“An angel in the Book of Life wrote down my baby’s birth,

 then whispered as she closed the book “too beautiful for earth”.

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The exciting moments of pregnancy have turned to sorrow and heartfelt loss with the death of our baby girl, Elizabeth Scarlett Dowker on September 20, 2019.

She was predeceased in death by her Uncle Oscar VanKeer.

Elizabeth leaves behind her loving family who will always hold her in their hearts; her parents Matthew Dowker and Adriana VanKeer, her siblings Marilyn and Albert Dowker, grandparents Steven & Marilyn Dowker, grandparents Albert & Betty Ann VanKeer, great grandparents Dorothy Maris and Jane VanGaalen, uncles David Dowker, Matthew Keech and Victor VanKeer, aunts Lynetta Dowker and Krista VanKeer and her cousins Brayden Keech, Amelia Keech and Charlotte VanKeer.

Charlene (Dauphin) D’Antonio, much loved wife of Mario D’Antonio and mother of Dan D’Antonio passed away in Leamington on Friday September 13, 2019 at 3:11 p.m. with her family by her side at the age of 65 years.  Charlene was the daughter of the late Salina & Reg Dauphin.  She is survived by her sister Jane & John Barnett and her brothers Dan & Trish Dauphin, Bill & Patty Dauphin, Ron & Patty Dauphin and Tim & Aimee Dauphin and their families.  She was predeceased by her sister Sheila.

Charlene was raised in Blenheim and worked for many years at the L.C.B.O. before moving with Mario to Puce.  She and Mario owned and operated the Discount Pet Food store in Windsor followed by Petzown in Tecumseh before their retirement.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday September 19^th from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Charlene, officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will take place at the Funeral Home on Friday September 20, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment of Charlene’s urn will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her Mom.

Friends wishing to remember Charlene with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or to frontotemporal dementia research www.westernconnect.ca/ftdresearch

Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Robert (Bob) Gaudreau of Morpeth passed away on September 7, 2019 at the age of 69.  Bob will be greatly missed by his beloved daughter Jolene Gaudreau (Kyle Blonde).  He will also be lovingly remembered by Jolene’s mother Cathy Gaudreau.

Bob was one of 8 children born to the late Wilfred & Flossie Gaudreau and is survived by his siblings Bill (Theresa) Gaudreau, Betty (Bert) Reaume, Gloria (Jim) Murphy and Paul (Lydia) Gaudreau.  He was predeceased by Fred (Madeline) Gaudreau, Norman (Diane) Gaudreau and Shirley (Earl) St. Pierre.

Bob will also be missed by his very special friend Judi Desmarais.

Bob had a great love of the outdoors.  He was a very avid hunter and fisherman.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place at the Hickory Grove Family Campground, 21527 Gray Line, Rodney on Saturday October 5, 2019 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Pet and Wildlife Rescue or the Cancer Society.

Michael Ernest Marlatt, son of the late Franklin and Josephine Marlatt of Blenheim passed peacefully in his home in Florida on Sunday September 1, 2019.  He was predeceased by the love of his life, Marlene Badwak-Marlatt of Florida.

Michael will be sadly missed by his sister of Valerie and Robert West of Ridgetown and his sons Paul and Bryan Marlatt and their mother Linda (Sura) Marlatt of London.  Dear Uncle to Lisa and Mark Collins and son Xander of Ridgetown, Reynald and Jennifer West and sons Ashton and Elliott of Ottawa.

Special brother to John McMahon his daughters, Megan and Derick Kennedy their girls Angel and Brooklynn, and Cassandra McMahon and their mother Darlene McMahon.

Brother in law of Dom and Darlene Passio of Florida who was a rock for “Mick” after his wife passed.

Also survived by many Aunts and Uncles and cousins both in Canada and England.

Michael was a long time employee of Bell Canada and retired in Florida where he enjoyed fishing, boating, driving around in his Slingshot motor-bike, and as of late traveling across country in his RV with his Sweet Maggie dog. Donations if desired to the Cancer Society in honour of his Mother and Wife.

Online condolences for Michael’s family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Paul Kluka of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on August 26, 2019 at the age of 90 years.  Paul was born in Lednica Czechoslovakia to his late parents Paul Sr and Anna Kluka.  In 1937 at the age of 8, his family moved to Canada.

Paul is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary (Koncir) Kluka, his children Susan Martens (Rene) of Ridgetown, Lillian Kluka (Norman Paterson) of Fullarton, Mary-Frances Kluka (Steve Hedrick) of Chatham and Edward Kluka (Tracy Knister) of Blenheim.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan Martens (Rita), Jennifer Panozzo (Jack), Adam Martens (Kate), Karen Ruetz (Turner), Sarah Martens, Zackary Hedrick, Claire Hedrick, Mitchell Kluka, Morgan Craven (Kyle) and Daniel Kluka.  Also survived by 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Irene Henszel and Mary Koncir and brother-in-law Charles Koncir (Joan).

Paul was predeceased by his sisters Mary Zinow (Sergei), Annie Van De Hogen (Adrian), his brother Andrew Kluka, his brothers-in-law Anthony Blaho, Paul Koncir and his sister-in-law Emily Columbus.

Paul spent his life farming in the Blenheim area.  He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Blenheim where for many years he was a part of the church choir.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7744 having served as Grand Knight in 1998 – 1999 and was the past President of the former Czechoslovakian-Canadian Club in Blenheim.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Parish prayers will be offered at 7 p.m. followed by Knights of Columbus prayers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Friday August 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Paul with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Murray Kenneth Drewery passed away at home on Sunday August 11, 2019. Born 64 years ago to Jeanette (Little) and the late Raeburn Drewery, Murray leaves behind the love of his life Rita (Gillier) who he married 45 years ago, his son Kenneth, his daughter Lisa (Kyle George), his grandsons Tucker and Avery, his brother David and his children. He was predeceased by his sister June Drew.

Murray will also be fondly remembered by his sisters in law Joanne Van Praet, Lynda Radamaker, Margaret Parker (Tim), Helen Zsiros, Ruth Ann Buis (Bob), Teresa Owen (Rob), Phyllis Vogler (Terry) and his brother in law Harold Gillier (Jill), and many nieces and nephews.

It should seem easy to sit down and make a list of all the things that someone did and loved in life, but in Murray’s case it would be easier to make a list of the things he didn’t do and love because he did it all and he enjoyed doing it all. From trips to Bob-Lo or Cedar Point to boating, driving his bronco or jeep, to snowmobiling,  fishing and hunting, to fixing cars and spending time at the cottage in Rondeau or the various trips to Manitoulin Island, Murray lived.  He enjoyed his pond in his backyard along with watching the birds, or simply watching his favorite game shows, old shows or star trek.

He was a hard worker and cared for many through his life, with an open house and heart to many. He will be missed so much by his family and of course his dogs (even if they did chew everything in his wallet).

The most important thing to Murray was making memories , living life and spending time with those who were close to him. To that end, his family will be remembering him privately. Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday night from 7 – 9 p.m.  Cremation will follow. To those of you who would like to honour Murrays life…let yourself live, laugh and love. Get out there and have some fun!

James Bertram Fennell of Erieau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday August 6, 2019.  Jim was born in New Toronto 72 years ago to his late parents Haviland & Jean (Elliott) Fennell.  He was avid admirer of any outdoor activity and so it would come as no surprise that he was camping in Algonquin Park when he met the love of his life Lauraine Vidler who was from Erieau.  On October 10, 1970 Jim and Lauraine married, making Bramalea their home.  Their amazing adventures over the next 48 years included raising two daughters Michelle Fennell (Brent) and Leigh Fennell (Jeremy) and becoming grandarents to Nathaniel and Carissa.  Four years ago in his declining health, Jim and Lauraine moved back to Erieau to be closer to the support of family.

Jim will be remembered fondly by his brother Edward (Lore) Fennell, by Lauraine’s mother Jeannette Vidler (late George) and siblings Joanne Adams (late Gerry), Scott Vidler (Patti) and Brian Vidler (Heidi), by his nieces and nephews and by many casual acquaintances he met just by being the friendly, outgoing person that he was.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday August 17, 2019 where visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. David Fuller.

Friends wishing to remember Jim are encouraged to allow flowers to make the world beautiful and instead consider making a memorial donation to either St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau or the Chatham-Kent Hospice in recognition of the care and compassion that was shown to him in his final days.

Donald Boylan passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with his family at his side on August 4, 2019. Donald was born 76 years ago to his parents Phyllis and the late Donald Boylan. He is survived by his wife, Carol (nee Havens) and daughters Jennifer Boylan, Tim Morency; Janice (Lonnie) Hamilton and Angela (Donny) Grogan.

Don will be missed by his grandchildren Grace Allison, Jacob Hamilton and Leah Hamilton. He will be missed as well as by his siblings: Dennis (Lynn) Boylan, Garry (Patty) Boylan, Darlene (Philip) St. Pierre, Brian (Donna) Boylan and Stephen Boylan. Brother-in-law to Jeanie Havens (late Lucien), Jeannine Parsons (late Bill), and Dee Wagner (late Moe).  He was a beloved uncle to his nephews and nieces.

Don worked for 32 years at Arvin-Meritor in Chatham, and retired in 1995. It was Don’s wish that this part of his life be shared with his family. His service will be private. Cremation has taken place.

Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Surrounded by his loving family, Herman Kempe, age 73, beloved husband of Janet, passed away peacefully, at his residence on August 1, 2019.   Born in Clinge, Netherlands, son of the late John and Cornelia Kempe, he is survived by his wife Janet (Van Damme) of 51 years, and daughters Jennifer Bushnell (John) of Lakeshore, Melissa Fiesser (George) of Oakville, and sons Michael Kempe (Margaret) of Oakville and Jeffrey Kempe (Diana) of LaSalle.  He is also survived by his nine grandchildren:  Hunter (Rebecca), Noah, Daniel (Marilou), Stephanie, Nicholas, Michael David, Stephen, Julia and Joseph.  Herman is also survived by his sisters Tina (Gys) Versteegh, Marie (John) deJeu, and Jo-Anne Kempe and his brother Fred (Cindy) Kempe and he is predeceased by his brother Jerry (Monique) Kempe.

Herman was very passionate about a solid education and family foundation.  He enjoyed travelling the world with his wife and sharing words of wisdom with his children and grandchildren.  The family would like to thank Dr. B. Yee Providence, Dr. I. Dhaliwal, Dr. J. Raphael, and Dr. D. Brisbin and Nurse Practitioner Jon Ann Meko.  Special thanks to the VON and nurse Karen Reid along with Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network staff.  Thank you as well to the nurses of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Chemo Unit.

Visitation on Monday, August 5, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. As well, The Knights of Columbus will lead prayers at 7 p.m. at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Parish, Blenheim with Father John Juhl officiating.  Memorial donations may be made at the funeral home to St. Mary’s Parish for Parish projects.

It is with complete sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Frederick Hugh Pardo at the age of 58 years. He is the son of Jean Pardo-Fenwick and the late Frederick T. Pardo. He is survived by his beloved wife and soul-mate Cathy (Calhoun). The best Dad to his children Nicole (Florin) Neaga, Laura Pardo (Nathan Waddick), and Frederick Daniel Pardo. Loving Papa to Hayden, Caitlin, Tristan, Logan, Tierian, Sebastian. Big brother to Margaret Pardo (Moe Trepanier) and the late Melanie J. Brother-in-law to Tony (Kathy), Greg (Nora), and Michael (Shelly) Calhoun. He was a loving Uncle Hughie to many nieces and nephews. Step-brother to the late Ross (Kathy), Bill, Andrew (Jo) and Susan Fenwick. Brothers from another mother John VanVeen (Peggy) and Pat (Linda) McGuigan. Fur children Qilak, Satchmo, Katness, and grand furbaby Adobe. Predeceased by his step-father JAF Fenwick, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phyllis and James Calhoun, brothers-in-law David and Ronnie, and sister-in-law Leslie.

In addition to having a great love and devotion for his family, Hugh loved the outdoors and nature. He was happiest surrounded by the bush with his wife by his side, navigating off the beaten trails and waterways. Hugh was a member of the Sheet Metal Union Local 235 and a Trustee on the Pension and Benefit Board for said union. He was also the Secretary Treasurer for Craford Cemetery.

The passing of Hugh has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. Friends wishing to remember Hugh are asked by the family that in lieu of flowers a memorial donation be made to Tree Canada (http://www.treecanada.ca), a non-profit charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting trees or to Craford Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 31 for visitation from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral service will be conducted by Fr. David Fuller taking place at Trinity Anglican Church (59 Ellen Street, Blenheim) on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Cremation will follow.