Rea McGuire of Thamesville and formerly of Blenheim passed away at Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday May 20, 2021.  Rea was born in Cobalt Ontario, 83 years ago to the late Yvonne & Wilfred Phillion and is survived by her sisters Simone Snowdon and Lucy Chiasson.  She was predeceased by her sister Frances and her brothers Armand, Romeo, Donald, Homer and Maurice.

Rea will be missed greatly by her husband Donald McGuire who she married just nine months ago.  She will be remembered by her daughter Tara Baller (Max) and her sons Randy Tomlinson, Terry Tomlinson and Jeff Eisen.  She was called Grandma by 22 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  She was a kind and caring person who chose nursing as a career.  She had a smile that lit up a room and she enjoyed making others smile with her quick wit.  She loved to bake and made friends easily wherever she went.  She will be remembered well by her church family at Glad Tidings Community Church in Blenheim.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church in the coming weeks and will be announced.  In view of Rea’s love for animals, friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

Barnett, Douglas Alexander MacAuley

It is with heavy hearts that we tell the world of the death of Doug Barnett on May 18, 2021, 90 years after his birth in Toronto on Feb 18, 1931.  Doug was the husband of Nan, nee James; son of Tom and Sadie Barnett; last surviving sibling of Tom, Doreen, Barney (Henry), Victor, Ruth and Mary; the father of David (Susan) and Ross (Rosanne); grandfather of Aiden (Chris) Hogorvorst, Colin (Cynthia) and Nathanya (Frankie): great grandfather of Emmerson, Reese, and Theo Hogorvorst; brother-in-law of Barbara (Victor) Barnett, David and Sharon James and Anna James; uncle of numerous nieces and nephews

Doug, a graduate of U of T’s Class of ‘49, had a career of teaching English and other subjects at several Secondary Schools in Eastern Ontario; 2 schools in England; 2 private schools in Ontario and Loyalist Community College, Belleville.  During these years, he helped with school drama clubs and soccer teams. In addition, he sang with several church choirs.

Upon retirement, Doug and Nan moved to Blenheim.  This is where Doug became actively involved with his political party and enjoyed working in the local MP’s office, wherein he helped resolve issues for constituents.  Retirement allowed time to go birding; become involved with Rotary: the Historical Society of Blenheim and District and the Friends of Rondeau.  When not involved with these activities he took great pleasure in reading while listening to his favourite records, CDs and tapes.

We will all miss his thoughtfulness, interesting conversations, problem solving skills, caring nature and his brand of humour as we, his family and friends, move on with our lives.

In honour of Doug, Nan has suggested that you buy yourself a carnation, his favourite, and make a donation to the Historical Society of Blenheim and District, your local food bank or your preferred charity.

Interment will be a family only event due to our dear friend COVID 19’s restrictions.

A gathering with family and friends is being planned for later in the year.

Leo VanSickle, husband of the late Melba (Fox) VanSickle passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday May 17, 2021.  Born in Chatham 86 years ago to the late John & Myrtle (Sayers) VanSickle, Leo was the last surviving member of his family having been predeceased by Doris Houston, Grace Harrett, Roy and Byron VanSickle and an infant sister.

He will be remembered with fondness by his children Jeff VanSickle (Janet) of Chatham, Gail Eskritt (Marc) of Blenheim and John VanSickle (Brenda) of Florida, by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Leo and Melba farmed for many years with the help of their sons, just outside of Dresden.  After working as a milkman, he took a job and eventually retired from Fram in Chatham.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working with horses.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday May 21, 2021.  A private family interment will follow in Dresden.

Friends wishing to attend the visitation must call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to schedule a visitation time.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario mandates that everyone must wear a face covering in the Funeral Home.

Those wishing to remember Leo with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/

Jeanette Drewery of Chatham passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday May 11, 2021 at the age of 91 years.  Born in Raleigh Township, Jeanette was one of four children born to the late Harold D and Mary Josephine Little and is survived by her sisters Donna Jones and Margaret Clark.  She was predeceased by her brother Ken Little.

Family meant everything to Jeanette.  She was a loving wife of Raeburn Drewery (1988), mother of David Drewery, June Drew (2008) and Murray Drewery (2019).  She will be remembered with fondness by her daughters-in-law Rita Drewery and Beth Drewery, her grandchildren Kenneth, Lisa, James, Michael, Justin and Emily and her great-grandson Tucker.

Jeanette loved watching sports, always rooting for her favourite teams the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays.  The only thing that brought her more joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  She was looking forward to her second great-grandchild soon.

Jeanette’s family will remember her privately with a graveside service in Pardoville Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Raeburn.  In keeping with her love of sports and children, those wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider All For Kids, a charity that provides financial assistance to children so that they can participate in sports.

It is with great heartache that our family announces the death of Dave, beloved husband of 40 years to Karen Cooper. Admired father to their two children and their partners; Kyle and Karla and Bryan and Jessica (Brown). Sadly, missed by his grandchildren Sunny, Fallyn and Hughy. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Ruth Cooper.  Adored by his siblings, Glen (Carol), Nancy Laverne (Peter), Doug (Lorie), and Perry (Janet), as well as his nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Dave lived life to the fullest. He knew what was important in life, and his world centered around the love he had for his wife Karen, sons Kyle and Bryan and now grandchildren.  Dave was a very proud “Papa”, and loved reading stories to his grandkids.  He enjoyed golfing, the Red Wings, Florida, traveling, boating, coaching hockey and most of all spending time with all the ones he loved most.  He spent over 40+ years teaching at St. Clair College, and was a beloved professor by his many students & staff over the years. Dave’s smile, laugh and humor was always contagious throughout his amazing life.

Our family is devastated by the sudden loss of this extraordinary man, but will continue to keep his life alive in our hearts and memories.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday May 10, 2021.  ALL VISITATION TIMES HAVE BEEN FILLED.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario mandates that everyone must wear a face covering in the funeral home.

Friends wishing to remember Dave with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/or charity of their choice.

Joanne Bernice (TRIBE) Foster

April 8, 1957 – May 1, 2021

“The Queen of Everything” was a Warrior Woman who overcame multiple health challenges from childhood until the end of her many adventures.  Raised in Ridgetown, Ontario, Jo graduated from St. Clair College and worked at the Southwestern Regional Centre until the closure.  She worked in many OPSEU positions after that and retired from work she thoroughly enjoyed with her colleagues at ODSP in Chatham.

Jo loved owning her little home in Blenheim.  Those who’ve known her over the decades will remember her treehouse, hammocks, orange shutters (now pink!), multiple home renovations and her many gardening plans.  Jo was a ‘maker’ at heart and created bagels, cheesecakes, liqueurs, and canning gifts throughout the years that alternated with amazing hand-crafted gifts.   She obtained her motorcycle license when she was 41 and loved riding the roads with her buddies and fun camping vacations with Tony.  She even introduced her mom and dad to Friday the 13^th events in Port Dover.  When she endured a below knee amputation, Jo bought a motorcycle with a side-car so that she could keep on riding. She was one-of-a-kind.

Joanne was pre-deceased by parents, Fred (2018) and Hazel (2019).  She is survived by her brother, Kevin Tribe and sister-in-law, Kathy (Quigley).  She treasured her relationship with their children:  Laura (Josh), Eric (Zoë) and Alex (Sara).  She will be dearly missed by her sister, Terry Tribe.  Jo is also survived by extended family members.  She referred to her special friend, Tony Vercouteren, as “my MacGyver Man”.  Joanne had many friends-who-are-family:  You know who you are – there are no words to thank you for the support and assistance you shared over the years that helped her stay at home.  You have joyful memories and countless moments of laughter that will brighten your years; remember her with joy — she would like that.

The pandemic means “no funeral service”, but you’re invited to celebrate Joanne where you live.  She loved humour and always shared her sense of “ha-ha”, especially when facing a new health concern.  Feel free to crank up Tim McGraw’s song: “Live Like You Were Dying”, a mantra by which Joanne lived.

And then there’s this, which Jo lived fully: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, what a ride!”

If you wish, donations can be made to either the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/ or to CKHA https://ckhaf.ca/donate/ in Jo’s memory.

Douglas “George” Guyett of Blenheim passed away peacefully on Sunday May 2, 2021.  George was born 81 years ago to his late parents Douglas and Edith Guyett.  He will be missed by his wife Rose (Campbell) Guyett, by his children Georgina Guyett (Karl Maschke), Eric (Dawn) Campbell, James Guyett (late Christina High) and April Guyett.  He was a special Grandpa to Kayla, Gustave, Molly, Asia, Samantha, Gauge and Payton.  He is also survived by his siblings Ruth Walker (late Cyril Roets), Dorothy (Rob) Debiasi and Doreen (Pete) Verhart, his mother-in-law Betty Campbell (late Victor) and many nieces and nephews.  George was predeceased by his brother Beverly Guyett, his sisters Grace Tong (Tom), Donna Sarginson (Tom), Evelyn Morthier (Julien), Joyce Beales (Martin).

George was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He worked for 16 years at Standard Tube and drove for Sykes Trucking.  He was always telling stories and enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, sitting around the fire, feeding the chipmunks and puttering around in his garage.

We would like to thank Meghan and the rest of the staff on 4^th Floor at CKHA for their care and compassion.

Visitation for George will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday May 6, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Friends wishing to attend must call the Funeral Home for an appointed time.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario mandates that everyone in the Funeral Home must wear a face covering.  A graveside service will take place at a later date.

One good person can touch more hearts than we’ll ever know. It is with regret that the family announce the passing of Hilliard Admiral Morris on April 30, 2021 at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, peacefully at 1:40am.

Hilliard, affectionately known as Uncle Hill, was born May 23, 1927 and was the only son of the late Gordon Morris and Ida (Louisa) Travis-Morris. He was proceeded by his wife Jocqueline Morris (d. June 11, 1993), his dear sister Ruby Lucielle Morris-Griffith (d. June 6, 1967) and stepson Durand Garrell. He joins his deceased family in their eternal home, free from all pain and sorrow.

In addition to helping his dad farm he worked at Libby’s canning factory in Chatham. In 1944 he went to Toronto and began working as a porter on the Canadian National Railways and after 40 years of service he retired as a Sleeping Car Conductor. He was known to say that he never worked a day in his life because he always loved the work that he did. On his time off between runs he would train race horses on the Murray Drew farm which was a joy and relaxing as he loved the outdoors and grew up with a love for horses. He was a member of the North Buxton Community Church and served as Trustee for over 10 years. Prior to the church hiring a groundskeeper he would cut the grass to ensure it looked like his lawn, which everyone commented that it looked like a golf course. He was also a faithful member of St John’s Masonic Lodge No. 9 PH Chatham, Ontario for more than 60 years.

He leaves to mourn his loss, two sisters Cleata Morris of North Buxton and Ona Allen of Burlington, one niece Trenia Griffith-Williams (husband Mark Williams) of Wisconsin, three nephews Stacy Griffith (wife Terry Griffith) of Amherstburg, Paul Allen of Burlington and Curtis Griffith of Michigan, step daughter Ronda Wilkins, three great nieces Nicole Davis of Virginia, Ashley Griffith of Michigan and Michelle Waite (husband Valliere Waite) of Wisconsin, three great nephews Curtis Robert (wife Kristy French) of Windsor, Sidney Davis (wife Lisa Davis) of Windsor and Tijuan Green of Michigan. A host of great grand nieces, nephews, step grand children and many other relatives and friends.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 KJV

In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to remember Hilliard are asked to consider a donation to the Buxton Museum, Buxton Next Generation or a charity of your choice.

Here is a link to view the funeral service:

It is with great sorrow that our family announces the death of Kathy, beloved wife of 37 years to Dave Townsend. Cherished mother to their three children and their spouses; Sadie and Shawn Lee, David and Jessica (Campbell) Townsend, and Stephanie and Scott Ryan. Sadly, missed by her grandchildren Garrett, Emmett, Hollie, Charlotte, Max, Hank, and Ben. Predeceased by granddaughter Annie Ryan (October 2020). Sister to Mary Birkenheur (late Nick), Willie and Louise Vanderloo, Patricia and Harry VandenBoomen, and Joe Vanderloo. Predeceased by her parents William and Catherine Vanderloo, her brothers Harry, John, Tony, sister Annie, and sister-in-law Maggie. Adored by her nieces and nephews, who thought of her more like a sister.

Kathy’s life centered around the love she had for her family. She instilled in her children the importance of prioritizing family, and appreciating the small things in life. She loved taking her family to the beach, rollerblading around Rondeau Park, and supporting her children in their activities. More recently she enjoyed boating with friends and family, a family vacation to Florida, and gator rides with the grandkids. Kathy would drop everything to support a friend in need. She was the one everyone went to for comfort and advice, and the one her friends could count on to care for their children when in need.

Our family is devastated by the loss of this amazing woman, but will continue to keep her alive in our hearts and memories.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday April 29 and Friday April 30, 2020.  Family and friends wishing to attend need to call the funeral home for a scheduled time.  The Bereavement Authority of Ontario mandates that everyone must wear a face covering in the funeral home.

Friends wishing to remember Kathy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent VON.

Carol Lindsay of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday April 22, 2021.  She was the much loved and dedicated mother of Linda Lindsay, John Lindsay and Fred Lindsay (Karolyn Kohajda) and grandmother of Ben Cowen.

Carol was born 83 years ago to her parents Roy & Gladys (Haskell) Clark.  She was one of three children and is survived by her sister Patricia Dodman.  She was predeceased by her sister Marjorie Scott and her brother Private Lloyd Frederick Clark.  She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

To remember Carol well is to remember a lady with sheer determination to make the best out of life even when it threw curve balls at you.  She did whatever it took to raise a family on her own and at the same time to make everyone she met feel like they were important.  She could carry on a conversation about anything and was always excited to let you know what was going on in John’s life.  She walked wherever she needed to go and never complained.  She was a mentor to many people over her lifetime, having babysat many of her nieces and nephews.  Her friends were important to her and she looked forward to playing cards (and getting away with cheating sometimes) with some long time and faithful companions.  So grab your coffee cup, a deck of cards and your loved ones and honour Carol with a resounding game of pepper or euchre.

In light of the current restricitons and keeping in mind that Carol never liked a lot of fanfare, her family has chosen to respect her wishes and remember her privately.  She will be laid to rest with her Mom.

Friends wishing to remember Carol with a memorial donation are asked to consider the TJ Stables Acceptional Rider Program, the Blenheim Youth Centre or the Chatham-Kent Hospice chathamkenthospice.com/donate/.

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