Surrounded by the love of her devoted family, Ruth (Simpson) Campbell passed away in Woodstock on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 16 days before her 98th birthday, and 21 years after Dad, her beloved husband Mac Campbell.

Always very proud of her family, Mom and Dad raised their family of 5 – Margaret & Ross McGhee, Kathryn & Ed Blonski, Brian & Debbie, Liz & John Scoyne, and Brad & Michelle. Her family grew to include grandchildren – Andrea & Chris, Matt & Tabitha, Megan & Alex, Jennifer & Drew, her special angel Julie, Melanie & Neil, Brandon & Madison, Justin & Kathleen, Jordan & Cora, Alyssa, Kendra & Brennon, Tyson & Emily, Cassie, Morgan & Keith, Ben & Veronica, Brady & Kayla, Carly & Cody. Her family has continued to grow, Mom became a proud great Gramma to – Cynthia, Graham, Claire, Kara, Kylie, Rylan, Mackenzie, Madilyn, Delanee, Julie-Ann, Jack, Clark, Cole, Vera, Calum, Noah, Samuel and Mia.

At a young age, Mom devoted her life to family “keeping house” with her brother Russell to help raise her younger siblings after the early death of her parents Janet and Willard Simpson. Mom is predeceased by all of her siblings – Kelso & Grace, Fern & Rev. Alex Simpson, Max & Marjorie, Eileen & Adrian Hayes, Ray & Ruth, Donald, Russell & Ruth, Doug & Marjorie, Fred & Berniece, Beth & Bob Eskritt, & Ivan. Survived by sisters-in-laws Donna Simpson & Helen Field. Even at 97 years old, Mom still was able to name every one of her siblings in order, our names in order, as well as many of her foster children.

Also predeceased by Dad’s parents Lorne & Mary Campbell, his siblings Murray & Norma Campbell, Marjorie & Ken MacDougall, Donna Uffelman, Gordon Campbell. Survived by brother-in-law Ward Uffelman and sister-in-law Irene Campbell.

Mom’s family also includes many nieces and nephews of both the Simpson and the Campbell families.

Outside of family, Mom opened her heart and home to others as she and Dad became Foster Parents, providing care to 47 babies and young children. Even into her most recent weeks, Mom continued to be drawn to the sweetness and fun of young children including watching & hearing of the accomplishments of her precious great grandchildren.

She spent countless hours at her sewing machine making clothes for family & friends, as well as turning random pieces of cloth into blankets, bedspreads and anything that took her fancy!  Her love for sewing turned into a passion for dressing dolls of any size, and becoming a member of her local Doll Club. Eventually Mom donated part of her collection to less fortunate little girls overseas to bring smiles to their faces. Enjoying all shapes and sizes from baby dolls to Barbie dolls, she was also passionate about collecting and learning more of the story of the Dionne quintuplets. She could also entertain herself inside & outside finding leaves of all sizes to press and appreciate later. She had a unique ability to find joy in the simple things outdoors, continuing to notice the beauty in the clouds, the birds, the flowers (including dandelions) and anything that sparkled!

In her earlier years, Mom served in various positions within her church in Ridgetown – Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) always recognizing the importance of living out her faith. She maintained her ability to join in the singing of familiar hymns.

Mom has been surrounded by so much love from all her family, appreciating any and all visits. She had been well cared for and dearly loved by so many of her care providers who were always able to find words of support and encouragement. At the age of 97 years, she was still able to crack a joke or share a thought in her head. Recently a staff member said “Ruth, I just love your smile”  Mom was quick to respond with “ I take it with me wherever I go!”  We will miss her dearly, yet we can feel good knowing Mom has been reunited with Dad and her family, continuing to share her smiles in Heaven!

“Crying Is How The Eyes Speak When The Mouth Can’t Say How Broken The Heart Is”

Memorial Donations can be made in Ruth’s honor to either the

Blenheim and Merlin School Breakfast Program http://www.bmsbp.ca/donate.html

Blenheim Medical Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/

On September 1^st, 2025 our dear husband and father Frank Dwayne Fiala Jr. passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance knowing how much he was loved. Although Frank’s battle with cancer was fought with all of his strength, we know now that he is at peace. Frank was the beloved husband of his high school sweetheart Pamela Fiala (Glazier) whose love for one another spanned for more than 45 years.

Frank was the biggest supporter of his children Alena Fiala and her wife Nicole, and Jared Fiala. They were the centre of his universe and he would proudly share, with anyone willing to listen, about all of their accomplishments. He had endless pictures on his phone of his grand pups, Finni and Rexi, who he was affectionately referred to as Papi.  His kitties, Lucy and Nala, will miss cuddles on the couch with their dad.

Frank was born in Chatham, Ontario, to Frank (2016) and Jeannette (Benoit) Fiala.  He is survived by his siblings, Mary Lynn McKillop (Tom), Joe Fiala (Linda), Terry Fiala (Janice), Jackie Lalonde (Denis) and brother-in-law Dan Mifflin. He deeply missed his sister Jody Lynn Fiala (2021).

He is survived by his father-in-law Nickolas Glazier and will be reunited with his mother-in-law Linda Glazier (2015). He will miss travelling and spending time with his aunt “the muskrat” Melinda Lu Glazier. Also, the beloved brother-in-law of Brian Glazier (Becky). Frank is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Growing up on a farm in a household of eight, Frank learned the importance of hard work, early mornings, quality time, and family at a young age. In fact, he carried these lessons with him throughout his life. The epitome of a family man—he was a natural provider, advice giver, role model, and steady rock. Always putting others first, he constantly lent a helping hand, often bending over backwards and jumping through hoops if necessary.

As a tool and die maker, Frank’s occupations provided him with opportunities to work in many places. At the time of his retirement, he worked for Ford Oakville. Despite his time working away, Frank always made his family his priority. You could often find him in the stands at hockey arenas, and on the sidelines of soccer and football fields. Along the way, lasting friendships were formed. Frank was often the life of the party and the best story teller. Outside of the passion he had for his family, Frank enjoyed the outdoors. He was the happiest when hunting and fishing on God’s wonderful creation.

Frank will be remembered for his quick-wittedness, sense of humour, analytical thinking, extensive love for his family, big bear hugs, the ability to fix anything, and his habit of laughing harder at his jokes than the audience around him. Like his father, he even kept everything, but this tendency proved itself to be quite useful many times.

Donations to be made to Make Children Better Now Association.

Donate to MCBN

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jerzy Czerwieniec Thursday August 28, 2025.  Jerzy passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Survived by his doting wife Margaret (nee Zychowicz) of 56 years.  Proud father to Ania (Arden).  Predeceased by father Jan Czerwieniec and mother Maria (nee Solecka). He will be missed by his sister Waclawa, nieces Hala, Irena, and Donata, as well as the Zychowicz family, particularly Grace, Josie, Kelly and Pawel. 

After immigrating to Canada in 1973 and settling in Hamilton Jerzy spent 16 years as a mechanical technician at Great Lakes Wire. Later alongside his wife, Jerzy was the proud owner of the Crocus Restaurant, serving up the best pierogis and cabbage rolls in town.  Never one to stay idle Jerzy reinvented himself as a superintendent in Branford and Guelph, Ontario, always making friends along the way.

Jerzy will be remembered for his gregarious and generous personality, his passion for playing soccer well into his 60’s, his love for his pet parrots Cocoa and Pico, and his willingness to help family and friends with his plumbing expertise.

Cremation has taken place. A family gathering will be held Saturday Sept 6 in Hamilton.

Donald Raymond Hitchcock of Guilds passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, August 24, 2025 in Blenheim.

Don was born in Chatham 75 years ago to the late Bruce and Gwendoline Hitchcock, of Guilds. He is predeceased in life by his sister Geraldine McPhearson, survived by his brother Jack Hitchcock (Katherine) and his aunt Catherine Ann Hubbard of Florida.

Don grew up in Guilds, attended The Guilds Schoolhouse, Blenheim District High School as well as Chatham Kent Secondary School,  Fanshawe College in London and St. Clair College for Civil Engineering.  He was a member of The New Scotland United Church.

He is survived by his nieces Leah Coll, Julie Guyitt, Danielle Parker (Scott), Alicia Kemp (Jarrod), nephew Wyatt Hitchcock (Lauren) and several great nieces and nephews.

Don was a long time employee of Southwest Ag and EmCon as a snow plow operator.

Don was an avid outdoorsman. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, tying flies, bird watching, sailing and wind surfing. He was a very talented nature photographer. He spent many years living in British Columbia and travelling. He resettled back in Guilds later in life.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday August 30, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Morpeth Cemetery. Family and Friends are welcome.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Clendenning and the staff at the Blenheim Nursing Home for their exceptional care of Don as his illness progressed.

Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or The New Scotland United Church.

On July 31, 2025 our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother Annie Schalk was called home to be with the Lord.  Annie lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to Christ, and guided by the teachings of the Holy Bible.  Christ was always the center of her world and her only wishes were for all her friends and loved ones to know the Lord and honor Him.  She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture and peace in the promise of eternal life.  Mom shared her faith through kindness, compassion and total trust in God’s plan.

As our mother she raised us in the ways of the Lord, teaching us to love, serve and trust in Him always.  Mom now rests in the arms of her Savior, free from pain and sorrow, and rejoicing in His presence.

Annie is survived by her daughters – Mary Ann Schalk, Nellie Louwerse, Margaret Schalk, Carrie Alward and Mae Bedford, her loving granddaughters Vanessa & Kevin Gagen, Miranda Louwerse, and Chantell & John VanRuyven and grandsons Shawn & Naila Bedford and Eric Bedford.  And special to her heart, her great-granddaughters Clare Gagen, Elowen VanRuyven, Ashley Bedford and great-grandsons Adam, Musa and Eesa Bedford who will carry on her legacy of care and love.

Mom is predeceased by her husband Henry (2010) and infant son Henry Adrian (1962), 9 siblings in Holland and is survived by one sister-in-law Jannie Vanderplas in Holland.

Also survived by her brother-in-law Kees and his wife ((Beertje) and sister-in-law Doreen (predeceased by Gary).

Visitation for Mom will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday August 5, 2025 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the First Reformed Church, Chatham  on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at 10:30 where we will all gather to honor Mom’s memory and rejoice in the promise of everlasting life.  The funeral service will be followed by a luncheon at the church.  At 1:00 we will make our way to Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim where Mom will be laid to rest beside Dad.

Those wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider Samaritans Purse to provide spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world https://secure.samaritanspurse.ca/donation .

There are moments in life when you have the privilege of knowing someone, someone who always greeted you with a “Hey Girl”, “Hey Kid” or with a nickname that was curated just for you. Someone whose void will be immeasurable, and presence will be greatly missed; a reality we suddenly faced on Thursday July 24th, 2025 when Cindy Eileen Girard, or as she was always lovingly referred to as “Gert” passed away at her home. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend.

Born on July 5, 1957, Cindy was the daughter of the late Douglas Bailey & Jean Melanson; and predeceased by her stepfather Paul Melanson. She was the best friend to her sister Denise Walker and will be missed by her brother-in-law Terry Walker. She is predeceased by her brother Kevin Bailey.

Cindy loved her family; Wes was her best friend and partner for the last 35 years. She loved him and took care of him for the last years of her life, doting over “the old guy” and making sure he had everything he needed. She will be forever loved and missed by her children Kelly Lynn Girard (Bobby Senyk), Jeremy Sellars (Linda Maynard), and Sherri Sellars-Walker (Ross Walker). She loved her children and was immensely proud of them; even when they argued or got angry with each other, her love never changed or faltered. Cindy was a proud grandmother to her many grandchildren, including William, Kenna, Breann, and Clayton. She was beyond grateful that she was able to spend the last year with her grandson Jaxon Sellars, dropping him off and picking him up for the school bus, a role she took on proudly and enjoyed immensely. Cindy is lovingly reunited in heaven with her granddaughter Bayli Sellars.

Cindy was the loving and cherished Aunt to Kayla Allen (Kyle), Nick Walker, Matthew Bailey, and loved her great niece and nephews Rosie, Ben (Bad Boy Benny), and Emily as if they were her own grandchildren. She is also greatly missed by her grand puppies Marleigh & Whrenley.

She will be remembered with great fondness by Juanita Girard & Murray Franken, Brenda Girard, Dean & Joyce Girard, Bonita Girard-Dulong & Charles Dulong, her stepchildren Lynne & Robbie Girard and the late Bob & Lou-Ann Girard, and John Girard.

Cindy was fortunate in life to be surrounded by many good friends, living on Fargo Road, where her and her neighbours enjoyed spending time with each other in the “hood”. If you couldn’t find Cindy at home, she was either at her sister Denise’s or had wandered over to the many neighbours, she called family.

Cindy spent a good chunk of her life working at the Venus De Milo where she got to know many people all over town. Cindy loved to camp with Wes at Rondeau Shores Campground, quickly becoming friends with those around her. She was always known for being a smiling, friendly face, and always saying hello. Cindy loved to have campfires in her backyard, and you could often find her there, enjoying a cold Busch light and listening to Bob Segar. We all know that “this mamma is having a drink by the fire” up in heaven, enjoying her time with those she missed. While we will miss her dearly here, we know she will be waiting for us, with a smile on her face, and a beer in her hand.

“For a moment, all the world was right. How could I have known that you’d ever say goodbye. And now I’m glad I didn’t know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’d have to miss the dance.”

Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday July 30, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.  A private family ceremony will take place at a later time.

Donations can be made in Cindy’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving

In Loving Memory of Howard “Howie” Holdaway

June 23, 1959 – July 24, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Howard “Howie” Holdaway, a resident of Duart, Ontario, who left us on July 24, 2025, at the age of 66, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on June 23, 1959, Howie was the beloved son of the late Ernie and Verda (Smith) Holdaway. He was the devoted husband of 17 years to Tina (van Oirschot) Holdaway, and the proud and loving father of Beven Holdaway, who was the light of his life.

Howie was predeceased by his cherished sister Cathy Watson (2025) and his nephew Jeff Watson (2015). He will be deeply missed by his brother-in-law Bob Watson.

He was a loving son-in-law to Bill and Natalie van Oirschot, and a cherished brother-in-law to Bill van Oirschot Jr. (Mel), Natalie Fletcher (Brent), Nikki van Oirschot, Darryl van Oirschot, Bryon van Oirschot (Leeann), and Robyn Perkins (Gene). Uncle Howie was adored by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Howie was also a “Grandpa” to Noah, Josh, Nolan, and Kennedy, who brought him immense joy and pride. Howie is also lovingly remembered by his many cousins, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, mischief, and perch. He held a special bond with his Aunt Louise and Aunt Rosemarie, who remained important and cherished figures in his life. Family meant everything to Howie, and he never missed an opportunity to show up, share a story, lend a hand, or raise a toast with those he loved.

He leaves behind a long list of friends, extended family, and kindred spirits — and no one who met him left unchanged. A special mention goes out to his best friend Betty, his Robinson/Frasier poker nuts, and the boys from Beer Church, where laughter flowed as freely as the beverages. “Bubba” from the horse racing circle was always a constant companion and deserves a heartfelt shout-out. In his final weeks, Marc and Sharon Campbell provided the kind of friendship and support that can never be repaid.

The last month of Howie’s life was spent at Chatham-Kent Hospice, where the compassionate staff offered not only comfort, but a listening ear to the endless stories he loved to tell – stories often shared with the same energy he once used to track horse race stats. To those who called or visited during this time: thank you for filling out his guest roster and giving him that final joy.

Howie was a proud Blenheim boy, known far and wide for his quick wit, unmatched storytelling, and the best damn Rice Krispie squares around. (And for those who know, yes – some are still recovering from those special brownies.) Maxwell House coffee, heated euchre games, his infectious laugh, and his deep, unwavering loyalty defined him. So did his love for his dog Bailey, who rarely left his side.

For the many nieces and nephews who knew him simply as “Uncle Howie,” especially the Watty masses, he had one last message for you all:
CHEERS!

Howie Holdaway’s spirit, humour, and love for the people around him will leave a huge hole in the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Howie’s memory can be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ , whose incredible care gave him peace and comfort in his final days.

Rick was married twice during his life, and both marriages were filled with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. He was first married to Laura (nee Trudell) Suzor for 31 loving years. Laura passed away in 2006 after a courageous battle with Cancer. Rick later married Linda Sue Suzor (nee Maynard) in 2011, and their marriage brought Rick another source of profound joy and companionship. Linda passed away suddenly in 2024, and Rick’s enduring love for her remained strong until the end of his life.

Rick is survived by his stepchildren, Randy (Amy), Lacey (Shaun) and Glen Ogle and Grandchildren, Eden, Jorgia, Ginny, Jayden, Chloe and Ella. His Siblings, Ken Suzor (Mable), Raymond Suzor (Patricia) and his sister-in-laws, Mary Beth Suzor and Lisa Suzor.  Rick also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he cherished dearly.

Predeceased by both his parents, Ezra Suzor and Amelia Edge, his brother Ronald and Larry Suzor his sister Emily Shearon and her Husband Mike.

Rick lived a prosperous life in Windsor, Ontario, working for Chrysler for over 40 years until he retired and settled in Blenheim, Ontario. Rick was an avid lover of Classic Cars and Race car driving. He was always found watching NASCAR on Sundays and enjoying his summer days camping at Rochester Place with his family alongside him.

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.