It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gwendolyn ‘Anna’ Fife. Surrounded by family, Ann passed away peacefully on Saturday September 20th at London Health Science Centre.

Ann will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend of 58 years, Bill. Ann leaves behind her loving children Brian (Cheri), Carman (Craig) and Larry (Tonya).

She was the cherished grandmother of Tayler (Casey), Jeramy ( Vanessa), Erika (Taran), Jared (Laccie), Cody (Randi), Kyle (Ashley), Kara, Karly, Lucas, and Cooper. The proud great-grandmother of Payton, Branson, Brooklynn, Westyn, Blake, Colson and baby O’Hara.

The loving daughter of Margaret Steinberg and John Dodman (deceased). She will be missed by her many brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

We would like to extend a thank you to the CCTC unit; the C7 floor, Dr. V and Dr. Welch, at the LHSC for their exceptional care. Donations can be made to Canadian Blood Services https://www.blood.ca/en/ways-donate/financial-donations , Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation  and Juvenile Diabetes Foundation https://breakthrought1d.ca/give/ .

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place Friday September 26th from 1pm-4pm at Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

With a wonderful and loving family by his side, David Alexander Ashby passed away peacefully on Thursday September 11, 2025.   

David’s life began on January 13, 1950 when he was born to parents Percy and Mable (Holmes) Ashby.  He was the baby brother to Brenda and the late Eldon Dent, Barbara and Wayne Richmond.  He was predeceased by Fran and George Felder, Louise and Bill Johnston, Mary Lou and Fred McEachran, and Donna Marie Meyers, James Barnes, Joseph Meyers.  He was a brother-in-law to Rick Verburg (Annie). Dave will be remembered by extended family and friends whom he loved.

David’s life was filled to the brim with blessings, with a family that included his beloved wife, Maria (Verburg) who he spent a full 47 years with.  Much joy was added when he became a father to Jason, Scott and Rachel, Rob, Crystal and Iain Scade and proud Papa to Ethan and Daniel Ashby and Ainsley, Logan and Emerson Scade and an honorary daughter Beth Schieman-Doherty.  Papa David was patiently awaiting the arrival of his sixth grandchild.   

Aside from his family Dave enjoyed harness racing at the track, playing cards, classic car’s, cooking and family BBQ’s.  He loved baseball and spent time coaching kids in the sport.  In his spare time he enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and was a fan of Giant Tiger shopping adventures.  He also appreciated nature and fishing, camping and would pause by a good campfire.

Dave was a hard worker and began his career working for Fred McEachran learning the skill and art of autobody work.  He eventually went to Fanshawe College to become licensed and ultimately opened his own autobody repair shop at his home.  He also spent time working for the school board as a custodian. 

There will be a great void in David’s family and community but there are many wonderful memories to look back on. 

David Ashby’s life will be celebrated.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 15, 2025 at 2-4pm and 6-8pm.   A funeral will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 16 beginning at 11 am, with a reception at the Blenheim Legion afterwards. 

You are welcome to honor David with a donation to either the

Heart and Stroke https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations

Lung Health Foundation https://lunghealth.ca/supporting-canadians-living-with-copd/

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