It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my sister, Cathy Lou Crawford.  She was born in Chatham 56 years ago to our late parents Judith & Thomas Crawford, attended school in Blenheim and at St. Clair College in Chatham.  Aside from myself, she is survived by our step brother Doug Peel, our Aunts Carol (Walt) Korpela and Sally Mandeno (Dick McIlroy) as well as our cousins Jeremy Korpela, Wendy Wells, Nicole Segeren, Matthew Mandeno and Nancy Cira.  She was predeceased by our Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Al Latner.

Cathy was a kind and caring soul who loved animals just as much as she loved people.  For many years she worked at the OSPCA in Chatham during the week and on the weekends, she would tend to the farm animals at Southwestern Regional Centre.  She made many good friends during her lifetime and will be remembered by many for her free spirit and bubbly personality.  Unfortunately, health issues interrupted her career in the animal world but she was able to continue caring for them in her home in Chatham.  There was always food and water on the front porch for hungry kittens and a shelter to keep them warm when it was cold.

Cathy, we will miss you and you will never be forgotten,

Love, your brother Mike

In keeping with her passion for animals, friends wishing to remember Cathy with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Big Fix Grassroots Cat Rescue.

Floella Marguerite Mayer of Highgate, daughter of the late Albert & Bertha Waito (Pembroke) and wife of the late Fredrick Mayer (Sidney MB) passed away on October 25, 2020.  She leaves to mourn her death, her three sons Terry Clouthier of Winnipeg, Donald Clouthier of Ontario and David Clouthier of Highgate.  She was predeceased by her son Ron Clouthier (Kincardine) on December 3, 2013.  Flo is the sister of late Donald Waito (Loretta) of Kitchener and Earl Waito (Jen) of Pembroke.  Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive her.

Cremation has taken place with a family service at a later date.  There will be no viewing or public service at Floella’s request.

Richard “Rick” Wilson of Blenheim and formerly of St. Thomas passed away on Friday October 23, 2020 at the age of 67.   Rick was a millwright by trade and retired from Prestran Industries in St. Thomas.  In his spare time, he was a very talented mandolin crafter and enjoyed bluegrass music.  He and his wife Tina (Wiebe) were living proof that sometimes blind dates do work out as they recently celebrated their 23^rd wedding anniversary.  They spent the last year together building their forever home doing as much work as they could themselves.  Rick will be remembered with great fondness by his daughter Ashley Wilson of Goderich and his son Paul & Sherry Wilson of Stratford as well as his grandchildren Torri, Troy, Mazie, Sophia and Samantha.  He was the son of Evelyn (Lavigne) & the late John Hargreaves and is survived by his only brother Gary Radford and his wife Liz.  He is also be remembered by his mother-in-law, his brothers and sisters-in-law and by his nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his family will remember him privately.

DE BROUWER, Peter Cyrillus

1934 – 2020

Peter deBrouwer passed away peacefully at age 86, on Thursday October 22^nd, 2020.

Born in Nuenen, The Netherlands on February 9, 1934, Peter was one of 11 children of the late Lambert and Elizabeth (Van Eerd) de Brouwer.  For over 60 years he was a loving and steadfast husband to Anne Berendsen, the girl he first kissed in 1953 on a snowy New Year’s Eve in Nuenen. Together they worked side by side to build a family, a farm business, and a wide circle of meaningful friends.

He was the proud father of Ben (Patricia), Marianne (Brant), Allen (Marja) and Melissa (Stephen).

A good humoured and fun-loving Opa, he will be forever missed by his grandchildren Cayley, Athena (Curtis), Weston (2004), Charlotte (David), Raina (Jason), Evan, Sawyer (Natasha), Sam, Andrew (Erika), James (Sally) and great grandchildren Claire, Nathan, and Kylie.

Peter will be dearly missed by his surviving brothers and sisters as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours.

Dad had little formal education, yet had no trouble demonstrating his intelligence. He read widely, expressed his opinions honestly and enjoyed debate. He knew a lot about a lot.  He was always right, unless proven wrong (which rarely happened).

Dad was mostly a man of easy-going charm, but at times he demonstrated a stubbornness that could surely impress a mule.

He was probably the world’s least known champion coach: riding coach, hockey coach, fishing coach, driving coach, poker coach, and life coach.  You name it, Dad coached it.

He understood risk and reward ratios, and seized opportunities.  He was ambitious and hardworking, but he was not an early riser.

Dad was not interested in having a house pet, but was a bred-in-the bone animal lover.  The pasture on the farm was shared by donkeys, ponies, horses, and sheep.  If you drove into the yard you were usually greeted by a beagle or mutt of some sort, a proud peacock and a couple of peahens.  In Morpeth, he delighted in the various fowl he lured to his pond: mallard ducks, snow geese, and wild swans.

He showed a thoughtful generosity to friends and others in need, but there were also more than a few occasions when he confirmed the Dutch reputation for stinginess.

Anthropologists suggest our contradictions make us human.  By this measure, Dad was an ordinary man. But to us, he was extraordinary.

Dad, you and mom created a very good life for your four children.  You gave and received love openly and generously and we are grateful. We will carry your love forward.

Due to Covid requirements, visitation will be held privately by invitation and appointment on Monday October 26th at Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

A private Mass will be held on Tuesday October 27th with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice are appreciated.  https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/

Theresa Svec of Blenheim, wife of the late Henry Svec passed away at her home on Friday October 9, 2020.  She was the much loved mother of Lily Goodman (Gary), Annie Walukiewicz (Ed) and Dr. Henry Svec (Mary) and the grandmother of Henry, Jonathan, Joshua, Leah, Wesley, Hanah, Ben, Shelly, David, Zoie and Jackie.

Theresa was born in the Czech Republic 95 years ago.  She is survived by one sister Anne and was predeceased by her sister Maria and brother Fred.  She was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Church.  It was her wish that her family remember her privately.

Eric Robert Henderson

June 1, 1958 – October 4, 2020

Eric Henderson passed away quietly, after a courageous cancer battle, on Sunday, October 4^th, in Squamish, BC.  He was in caring hospice with his loving and devoted wife Kathleen, and beloved dog Chippy.   He lived life to the fullest and packed loads of adventure into his 62 years.  He was the older son of loving and proud parents, Ann and Robert M. Henderson (1990) of Blenheim.  In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his adoring mother-in-law Agnes Laczina of Vancouver, BC.  He will also be dearly missed by his sister Arlene (Terry) Koehler of Blenheim, and their children Alex, Sarah (Andrew) and Emma (Stafford); brother David (Rebecca) Henderson of Clearwater, FL and their children Hayley and Collin; sister Laura (Pat) Koehler of Blenheim and their children Graydon, Bryar and Greer. He is also survived by his only uncle and aunt, Jack and Donna Rigby of Blenheim and his cousins, Rick, Valerie, Pam, Carolyn and Steve.

Eric attended Blenheim District High School and graduated from the RCAT (University of Guelph) in 1980.  He found his calling in the mountains of Whistler in the early 1980s and grew to become one of the most innovative and well-respected home builders in the area.  The homes he designed and built in Whistler are a legacy of Eric’s quality workmanship.

Eric also had a childhood dream of flying helicopters.  He obtained his pilot’s license while wintering in Hawaii, and then went on to certify in private and commercial, both in Canada and the U.S.  In 2008, Eric, Kathleen and their dog Corky began flying many epic journeys all around North America, touching three oceans, discovering new places, and visiting countless and dear family and friends along the way.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Eric’s life will be held in Blenheim, once Covid-19 restrictions allow.

Memorial donations to the Blenheim Historical Society would be appreciated.

Linda Uher (Lawton) passed away peacefully at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 79.

Beloved wife of 58 years to John, daughter of the late Clarence and Lela Lawton (nee Johnston).  Dear mother of Kathy, Janice and Scott Vandehogen and Susan and Pete Van Mol.  Adored Gammie to Cora (Vandehogen) and Jordan Campbell, Rachael (Vandehogen) and Zach Shuian, Drew Vandehogen, Megan and Abby Van Mol.

Survived by siblings Ben and Becky Anne Lawton, John Lawton, sisters in law Barb Lawton and Janet Lawton. Aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by brothers Eldon, Beverley, Dowie and sister in law Margie Lawton.

Linda cherished her time with family.  An avid Blue Jays fan and supporter of local area sports teams, she instilled a love for trivia, history and gardening in her children and grandchildren. Linda started her career with Bell Canada in Chatham and after raising her three girls, joined Big V / Shoppers Drug Mart in Blenheim; retiring in 2005.  You could spot Linda and John in the stands or on the sidelines cheering on their 5 grandchildren in various sports and community activities.

A private family service will be held.  Online condolences and Memorial Donations in Linda’s memory to Blenheim Word of Life Soup Kitchen can be made at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com.

A tribute of Linda’s life may be viewed at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTCtqp9cM1wTNe3prBgHIKibCaH91sxszdUSfJR0RAo17YEU3yuH82AzE-FD8PYSiaYRuLmVWTPRgac/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=3000

Paul Leidl of Blenheim, Ontario, born in Hungary, emigrated to Canada on his 10^th birthday,  passed away quietly at his home in his 79^th year.  Beloved husband of the late Linda Leidl (1990) and Dianne Leidl.  Loving father of Brian, Dan (Cassie), Tim (Amanda), Lynn (Mark) and Eric.  Brother to Matt (Edith) of Simcoe.  Grandfather of Ally, Katelyn, Gage, Emily, Hannah and Isaac.  Devoted son of the late Paul Sr. and Elizabeth of Simcoe.

Paul was teacher and department head for the Physical Education department at the Blenheim District High School for 33 years and a school bus driver for the Norfolk and Kent County boards for a sum of 50 years.  Paul’s goal was to be apart of education for at least 50 years, and he accomplished his goal.

Paul had 3 loves in his life, his family, teaching/coaching and golf.  Paul attended the Blenheim United Church for many years.

Paul will be resting at the Blenheim Community Funeral home and there will be a private family-only service Monday, October 5^th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be made in his name through the London Health Sciences Foundation to the London Regional Cancer Program or a bursary Memorial Trust Fund at the Blenheim District High School.

The Leidl family will be making a memory book, for which we have set up an email address where individuals could share teaching, coaching or impactful memories of Paul.   Please share these memories at [email protected].

Christina Lynn Butson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter Christina Lynn Butson. She is survived by her son Joseph of Blenheim, Parents Patricia & Roderick Butson, and dearest sister Sarah (Jocelyn Caron). Cherished niece of Rick & Pam Kendall of Chatham; Paul & Marie Kendall of Woodstock; Julie Kendall (Late Glenn Brunelle) of Chatham; Alan & Sheila Kendall of Windsor; Donna Mazerolle of Chatham; Connie Stewart (late Bruce Stewart) of Stratford; and William & Rory Butson of Waterloo. She will be dearly missed by her many Great Aunts, Great Uncles, and her many cousins.

She was a graduate of St. Clair College, and had been living in Ridgetown. Christina is safe and unafraid now, wrapped in the arms of her late grandparents Leonard & Florence Butson, and Patrick & Evelyn Kendall.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitation times must be scheduled and everyone attending must wear a face mask.  Please call the funeral home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a time for visitation.

Friends wishing to remember Christina with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Mental Health or the Chatham Kent Hospice https://www.chathamkenthospice.com/donate/

John Nauta passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

John was born in Surhuizum, the Netherlands on August 24, 1933 to the late Jacob and Wietske (Houwink) Nauta. Loving and faithful husband for almost 60 years to Hermina (Lam) and father to Wendy (Adrian) Weesjes, Aylmer; Evelyn (John) Leistra, Mount Brydges; Jim (Janet), Blenheim; Marcia (Harry Vanderveen), Burlington; and Rose (2019) and Andy Boyd, Brisbane Australia.  Dear Opa to Erica, Rachel, Julie, Nicholas (Laura), Alex (Sam), Lianna (Nicholas) and Matthew.

John was pre-deceased by siblings Abe, Harry, Dick, Jake, Ronnie Timmermans, Joan Sonneveld, Diane Gracey and four infant brothers.  Survived by his brother Ralph (Margaret) Nauta, and sisters Clara (Hank) Woudenburg, Hilda Berghuis, Catherine Verbeek, and Ruth Oden.  Also survived by his sisters-in law Marie, Hilda and Lisa Nauta, brother-in law John Timmermans and cousin Corrie Blommers as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews in Canada, Holland and New Zealand.

John immigrated to Canada in 1947 with his parents and siblings.  He farmed in Blenheim and Ridgetown until retiring in 1990 and then enjoyed a second career as a bus driver for DeNure’s in Blenheim for 17 years.  He enjoyed seeing his granddaughters at Harwich Raleigh School and soon all the kids called him Opa. His third career was as the janitor at Blenheim Christian Reformed Church for 10 years, finally retiring in 2017.

John was a hard worker and his garden was his pride and joy; he was always ready to share its abundance with family and friends.

A private family service will be held with interment in Pardoville Cemetery.

Donations to UCB Radio Chatham https://www.ucbcanada.com/donate or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by his family.

Rest in peace, Opa.