Obituaries

Gail Ramsden

A photo of Gail Ramsden

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday November 5, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to attend the visitation
are asked to call the Funeral Home for
a scheduled visitation time. Face
coverings are required.

Gail Darlene Ramsden, beloved wife of Paul Ramsden passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday November 3, 2021, at the age of 77.

Gail was the daughter of the late Albert and Rita (nee Tanguay) Twigg, loving  mother to Robbin Kivell, Steve Kivell (Mandy Ross), and Lisa (Bryan) Misselbrook, grandmother to Tiffany, Tyler, Vincent, Mitchell, Alex, Tate, and Trevor and great-grandmother to Brihana, Gracie, Oliver, Levi, Hannah, Mily, Eva, and Brooker.

She was the sister of Gloria (Larry) Wood, Anita (Dwight) Barnes, Beth (John) D’Amato, and Mike (Betsy) Twigg.  She will be sadly missed by Paul’s extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  Those wishing to attend are asked to call the funeral home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a visitation time.  A private funeral service will take place with Michael McCracken officiating.  Cremation will follow the service and a private family burial will be held at a later date at Burk Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Gail to CK Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/ or Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) https://pawr.org/funds/ would be appreciated.

Tony Houweling

A photo of Tony Houweling

Anthony Gerald Houweling of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday November 1, 2021 at the age of 65. He was the son of Johanna (nee Onland) and the late Peter Houweling. Father to Leslie (Kyle) Summers, Allan Miller, Scott Houweling and grandfather to Sunnese. Brother to Rick, Ken, Rob, Carol, late Don, Chris, Peter, and especially close with his sister Lisa (Dave). Cremation has taken place. Donations made in memory of Tony may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.ca.

Donald Hawley

A photo of Donald Hawley

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday November 2, 2021 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 3, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to attend the visitation are asked to
call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a
scheduled visitation time. Face coverings are required.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald John Hawley at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on the evening of Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the age of 86 years. Born in Harwich Township, Don was the son of the late George and Mary (Embury) Hawley and was the brother of the late James, William (Doris), Carl and Shirley Davis (Larry). He is survived by his youngest brother, Paul (Kathy).

He is the beloved husband of Patricia (King) of 53 years and cherished father of Heather (Matt Simpson) of Goderich and Laurie (Matt Frain) of Blenheim. He is also the adored grandfather and papa of Jack and Anne Simpson, as well as Alex Frain. He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lewis and Kathleen King. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joy King, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don worked for Bell Canada and retired after 37 years of service. He then spent the next phase of his life farming, woodworking, gardening, working with stained glass, visiting the local coffee shop and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation for Don will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m, and again on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm with a private family funeral officiated by Pastor Eric Skillings. Those wishing to attend the Visitation are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time. Cremation has already taken place.

Those family and friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Andrew’s United Church, South Buxton Memorial Fund or General Fund.

Richard (Dick) L. Stone

A photo of Richard (Dick) L. Stone

Service:

Evergreen Cemetery
Friday October 22, 2021
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday October 22, 2021
11: 00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Stone announces his passing on October 20, 2021 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Windsor, Richard was the oldest son of the late Lawrence & Rita (Perrault) Stone.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Michelle (Grenier) and son Craig.  Survived by brother Robert (Ann) Stone and sisters Deborah (Dave) Demars and Darlene (Joe) Langlois.  Predeceased by brother Louis.  He’ll be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Richard enjoyed hunting, trapshooting, fishing, was a civil war re-enactor, long-time member of the Southwestern Ontario Civil War Round Table, Rondeau Rod & Gun Club and Blenheim Freedom Library & Military Museum.  He was also a huge NASCAR fan.  Richard retired at 60 having worked over 30 years at Crown Metal Packaging.

Special thanks to the Chatham-Kent Hospice doctors & staff and Dr. Tom Perkin.

Visitation for Richard will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 22, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. which will be followed by a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.

Aaron Pollock

A photo of Aaron Pollock

As the result of an accident, Aaron Mitchell Pollock of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away in London on Monday October 18, 2021.  He was 30 years old.

Aaron was the proud father of Robbie Lee Pollock, Colbie Allen Pollock and Ivorie-Lynn Pollock; three of the people he loved most in life.  He will be forever loved and missed by his mother Lynn Walker (Dennis) and his brothers Ryan Walker and Erick Walker (Laura).  Sadly, he was predeceased by his older brother Steve Case in 2016.  He will be remembered by his grandparents Renate & Sam Ramsden, his aunts Lori Atkins (Eric) and Lisa Loveday (Dan) as well as his cousins.

Aaron’s independence followed him through childhood and into adulthood.  He persevered through life’s ups and downs and worked hard for everything that he had.  His recent change in employment found him installing pools for Quality Pools in Chatham which he loved.  He made his family proud.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday October 21, 2021 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  Memories will be shared at 3:00 following the visitation.  Friends wishing to attend must call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 for a scheduled visitation time.  Face coverings are required.

Family and friends wishing to remember Aaron with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Brain Injury Association.

Thea Elizabeth Schives

A photo of Thea Elizabeth Schives

Sometimes love is for a moment.  Sometimes love is for a lifetime.

And sometimes a moment is a lifetime.

It is with great sadness we share that our daughter Thea Elizabeth Schives was born still on September 25, 2021.  Her big brothers and protectors Henry and Erik were looking forward to meeting her just as much as her grandparents Mike & Betty DeBrouwer and Mark & Dawn Schives and her aunts, uncles and cousins.

We loved Thea from the moment we knew she was ours and although she couldn’t stay, she has left forever footprints in our hearts.  We will be holding a private graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery for her on Friday October 22, 2021.

Christine (DeBrouwer) & Kyle Schives

Lana DeBoer

A photo of Lana DeBoer

Service:

Family and Friends are invited to join
Lana's family at Pardoville Cemetery on
Friday October 15, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.

A gathering will take place right after
on the family farm from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Lana DeBoer (nee Mackelberg)

September 30, 1960 – October 13, 2021

 

If you knew Lana, how could you express into words how great she was…

Lana was predeceased by her parents, Gilbert and Simone Mackelberg and her beloved son Jeffrey DeBoer.

She made a promise 41 years ago to love, honour and cherish her best friend and husband, Mario DeBoer.

Lana was a caring and devoted mother to her four boys Greg, Brad, Jeff and Mac.  She welcomed and loved her daughters-in-law Tina, Ashley and Ainslie as her own children.

Lana’s pride and joy were her three grandchildren Morgan, Kamryn and Warren.

She will be remembered by her sisters Monica, Deb, Pam and Sonia, her many nieces and nephews as well as her extended Holland families.

Lana had such a big heart and she loved her family unconditionally.  Anyone you ask would tell you that she had such a contagious laugh; from those she worked with for many years at the Southwestern Regional Centre to those who knew her working on the job site driving a dump truck.

One of Lana’s favourite past-times was spending time with Mario, doing Friday night date nights, tractor and combine rides, going for Sunday drives (not during farming season) and sharing a dance on the dance floor.  She and Mario shared the greatest love for each other and the gift of family anyone could ever ask for.

Lana and her husband Mario took on many challenges together including raising four incredible boys.  She took so much pride in watching them grow and each accomplishing so many different things.  Lana could be found at her favourite place, the “Family Farm” watching all of her boys including the “Big Guy” working outside together in the fields or in the back barn.

She also loved teaching and spending time with her grandchildren.  She could be found swinging on the swing with them, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, fishing, baking, cutting grass and riding tractors or four wheelers with them.  Nana Lana will always hold a special place in their hearts.

One thing she truly loved was going on vacations, whether it was with her husband, her family or dear friends.  She was always booking some amazing trips to bring everyone together and create lifelong memories.

Lana was always up for anything and would drop everything to help anyone who needed it or just to have some fun.  She is leaving us with many great memories and her warm hugs, listening ear, laughter, support and honest conversations will always be cherished and never forgotten.

As per her wishes, a private family service will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 15, 2021.  Friends and family are invited to the Pardoville Cemetery at 4:30 p.m.  A gathering will take place right after on the family farm from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Friends and family wishing to remember Lana are encouraged to support the Brain Tumour Foundation.  http://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/

David Frain

A photo of David Frain

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday October 14, 2021
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Friday October 15, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Please call the Funeral Home for
a scheduled visitation time. Face
coverings are required.

David Curtis Frain, affectionately known as “Frainer” passed away at home on Sunday October 10, 2021.  He is survived by the people he loved most in life; his wife Ruth Anne (Walker) Frain, his son Matthew & Laurie (Hawley) Frain and his number one grandson Alex or “little Frainer” who he loved beyond measure.

He will also be remembered fondly by his sisters-in-law who he considered to be his own sisters; Betty Jean Marchand (Don) and Rose Marie Finlay (Bob).  He was predeceased by his sister-in-law Mary Lou McCreery (survived by Guy) and by his parents Alexander & Dorothy Margaret “Peggy” Frain.  He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dave was a sports enthusiast.  He coached and played hockey, eventually becoming a spectator and number one fan for Matt and Alex.  He also played golf and baseball.  In his retirement years he took up woodworking and made things for his entire family.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation for Dave will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until noon.  A private family funeral will be held.

Friends wishing to remember Dave with a memorial service are encouraged to support the Blenheim Blades because they were always important to him or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Friends wishing to attend visitation for Dave are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 for a scheduled time.  Face coverings will be required.

George McLeod

A photo of George McLeod

George Linsey McLeod

April 29, 1937 – October 7, 2021

 

What’s in a Legacy …

The pride and love of a son to his parents John & Ruth McLeod.

The promise made 63 years ago to Love, Honour and Cherish wife Barbara (Miller).

To love, teach and make life-long memories with Children Jeff, Laura and Linda.

To pass on lessons learned to Grandchildren Tyler, Warren, Ryan, Julie, Jennifer, Linsey and Brian.

Having great pride and wonder in Great Grandchildren Devin, Reid, Olivia, Logan, Cartier, Claire, Sophia, Charlotte, Wyatt, Hudson, Isla, Macy, Natalie and Isla.

The unwavering love and support in brothers Jack, Roy, Frecks, Bob and in sisters Patsy and Babe.

The great teacher, dependable and honest friend.  To have the grit and determination to forge your own path, persistence to never quit and focus of an entrepreneur – Resistance Welding Products Ltd.

Or is a man’s legacy simply the warmth felt in our hearts and a smile out of the corner of your mouth, recalling him in our memories?

Rest easy, to think you did all that and so much more, your way!

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place with interment at Evergreen Cemetery.