Marilyn Joan Newcombe, a resident of Ridgetown for most of her life, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday January 4, 2024.  She was the much loved mother of Judy & Dave Erskine, Robert Newcombe, David & Karen Newcombe and Linda & Ferg Connolly.  Grandmother and great-grandmother of Heather & Joe Landon with their children Malaya and Eli, Brian & Stephanie Erskine with their children John, Owen and Evan, David & Marisa Newcombe with their children Keith and Nora, Sharon Marie Newcombe with her son Skyler, Chloe & Michael Banman, Ashley Langlois and her son Liam, Matthew & Tiffany Langlois  and their son Logan and the late Gabrielle Connolly.  Marilyn was predeceased by her husband Keith in 2010.

Born in Howard Township to the late John & Edna Durfy, she is survived by her sisters Patricia (Larry) Rumble and Dorothy Currah.  She was loved by many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was an independent, resourceful and determined lady, sprinkled with a hint of sarcasm which made life interesting and fun.  She didn’t let much get past her, appreciated honesty and straight answers which she gave in return, and she met any challenge with her head held high, a quality that she bestowed to her children.  She loved to cook, she loved her family and their friends and she loved her church.  Every Sunday she made sure that there were flowers in church, even if it meant scouring the countryside for things to fill the vases.  She will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday January 7, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 for visitation, followed by a funeral service conducted by Rev. Janet Anstead at 4:00 p.m.  Marilyn’s urn will  be interred in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown on her birthday in April.

Those wishing to remember Marilyn with a memorial donation are asked to consider Operation Smile, a charity that she supported for many years.

Betty Louise Phair peacefully passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday January 4, 2024. Betty was born 92 years ago to her late parents Emma (Rogers) and Aubrey Durfy. Betty was the loving wife of the late John Phair (2009). Dear mother of Linda (Gilbert) Deschryver, Deb (Jim) Robertson, late Carla (John) Peters, Brenda (David) Knight, and Carl (Luann) Phair. Dear grandmother of Alana (Richard) Ainsworth, Jeff (Beth) Deschryver, Ryan Johnston (Jasmine McKenzie), Lacey (Mike) Dotterman, Brigen (Megan) Peters, Amber Knight, Arin Gennter, Breann Knight, Carley Phair, Dawn (Mario) Acosta, Corey (Jocelyn) Pickering, Cameron (Nichole) Pickering, as well as 15 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Betty was the dear sister of the late Don (Chris) Durfy and Roger (late Rose Marie) Durfy. Sister in law of the late Mary (late Glen) Cleveland, Don (Barb) Phair, and the late Evelyn (late Chester) Stone. Betty was the bookkeeper for Carl Phair and Sons Ltd. for many, many years and in her spare time, apart from being a busy wife and mother, enjoyed reading a good book and being a member of the Rebekah’s Lodge. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment at Evergreen Cemetery will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Betty’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A merchant Marine who chose having a family over his famous sailing days; a world traveller, a man full of passion for life, a need for speed, appreciation for flashy and fast cars. Yves Romeo Massicotte went on his forever journey December 26th 2023. Born May 27th 1951 in Montreal Quebec.

Dad, Boppy, husband of 47 years, Widower of Helene (nee Guerette), best friend, kind and gentle Father, Daddio, had a laughter that was unforgettable, and left us much too soon.

He had an amazing tribe that loved him dearly, a wonderful girlfriend Allie Murphy, devoted son Stephen Massicotte, cherished daughter Marie Rae Osborn -married to his best friend Kris Osborn.  Grandchildren Becky (Ben) St Pierre, Randi (Daniel Firth) Osborn, Aiden Osborn and Rain Simpson. He was enjoyed for his story telling by all including his four great-grandchildren Samantha, Rikki, Logan and Kris Yves. Brother Claude Massicotte, Sister Johanne Massicotte (Maurice Hubert).

A man with a passion for food whether fine dining or peasant taco pie. He enjoyed a good brew or even a warm Guinness. He could cook like a classically trained French chef with a spaghetti sauce that could entice a devout sauce hater. Any chance to dine out or dine in with him was an opportunity not missed by all that loved him.  He fought a short but hard and dignified battle from diabetes and complications.

An amazing human, philanthropist, generous and witty, he was always up for a good laugh and will always be celebrated for his contagious giggle whether at his own jokes, stories or from getting away with something. He enjoyed calling out others while getting away with being naughty himself, especially calling out his honorary naughty daughter, Lisa.

His infectious spirit and wit will be forever remembered. A man so reliable to always be there in a time of need, always early, generally 15 minutes. “Work work work, Sunup to Sundown” was the motto of a man that appreciated retirement in a passionate way; napping at every opportunity and vacationing on his front porch watching the cars go by. A greater life lived and loved has never been. He had the patience of a Saint, quiet and generously forgiving nature that emanated from his Savior Jesus. He will now join his God in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, any gifts or donations can be made on his behalf to the Sarnia Humane Society in honor of his loyal Yorkie companion MacDougal of Fanshawe Manor (Mack). No services will be held as his wishes were for his family to celebrate his life privately.

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Ina Jean Dusten passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023,with family by her side, at Blenheim Community Village. Born January 26, 1926 in Jerseyville,  Ontario to her parents, the late Rev. H.A. Edwards(1984) and Ina Mae Edwards(1979).

Loving wife of the late James (Jim) Dusten(1984). Mother of Roy Dusten and his wife Wendy, and Betty Lou Torau (late John Torau (2020).

Grandmother of Jaime, Tricia and Amy & Chris.

Predeceased by her sister Beatrice Almas and her husband Max, her brother Charles (Chuck) Edwards and his wife Arleita, nephews Austin Almas, Scott Dusten, Bob Lewis and niece Dianne Tolman. Survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mom taught elementary school for 35 years, retiring in June 1987, and received her B.A. from the University of Windsor in 1983.

We would like to express many thanks to all the Long-term care staff at Blenheim Community Village for their care of our Mom and Grandma over the past 5+ years.

Family to receive friends and family on Friday December 29, 2023,  at 1:00 p.m., 1 hour prior to the Funeral Service at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street,  Blenheim, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation, or Charity of your choice.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Margaret Allison  on December 23, 2023 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 84.  She was the loving wife of Mac Allison and dear mother of Debbie (Bob) Brodie and Carolyn Faflak-Duck (Mike Duck).  Loving granny & great-granny of Scott Faflak, Brittany Faflak and her children Ally and Kipten Faflak, grandmother & great-grandmother of Jeff (Heather) Brodie and their son Joshua Brodie (Nicole), Sherry (Mike) Hendrickson and their children Ashley Hendrickson (Jordan) and Erik Hendrickson (Michelle).  She was also the great-great-grandma of Mia and Carter Hendrickson.

Margaret was the daughter of the late John & Elva (Johnson) Durfy and is survived by her brother Donald (Jeanie) Durfy and her sister June Durfy.  She was predeceased by Ronald (Dauntless) Durfy, Kenneth (Edith) Durfy, Joyce (Glen) Stirling, Donna (George) Countryman, and Jean Bennett (survived by Glen).  Sister-in-law of the late Donna Horak (survived by John).

Margaret will forever remembered for her knitting skills (a great part of the community probably has one of her knitted dishcloths in their own homes), for her years of hair dressing, and the quality family time that she made for family.  Apart from everything, “the kitchen” was  her domain where she loved to cook, bake and make others happy through the hours she spent there.

Cremation has taken place and a visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday December 28, from 10:00am until 11:00am at which time a service will take place with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery to follow the service.  Donations made in Margaret’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

On Thursday December 14, 2023, our beautiful loving and amazing daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter and friend passed away at the age of 17 years.

Jaimie Erica Jade Bonnell was born on November 2, 2006 to her loving parents Chris (Nealey) & Dave Bonnell.  She was the youngest sister of Devynn Deacon, Jailyn Bonnell and Mikayla Deacon (Tyler), “Aunt Jam” to Amelia, Emma and Nova and forever loved by her grandparents Ken Nealey (late Linda) and Marilyn & Eric Bonnell.  She will be remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jaimie loved life.  She was attending Blenheim District High School while completing a co-op placement at Harwich Raleigh Public School in preparation for her future career as a Child & Youth Worker.  She loved children, and they loved her.  She had a kind and caring personality who was willing to drop whatever she was doing to help someone who was in need.  She was an amazing athlete who enjoyed many sports and was proud to be the sole survivor with her dad in the 2023 Blenheim Youth Centre Survivor Challenge.  In her spare time, she loved being a valued team member of Tim Hortons in Blenheim.  Her great smile and easy going personality will be missed by her co-workers and regular coffee groups who visit every day.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday December 17, 2023 from 3:00 – 5:00 and again on Monday December 18, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will take place on Monday following the 3:00 visitation time.  Cremation will follow.

For those of you who would like to remember Jaimie with a memorial donation, considering the Blenheim Youth Centre would be more than appreciated and a true reflection of Jaimie’s passion in life.

A memorial video of Jaimie can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/W8F3KXY8WNH5JDMP

Carl Russell, much loved husband of Julie (Jackson), father of Craig & Lori and grandfather of Brad (Jacklyn) and Brodie, passed away at home on Wednesday December 13, 2023.  He was born 79 years ago to the late Lorne & Erma Russell, and will be missed by his sister Wendy & Jim Kempster and by Julie’s brother Don & Nancy Jackson.

Carl was an all-round nice guy…being a life-time farmer in Raleigh Township afforded him plenty of opportunity while working the fields, to grow his repertoire of jokes.  He was always armed and ready to add some humour to any occasion and the smile and infectious laugh that accompanied his jokes came from deep within.  He was fun to be around.

In addition to being a farmer, Carl worked in the maintenance department at Southwestern Regional Centre for 20 years.  It was there that his co-workers would learn just how proud he was to be a father and a grandfather.  He spoke about many great adventures in his life that included Craig…they farmed together, hunted together and they camped in the summer and winter (when they would cut evergreen boughs to place on the snow before pitching a tent for the night).  He also spoke with great pride about Brodie and Brad, about spending time at the cabin in the bush when they were young and about watching them grow into the fine men that they are.  He always gave Julie, who he affectionately referred to as “the wife” lots of credit for his happiness and for putting up with him for 56 years!

Carl made no bones about this stage of his life.  His wishes were simple and he wanted to be remembered privately by his family.  As for the rest, if you want to pay him the greatest honour, write a letter to Webster’s Dictionary and ask them to include “Carl Russell” in the definition of “jokester”!  You’ll hear him laugh!

Never let an opportunity pass when you could have made somebody smile!

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Edward Joseph (Ted) Bell
20 November 1938 – 8 December 2023

With much sadness, we announce that Ted, the son of the late Cecile (Desaulnier) and Wilfred Bell, has passed away at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, Ontario. Ted was the dear husband of Susan Shriver, father of Ken (late Terri) and their son Michael, stepfather of Noelle (Alan) Shriver and their children Julia, Madeline, Robert and families, and he was a brother of Jim, Donna, Bernadette, Ruthanne, Fred, Bill and predeceased by Lorraine and Roseanne. Ted also leaves behind his in-laws, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Ted has lived a long journey with dementia since his stroke in 2017. Much help has been given by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (third floor), Eden Villa, Village On The Ridge and Riverview Gardens. Ted was an adventurer throughout his life and, when still able in these last years, had many happy adventures with brother Fred, son Ken, Susan and others. He greatly enjoyed his time spent at the Alzheimer’s Society Day Program. Ted always enjoyed working and worked at many different jobs during his lifetime including helping on relatives’ farms, driving a taxi, running a water treatment plant, owning a small farm, then owning a restaurant. His main work was as a contractor, building and renovating and always helping out friends and family with emergencies. Ted enjoyed woodworking his whole life and built some of his own furniture. Ted’s past-times were varied and numerous, but his favourite was flying. He was a licensed pilot and had built two ultralight airplanes. Ted also practiced martial arts, Aikido in particular, loved motorcycles, water sports and was a scuba diving instructor and was learning to curl in the years before his stroke. In quiet moments, Ted enjoyed reading, his cat Maggie by his side, and was a life-long learner. Ted travelled whenever possible: extended trips living off the land/sea in the Northwest Territories and Mexico, all over Canada, with special times spent on the Bruce Peninsula with Ken and family, and in the Sudbury region with Susan, Noelle and family, and throughout the United States, always enjoying time with his sister Bernadette and family in New Mexico. There were adventures in China and Iceland with Blenheim friends, Brazil, France, the Caribbean, and several long-stays in Portugal with Susan. Ted was also committed to volunteer work and was a Mason and a Shriner and he donated blood over one hundred times. Ted was a generous and honourable man, multi-talented, cheerful and fun, and a loyal friend. Please think of Ted when helping others and when having an adventure.
There will be an interment of Ted’s ashes at Evergreen Cemetery and a celebration of his life at a later date to be announced.
Donations made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent would be appreciated.
On-line condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lorna Chapman who passed away at the Tilbury Manor on Tuesday December 5, 2023 at the age of 100. Lorna was the daughter of the late Harold and Laura Russell (nee Hamilton). Loving wife of the late Robert ‘Stan’ Chapman. Predeceased by her children Don and Brenda. Mother-in-law of Bill (Carol) Laier and Diane (Dan) Smyth. Grandmother of Michele (Laurent) Hare, Kevin Laier, Jeff (Mel) Chapman, Shelby (Pete) Gilbert, and Paul (Nancy) Chapman. Lorna had 6 great grandchildren: Scott, Eve, Faye, Gwen, Stanley, and Rae. Predeceased by her sister Leona (Mel) Henry and sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered dearly for her Christmas gatherings with her family, her memberships in the snowmobile club, bowling league, and years of working in the office at the family business, Chapman Grains. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham on Monday December 11, 2023 at 10:30am. Donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of choice would be appreciated.