Patrick Stephen Langan of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday September 5 at the age of 65, or 16 ¾ in Leap Year birthdays.  He was surrounded with love and support throughout his battle with cancer.

He was born in Windsor to the late Patrick and Margaret (Wren) Langan and was the brother of Mary Anne Ginn (Tom) and John Langan (2013) (survived by Cathy).

Beloved husband and best friend of Bettyann.  He was the cherished father of Stephen Langan (Terri) of Shrewsbury and Lea-Allison Brown (Darcy) of Sylvan Lake, Alberta and will be remembered by their mother Susan Holdaway.  Step-father of Greg White (Roxanne) of Mar and Andrew White (Julie) of Sauble Beach.  Proud Grandpa to Sheldon, Kaytland and Gabby and Bonus Poppa to Timarie, Owen, Madison, Gabriel and Gavin.  He was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Brant & Alberta Watson.

Pat spent his working life as a custodian at the W.J. Baird Public School in Blenheim where the safety and well being of his “Baird Kids” was always his primary concern.  He retired after 30 years to enjoy biking, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, boating and having a brew with his family and friends.  If the garage door was open and the music was blaring, it was an invitation to come in.  Time at the gym with all of his friends there made his life good.

Pat’s family will be celebrating his life privately.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.

Rev up the bike and ride with the Angels, my love.

Pack the beer bag and pick me up when my chores here are done.

Pat’s family will be celebrating his life privately.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/ or the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/ .

It is with profound sadness that the family of Garry Owen Vaughan of Chatham announces his passing on Monday August 30, 2021 at the age of 83.

Garry was born in Port Burwell, Ontario on September 21, 1937 to the late Phillip and Minnie (Ecker) Vaughan).  He is survived by his sister Helen Ruch and brother George Vaughan. Predeceased by his brothers Jack, Leslie, Harry, Ronald and Phillip.

He will be forever missed by his son Grant William Elliott of Thamesville, son Garry Vaughan Jr of Hanmer, daughter Shelley (Pete) Marsh of Blenheim, daughter Michelle (Mike) Osborne of Chatham, son Michael (Barry) Vaughan-Warford of London and Johnny of Chatham.  Predeceased by his son Murray, daughter Angela and son Peter.

Lovingly remembered by 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild along with many nieces and nephews.

Garry was a commercial fisherman in Erieau, Tobermory and Killarney Ontario for many years.  Later he worked for Consumer’s Gas in Morpeth.

Many family members will remember Garry for always having a toothpick sticking out of his mouth. He had a great love for the water and enjoyed fishing.

Visitation for Garry will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday September 2, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Those wishing to attend are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve at time.

Friends wishing to remember Garry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the W.I.S.H. Centre in Chatham.

Once in awhile a “good guy” comes along in life.  Good guys never cease to amaze you.  They go the extra mile.  They make you feel good when you are around them.  They start off as great sons and as life goes on, they become great husbands and awesome fathers.  Life is just better when they are around.  If you are fortunate enough in life to know a good guy, it’s a blessing.  To become a part of his family, is an honour.

On October 12, 1972 a “good guy” was born to Paula (Vinall) & Bob Goulet.  They named him Ryan which was his grandmother’s last name growing up.  Ryan loved life.  He loved the outdoors and he loved sports, especially baseball and hockey.  He was a great goalie, gaining many friends in life who would eventually bestow him with the nickname “Gouch”.

In a moment that was meant to be, Ryan met a young lady by the name of Margaret Vicary and on September 22, 2001 they embarked upon a journey as husband and wife.  Two years later they had their first child; a daughter who they named Leah.  She instantly became the apple of her dad’s eye.  Two years after that, they welcomed their second child; a son Andrew Ryan, another one of those “good guys” who has been bestowed the nickname “Gouch Jr”.  Ryan was an awesome and committed dad who could always be found at his children’s sports events, be it in the capacity of a spectator or a coach.  He was relentless in making sure that they were safe and that they knew that they were loved.  Despite his diagnosis with A.L.S. and his physical limitations, Ryan made sure that he toured Leah’s future home at Brock University so that he could rest knowing that she would be okay.

Ryan was a long-time employee of Russell Tool & Die in Chatham and will be missed by his second family there.  He was looking forward to his eventual retirement from the company when he would be able to spend long leisurely days again with the young lady who he fell in love with so many years ago.

It is said that when you give kindness from your heart, it comes back to you tenfold.  And so it would be with the friends that Ryan made along his journey in life.  The last few months were nothing less than spectacular.  Ryan’s friends surrounded him with love and support and they never backed off.  They would pick him up and take him out for an afternoon.  They would make him smile and let him forget the world for even just a moment.  Despite his challenges with A.L.S., Ryan in turn would teach his friends one final lesson…that regardless of how bad your days may be, smile.  Always smile.  Have a smile ready even though sometimes it hurts.  Grab all the happiness you can, wherever and whenever you can.  Don’t let even a wee bit slip past you.  Live, above all things, live.  Don’t simply exist.  If you are blessed enough to know what real love is, love with all your heart, soul and body.  Live your life so that at any hour you will be able to shake hands with yourself.  Then when your nights come, you will be able to pull up the covers and say to yourself “I have done my best”.

Ryan’s family will remember him privately at this time.  Thank you to everyone who has been a part of his incredible journey.  Remember to hug your children every chance you get and tell them you love them.

Family and friends who wish to honour him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the A.L.S. Society of (Windsor) Essex County www.alswindsor.ca since their involvement and assistance to the family was humbling.

Vera May Brown, loved mother of Susan Ward, Frank & Janice Ward and David & Joyce Ward passed away at Riverview Gardens on August 27, 2021.  She was predeceased in life by her husbands Elmer Ward (1979) and John Brown (1985).  Born in Fletcher, Vera is survived by her siblings Mildred Lane (late Jack), Syd Vince (late Louise), Jack & Marilyn Vince, Joyce Mott (late Bill), Bruce & Diann Vince and by her sister-in-law Lilly-Ann Vince.  Predeceased by Barb & Charles Moore and Stan Vince.  She will be remembered by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Riverview Gardens in Chatham for the many acts of kindness shown to Vera since her move there in March, 2020.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday August 31, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Friends wishing to attend are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario mandates that everyone must wear a face covering.

A private family service will take place in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Beverly Maxwell SHOEMAKER

It is with profound sadness that the family of Bev Shoemaker announce his passing on Thursday August 26,2021.

Bev was born in Harwich Township April 28,1938 to the late Arthur and Jessie (nee Pickering) Shoemaker. Bev was the youngest of 6 children.

He will be forever loved by his wife: Shirley (nee Pepper). Predeceased by daughter Cheryl Gilman. Survived by son in law Zak Gilman; sons: Bob (Missy) Shoemaker, Art (Patti) Shoemaker; and daughter Diane (Buddy) McDonald.

Loving Pomp to: Ame, Brandi, Andii, Chris, Steven, Jessie, Telford, Cassie, Brett, Shaee, Brooke, Breanne, and Kristen. As well as several great and great-great grandchildren.

Bev first met the love of his life at a roller rink, they later married and celebrated 63 years of wedded bliss together. He worked for 30+ years before retiring from Siemens. He enjoyed dune buggy racing, air shows, collecting model trucks and tinkering with anything that needed repairs. He volunteered with Good Fellows, Good Neighbours, United Way as well as Loads of Love and had the honour of being recognized several times for his work including Volunteer of the Year in 2001 for United Way of Chatham Kent. If not at home Bev and Shirley could be found at a local restaurant/cafe enjoying good food and great conversations with many friends they met over the years.

In keeping with Bev’s wishes cremation has taken place; a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sharon Elaine Hope of Merlin passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday August 25, 2021.  She will be forever loved by her husband of 54 years, George Hope and her sons Jason Hope (Tammy Craeymeersch) and Jeff Hope (Marianne).  She will be remembered with fondness by her grandchildren Madison (Brandon and their son Zylen) and Preston (with their mother Sherry Hope) as well as Hannah and Aidan.

Sharon was one of six daughters born to the late Rev. John and Marjorie McDonald.  She is survived by Esther Elgie (Wes), Mary Ann Cook (Jack), Linda Stenman (Dwayne), Ruth Cook (Bill) and Jean Jolicoeur (Paul) as well as George’s sister Donna Skinner (Ken).  She worked for many years carrying out administrative duties at St. Clair Grain, Maple Leaf Mills and Cargill before retiring from Kent County Fertilizers.

Sharon was a member of Evangel Community Church in Chatham where she enjoyed volunteering her time and talents.  She enjoyed music, playing the violin, organ and piano.  She also volunteered at Loads of Love in Chatham.  She was a kind and caring soul who left the world a better place.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday August 27 from 2:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Sharon will be held in Evangel Community Church, Chatham on Saturday August 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will take place in Shanks Cemetery.  Those wishing to attend the visitation or funeral service are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a spot.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario requires everyone to wear a face covering.

Those wishing to remember Sharon with a memorial donation are asked to consider Loads of Love or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Dieter Albert Ernest Krause of Scarborough, dear husband of the late Dorothy (Allen) Krause passed away suddenly in his home on August 13, 2021.  He was 86 years old.  He will be sadly missed by his sister Ingeborg Pappenfuss, his nephew Uwe (Sabine) and their son Nico all of Germany.  In Canada he leaves his nephews Jim Knowles (Iris Keating) and his children Cindy, Joanne, James and Tracey; Neville Knowles (Charlotte) and their daughter Kate, Peter Knowles (Linda) and his niece Lisa Moxley (Geoff) and their children Erin, Emily and Bryan.  He was predeceased by his mother Helen Sryngel and his father Albert Krause.

Dieter emigrated to Canada in 1953, taking up residence in Kitchener where he met his sweetheart, Dorothy Allen.  They were married in Dorothy’s hometown of Chatham on July 16, 1960 and in 1966 they moved to Scarborough after Dieter joined the Metro Toronto Police Force.  He was a proud policeman for 27 ½ years when he retired.  He and Dorothy always enjoyed summer vacations at the cottage in the Muskokas and winter vacations in Florida.

In his spare time, Dieter was an avid stamp collector who belonged to the Stamp Club of New York.  He was an avid reader, an aspired author and a pilot whose daily routines found him walking daily through Toronto parks and keeping up with current events on any news channel.  He will be missed.

A Funeral Service for Dieter will be held in the St. Thomas Anglican Church Cemetery in Chatham on Monday August 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. when he will be reunited with his sweetheart Dorothy.

Marjorie “Marnie” Latham peacefully passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday August 20, 2021.  Much loved wife of the late Rev. John Latham (2008).  Marjorie will be sadly missed by her nieces Linda Edwards (Robert Fulton), Vickie Campbell and family, great niece Tammy (Greg) Newman, great nephew Robert (Kathy) Edwards, great great nephew Troy Edwards and several other nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her siblings Jean Ward, Doris Jones, Helen Everett, Kathleen Campbell and George Target.

Marjorie was a true minister’s wife following John to St. John’s Anglican Church in St. Thomas to St. James Anglican Church in Park Hill to Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim to St. John’s Anglican Church in Sarnia and then retiring to live in Chatham.

As per Marjorie’s wishes cremation has taken place.  A memorial celebration will take place at a later date.

Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Donations to Charity of your Choice would be appreciated by the family.

Bryan “Buffy” Keith of Blenheim passed away with his family by his side at the Chatham Kent Hospice on Friday August 20, 2021.  He was the much loved husband of Nancy (Drewery) Keith, father of Belinda Keith, Jolene Keith (Bob Payne), Victoria Keith and Master Corporal Bryan James Keith (Crystal), grandfather of Justis, Charlie, Ryerson, Sawyer, Hudson, Denver, Devon, Ava and Everly and great-grandfather of Sigourney.

Bryan was born 69 years ago to the late James & Annie (McGinnis) (Keith) Van Lukawiecki.  He is survived by his siblings Danny Keith, Brenda Cuming (Roger), Diane Hooper, Sandy Keith, Bob Keith, Lori Meredith (Mike) and his sister-in-law Joyce Keith.     He was predeceased by his brother Rick Keith and his brother in law Larry Hooper.

Bryan was a painter by trade whose quality of life was determined by the amount of time he was able to spend on a golf course.  He loved Hallowe’en and probably would have made it a national holiday if he could.  His house was a favourite on Hallowe’en night; he always sat on his front porch and made sure that all of the trick-or-treaters who came left with more than they ever needed.  Even during COVID, he rigged up a way to keep his distance while at the same time, making sure that all of the neighbourhood kids left happy.

It was Bryan’s wish that cremation take place and that his friends have a chance to visit his family, because those were the people who were most important to him.  That time will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Mondy August 23, 2021 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Please call the funeral home to reserve a visitation time.  Face coverings must be worn.

Bryan was the “host with the most” when it came to entertaining.  From his get-togethers with the Slo Pitch ball teams to his annual family reunions he was the best and always made sure that everyone enjoyed themselves.  His last request was for his family to throw a party on the Eve of Hallowe’en (Saturday October 30, 2021) at the Willow Ridge Golf Course (his home away from home) since that day and that place were very important to him.  (Details will follow closer to the event).

For those wishing to remember Bryan in a special way, the family would appreciate it if you consider a donation to the Chatham-Kent Hospice in lieu of flowers.

James Lloyd Earle of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday August 17, 2021.  The youngest of four boys to the late Stanley & Zoe (Tetreault) Earle, he is survived by his brothers Don, Doug and Ken and their families.

Forty seven years ago in Kitchener, James met his future husband Euri Anifantis.  The years that followed would find the two of them working hard, travelling far and wide, spending their winters in Florida, their summers in Ontario and most importantly, living each day without regret.  James retired from a long time career in Kitchener as a foreman in the furniture finishing industry.  He always managed to keep busy with daily projects in his retirement.  After living in Ridgetown for awhile, he and Euri built their retirement home in Blenheim.  He was a kind and caring person who will be missed by many people who he met along the way.

James’ family will remember him quietly.  For those who wish to recognize a life well lived, be kind to those around you.  Reach out, help your neigbours and leave the world a better place than you found it.