Born in Chatham, beloved son of Bernard Ferguson and the late Dr. Janis Kay (Ferguson).  Lucas is survived by his brothers Stuart and Logan Ferguson, step-mother Janet Ferguson (Vickery), step-brother David Dilliott, and dog Maya.  Also survived by aunts and uncles Jody Morgan (Clive), Heather Isnor (Ron), Ruth Warnell (Ted), grandparents Wayne and Norma Vickery, family friends Emma Hamlin (Mike), Sandra and Al Bowers, and several cousins.

Lucas was a student of alternative energy, chemistry, and the streets.  An avid truth seeker, he often journeyed to worlds beyond the poles, preferring to travel on the paths that have heart.  A philosopher specializing in matters of the simulation and the Art of War, Lucas left no stone unturned.  A connoisseur of rap, film, and video games, he found redemption at the edge of science fiction and reality.  A fan of hockey, soccer, basketball, and golf.  He enjoyed finishing his large triple-triple in under a minute after a couple smokes with the boys.  A true gourmand.  Lucas eventually lost his own war with addiction and recovery far too soon.  He loved and hated the game at the same time.

We hope that you can hear me and bet that we love you sincerely.  May the wind be at your back.

All proceeds of the estate of Lucas Peter Ferguson will be forwarded to the CKHA Mental Health and Addictions.  Donations in the memory of Lucas to the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent are greatly appreciated.

With great sadness and with her family by her side, just one week before her 69^th birthday, Gail Lee Steen passed away.  Born in Chatham on May 20, 1953 Gail was predeceased by her mother June Manninger and her step-father Joe Manninger.

Sister to Linda & Russel Hillman, Mary Louise Clark and Greg & Diane Steen.  Predeceased by her brother John Steen.  Gail was the best Aunt to all her nieces and nephews, sharing an amazing bond with Daniel, Bradley, Julie and their families.  She was known as Bubbles but often referred to as “the old girl” to her special friend Bob Cleland.  Gail was blessed with many friends through her 43 years of working at Mallory’s (Hopkins) and social gatherings at the Blenheim Legion.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A time of visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on her birthday, May 20, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until noon.  A Funeral Service conducted by Legion Padre Bill Terris will take place at noon followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery where Gail will be laid to rest with her Mom.

Friends wishing to remember Gail with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/. A tribute to Gail may be watched by pressing the following link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/TY3T94JZB98GCN7T

Marion Loreen Smith (nee Childs) passed into the arms of her Saviour, May 6, 2022, with family at her side, at the Blenheim Community Village at the age of 89. Marion was born in Dawn Township on April 15, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Mary (nee Davidson) and Clinton Childs. Marion was well loved and treasured by the Childs clan. Her family was one of her most treasured gifts. Predeceased by her husband James Ivan Smith in 2008, Marion was the beloved mother of Susanne Smith (Dale Horvath) of Blenheim, and Robert (Lorna) Smith of Mississauga. Adored and deeply loved grandmother of Steve Hough (Theresa Katona), James (Alisha) Smith, Dave (LeeAnna) Hough, John Smith (Ashley Presby), Tanya Wilson, and Carley Horvath. Marion is survived by great grandchildren: Freya, Ethan, Isla, Jett, Brooklyn, Orin, Mira, Ezequiel, Aada-Lee, Quinndale, and Aubryn-Lee. Loving sister to Don (Berneida) Childs, Gordon (Fran) Childs, late Harold (Mary) Childs, and predeceased by Morris (Helen) Childs, Ernest (Mildred) Childs, Evelyn (Llyod) Eves, and Helen (Gerald) Babcock. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim on May 10, 2022 from 11:00am until 1:00pm. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home following the visitation at 1:30pm with the interment at Evergreen Cemetery after the service. Donations made in memory of Marion to the Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com.  A video tribute of Marion’s life can be watched following this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LRRY2T27TZHQR2XH

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sonja Sloka on May 5, 2022 at the Chatham Kent Hospice at the age of 81. Best friend and wife to John Sloka of Chatham. Daughter of the late Floyd and Jean McKay. Loving mother to Jamie Sloka of British Columbia and the late Shirley Ann Sloka. Dear sister to Deborah Collin, Tom (Diane) Rankine, Robert Rankine, and the late Fred (late Marilyn) Rankine. Sonja loved spending times with her friends golfing and bowling and will truly be missed by those who knew her. Cremation has taken place. A private family service and gathering will be held in Hamilton. Donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com.

THERRIEN, William Michael (Bill)

Suddenly on Saturday April 23rd 2022, Bill passed while at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in his 68th year. Born August 25, 1954 to Margaret Therrien and the late John Therrien. Beloved husband of Karen Phillips.

Loving father to Michael Therrien (Chantel), Jackie O’Brien (Chris), and stepfather of Warren Phillips, and Craig Phillips (Adrianne).

Nothing made Bill smile more than his precious grandchildren Kalleigh, Ryleigh, Millie, Jake, Kora, and step grandchildren Lily and Samuel

Bill was part of a large family and joins his late brother Calexte Therrien and survived by brother; Peter Therrien (Diane Padlesky) and sisters; Pamela (Joel) Yundt, Theresa (Terry) Rankin, Linda Therrien, Brenda (Clinton, predeceased) Laing, Sheila (Dennis) Joyce and Cindy (Alvy) Ellis.

Bill was a long-time Finance Manager at SWRC and CPRI where he retired after a full career. A lifetime member and former President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #185. He enjoyed his retirement life on the Shores of Rice Lake and will be fondly remembered by his Shady Acres family, and respects can be made at his home on Monday May 2nd  from 12-4pm.  In his younger years he was an avid member of the Blenheim Open organization committee and had a passion for golf and curling.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a public celebration of his life will be held in Newbury, Ontario on Friday, May 6th from 1-4 pm at the Newbury Legion Branch #583. In his memory, donations to National Poppy Trust Fund would be appreciated by the family.

Dorothy passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, at Riverview Gardens, Chatham, Ontario at the age of 86.  Beloved wife of Ted Banks for over 67 years. Dear mother of Lynn (Michael) Mark (Linda), Todd (Jackie). Sadly missed by grandchildren, Lisa, Ryan, Aiden, Alex and Rhys. Predeceased by parents Wilfred and Virginia O’Neill.  Survived by brothers Dan (Yvonne) and Tom (Dorothy) O’Neill.

Dorothy was extremely proud of her kids and was a doting grandmother.  Dorothy was renowned within the family for her cooking, she possessed over 100 cookbooks and had numerous generational recipes that she had perfected.  One of Dorothy’s favorite pastimes was shopping and if shopping was an Olympian sport, she would have been in the running.  Nothing was too far afield in her quests for the perfect item, some people say she was born to shop.   Mother enjoyed travel, including the annual pilgrimages south each year.  She loved the West Coast of Canada and the Gulf Islands.  One holiday highlight in particular was a trip to Japan.

The family would like to thank all of Dorothy’s caregivers over the later years.  You know who you are! Their kindness and attention was greatly appreciated by the family.  Special thank you to the caring staff at Riverview and not least, Dorothy’s long-standing physician, Dr Martha Clendenning.

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Eleanor Jean Malm of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on April 18, 2022.  She was born 79 years ago to the late Clifford & Clara (Harris) Richardson.  A loving mother of three daughters; Carla Jean Malm (Roy), Cheryl Leeann Pardoe and the late Lorrie Lynn Osmond (survived by Martin), Eleanor adored her grandchildren Michelle, Amanda (Robert Triplet), Ginette (Henry Guenther), Dayna and the late Starla.  She was a very happy great-grandmother of ten.  She will be remembered always by her sisters Doris Robinson and Gloria Loyer (Bernard).  She was predeceased by her husband Ross Hoffman in October, 2017.

Eleanor was a kind and caring soul who worked hard in life.   She had a gift of patience and understanding that made her a great support to people she worked with in Nursing Homes.  She enjoyed her friends, her family and especially her bird Joey.  You could always count on Eleanor to be a good listener and to be non-judgemental.  The world was a better place because of her.

Eleanor’s wishes for this part of life were that following cremation, her family and friends would gather at Gosnell Cemetery in Highgate to say farewell.  Those plans will be announced when they are made.  In the meantime, if anyone would like to remember her life with a memorial donation, she would have appreciated it if you would consider the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue or the Canadian Cancer Society.

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing away of Madeleine Marie Paiement on April 18, 2022 at the Meadow Park Nursing Home in Chatham, ON.  Madeleine was the daughter of the late Hyacinthe and Thérèse Arseneault (née Racicot).  Beloved wife to the late Gilles Paiement.  Loving mother to France Coshall (Curtis) of Ottawa, the late Martin Paiement, and Gilles (Tonya) Paiement of Blenheim.  Grandmother to Christopher, Danielle (Rachelle), Tessa, Leo, Fiona, and Lukin and great-grandmother to Théodore.  Sister to Monique, Nicole, late Marie-Paule, Gilles, Pauline, Huguette, Guy, and Brigitte.  Madeleine will be remembered for her love of camping and social gatherings as well as her many talents baking cakes (especially wedding cakes), sewing and helping others and for her many years as a wonderful home daycare provider.  Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life and a graveside service will be held in McWatters, Québec at a later date.  Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Lynn Fox (nee, Patterson), a long-time resident of Blenheim, mother, grandmother, teacher, coach, and guidance counsellor at Blenheim District High School died on April 18, 2022. Lynn was proud to have descended from a pioneer family in Chatham area, starting at the family farm in Louisville. Lynn grew up in Chatham, attending McKeough School and Chatham Collegiate Institute, while golfing, participating in school sports, and figure skating. Lynn earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education degree, where she was one of only four women in a sea of male students (including her future husband Bob), and her Bachelor of Education degree from Western University. At Western, Lynn was a varsity golfer, and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Lynn had a passion for education, and was committed to helping high school students, be it in her English, Physical Education, or English as a Second Language classes, as a coach of high school teams, or through her love of supporting students as a guidance counsellor. She was one of those lucky souls who absolutely loved her career. Alongside her husband, Bob, she taught, or was involved in the educations of, multiple generations of students in Blenheim.

Lynn was avid about all sports and became a recognized judge in figure skating in Ontario and Michigan. She enjoyed social gatherings, particularly the annual Fox Christmas Eve and commencement parties at the Talbot Street home, summer gatherings with friends at the Rondeau Yacht Club, and political and charity events which she attended with her husband.
Lynn was a lover of all animals, with her house being filled throughout her life with a menagerie of poorly behaved dogs, and the garage housing some feral barn cats.  Of course, Lynn had the garage heated and insulated for the cats’ comfort.

Lynn treasured the winds, water, wildlife, and independence at her home on Rondeau Bay, where she surreptitiously brought feed to the deer, about whom she worried in the cold winters.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Bob Fox, her children Elizabeth (Scott Guidolin) of London and David (Christina) of Toronto, her grandchildren Thomas Guidolin, Grace Guidolin, and Katie Fox, and her cousin and closest friend Colleen (William) Bohunicky and her family. Lynn also leaves behind long-time beloved friends and co-participants in mischief, Noreen (Murray) McLauchlin, Cathy Phipps and Judy Watson.

Visitation will occur at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, between 7PM and 9PM. Lynn’s funeral will occur on Thursday, April 21 at 11am. A reception will follow the funeral at Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Private interment will occur in the family plot at Arnold Cemetery. Lynn requested that donations be made to the Chatham-Kent Pet and Wildlife Rescue.

Brenda Dianne Simpson was Born in Chatham Ontario August 30, 1957 to excited parents, Bev and Barb, and peacefully passed in her sleep the morning of April 14 into their loving arms.

Brenda spent her early years in Ridgetown and later in Blenheim where she had many adventures. She spent her working years at the SW Regional Centre retiring when it closed in 2008. She carpooled with many folks during her 30+ years and it is said she love to talk and laugh the entire ride. She made friends with many at the centre and was completely committed to the residents that were in her charge. Brenda loved to shop and give gifts to others, a very generous heart. She loved reading and discussing anything historical, and her cat, Truffles was # 1 in her world.

Brenda was predeceased by her mother, Barbara Yvonne (Edmondson) Simpson (December 10, 2017), her Father, Beverly Max Simpson (November 2, 2003) and eldest sister, Deborah Ruth (February 5, 1953). She is survived by her older sister Lynda Dunfield (Calgary), and her nieces, Marcy Mason (Barry), Ava and Liam, Red Deer, AB; Cara Nicolaysen (Brander), Cooper, Ellie and Harrison, Calgary.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Brenda‘s caregiver, Tara Huffman for her kindness and compassionate care over these last years. Many friends and helpful family have come and gone, you know who you are, please know you all made a difference in her life, thank you.

At Brenda‘s request cremation has taken place and her remains will be interned at Shanks cemetery at Port Alma with her loving parents. The date for this internment and a small celebration of her life will be announced later.

Should you wish to honour Brenda’s memory with a donation, please consider your local animal shelter. Adopt a kitten and name her Truffles, that would certainly bring a smile to Brenda’s face.

Rest in eternal peace dear sister.