Jeffrey DeBoer

If you knew Jeff, you knew he was always open to a reason to have a good party.  So, on July 1, 1990 he decided to arrive early, always giving him that reason to celebrate.  His parents Mario and Lana (Mackelberg) and his brothers, Greg, Brad and Mac were never too far away to help with his celebrations or to create more.

His celebrations continued with MANY family vacations.  Jeff travelled with his family on camping trips, dog sledding and snowmobile adventures, Florida vacations, visiting his cougar Aunt and Uncle out west and then to Holland, England and France for a family reunion. When he finally started getting sister in laws, Tina, Ashley and Ainslie he was more than willing to love and accept them in to our party.

Then in 2013, Destiny brought him Kim (Nash).  And since she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen (or love at first sight), he decided to definitely add her to his party.  Along came niece Morgan (MJ) and nephew Warren to the family party.

Our most recent family vacation party was in Feb. 2020 with the 12 of us in one house. That party grew with 9 more Canadians friends hanging out with us in Florida. That was definitely a great party.  Last June he welcomed Kamryn in as his newest niece.  Uncle Jeffie continued his fun-loving ways with her.

Kim and Jeff continued on a few adventures of their own with vacations to Jamaica, Arizona and back to Holland in 2019. His Holland family of the Ypmas and Vanwoldes showered them with love and experiences never to be forgotten or unappreciated. Jeff and Kim also showed up at Dirks Bently, Zac Brown and others concert with many long-time school friends or hockey buddies. These friends carried him thru the darker parties when he fought his fight against cancer. His community showed him more support and strength than they will ever know with his drive by and his fundraiser attendance.  Jeff’s zest for life, his contagious laughter, his cheesy grin and his one-liners were with him ‘til the end, usually at his mother’s expense.

Jeff left us on Jan 2 2021 after everyone had time to recuperate from, once again, the Celebration of a New Year. Jeff was surrounded by the love of his parents, his brothers and sister in laws and his love Kim as he began his new party with his loved ones that passed before him.  Jeff’s life was shorter than most but the depth of his life was twice as deep as most and for that reason WE ARE grateful. Love you buddy and you will only ever be a 2 x 4 away.

Friends wishing to remember Jeffrey with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.  https://www.braintumour.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/

Patricia Ann Adams of Blenheim passed away peacefully with her family by her side on December 23, 2020 at the age of 74 years.  Patricia was born in Toronto and it was there that she met her husband Danny.  Their 54 years of marriage brought many joys including two children; a son Ian Adams and a daughter Danielle Adams and husband Brent Lane,  as well as three grandchildren.  Patricia will be remembered with great fondness by her grandsons Colter and Dillion.  Her heart was broken when her oldest grandson Austin Adams Lundy predeceased her at the age of 19.

It was Patricia’s wish that cremation take place and that her family remember her privately. For those wishing to do something in remembrance of her, why not give your children and grandchildren an extra hug…it will mean more than you will ever know.

Art Tremblay of Blenheim, best friend and husband of Marion passed away on Tuesday December 22, 2020.  Born in Staples 78 years ago to the late Albert & Alma Tremblay, Art was one of 8 siblings and is survived by his sister Helen Blonde (Gregory) and his brother Gilbert Tremblay (Margaret).  He was predeceased by his sister Yvonne O’Toole and his brothers Jules Tremblay (survived by Lucille), Luke Tremblay (survived by Yvonne), Leon Tremblay and Fred Tremblay.  He was also predeceased by Marion’s sister Theresa (survived by Bob Myers) and brother John Homick.

Art was a social man and nothing pleased him more than visits from his nieces and nephews; Michelene & Elliot Blackshaw with their daughters Georgia and Maisie, Derek Myers & Emma Hudson, Jonathan Myers with his son Jacob, and Mark Allen.

He was a man of faith and a life time member of the Catholic Church.  When he lived in Tilbury he sang in the church choir for over 40 years.  Not only did Art enjoy the outdoors but he appreciated all of the things that God provided and he tried to leave the world a better place.  Following his retirement from Chryslers, he and Marion moved to Blenheim.  He spent many hours manicuring the perfect lawn and he carried on the Tremblay tradition of making long treks to pick wild blueberries.  He was blessed with a great team of oncology nurses at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and later the nurses and caregivers on the 3^rd floor stroke unit.  Your kindness will be long remembered.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon.  Due to COVID restrictions, friends wishing to attend the visitation must register by calling 519-676-9200.  A Mass for Art will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Monday.  Due to the limited number of friends who can attend, it will be by invitation only.

Donations to the Cancer Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

Debra “Debbie” Marie Stapleton of Blenheim and formerly of Wingham passed away peacefully on Friday December 11, 2020 at the age of 63 years.  Debbie is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jamie Stapleton. She was the proud Mom of Denis (Erica) and Greg (Tara) and adoring grandmother of Audrey, Blake and Tyler.

Debbie was born in Hamilton to the late Pat and Norma (Smith) Brenzil.  She will be remembered fondly by siblings Sue (Ron) Doyle, Randy (Nancy) Brenzil, Patty (Dave) Robson and Sandy (Tom) MacLean, and the late Gary and wife Debbie Brenzil. She will be remembered also by Jamie’s brothers Rick (Margaret) Stapleton and Brian Stapleton.

Debbie enjoyed traveling, especially someplace warm, and spending time with her family.  In her spare time, she loved to cook, read and walk her dog or grand-dog.  Those who knew Debbie best will remember her for her strength, generosity, thoughtfulness and calming presence.

Thank you to everyone for the kindness shown to Debbie over her eight year journey with cancer.  It was her wish that this part of her life be shared quietly with her family.  A private interment will be held in Wingham.

Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice where she spent her final days or the Canadian Cancer Society.

Askew, Cameron Todd -son of Keith and Lois (nee Skrinar) Askew (pre-deceased), passed away suddenly at home in his 59^th year. Survived by his brother Thomas (Michelle Askew) and dear brother to Nancy (Steffen Jensen), Mary (Dave Taylor) and Tamara (Mike Lahey). He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Cameron worked as a mechanic for Ryder Company for many years before retiring early to the family farm. There was nothing he valued more than time spent with family and his great sense of humour will be missed.

Private internment at Shank’s Cemetery. As per his wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Reverend David Arthur Traies Fuller of Blenheim lost his battle with ongoing health concerns on November 21, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Following in the footsteps of his father, David was ordained as an Anglican Priest and was the Rector of Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim and St. Paul’s Church in Erieau.

David was one of four sons born to Douglas and the late Phyllis Fuller.  He is survived by his brothers Terry and Keith and was predeceased by his brother John.  He leaves behind two adoring children, Sarah and Matthew Fuller, their mother Deborah and the many friends that he made along the way.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private service will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on December 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.  Friends wishing to view the service via Zoom may join us that day at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87966948302?pwd=cGlsTWtmSnlicVNIVCtBN3IxT2dTUT09
Meeting ID: 879 6694 8302
Passcode: 147647

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/donate-clothing—more or the Canadian Mental Health Association https://ontario.cmha.ca/get-involved/donate/

Martin VanHeesch

Today on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, we celebrate the reunion of our Dad, Father-in-law, Opa and Great Opa with his beloved wife Diny, in heaven.  He leaves behind 87 years of very fond memories.

Dad was born St. Oedenrode, “The Vogelzang”, Netherlands on September 17^th, 1933, to Johannes and Marie (van der Heijden).  He was part of a large, loving and boisterous family; Toon (Betsie), Bert (Truus), Jan (Mien), Ben (Annie), Leo (Betsie), Rikie (Wim), Laura (Ad), Mia (Ben).  Seeking new adventures and opportunities, Dad and his best friend Harry Bongers immigrated to Canada in 1958.

Few years later, while dancing up a storm at the Dutch Social Hall one day, Dad met his one and only true love, Diny Nooyen.  It was the start of an unequalled love story and they were married on May 5, 1962.  Dad was always at Mom’s side; whether dancing at a wedding, playing cards with his family and friends, working in the barns and fields, or planting a vegetable or flower garden.  Even after Mom passed away in 1998, his devotion continued as strong as ever.  Family was everything to Dad, and being part of Diny’s family, Harry (Christine), Wim (Monique), Pete (Toos), Arnold (Rikie), Marius (Mary), Jo (Chris) was integral to Mom and Dad’s everyday life.

Dad was not given an opportunity for a formal education, his work ethic and interest in world events made him wise beyond his years.  He loved debating issues of the day and cheering on his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.  He was industrious, moving from numerous odd-jobs to building a successful farm.  He continued to farm with Ronny in his later years, until his dementia made it difficult to continue.  Slowly and progressively forgetting essential details, Ronny took on the responsibility to tending to Dad’s every need; answering the phone at all hours of the day.  Elly and Brian are eternally grateful to Ronny for his tireless devotion to Dad.

Dad was a devout Catholic, the epitome of kindness and generosity and doing what was right, even when it was the harder path to follow.  He was a true gentleman and role model, emphasizing education, hard work, sports and respect for each other.  These values live on in his children Elly (Chris) Ronny (Kelly), Brian (Manju), his grandchildren Jessica (Jordan), Joy (Lucas), Justin (Silvana), Jordan, Brianne (Darren), Bryn (Niki), Kourtlan, Konnor (Samantha) and Sasha and his great-grandchildren Skyler, Pearce, Mia and Ella.  Dad loved nothing more than having children around, to spoil them with treats and gifts.

It is so hard to say goodbye to someone who leaves us with so many fond memories and an example to live by. Dad, we hope to make you proud! And we know we will hear your words of wisdom, if we falter.

It gives us all comfort, peace and joy to know that you are reunited with Mom to continue your love story.

Love ya, love ya love ya.

A private funeral for Martin will be held on Saturday.  Family and friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society  https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/.

It is with great sadness that the family of William Ross “Bill” Carnegie announces his passing on November 11, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Born in Chatham on December 28^th, 1946 Bill was the son of the late Ross Carnegie and Josephine Ford (Turner).  Predeceased by his step father Calvin Ford.  Bill was the loving companion of Rose Simpson.  He was a proud father of Andrea Gebal (Ed), William Ross Carnegie Jr (Cindy) and Carl Carnegie.  Step father to Sherry, Shelley (Harold), Daniel (Penny), Andrew (Melissa) and nine step grandchildren.  Grandfather to Nicholas, Allison, Austin, Zack, Makalia, Jayden and Sam.  Bill will be dearly missed by his brothers Jim Carnegie (Judy) and Douglas Carnegie (Darlene), by his step sister Beverly and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his family, Bill will be greatly missed by his good friends Paul Phillips and Henry Aartsen and his best friend “Carson”.

At an early age, Bill determined that he wanted to be a police officer and served a long career starting out in OPP Dispatch in Chatham before transitioning to a Police Officer at the age of 21.  His career spanned 30 years when he retired at the age of fifty.  To fill his days in retirement he enjoyed driving a gravel truck for Sykes Trucking for many years.  He also enjoyed his many travels and his time spent with friends including the late Howard Zimmer and his good friend George Hurst in Florida.

A special thanks to the staff at the Chatham-Kent Hospice for their exceptional kindness and compassion, his brother Jim for his daily visits and support and to Pastor Bill Terris for his visits and prayers during the last week.

Cremation has taken place.  As per Bill’s wishes there will be no service.  In memory of Bill, at tree will be planted in the spring on Bill and Rose’s property.  Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/ are appreciated.

Yesterday we lost my brother, Colton.  Devastating, and unexpected. 

Colton was known and loved by many. Despite his hardships, any time I would run into someone in town, they’d ask how he was doing and would always mention how funny he was. It was true, the man just had a gift for bringing laughter to others. From the times when we would entertain our family with skits by climbing on each others’ shoulders (his idea), throwing on a trench coat and a fake moustache pretending to be a tall mystery man – to making improv videos about a phony news station that thought it was a great idea to give weather predictions based on the weatherman’s eye colour. I’m still laughing about that one. He was a master of improv.

 I can remember our typical sibling rivalry like many brothers go through (thanks, puberty). But through the years, Colton and I found that we were very much alike, when we thought we were always so far from that. We would duet those old country songs our dad taught us with Colton strumming his guitar with such technical ease. Feeling that warmth of just belting and jamming it out with your brother is a feeling that is both unfathomable and irreplaceable. Just sharing our passion for music together. Even when you go busking in the middle of the night in downtown Windsor (probably not the greatest idea), but providing a serenade to the walkers-by was something we always enjoyed and learning that the song WonderWall by Oasis was STILL surprisingly popular.

Colton was also nothing short of a technical genius. I swear he was a carbon copy of our dad. I admired him so much. I truly believed he could have been successful in any career or trade. You literally gave him any piece of information or problem to solve – whether it was our computer, a math problem, or a personal problem. Colton would look at it, and you could just see those gears and gyros clicking and whirling to get to a solution (and he ALWAYS got to the solution). It just amazed me his hunger for knowledge, enough just was never enough for him. He used it to help people; be their white knight.

We’re so heartbroken losing him. But celebrating him in memory, who he was – will keep our broken hearts from shattering. Even though he was my “little” brother, I looked up to him in many ways, and he’ll be missed beyond belief.

Colt, we love you so much. You were a good brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. Be at peace, now. 

Love, Cody

Colton Victor Srokosz was born 29 years ago to Terry (Cross) Srokosz and the late Larry Srokosz (2019).  He will be missed greatly by his mom Terry.  Colton could always make her laugh and put a smile on her face.  He loved his Mom hugs.  He had a huge heart and was a kind soul.  He was also the best brother to Cody and uncle to the girl who stole his heart, his niece Callie.  He was the pride and joy of his grandmother Molly and his late grandfather Victor Cross whose name he shared.  He was predeceased by his grandparents Stanley & Irene Srokosz.

Colton’s extended family includes his Aunts and Uncles; Della & Robert Johnson, Gwen & Doug Duyck, Diane & Gary Guyett, Frank & Dyanne Srokosz and Dennis & Shelley Srokosz as well as many cousins.

In support of Colton, his family encourages any donations be made to the Brentwood Recovery Home in Windsor, for the years of guiding him through the many challenges he lived throughout his life or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday between 2 – 5 p.m.  Due to COVID restrictions, those wanting to attend must call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time.  Face coverings must be worn inside the Funeral Home.  A private service will be held on Monday with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my sister, Cathy Lou Crawford.  She was born in Chatham 56 years ago to our late parents Judith & Thomas Crawford, attended school in Blenheim and at St. Clair College in Chatham.  Aside from myself, she is survived by our step brother Doug Peel, our Aunts Carol (Walt) Korpela and Sally Mandeno (Dick McIlroy) as well as our cousins Jeremy Korpela, Wendy Wells, Nicole Segeren, Matthew Mandeno and Nancy Cira.  She was predeceased by our Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Al Latner.

Cathy was a kind and caring soul who loved animals just as much as she loved people.  For many years she worked at the OSPCA in Chatham during the week and on the weekends, she would tend to the farm animals at Southwestern Regional Centre.  She made many good friends during her lifetime and will be remembered by many for her free spirit and bubbly personality.  Unfortunately, health issues interrupted her career in the animal world but she was able to continue caring for them in her home in Chatham.  There was always food and water on the front porch for hungry kittens and a shelter to keep them warm when it was cold.

Cathy, we will miss you and you will never be forgotten,

Love, your brother Mike

In keeping with her passion for animals, friends wishing to remember Cathy with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Big Fix Grassroots Cat Rescue.