Betty Lou Attewell, beloved wife of the late Jim Attewell (2012) passed away on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at the age of 74 years.  She will be missed greatly by her children Richard Scott (Shelley Milligan), Charlotte Smith (Brad), Mike Scott (Joy McLeod), Jason Scott (Amanda Rumble) and their father Clinton Scott, as well as Jim’s children Debbie VanHelden (Neil), Christine McIntryre, Michelle Kooman and Robert Attewell (Nadia Faulkner).  She was the number one fan of her grandchildren Sarah, Micheala, Amy, Michael, Daniel, Ryan, Morgan, Ashton, Amelia and the late Jared.  She will be remembered fondly by her chosen granddaughter Pam and her children Jared and Jannelle.

Betty was born in Chatham to the late Alice & John Nesbitt.  She is survived by her sister Patricia Walker (late Paul), her sister-in-law Lucy Nesbitt and her brother-in-law Bill Dale.  She was predeceased by her sisters Della Dale, Vicky Bowskill, Susan Poissant and by her brothers Frank and Edward Nesbitt.

She was a loving and devoted mother who opened her home to all of her kids friends growing up.  She seized any opportunity she could to brag about her grandchildren because they were simply the best.  She retired after many years from Southwestern Regional Centre and will be missed her friends and co-workers there.  Betty endured many losses over the years, yet somehow, she remained strong and was a rock for her family.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for a time of visitation on Thursday February 3, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  A private time of remembrance for the immediate family will follow.  Those wishing to attend the visitation are asked to call the Funeral Home for a scheduled time.  Face masks are mandatory inside the building.

Those wishing to remember Betty with a memorial donation are asked to consider Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Gary Holmes of Blenheim passed away at home on Friday January 28, 2022.  He was one of six children born to the late Ruth (Pickering) & Melville Holmes and is survived by his siblings Jim Holmes, Viola Desbiens (late Ron), Vera Clark (Paul) and Ron Holmes.  He was predeceased by his brother George Holmes in Newfoundland on January 16, 2022.  He is survived by his sister in law Helen as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gary lived in Blenheim his entire life.  He enjoyed working the land and getting his hands dirty planting new crops.  He had a produce stand at his house where he sold the fruits of his labour.  He will be missed.

It was his wish that his family remember him quietly at this time.  The burial of his urn will take place when weather permits.  Friends wishing to remember Gary with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Blenheim.

John 5:28, 29     

“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear His voice and come out.”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Matthew ‘Doc’ Ramsden from a motor vehicle accident on January 26, 2022, at the age of 65. Born in Chatham, Matthew was the son of Clara (and the late Ronald) Ramsden of Blenheim. Loving brother to: Frances (Tom) Allen, Nancy (Bill) Moore, Paul (late Gail) Ramsden, Ken (Carol) Ramsden, Larry (Renate) Ramsden, Barbara (Bill) Nelmes, Dennis (Shirley) Ramsden, Brenda Board, Mary Jinkerson, Betty Jean Ramsden, David (Cathy) Ramsden, Barry (late Bonnie) Ramsden, Herbert (Sue) Ramsden, Mark (Marie) Ramsden, Edward Ramsden, and predeceased by Lucy Pickard, Albert, Harry, and Claire Ramsden. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and his girlfriend Buffy Butler. ‘Doc’ will be dearly remembered as the “cable guy” working many years with Trillium and Shaw Cable. In his spare time, he loved taking care of his animals, enjoyed watching Nascar, and his many construction projects (mainly renovating his home). Visitation will take place for family and friends on Sunday January 30, 2022 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim. Those wishing to attend are asked to sign up through clicking the following link: http://signup.com/go/ZMTKZVb or by calling the funeral home at 519-676-9200. Masks are mandatory in the funeral home in accordance with the guidelines set out from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. Following the visitation, cremation will take place with a private family burial at Burke Cemetery at a later date. Donations made in memory of ‘Doc’ to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue or CK Animal Shelter would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenehimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Edith Pearl Armstrong passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday January 26, 2022, on her birthday, at the age of 102. Edith was the daughter of the late Samuel and Bertha McKibbon. Loving mother to Roy (Linda) Armstrong of Merlin. Grandmother to Dawn VanDyk (Brad Kenny), Shawn Armstrong, and great grandmother to Mitchell VanDyk and Keiera VanDyk (Dylan). Edith will be remembered for her love of baking, sewing, quilting, helping on the farm (especially caring for her chickens and ducks), and her involvement at the Blenheim Baptist Church. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at the Merlin Cemetery at a later date. Donations made in memory of Edith to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Surrounded by his family, Roger Allan Cartwright passed away peacefully at home on Saturday January 22, 2022. He was born in Chatham, 81 years ago to he late Roy and Jean Cartwright. Surviving are Roger’s wife of 63 years, Nancy (Johnston), his children Chris (Jeff) Howe, Dave (Elaine) Cartwright, Sue (Todd) Parker, and Sally (Edgar) Lopez. He was the proud grandfather of Dave (Tricia) and Steve Howe, Sam Martin and Nic Cartwright, Driel (Tony) Parker and Eric Lopez. Roger’s great grandchildren Hudson, Harper, and Asher always brought a smile to his face.  He is also survived by his brother in law Paul (Doreen) Johnston.  In keeping with Roger’s wishes, a private family gathering was held and cremation has taken place.  At this time, the family would like to thank Dr. Martha Clendenning, Dr. Andrew Lanz-O’Brien and his care givers, with special thanks to Becky and Lisa. We would also like to thank Marc and Mike for their kind and compassionate care. Donations may be made at the funeral home in Roger’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice would be appreciated.

Following a life of sheer determination and hard work, Vern Brown passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2022.  He will be remembered with great fondness by his wife Cathy (Witfield) Brown, his children Debbie Pinsonneault, Brenda McNear (late Mike), Jim & Bobbi Brown, Shelley Brown (Chuck Howard) and Bobby Brown (Kelly Swanson), his grandchildren Sarah, Jason, Jodi & Calvin, Josh, Jacob, Jesse, Jim & Consuela, Ella, Bowynn and MacKenzie and by his great-grandchildren Gracie, Brody and Brayden.

A long-time resident of Ridgetown, Vern’s early influencers in life were his Mother Helen (McCullough) and his “Poppy” Clayt Smith.  He is survived by his brother Jim but was predeceased by his sisters Marilyn and Layla as well as his brothers Tom, Bob and Bill.

As a young man, Vern developed a love of horses.  He excelled in training and showing horses at many country fairs and earned the distinction of Best In Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.  It was just recently because of his declining health that the horses he loved and cared for so much were rehomed.

For over 62 years Vern served Ridgetown and surrounding areas with Great haircuts.  His barbering skills were impeccable and his shop became more than a place to work; it became a Ridgetown landmark where friends would gather to debate the topics of the day and enjoy a few laughs.  That comradery was a driving force in Vern’s determination to keep going.  Even in the last few days there was a note in the door with his phone number for folks to call if they were in need of a cut.  One of the greatest things you can do in life is to leave an impression on a future generation and Vern did that.  He has been mentoring his grandson to become a barber with the hope of taking over the family business.

Verns wishes for this stage of his life were uncomplicated.  His family will remember him in their own way and when the weather permits, his urn will be buried in Morpeth Cemetery.  Should you wish to honour him with a memorial donation, please consider a charity of your choice.

Please click the following link to watch Vern Brown’s tribute video:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/B7MHKRF4G6NBL7TL

Carl Armstrong of Merlin passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on January 23, 2022.  He was the last surviving member of his family, having been predeceased by his parents John & Ada (Benge) Armstrong and his sisters Jean & Don Cates and Eileen & Harold Berry.

Carl and his late wife Anne (2020) enjoyed a life that spanned over 60 years.  They farmed together and enjoyed a social life that included bowling in Tilbury and Blenheim and horseshoes.  They were the proud parents of Brad & Patti and Brenda.  They were blessed with a granddaughter Jessica & Brent Wilbur and three great-grandchildren Lucas, Zachary and Dylan.  Uncle Carl will be remembered with great fondness by Scott Berry, Kirk & Deb Berry and Brent & Hedi Berry.

Carl loved the outdoors.  After the farming was done, he enjoyed hunting with Brad and other friends.  He had a sweet tooth and could never pass by the peanut butter cookies at the farmers market without picking up a package or two.

Carl’s family will remember him privately at this time and in the summertime hold a graveside service for both he and his sister Jean in Merlin Cemetery.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House.

Ruth Marilyn Cooper of Chatham passed away at home, surrounded by family who loved her on January 18, 2022.  Born in Chatham 86 years ago to the late Norman & Laura (Sales) Fenton, Ruth was a loving mother to Charlene Cowlan (Bob), Sandra Cooper (Jeff Leuthel), Jay Cooper and the late Kevin Fenton and Lorrie Cooper. Her grandchildren Zachary Leuthel, Kristian Cooper, Vanessa Voisey, Madison Cowlan and Ethan Cowlan and her great-granddaughter Sienna were her blessings.

Ruth grew up with eight siblings and is survived by Keith Fenton and Sandra Benoit-Verkaik.  She was predeceased by her sisters Marie Bechard, Cheryl Ann Fenton and Donna Shanks and by her brothers Wayne, Bryan and Gary Fenton.

Ruth spent her life caring for others from working at the Southwestern Regional Centre with individuals with special needs to caring for seniors in long term care homes. She then settled in at the Wheels Inn as manager of the Banquet dept for over 30 yrs. She was devoted to her family and anyone who needed a place to call home. Her house was always open. She has touched the lives of many and will be missed.

It was Ruth’s wish that cremation take place and that her family remember her privately.

An open house will be announced at a later date to celebrate her amazing journey.

Donations made in our Mother’s name would be appreciated for the Alzheimer’s (Dementia) Society and Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) of Chatham Kent.

Stephen Wayne Cutler of Chatham, passed away at home with his love, Marion (Voets) Smith, by his side on Monday, January 17, 2022.  Born 67 years ago, son of the late Margaret & Arthur “Bud” Cutler, and predeceased by mother Mary.  Steve is survived by his sister Joanne Lewinsky (Ed), and his brothers David Cutler (Debi), and Jeff Cutler (Fernanda Matos).  In 2004, when he and Marion became a couple, Steve’s family grew to include four children, Greg Calhoun (Stephanie), Nastasha Lovell (Dwayne), Sean Calhoun (Kylie), and Terra Hamilton (Kervin), and several grandchildren.  He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and by the entire Voets clan who claimed him as their own.

The old proverbial sayings “don’t let the grass grow under your feet” and “don’t delay in seizing an opportunity” sum up the way Steve lived his life.  He had a long list of accomplishments and successes of which he was very proud.  He was determined, strong-willed, complimentary with a hint of sarcasm, and a hard worker; all traits that he was admired for.  He was an operating engineer by trade and most recently worked as a pipeline inspector for Enbridge.  He held other positions in his life, including high profile security that he took great pride in.  Steve enjoyed competing in marksmanship events and training others.  He was a giving person, who in 1995 joined Community Partners in Progress, a group of local citizens who made mission trips to Rwanda during a time of crisis.  He had his pilot’s license and loved flying his own plane.  That is how he met the love of his life, Marion, who shared the same passion.  He loved her with all his heart and enjoyed spoiling her every chance he got.

In his recent years, Steve enjoyed travelling as often as he could with Marion to their condo in Florida.  He made many new friends there, and when travel became curtailed, he made Mamma Maria’s in Chatham his new Florida.

Cremation has taken place.  Friends wishing to visit with Steve’s family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m.  Due to current COVID restrictions, friends wishing to attend the visitation are asked to contact the Funeral Home for a scheduled time.  Masks must be worn inside the building.  A private funeral service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held on Monday January 24, 2022.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial contributions to a charity he supported, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, would be appreciated by the family.

Jeannette Alida (Apfeld) Vidler passed away on Monday January 17, 2022.  Born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan on May 2, 1928 to the late Gerritt & Violet (Johnson) Apfeld, Jeannette was fortunate to have the late Paul Demeester as a father figure when her dad passed away early in life.

In 1945, after serving with the Royal Canadian Regiment, George Vidler returned from his service and two years later he and Jeanette married, becoming lifelong residents of Erieau where they raised their family.  George predeceased her on Christmas Day in 2009 leaving Jeannette to be surrounded by the children they were so proud of; Lauraine Fennell (predeceased by Jim Fennell), Joanne Adams (predeceased by Gerry McKeon), Brian & Heidi Vidler and Scott & Patti Vidler.  They were blessed with 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jeannette is survived by her sister Marie Karlsen (late Leonard), her sister-in-law Eva Apfeld (late Gerritt) and is predeceased by her son-in-law Mike Adams.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

So…what can we say about our Mom?  That question alone might bring a smile to some of your faces because everybody has a story and everybody’s story has a meaning.  Our story is that our Mom was caring and selfless.  Just like our Dad, she felt that it was her duty to serve whenever and wherever she was needed.  She worked hard, always.  She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and great-grandmother, a Sunday School teacher and she led bible study groups for years.    She lived the life of a true Christian who constantly looked up to others and never down at anyone.  Although she did work for a time in the H.L. Turner parts department and filleted fish for Hartley at Erieau Packers, her real life’s work happened every day in her home community and in her church community at St. Paul’s Anglican Church.  She loved people, especially children and to her, a stranger was just a friend she hadn’t met yet.  She had the ability to carry on a conversation with anybody and she used that every day.  We will miss her greatly and we are thankful for the kindness and compassion that the staff at the Blenheim Community Village have shown to her for the last three years.  Sometimes God works in mysterious ways and her declining health may well have been the only way that she would sit back and allow us to take care of her for once.

Family and friends are invited to gather with us at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 21, 2022 from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. for visitation.  Due to the current COVID restrictions, friends wishing to attend the visitation are requested to call the Funeral Home for a scheduled visitation time.  Following a private funeral service on Saturday conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce, Mom will be laid to rest with Dad in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Paul’s Church in Erieau or the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.