Jack Austin Rigby of Blenheim passed away at home on Monday December 20, 2021.  He leaves wonderful memories in the hearts of his wife Donna (Everitt) and their children and grandchildren; Rick Rigby (Lauren, Ryan and Erin), Valerie & Gino Loni (Shawn and Matthew), Pamela & John Roth (Olivia & Josh Duarte and Sophia), Carolyn & Sid Stevens (Jordan) and Steve & Lisa Rigby (Austin and Aiden).  Jack was a mentor to his children/grandchildren, sharing his knowledge and wisdom.  He took them to different countries to give them life experiences and encouraged them to make a difference in the world.

Born in Blenheim, the son of the late Monte & Ruby (Steel) Rigby, Jack is survived by his only sister Ann Henderson (late Bob).  He will be missed by Donna’s brother Bill & Doreen Everitt as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his mother-in-law & father-in-law Marjorie & Earl Everitt and by his sister-in-law Gail Crouch.

Jack grew up with two livelihoods:  farming and working alongside his father and uncle at the Ford dealership – Rigby Motors Sales.  In 1973, Jack purchased his first farm (50 acres) to add to his father’s farming operation – Montrig Farms.  He soon became involved in agricultural organizations, including the Kent County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Conservation Canada and the Soil and Water Conservation Society.  By 1979, Jack decided to go farming full-time and quickly became well-known for innovative farming techniques.  In 1981, Jack was a founding member and first Chairman of the Rondeau Agricultural Conservation Corporation and was also a founding member of the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario in 1985 (IFAO).

A number of agricultural awards quickly followed:

1985 – Kent County Agricultural Conservationist Award;

1987 – Blenheim & District Chamber of Commerce Agriculturalist of the Year Award;

1995 – Inducted into the Soil Conservation Council of Canada Hall of Fame;

1995 – Bestowed an honorary degree as a Professional Agrologist by the University of Guelph;

1999 – Inducted into the Kent County Agricultural Hall of Fame;

2003 – Received the Chatham and Kent Chamber of Commerce Agriculturalist of the Year award; and

2009 – Was recognized as the Innovative Farmer of the Year by the IFAO

Jack’s extensive work with the IFAO (organizing conferences, field tours and promoting sustainable farming) resulted in him receiving the Canadian Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship Award in 1995.  This Scholarship provided Jack with the opportunity to study agricultural techniques in Europe and around the world with emphasis in soil conservation.  Jack served for over 10 years as a Director of the Nuffield Foundation of Canada and President in 1998 when the Nuffield International Conference was held in Canada.

Early in 1999, Jack was one of 10 Canadians chosen for a food study tour of Ethiopia and Kenya for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.  Subsequently, Jack and Donna (and family) sponsored a girl’s school in Ethiopia.

Jack also found time in his busy life for community service.  He had perfect attendance in his 18 years as a member of Blenheim Kinsmen Club, one as President.  Jack has also been a member and President of the Blenheim Rotary Club and his family has acted as host in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  For a period of time he was counsellor to all incoming students and his involvement led many exchange students to refer to him as – Granky.

Jack was very proud of a couple of awards he received as a Rotarian – the Rotary Foundation District Service Award in 1998/99 and the Paul Harris Fellow.

A big part of Jack’s life over the past 10-15 years was bringing the vision of a community park to reality.  As Chairman of the Rotary Park Committee, Jack was instrumental in fundraising and construction activities that resulted in Talbot Trail Place.

Jack was a very active member of the Blenheim United Church for decades where he held numerous positions on the church counsel.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home with a public celebration to follow during his favourite season next year (farming season).

Friends wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Talbot Trail Place or the London Regional Cancer Program.

It is with heavy and sad hearts we share the sudden passing of Lisa Marie Byers of Blenheim, at the age of 47. Lisa was the loving mother to Malcolm Mussa (Abby Van Mol) of Blenheim. Daughter to Rosemary Martin-White and the late Donald Byers (2014). Sister to David Byers and a dear aunt to Adam and Taryn Byers. Lisa grew up in the West Lorne area where she enjoyed figure skating and dance at a young age. She graduated from West Elgin Secondary School, following which she attended Fanshawe College in London. She paused her post-secondary studies when Malcolm was born, and eventually moved to Blenheim for work. When Malcolm began school, Lisa also returned to her studies part-time and completed her Accounting diploma at St. Clair College in Chatham. She will be remembered for her loving and kind nature. Lisa was a dependable friend to everyone and always gave her all to the people she loved. If you ever needed her, all it took was one phone call and she was there no matter the time or weather. She was a smiling, friendly face for many years at McIntyre IDA and most recently at Keyway Locksmith and Security, where she will be sorely missed. Lisa was a proud and supportive mother, who enjoyed watching all the athletic activities Malcolm would participate in and was beyond proud of all his accomplishments in life. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday December 21, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Those wishing to attend the visitation are asked to call the funeral home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time. Cremation will follow and a private family burial in Rodney will take place at a later date. Donations made in memory of Lisa will go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or to a local charitable organization. Any contributions would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

After a long and determined fight with cancer Anne finally can be at peace.  She was born in The Netherlands and moved with her family at an early age to Canada.  She became a nurse and had a love for looking after the older people in the hospital.  She met and married Bob Verscheure in 1972.  Together they had three beautiful daughters Amy (Jeremy Barnes) Andrea (Eddie Etter) Wendy (Jeremy Gold) .  She was blessed with the loves of her life, 7 beautiful grandchildren; Carter, Aidan, Samantha, Vanessa, Brody, Eddie and Bobby.   Also survived by brothers Leo (Jill) and Peter (Annie), sister Willy Decoste and sister and special friend Betty Timmermans.  Anne will also be sadly missed by Bob’s family Linda and Frank Hathaway, Rick and Kathy Verscheure, Carol and Gary Kerwin, Roger Verscheure and Julie Lee, Ron and Julie Verscheure, Annette and Jamie Bourdeau, Sandy and Don Lansue. She is predeceased by her parents John and Petronella (Dorssers) Timmermans, sister in law Deanna Timmermans, brother in law Skip Decoste and infant son Mark.

A private family service to be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

A special thank you to Dr. Martha Clendenning for many years of dedicated care of Anne.  Also, thanks to Chatham Hospice staff and Dr. Burgess for their special care of Anne.

Donations to Chatham Kent Hospice appreciated.

At home, surrounded by his loving family, our beloved sailor boy was called by the lord to his last port.  Bob leaves behind the love of his life Marion (McNear).  Together for 63 years, the couple raised three wonderful children – Patty Heyninck (Matt), Randy Shepherd, and Penny Tucker.  Cherished grandpa to John Shepherd (Rochelle), Courtney Heyninck (Tony), and Brittany Tucker (Josh), Miriah Tucker, Kiana Tucker (Kelsey) and three great grandchildren – Callie Shepherd, Brooklyn Mantello and Lyra Baron.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Jack and Edythe and his brother Delbert.  He is survived by his brothers Bruce (Betty) and Keith (Janet) Shepherd.

Bob was a USA Navy Veteran.  He sailed on the LSMR 536 during the Korean War.  He was a proud lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 Blenheim.  He took pride in participating in Remembrance Day Services each year.

Bob worked several years at Navistar International before his retirement.  In addition, he worked as a commercial fisherman and farmer.  During his golden years, Bob maintained a local vineyard.  His true passion was his home, yard and garden.  He will be sadly missed by his buddies at the legion and his many card partners.

At his wishes, cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in his honour to the Blenheim Legion Poppy Fund, the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, the Kidney Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.  A celebration of life will take place at his home in Blenheim at a later date.

Arthur Earl Wardle of Rondeau Park passed away on Wednesday December 1, 2021 with his family at his side.  He will be missed so much by his wife Patricia, by his children Diane Mazan (John), Lynda Quick and John Wardle, by Patricia’s children Sheri Peltier (Richard) and Rodney Phillips and a long-time friend Cindy Phillips.

Also missing Art are his grandchildren Justin Brideau (Erica), Jeremy Brideau (Vicky), Janine Ferguson (Steve), Richard Reeves (Tonya), Arthur Reeves (Catherine), Victoria Morton (Chris), Johnathan Wardle, Shaylene Greevink (Peter), Curtis Peltier (Malerie), Kayla Micallef (Matt), Ryan Phillips and Alyssa Phillips as well as all of the great-grandchildren.

Being a part of a large family is what Art knew all of his life.  He was one of thirteen children born to the late Ora & Earl Wardle and was given the nickname “Buck”.  He is survived by his sisters Hildred Hillman, Nancy Crow, Brenda Ritchie, Becky Brideau (Romeo) and Wanda Chesney-Travis as well as his brothers Gary (Carolyn) and Harold “Butch” Wardle.  He was predeceased by his siblings Betty DeLeeuw (Bud), Carris Wickwire (Ernie), Marjorie Formosa (Maurice), John “Bo” Wardle and Bob Wardle (survived by Deb).  He will be remembered by Pat’s siblings Frank Pullen (Heather) and Ann Beatty (Ernie).

Art’s working career began at an early age.  After grade 8 and his father’s early passing, he quit school and began working in the cement business to help support his mother and his siblings.  In the late 1950’s when Southwestern Regional Centre was being built, he helped with it’s construction.  When it was finished, he got a job in the dietary department, eventually passing provincial examinations and earning the designation of chef and the nickname “Red”.  He also farmed just outside Ridgetown where he raised his three children and then in the early 90’s purchased his own restaurant, The Family Café in Blenheim.  When retirement at 65 left him discontent, he returned to the Centre as a chef until it closed.  To this day he had one of his cook shirts still hanging in his closet.  He was proud of his accomplishments in life.  The things that made him smile the most were his family, his work, a great view of the lake, the Montreal Canadiens and a cold beer.

Because of the current COVID situation, only Art’s immediate family will remember him privately at a service at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday.  Following the service, he will be laid to rest with his Mom and Dad in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society, the Cancer Society or by grabbing a cold beer and gazing at the full moon over the lake on a warm summers night.

The family would like to thank Art’s PSW’s Kayla, Lindsay, Jen and Becky for his excellent home care and the staff at Riverview Gardens in Chatham where he spent the last two months for their compassion and care.

Patricia Ann Broughton passed away peacefully with her daughter Lisa and her husband Melvyn by her side on November 25, 2021.  Patricia was one of two children born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to the late Ann & Joseph Kennedy and is survived by her brother Brian Kennedy.

She was predeceased by her first husband Raymond Lawrence Deakins.  Together they raised three children, Lisa Uher, Ryan Deakins and Trevor Deakins.  Patricia (Granny) will be remembered with love by Lauren, Emily, Claire  Craig, Tieler and Mikayla and by her two great grand children Sawyer and Jonathan.

In 1993 Patricia married Melvyn Broughton.  They were the love of each other’s lives, with Melvyn’s love and commitment to her never wavering, only growing stronger in the last years.

Patricia graduated from the St. Joseph school of nursing in Glace Bay Nova Scotia in 1964.  In her career as a nurse she touched many lives with her compassion and care, working primarily as a labor and delivery nurse.  She retired from the Chatham Kent Health Alliance and after a few years her desire to nurse again led her to care for the elderly at Meadow Park Nursing Home in Chatham.  Patricia had the honour of being present and providing loving support to those taking their first breath in life and those taking their last.

Patricia’s greatest gift to those who knew her was her ability to make you laugh.  Her sense of humour and wit was like no other.  Her legacy is to be held in the many stories and unbelievably humorous moments that she created with friends and family.

Our family would like to send our love and condolences to the staff at the Blenheim Community Nursing Home.  They have become our family over the years of her residence there.  They walked a beautiful balance of professionalism, compassion and love for Patricia.  Our thanks to them for the hard work they do in giving grace and dignity to all those they care for.  Thank you to Dr. Perkin and Deylynn Teetzel for holding all of our hands through this journey.

Those wishing to remember Patricia with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Community Village Recreation Department.  We would like these funds to go to enhance music therapy for the residents.

Patricia’s life will be celebrated and remembered through stories, music food and wine in a small family gathering as was her request.

“In the blink of an eye everything can change.  So forgive often, and love with all of your heart.  Take no one for granted, for you never know what tomorrow will bring”. Anonymous

Linda Louise Hunter passed away at Riverview Gardens, Chatham on Wednesday November 24, 2021. She was the loved wife of 50 years to Denis Hunter and proud mother of Chris Hunter, Shaun & Chrissy Hunter and Geoff Hunter.

Born 69 years ago to the late Dorothy & Elmer Moore, Linda is survived by her sister Fran Bilton and predeceased by her sister Barb VanGassen (survived by Maurice).  Although she part time in retail, Linda was content being staying at home and helping Dennis on the farm.  She also enjoyed spending time at their trailer in Clearville Park.

Linda’s family and friends will remember her privately at this time.  If you wish to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider the Alzheimers Society in Chatham.

Madeleine (Sinnaeve) DeBruyne of Leamington and formerly of Blenheim passed away in the early hours of Wednesday November 24, 2021.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Alfred DeBruyne in 2016, having shared their lives together for over 63 years.  She and Alfred farmed for many years on the Front Line just outside Blenheim until their retirement.  Eventually they moved to Leamington to be closer to their children Jacqueline and Walter Clemente, Kathleen De Bruyne and David Lippett, Caroline and Richard Vandervecht.  They were blessed in life with seven grandchildren whom she loved to have visit; Matthew(Keith Wace), Sarah (Ivan Jakov), Michael(Laura Clademenos), Katlyn, Hailey, Ryan, Danielle (Kylie).

Madeleine was the daughter of the late Marguerite and Maurice Sinnaeve and is survived by her sister Diana Vanopdenbosch (late Peter).  She was predeceased by her siblings Julie and Camille Verstraete, Germaine Sinnaeve-Lewis, Irene and Romeo Martin and Charlie Sinnaeve.  She was the sister-in-law of Fred and Diane DeBruyne, Yvonne and Ed Marcus, Mauritz DeBruyne (late Rachael) and the late Willie and Leta DeBruyne-Elliott.

Friends and family will remember Madeleine for her years of service with the Catholic Women’s League, her love of baking and providing amazing family dinners.  In addition to farming and raising a family she spent her evenings making intricate crochet pieces which are now heirlooms treasured by her family.  The family remembers her strong stoicism and strength of character.  To her last day she was remembering and asking about her cherished grandchildren.

Madeleine’s family wish to thank Dr. Gow and the staff of 3W at the Sun Parlor Home for their care and compassion.

It was Madeleine’s wish that cremation would take place.  A time of visitation will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Blenheim on Saturday December 4, 2021 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by a Funeral Mass.  Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery with her beloved Alfred.

Friends wishing to remember Madeleine with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Sun Parlor Home for Senior Citizens in Leamington, the Erie Shores Hospice (Hospice Erie Shores Campus) in Leamington or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Sometimes in life you have the privilege of meeting someone who will create a huge void when they leave you for awhile but who also makes you smile quietly whenever you think of them or hear their names.  That became a reality for us on Monday November 22nd when Kim Wammes passed away at the young age of 63 years.  She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend.  She was our world.

Born on June 8, 1958 Kim was the daughter of the late Ted & Geraldine Kelly.  She will be forever loved and missed by her step-mother Cathy Kelly, her sisters Jenny & Lee Attewell and Kristen & B.J. Griffith as well as her brothers Scott & Cheryl Kelly and Jay & Heather Kelly.

Kim was all about family.  Ed was her best friend and husband for the last 24 years.  She loved him to the moon and back.  Then there were her children who she took any opportunity to talk about…Darrell Lackie & Maria Antonieta Alanis Garcia, Dan & Lindsay Wammes, Jamie & Amanda Lackie, Chris & Kristin Wammes, Michelle Wammes & Billy Kaloyanis and Greg & Lindsay Lackie.  They were the ones who gave her a few grey hairs, but in the end, the sternness of her voice when they were in trouble in their younger days turned into laughter as she told those stories later in life.  And then there are her grandchildren who she loved more than anything in this world… she would spend as much time as she could with Jack, Dylan, Connor, Devin, Daelynn, Ben, Emmalyn, Katelyn, Quinnie and Noah.  And now Carter, who has been waiting patiently in heaven for Grammy to come is going to get his turn.

She will be remembered with great fondness by her brothers and sisters-in-law Henry & Sheila Wammes, Neil & Karen Wammes, Corrine & Steve Kochnowich and Dave & Sue Wammes who welcomed her as their own.  She was predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Marie & Gerry Wammes.

Kim was fortunate in life to be surrounded by many good friends.  She was also fortunate to walk beside her best friend Amy Dalton for over 50 years.  She and Amy were inseparable and for that we are grateful.  She made many friends over the course of working at Southwestern Regional Centre and then at CPRI in London where she retired.  She was a free spirit who made sure that everyone else’s needs were met before her own.  She volunteered her time to charitable events, the last event being “The Gift” just two days before she passed away.  She enjoyed her days playing hockey in Bothwell where her position was Goalie, her trailer in Erieau, she loved golfing twice a week and she is probably one of very few people who could boast about having a full size cut out of Elvis!

Visitation for Kim will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday November 25, 2021 from 6:00 – 9:00 and again on Friday November 26, 2021 from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m.  At the request of the family and in the spirit of staying healthy, friends will be required to show proof of both covid vaccinations before entering the Funeral Home.  In that case, reservations will not be required for visitation but you will still need to leave your names and phone numbers in the event that you need to be contacted at a later date.

In keeping with Kim’s philosophy of helping others, memorial donations to the Youth Centre in Blenheim, the Alzheimers Society in Chatham or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Surrounded by people she loved and who loved her back, Jean Melanson passed away peacefully at home on Saturday November 20, 2021.  She was the last surviving child of the late Irene & Ray Pearce of Leamington, having been predeceased by her sister, Maxine (Quinlan), and two brothers, Daryl and Murray.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Melanson, who she absolutely adored for over 35 years. As sad as we are to lose her, we feel comfort knowing she is resting with the love of her life.

Jean will be missed dearly by her daughters – Cindy & Wes Girard, Denise & Terry Walker, Kim Giannini (Lee), and her step daughter Susan & Kevin Passwaters.  She was predeceased by her son Kevin Bailey. Jean was loved by 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who knew they would be spoiled the moment they walked into her home. She will also be missed by her tiny fur babies – Abby and Chica – who spent every day by her side.

Friends will remember Jean for her years working in the dietary department at Southwestern Regional Centre.  In Jean and Paul’s retirement, they enjoyed summers at Wildwood Trailer Park and enjoyed winters in their home in Sarasota, Florida. She was never a big fan of cold weather or snow. She was a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre and a part of the Happy Gang that put on yearly shows to raise money for the operations of the Regional Centre.  She was a collector of many things, but especially loved dolls and belonged to a local doll club. Jean had an amazing talent of building miniature doll houses and proudly won many awards for her work. She absolutely loved to shop, and Paul always supported her habit by driving her wherever she asked to go, and waiting in the car for her (sometimes all day) while she filled up the trunk with countless shopping bags.

Jean was one of a kind- beautiful, tenacious, compassionate, and gracious. The love she had for her family was ferocious and undeniable. She would do anything for those that she loved and easily made friends wherever she went. Jean was a presence with expensive taste and will truly be missed.

Unlike Paul, whose favourite music was Hank Williams, Jean loved Bob Seger.  So if you’re missing her someday, follow her advice:  “Blare some Seger and make yourself a Caesar…extra vodka and a splash of clamato!”

If you wish to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider Chatham-Kent Hospice, as this was a charity that was dear to her heart and she has donated to in the past.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Cremation has taken place.  A time of visitation for Jean will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday November 27, 2021 from 2 – 4 p.m. & 7 – 9 p.m.  Friends wishing to attend are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to schedule a visitation time.  Face coverings are mandatory.