 2024
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Marilyn Joan Newcombe, a resident of Ridgetown for most of her life, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday January 4, 2024.  She was the much loved mother of Judy & Dave Erskine, Robert Newcombe, David & Karen Newcombe and Linda & Ferg Connolly.  Grandmother and great-grandmother of Heather & Joe Landon with their children Malaya and Eli, Brian & Stephanie Erskine with their children John, Owen and Evan, David & Marisa Newcombe with their children Keith and Nora, Sharon Marie Newcombe with her son Skyler, Chloe & Michael Banman, Ashley Langlois and her son Liam, Matthew & Tiffany Langlois  and their son Logan and the late Gabrielle Connolly.  Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Keith in 2010.

Born in Howard Township to the late John & Edna Durfy, she is survived by her sisters Patricia (Larry) Rumble and Dorothy Currah.  She was loved by many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was an independent, resourceful and determined lady, sprinkled with a hint of sarcasm which made life interesting and fun.  She didn’t let much get past her, appreciated honesty and straight answers which she gave in return, and she met any challenge with her head held high, a quality that she bestowed to her children.  She loved to cook, she loved her family and their friends and she loved her church.  Every Sunday she made sure that there were flowers in church, even if it meant scouring the countryside for things to fill the vases.  She will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday January 7, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 for visitation, followed by a funeral service conducted by Rev. Janet Anstead at 4:00 p.m.  Marilyn’s urn will  be interred in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown on her birthday in April.

Those wishing to remember Marilyn with a memorial donation are asked to consider Operation Smile, a charity that she supported for many years.

 

Betty Phair

A photo of Betty Phair

Betty Louise Phair peacefully passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday January 4, 2024. Betty was born 92 years ago to her late parents Emma (Rogers) and Aubrey Durfy. Betty was the loving wife of the late John Phair (2009). Dear mother of Linda (Gilbert) Deschryver, Deb (Jim) Robertson, late Carla (John) Peters, Brenda (David) Knight, and Carl (Luann) Phair. Dear grandmother of Alana (Richard) Ainsworth, Jeff (Beth) Deschryver, Ryan Johnston (Jasmine McKenzie), Lacey (Mike) Dotterman, Brigen (Megan) Peters, Amber Knight, Arin Gennter, Breann Knight, Carley Phair, Dawn (Mario) Acosta, Corey (Jocelyn) Pickering, Cameron (Nichole) Pickering, as well as 15 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Betty was the dear sister of the late Don (Chris) Durfy and Roger (late Rose Marie) Durfy. Sister in law of the late Mary (late Glen) Cleveland, Don (Barb) Phair, and the late Evelyn (late Chester) Stone. Betty was the bookkeeper for Carl Phair and Sons Ltd. for many, many years and in her spare time, apart from being a busy wife and mother, enjoyed reading a good book and being a member of the Rebekah’s Lodge. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment at Evergreen Cemetery will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Betty’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com