Peacefully, at the Blenheim Community Village, Betty Lou went to heaven on Thursday April 30, in her 85^th year.  Betty Lou was born in Harwich Township to Samuel George and Jean Elizabeth Sloan (Maynard)  On May 1, 1954 she married Bryce Baker, the love of her life, and they walked hand in hand as they lovingly welcomed Susan (Tom) Hebblethwaite, Brent  (Agnes), Cheryl (Bruce) Ross,       and Bradley (Leisa). Adding to her joy were grandchildren, Tammy (John), Amanda, Lauren (Devon Taylor), Matthew (Christianne) Hebblethwaite; Kyle and Kelsie Baker; Nick (Clara) VanDyk, Carmen (Matt) Cox, Hannah Ross; Scott, Laura and Stephanie Baker.  8 great grandchildren completed her joy.

Betty Lou’s surviving siblings are Ralph (Bonnie) Sloan, Barbara (Jim) Donnelly, Norine (Allan) Duck and Lyle (Pat) Sloan. Many nieces and nephews were very important and loved by her.  Also survived by her loved Baker family – Shirley Jensen, George and Marilyn Baker, Wayne and Shirley Baker, Lorraine and Ray Dhaen, David and Susan Baker.  Predeceased by her brother Gordon Sloan and in-laws Gordon and Donna Baker, Tom Jensen, and Irvine Baker.

Betty Lou & Bryce worked together at their business, Baker Farm Equipment with son Brent for many years. In 1994, Betty Lou graduated from St. Clair College and began her work as a Red Cross Homemaker, helping to make the lives of seniors better in their own homes. Betty Lou was a lover of her God and her New Scotland United Church family where she served many roles – Sunday School teacher, Messenger leader, life UCW member, choir member (until Dec. 2018), VBS snack lady, and the “Cards and Flowers lady”.  Music, books, baking, flowers and gathering her family to celebrate special occasions filled her life.

Much thanks goes to those who recently cared for Betty Lou: CarePartners, (especially her loved  PSW Tena), Dr. Rachel Simmons, the Alzheimers Society of Chatham-Kent, nurses and medical staff at CKHA Continuing Care and the very capable and caring staff in Long Term Care at the Blenheim Community Village.

A private family service will be held at New Scotland United Church with Pastor Melodee Lovering officiating.  A private family interment at Evergreen Cemetery will follow the service.

Those wishing to honour Betty Lou’s life with a donation are asked to consider New Scotland United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society.

To view the slide show created by Betty Lou’s granddaughter Hannah Ross, click link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dGN8Fa9APbRJruCkb4NyZmUtP6zyofio/view?usp=drive_web

Late in the evening of Monday, April 27th, 2020. Benjamin John Bryant passed away suddenly and peacefully at the age of 38 in his home in London, Ontario.

Patricia (Pat) Anne Copeland of Oil Springs passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday April 26, 2020.  She was born 67 years ago to her late parents Lorne & Helen Powell and was raised in Blenheim with her brothers, the late Harry Powell (Jackie), Jim Powell and her sisters Arlene Powell and Pam Lucio (Rick).

Pat will be forever loved by her daughter Nikki, her husband Jeff and their children Owen, Liam and Lila Davies. She will also be greatly missed by her extended family and friends.

Family will remember Pat privately on Thursday April 30, 2020 followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or your local food bank.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Randy Wilkinson on April 23, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Randy was born on January 9, 1957 to Arthur and Betty (Wood) Wilkinson who have predeceased him.  Randy is also predeceased by his brother Steve.

He is survived by his children, Emily (Erich), Jodi (David), Jeremy (Jenn), Jessica (Ryan), Derek (Courtney), his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his brother Neil (Sandi) and sister-in-law Tracy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Erie St Clair LHIN and VON Canada (especially Karen) for all of their help during the past two months.

Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society, VON Canada or the charity of your choice.

Anne Elizabeth (Horley) Armstrong, much loved wife of 60 years to Carl Armstrong and mother of Brad (Patti) and Brenda passed away on April 20, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Anne will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren Jessica and Brent Wilbur and by her great-grandchildren Lucas, Zachary and Dylan Wilbur.  Special Aunt to Scott Berry, Kirk and Deb Berry, Brent and Hedi Berry.

Anne was the daughter of Lorne (1980) and Mabel (1968) Horley and daughter in law of John (1980) and Ada (1973) Armstrong.  She was predeceased by her brother Glenn Horley (1959).

Sister in law of Jean Cates & the late Don (1986) and Eileen (1996) and Harold (1997) Berry.

Anne’s family will remember her privately on Thursday April 23, 2020.  Interment will take place in Merlin Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House or the Diabetes Association.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Jacques “Jack” Hould of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday April 19, 2020.  Jack was born in a small town in Northern Quebec called McWatters 68 years ago but eventually made Blenheim his home for many years.  He was a kind soul who focused on the good that he saw in everyone he met.  He was a long time employee of Southwestern Regional Centre who came to work faithfully every day to work in the Housekeeping department.  In his own way he tried to make people smile and add a ray of sunshine to their lives.  During his stay at the Hospice, he recognized those same efforts in the people who surrounded him as it became his turn to receive the kindness he had always given.  In keeping with Jack’s wishes, his family will remember him privately.  Friends wishing to remember him are asked to pay it forward to someone in need or consider a memorial donation to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

GREENE, Gerald “Richard” 

“A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.”

It is with heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather on April 11, 2020 at the age of 76.  Richard was the eldest son of the late Gerald and Doris Greene of Blenheim.  He is survived by his loving and very patient wife of 50 years, Sherry (nee: Blackburn) and two daughters, Melodie Greene of Indonesia and Heather and Tom Moore of Wyoming, Ontario.  Extremely proud grandfather of Connor, Cian and Brydie Moore.  Dear brother-in-law to Bill Blackburn (late Betty) of Chatham, the late Dale Blackburn and Carolyn of Exeter, the late Glen Blackburn and Dot of Terrance Beach, Don Blackburn (late Charlotte) of Cambridge, Larry and Helen Blackburn of Chatham, Joan and Harry Kranenburg of Trenton and the late Randy Blackburn of Chatham.  Lovingly remembered by several nieces, nephews and friends.

Richard’s love of community and its youth was expressed through his contributions to Scouting, where he brought to life some pretty amazing Christmas floats and elaborate haunted houses.  Likewise, it gave him the excuse to live out his childhood dream of building and operating the well known Kub Kar and Drag Tracks, which brought much excitement for boys and girls over a 40-year span.  Although, many wonderful memories for his children and grandchildren were also created as a result of his involvement in Scouting, it was his enthusiastic love of Algonquin Park that led to countless summers canoeing, kayaking and hiking that will be most cherished.  We may have made fun of his obsession, but his love of nature and being outdoors was infectious, and many memories were made and shared as a family.

Anyone who received one of Richard’s woodworking originals knows he was a man of many talents who could do anything, build anything and had unwavering devotion to family and friends.  His quiet presence was immeasurable and will be immensely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Due to the current health pandemic, cremation has taken place; however, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  For those wishing to make a memorial donation please consider The Friends of Algonquin Park, Ronald McDonald House or a charity of your choice.

M = Magnificent

E   = Eversmiling

M = Monumental

E   = Eternal Sunshine

Bernice Fiala went to be with the love of her life on the same day they were united in marriage sixty-one years ago. She married Edward Fiala and together they owned a farm and raised their family. Bernice was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Beulah(Griffore) Benoit. Loving mother to Joanne (Kris) King, Kathy-Lynn Stennett (partner Joe Gillier), Anne-Marie (Rick) Embury, and Eddie Fiala (fiancé Karri Vermeulen). Devoted Mémè to Tara King and partner Dean Youchezin and children Dominic and Desmond; Adam King and daughter Severyn; Rachel King; Lisa (Jeff) Stonehouse and children Brady, Abby, and Brett; Bryan (Dana) Stennett and son Blake; Joshua Embury, Erica Embury, Nicole (Adam) Iannetta, Sarah (Joel) Pepper and children August, Julien, Addison, and (late) Benjamin; Jordan, Evan, Joelle, and Jocelyn Fiala. Mémè had a special place in her heart for Jenn and Kai Kristianson.  Beloved sister to the late Omer (Rita) Benoit, the late Don (Anna) Benoit, Doreen (late Donald) Alexander, Diane (late Robert) Myers, Leo (Adrienne) Benoit, Annette (Peter) VanDeHogen, Jeannnette (late Frank) Fiala, Roland (Connie) Benoit, Lucille (Jean) Laprise. Sister-in-law to the late Vera (Fred) Engl. She was known as Aunt/Tante Bernice or Aunt Bis to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Family was at the centre of Bernice’s life. Even if you weren’t related, you were instantly inducted as an honourary member of the family upon your first visit. She graciously welcomed people into her home with that vibrant smile and you rarely left her place without having a coffee, tea or drink of your choice, along with a delicious baked good she had prepared.

Bernice enjoyed watching sports, particularly hockey and baseball, which many of her family members participated in. She was an avid supporter of local hockey teams, baseball leagues, and a fan of the Montreal Canadiens. Other interests included spending time on the deck admiring her beautiful flowers and listening to the backyard birds singing, Thursday night Dinners (also known as “Bread and Butter Day”), Coffee Club with her sisters hosted at her home, and playing cards with her “Good Ole Neighbours”, Mac and Marg Allison.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren will fondly remember Mémè for times spent with her in her rocking chair, comforting them with her lullabies and nursery rhymes, and her version of The Chicken Dance. Most importantly, Bernice’s loved ones will always remember her advice to treasure each day God blesses you with and to “KEEP SMILING”. 😊

Bernice’s service will be private.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider Meals On Wheels or the charity of your choice.

It is with heartfelt sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Kenneth Marshall Anderson of Blenheim, Ontario at Henderson Hospital in Henderson, Nevada on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Son of the late Percy and Sybil (Cameron) Anderson, Miramichi, N.B.  Beloved husband of Lynda.  Proud father of Bruce (Jane), El Segundo, California and Dr. Glenn (Susie), Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Lindsay, Emily, Jack and Alec.  Missed and loved by his sister Nancy Anderson.

Also lovingly missed by his mother-in-law Betty Tustin, brother-in-law Stephen Tustin, sisters-in-law Sandra Edwards and Susie Tustin (friend Gayle Downard), as well as his nieces, nephews and great nieces.  He will also be missed by his many friends.

Ken had a wonderful full life.  He graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB and had an extensive and brilliant career in Sales and Marketing, lastly Allegretti Manufacturing.  He retired as a Real Estate Broker in Chatham, Ontario.

Ken and Lynda spent many vacations skiing in Lake Tahoe and spending time with his family over the past 45 years.

Ken was cremated in Henderson, Nevada, as were his wishes, and a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.  Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Chatham Goodfellows, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or Charity of your choice.

Mary Ellen Faulkner of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away on Thursday April 2, 2020.  She was born 97 years ago to her late parents Hazel & Charles Karn and is survived by her brother Chuck Karn (Marguerite).

Mary and her late husband Kenneth Faulkner (2002) were the proud parents of four children; Ann Banfield (Howie) of Florida, Ken Faulkner of Chatham, Bob Faulkner (Donna) of Manotick and Jim Faulkner of Windsor.  Grandma will be remembered by Lane (Larry Clark), Laura (Tim Outtrim), Amanda (Myles Peter), Lesley (Ryan Blakey), Erin (Trevor March), Austin, Emerson, Taylor, Brynn, Ayla, Beau, Frankie and Ollie.

Mary loved to play Bridge and will be hosting a few games soon.  She was renowned tole painter who enjoyed spending winters in Florida.  She was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan.

Cremation has taken place.  A private graveside service will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery.