Obituaries

Curtis R. Burchiel

A photo of Curtis R. Burchiel

Service:

As per Curtis’s wishes, cremation has taken place. 
The family will remember him privately. 

Curtis Ross Burchiel passed away at the CKHA on Sunday April 19, 2026 at the age of 72.

He was predeceased by his parents, James W. Burchiel and Donna (Morgan) Burchiel,

He will be missed by sister Heather (Robert) Burns and brothers James R. Burchiel (Alicia) and Fred Burchiel.  Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Curtis attended George Brown College (Culinary Arts), in Toronto.  He worked in the food industry most of his life.  He specialized in pastries, making the most beautifully decorated and delicious cakes for his family.

We will remember him for his extraordinary memory.  He had an instant recall for dates, whether it be a birth, death, anniversary; even historical events.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maple City Retirement Residence for the care Curtis received over the last year and a half.  He made many friends there and especially enjoyed playing euchre, cribbage and bingo with them.

Thank you to Bayshore Home Care for assisting with Curtis’s daily needs.  A final thank you to the CKHA 3rd floor Continuing Care nurses, doctors and support staff for your compassionate care.

As per Curtis’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  The family will remember him privately.

Donations in Curtis’s memory to the Blenheim Health Hub are welcome. https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/

Petrus (Peter) Van De Hogen

A photo of Petrus (Peter) Van De Hogen

Service:

Peter's life will be remembered Saturday April 25 at 11 am at
St. Mary's Church at 95 Marlborough Street in Blenheim.
Peter will be laid to rest beside Annette at Evergreen Cemetery
in Blenheim.  A reception will follow at St. Mary's Hall. 

Visitation:

Visitation will be held Friday April 24 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm
at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street

It is with great sadness that the family of Petrus (Peter) Lambertus Van De Hogen announces his passing on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 86. Born September 16, 1939 in Nistelrode, Netherlands was the son of the late Frank & Anna (nee Van Aalst) and was the 5th of 8 children.

He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years Annette Van De Hogen (nee Benoit) (d.2021) and by his daughter Lisa Anne in 1964. Father of Jason Van De Hogen (Elaine) and proud Grandfather of Ian and Emily.

Brother of the late Martin (late Liz) Van De Hogen, late John (Mary) Van De Hogen, late Adrian (late Anne) Van De Hogen, late Joe Van De Hogen (late Helen), Nellie (late Joe) Venclik, late Annie Beuglet, Frank (Carol) Van De Hogen.

Peter and his wife, Annette, purchased land on Communication Road in Blenheim in the mid-1960s, shortly after they were married, and began building their life together. While both worked full-time jobs, they also dedicated themselves to farming. In 1986, they proudly purchased the farm that had once belonged to Peter’s parents, bringing his roots full circle. Annette always referred to Peter as her “Silver Fox.” They often enjoyed hosting dinners, spending quality time gathered around the table with family and friends.

Peter took great pride in maintaining his farms. He was meticulous about keeping the fields free of weeds and the yard well cared for, often trimming trees and tending to the property. He was never at a loss for words — a quick two-minute visit to his farm could easily turn into a two-hour conversation. Farming was truly part of who he was, and even up to this past year, he could never sit still. He was always outside, working on something. When he did come indoors, he enjoyed watching the news, keeping up with world events, and following the latest political issues – often staying up to watch the late-night talk shows.

Visitation will be held Friday April 24 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, and Peter’s life will be remembered Saturday April 25 at 11 am at St. Mary’s Church at 95 Marlborough Street in Blenheim. Peter will be laid to rest beside Annette at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim.  A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Hall.

In lieu of flowers you are welcome to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/

Linda Nealey

A photo of Linda Nealey

Service:

A service will be held Saturday April 18 at 11 a.m. at the
Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in
Blenheim, followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim

Linda Gale Nealey of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away at home on Monday April 13, 2026 at the age of 81 years.  She will be missed by her sons Glen David and Len Christopher, both of Chatham.  Sadly, she was predeceased by her husband John in 2020 and by her son John Jr one year later in 2021.

Linda was born in Oshawa, the daughter of the late Reta & Bert McLean.  She was one of six children and is survived by her sister Rebecca Anne Fava and her brother Wayne Calvery McLean.  She was predeceased by her brothers Bertram Drew, Johnathan David and Stephen Aaron McLean.  She will be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was an employee of Libby’s for many years and she travelled to many parts of Canada and the U.S. with her husband John, but her number one joy in life was being a Mom to her boys.

A service will be held Saturday April 18 at 11 a.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim, followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Dave Waddick

A photo of Dave Waddick

David “Dave” Peter Waddick passed away on April 1, 2026, leaving behind those who knew and loved him.

Born on September 29, 1975, Dave will be remembered for the impact he had on the lives of his family and friends.  He was known for his kind nature and his willingness to help others whenever he could.  Dave enjoyed plants and gardening, and found peace and happiness spending time outdoors.

He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Ann Marie and Diana, and his brother, Jason.  He is also remembered by Nikki Suitor, and her children Blade and Devree, as well as many uncles aunts and cousins.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Dave will be laid to rest on April 20 at 3 pm at the Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

Memories of Dave will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Donations in honor of Dave can be made to the Chatham Kent Hospice. https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/

Rob Lucio

A photo of Rob Lucio

Service:

Rob will be interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim,
Saturday April 18, 2026 at 1:45 p.m, in an area just past the chapel.

Rob Lucio passed away on February 20, 2026. He was the loving husband of Monika Lucio and father of Leanne & Ryan, Kristal, Tina, Marcus & Keshia, and Brianna.  He was a special grandfather and great grandfather.  Rob was son of Joan and the late Henry Lucio and brother of Rick & Pam, Pat & Kathy, Brian, Cathie, Kellie, Jeff & Lisa, Dana, predeceased by sister Connie (Marvin), and Klaus & Margitta.  
Monika and her family would like to extend a heart full of thanks to all who have supported them through this journey during the past few weeks and also while Rob was not well.
Rob will be interred at the Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim, Saturday April 18, 2026 at 1:45 p.m., in an area just past the chapel.

Elizabeth Boothe

A photo of Elizabeth Boothe

Elizabeth Boothe of Thamesville passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026.  She was the last surviving child of the late Joseph Charles and Zuzanne (Boyes) Rajz.

Elizabeth lived a full and happy life for 93 years.  She and her late husband George were the parents of twelve and will be missed very much by Elizabeth DeBaene (Wayne), Susan Daly (Brian), Emily Daly, Georgina Boothe, Kathy Gehl (Dave), Jim Boothe (late Carolynn), Joe Boothe (Leanne), John Boothe (Donna) and George Boothe.  She was predeceased by three children Pam McCullough (survived by Ron), Lynn Ameel and Bob Boothe (survived by Laurie).

She was loved by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Nothing made Elizabeth happier than to take care of her family.  Her door was always open and her love knew no bounds.  Some of the greatest lessons in her life were learned through the eyes of a child.   Christmas time would find her in the kitchen baking for days in anticipation of the family get togethers that would take place.  She also worked for many years as a Health Care Aide at the Victoria Residence in Chatham.

Elizabeth’s family will remember her privately.

Ralph Demers

A photo of Ralph Demers

The family of Ralph Demers is saddened to announce his passing on March 30, 2026 at the age of 86 years.

Ralph grew up on his family farm in Grand Pointe, working alongside his father at the tender age of 5, he would tell us.  During the course of his life, he worked at many places but mostly recalled his days at Ontario Steel and Eaton Springs.  Ralph’s hobby of woodworking kept him busy in his garage, making shelves, stools, shadow boxes or anything we asked for.  He was also a pretty good handy man being able to fix things around the house.

Ralph really enjoyed getting out of the house and going for drives to Mitchell’s Bay.  We all share many memories of his love of ice fishing there in the winter.  An old fashion country music fan at heart, some of Ralph’s favourite artists were Kenny Rogers, Roy Orbison, the Melody Ramblers and Loretta Lynn.  He appreciated any music with a good fiddler, because it reminded him of when his father played the fiddle.  It was his love of music that drew him to local dances and he always enjoyed a good game of cards (euchre) with friends.

Ralph had a love for good food, especially his famous bologna sandwiches.  He enjoyed going out to a restaurant for a meal and knew where all the local hot spots were.  He especially liked Yeck’s in Ridgetown for their huge burgers and fries.  Although he lost most of his vision, he had the ability as a passenger to direct you to any destination without error. His bright blue eyes and warm smile will be etched on our hearts forever.

Ralph is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Regina Demers of Grande Pointe, his brother James Demers, his son William “Bill” Demers and his grandson, William “Will” Demers.  He will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Dorothy Gough, his children: Melody (Bruce) Robertson, Jean (the late Bill) Demers, Wayne (Laurie O’Rourke) Demers, Charlene (Glen) King, Darlene (John) Rylett, and Christine (Joseph) Zink.  He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren:  Robert (Heather) Demers, Jacqueline Demers (Chris) Kolodziej, Ryan (Casey) King, Chantel King-Therrien, Max (Kristy) Rylett, Brittany Rylett (Matt Smith), T.J. (Sarah) Rylett, Brooke (Lincoln) Smith, Jerzie Rylett, Kala Zink-Smith, Joseph “Joey” Zink (Kelsey Zondag), Haley Zink, and many great grandchildren, and friends.

A private family visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.  Ralph will be laid to rest with his parents and brother in the Saint Philippe Cemetery in Grande Pointe.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Ralph, you can dedicate donations easily on the Diabetes Canada Website https://diabetes.ca/  or the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Website https://ckhaf.ca/donate/

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, 2nd floor team for the incredible care and compassion given to Ralph and his loved ones.

 

Cyriel Frank DeNeve

A photo of Cyriel Frank DeNeve

Service:

In keeping with Cyriel’s wishes, a private family remembrance
will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at
Evergreen Cemetery.

Cyriel Frank DeNeve of Blenheim, beloved husband of the late Dora (Bloemen), passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his children, Paul DeNeve and Sandra Myers, at Blenheim Community Village on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 83. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Remi Myers, who brought him great joy.
Born in Belgium, Cyriel was the son of the late Rachel and Remi DeNeve. He is survived by his brother Wilfred DeNeve (Ida) and his sister Diane DeNeve. He will also be fondly remembered by Dora’s siblings, Hank and Betty Bloemen, and Judy Bloemen. He was predeceased by John and Harry Bloemen.
To say that Cyriel was a hard worker would be an understatement. He spent many years farming outside of Ridgetown, worked at Kearney Planters, and went on to build homes alongside Dudley and Danny Sparks. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family. Steadfast and dependable, Cyriel was always there for those who needed him, quietly offering support and guidance. He will be remembered for his calm presence, his strong values, and as a voice of reason his family could always rely on. He will be deeply missed.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff and residents of Blenheim Community Village for the care and compassion shown to Cyriel over the past year and a half. Your kindness and commitment did not go unnoticed.
In keeping with Cyriel’s wishes, a private family remembrance will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Cyriel may be made to the Blenheim Community Village Recreation Program or to a charity of your choice.

Gloria May (Crawford) Parker

A photo of Gloria May (Crawford) Parker

Service:

There will be no public gathering for Gloria. 
Her family will remember her privately.

With heavy hearts, the family of Gloria May Parker (Crawford), sadly announce that Gloria passed away on March 23, 2026.  She now joins her loving husband Larry Glen Parker who predeceased her in 2012.
Mom was a woman whose life was as vibrant and well tended to as the gardens she loved so dearly… she was a true sanctuary maker.  She found her greatest peace in taking care of her home, her yard and her dog companions Lily and Pixie.
Many memories were made at the cottage in Rondeau, whether it was watching the lake change colours from her first home or enjoying the quiet company of the local birds, going to the beach, and having her mom come with her for the week.  She had a gift for spotting beauty in the simple things; a rare bird at the feeders, a perfectly blooming perennial and using her craftsmanship in sewing, cooking and homemaking.
Above all, Gloria’s heart belonged to her children, Sherry Marie Hope and Barry Glen Parker (Tanya), her grandchildren, Madison McKenzie Hope, Preston Parker Hope, Alexis Marie Parker and Logan Douglas Glen Parker.  Gloria took great delight in her great grandchildren, Zylen Kane, Alze Kane, Bentley Cadotte, Tyson Cadotte and Mylah Hope. She was their BIGGEST supporter, their confidant and the keeper of stories that will now be told for generations to come.
She was one of six children born to the late Milton & Phyllis (Rideout) Crawford.  She is survived by her sister Peggy Snobelen, her brother Steven Crawford (Leanne) and her sister-in-law Darlene Crawford.  She was predeceased by her sister Shirley Wilkinson (John), her brothers Murray Crawford and Sam Crawford (Lana) as well as her brother-in-law Laird Snobelen.
Mom’s legacy will live on in the flowers that bloom each spring and in the gentle rustle of the wind.  She will be deeply missed but her memory will remain as a beautiful garden in the hearts of all who knew her.
A private family service will be held in Craford Cemetery.
Those wishing to remember Gloria with a memorial donation are asked to consider Covenant House in Toronto www.covenanthousetoronto.ca/ 

Jerry Roseblade

A photo of Jerry Roseblade

Jerry Kenneth Roseblade passed away at the Copper Terrace Nursing Home on March 8, 2026.  He was born in Toronto on August 31, 1950 but spent a good part of his life in Erie Beach.  He enjoyed landscaping, gardening and listening to Green Day music.  It was his wish that this chapter of his life be quiet and uncomplicated.  Cremation has taken place.

Many thanks go to Jerry’s Erie Beach neighbours, the staff of Copper Terrace Nursing Home and his good friend Bill Stephens for their presence and your support over the years.

Friends wishing to remember Jerry with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Hope + Me, a peer support and counselling service that offers hope to individuals living with a mood disorder http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/mood-disorders-association-of-ontario/