Obituaries

Bill Revie

A photo of Bill Revie

Service:

Glad Tidings Community Church
Monday October 5, 2020
11:00 a.m.

A Private Family interment will follow.

Bill Revie of Blenheim passed away at his home on Sunday September 27, 2020.   Born in Hamilton 59 years ago to the late Jean & William Revie, Bill is survived by two sons Lucas and Justin as well as his brothers James & Wendy Revie of Bothwell Ontario and Pastor Eric & Jenny Revie of Blenheim.

Bill spent the majority of his life in the Hamilton area.  After a reunion with his brother Eric in 2016 he moved to Blenheim where his family grew to include his niece Sarah, his nephews Matthew, Timothy and Daniel as well as his new brothers and sisters at Glad Tidings Community Church.  He was happy living in Blenheim and felt welcomed here.

Despite some long-term effects of a stroke, Bill could always be found walking from his apartment just outside of Blenheim to his favourite place, Tim Hortons.  His determination saw him through many storms in life and gave him the courage to press on.  The last four years of his life brought him some well deserved happiness being surrounded by family and friends, making peace with God and enjoying a long awaited visit from his youngest son in British Columbia.

A Memorial Service for Bill will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Monday October 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.   Due to COVID restrictions, seating will be limited and guests will be required to wear a mask or face covering.  Please call the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a spot.  A private family interment will follow the service.

Friends wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Donald “Dunc” Schives

A photo of Donald “Dunc” Schives

Service:

Private

Donald “Dunc” Schives passed away peacefully at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday September 17, 2020 at the age of 91 years.  Born in Tilbury East, Dunc was one of six children born to the late Helen & Andrew Schives.  He was the last surviving member of that family having been predeceased by his sisters Dorothy Lecocq and Marva Dierckens and by his brothers Jim, Allan and Blake.

One day Dunc met a young lady named Anna Coulter and on January 30, 1954 they married and began a lifetime together that would span over 66 years.  They raised four children; Diane Schives (Brian Holdaway), Randy & Veronica Schives, Mark & Dawn Schives and Barry Schives.  They were also the proud grandparents of 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  Dunc will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dunc and Anna farmed for many years in Merlin.  He also worked for the Department of Highways.  After his retirement he and Anna travelled from the east coast of Canada to the west, took an Alaskan cruise and enjoyed drives in the country.

Family was Dunc’s greatest joy in life.  On Saturday they will gather to remember him privately at a service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings.  Interment will take place in Stewart Cemetery, Merlin.  Friends wishing to remember Dunc with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association, the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

Glen Everett Babcock

A photo of Glen Everett Babcock

In the early morning of September 10, 2020, Glen Everett Babcock of Blenheim, Ontario passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 75.

Born in Dresden, Ontario. Glen was predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Eva Babcock (nee McGee) and by his siblings Gordon and Larry.

Beloved husband of 40 years to Ruth Ramsden-Babcock (nee Richmond) of Blenheim, Ontario. Loving Father of Cindy Hill, Steven Babcock, the late Jeffery (Rachel) Babcock, David (Jacquie) Ramsden, Wendy (Gord) Kozlof, Deborah (Cory) Jinkerson and Harry Jr. (Joyce) Ramsden. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Lila) Babcock and his sister Marilyn (Murray) Wright.

Glen was a proud loving papa to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered with a smile on his face by many extended family members.

Glen was a hard worker and loved his time travelling as a truck driver for 35+ years. He loved spending his time up north in Kenora fishing with family, down south in Arizona for the winters or on his scooter riding around town. A gentle heart and kind soul. He will be missed by ALL.

Friends and family wishing to remember Glen with a donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society and Chatham-Kent Hospice.

At Glen’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service.

Theresa Marzetti

A photo of Theresa Marzetti

It is with immense sadness that the family of Theresa Anne Marzetti announce the sudden loss of their beloved mother and grandmother. Theresa passed away on Wednesday September 2, 2020 in Ridgetown Ontario where she recently moved to be with her family.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents Nicholas and Victoria Marzetti, all of Sault Saint Marie Ontario. Theresa took great pride in their family business, City Meat Market where she worked alongside her family. Theresa was also predeceased by the love of her life, Ralph Murdoch Ross.

She will be forever loved and missed by her son and only child, Gregory Ross and daughter-in law Nicole. Gregg was her greatest joy and she was always his biggest fan.
Theresa has left lasting memories of laughter and love with her Grandchildren, Justin, Nicholas and Ann. She is also survived by her Brother Henry (Linda) Marzetti along with her Nephew Jamie and Nieces Tracey and Vicki.

Theresa will be missed by her lifelong buddy Margo (Ernie) Kells and her many friends at the Chapel Street Apartments. Special friends Merl, Jean, Valerie, Barb and Henry are among those that will remember Theresa. She was quick to make friends and was always ready to join in on trips to the Bingo and Casino or simply to chat over a meal.
For those that knew Theresa they would know of her love of all dogs especially her Jackpot and Niki who were waiting to greet her.

Family and Friends in Sault Saint Marie will have an opportunity to Celebrate the memory of Theresa as her Son will be bringing her home. Internment arrangements to be shared at a later date.

Theresa will also be honoured and Celebrated in a small gathering at her new home in Ridgetown.

Thank you,

Gregg and Nicole Ross

Dustin Gagnier

A photo of Dustin Gagnier

Service:

Private

Dustin Gagnier of Blenheim passed away on Monday August 31, 2020.  He will be missed so much by his mother Lee Gagnier, his father Jeff Dauphin and his family that included Nathan, Cara, Kayla and Ali.  He will also be missed by his grandmothers Mary Gagnier (late Clare) and Judy Davidson (late Harold), his Uncle Ritchie, Uncle Marty & Sheila, cousins Cameron, Jill and David, his Uncle Jamie, Uncle Mike, Uncle Jody and Aunt Cindy.  He was the Godson of Jim & Pat Church.

Dustin lived on this earth for 28 short years but he was able to leave his own legacy.  He was kind and he was caring.  He had a soft spot in his heart for animals.  He was a good person.  He was the kind of guy who would give a stranger the shirt off his back.  There were times when he wasn’t sure which direction his life was heading, but he was always able to bring himself back to the path that he needed to be on.  He was the kind of man that anyone would be proud to call son, grandson, brother and friend.

It’s hard to understand why someone is taken so young, and to lose a child is beyond all understanding.  But one thing for sure is that if we were told that we could have a child, one that we would love so much and one who would make us so happy, but that we could only keep him for 28 short years, we know that we would do it all over again with Dustin.  He was the best.

Our family will be remembering Dustin privately on Saturday.  One of his greatest joys in life was to be employed at the Blenheim Youth Centre.  In keeping with that joy and the fact that Dustin loved to help others, friends who want to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Paul Metcalfe

A photo of Paul Metcalfe

Service:

A private family service will be
held on September 19, 2020.

Paul Andrew Metcalfe passed away on September 1, 2020 at the age of 60 years.  Paul was born in Kingston on April 30, 1960 but has called Blenheim his home for many years.  He is survived by his sisters Carol Howard (Bob) of Kingston, Eileen Metcalfe and Mary Jane Metcalfe (Larry) of Blenheim and by his brothers Ronald (Cheryl) of Tennessee, William (Shelley).  Predeceased by his brother Michael (survived by Deborah) of Kingston.  He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his parents Ronald Metcalfe and Mary & George Custance.

Paul, also known as “The Mad Hatter” was the gentleman who painted Christmas windows for the downtown Blenheim merchants during the holiday season.  He loved going to yard sales in search of antiques and he was always the first in line to help someone less fortunate.  Following an accident in 2013 he wasn’t able to enjoy many of the things he had been able previously but he did his best.

Paul’s family will remember him at a private graveside service on September 19, 2020.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the New Beginnings ABI and Stroke Recovery Association in Chatham.

Heather Connon

A photo of Heather Connon

Service:

A Celebration of Heather's life will be held on
Saturday, September 5th at 2pm.
RSVP required due to space restrictions –
we are planning for 60 people.
Please contact Patrick to send your RSVP at:
[email protected]

It is with such sadness we share that our daughter, sister, and beloved friend Heather Ellen Connon passed away on Thursday August 27, 2020.  Heather was born in Chatham 48 years ago to her parents Susan (Brereton) & the late David Connon.  She was one of three siblings and is survived by her brother Patrick of Toronto and her sister Jill of Florida.

Heather attended school in Blenheim where she made many long lasting friends before moving to Windsor to attend University.  She ended up staying in Windsor to work and made many more friends there.  She was kind, she was funny and she remained positive through any adversity in life.  She had an opportunity during these uncertain and challenging times we are all facing with the current state of the world affecting her ability to work because she got to spend a lot of the summer at home with her Mom and her friends here.

Imagine at birth that we board a train.  We meet our parents, believing that they will always travel by our side.  As time goes on, other people will board the train and become significant, like siblings and friends.  Over time, some people will step down from the train and leave us.  The train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, hellos and goodbyes.  The mystery to everyone is that we don’t know at which station will ourselves will step down.  So we must live, love, forgive and offer the best of who we are.

One of Heather’s friends posted on Facebook “You have touched us deeply and continue to inspire us to live our lives fully and bring positive change to the world with every connection.  You will be missed.”

In true Heather fashion, a Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 2pm. RSVP required due to space restrictions – we are planning for 60 people. Please contact Patrick to send your RSVP at: [email protected]

Friends wishing to remember Heather with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack fund: https://www.downiewenjack.ca/

Doug Robinson

A photo of Doug Robinson

Service:

Private

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday August 31, 2020 from 7 - 9 p.m.

DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, ATTENDANCE AT VISITATIONS IS LIMITED. PLEASE CALL THE BLENHEIM COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AT 519-676-9200 TO CONFIRM AN AVAILABLE TIME. EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE MUST WEAR A MASK OR FACE COVERING.

Douglas Wayne Robinson, much loved husband of Evelyn passed away on Wednesday August 26, 2020.  He will be missed greatly by his daughter Christen Robinson, his sister Lynn Coll, his brother Ron Robinson and by all of his nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Marilyn DeClerck (2013) and Richard DeClerck (2010) and by his sister Cheryl Robinson (Haskell) in 2020.  He was predeceased by his father Ron Robinson Sr.

Doug worked as a custodian with the school board for many years.  He was also a member of the Word of Life Church in Blenheim and will be missed by the many friends he has made there over the years.  He and Evelyn helped at the church in any way that they could.  He loved his family and he loved his church.

Friends wishing to remember Doug with a memorial donation are asked to consider Word of Life Church Soup Kitchen.

Laird Snobelen

A photo of Laird Snobelen

Service:

Private

On August 25, 2020 at the home that he shared with his wife of 63 years, Laird Snobelen passed away with his family by his side.  Laird was born on the family farm 81 years ago and moved to the house next door when he married Peggy (Crawford) in 1957.  That house would become home for them and for their five children Darcy Snobelen, Dale Snobelen, Joy McLeod (Mike), Bradley Snobelen (Elaine) and Ann Marie Snobelen (Pat).  Laird was always happy to have visits there from his grandchildren Tyler, Warren, Brittany, Nicole and Mitchell as well as his great-grandchildren Devin, Michael, Ryan, Martin, Beronica, Hailey and Isla.

Laird was one of three children born to the late Harold & Elizabeth Snobelen.  He is survived by his sister Marilyn Doyle and predeceased by his brother Wayne.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in law Gloria Parker (late Larry), Leanne Crawford (Steven), Sam Crawford (late Lana) and Murray Crawford (Darlene).

He was a kind and gentle soul who wore many hats in life, be it helping on the farm, driving truck, building houses or working at Navistar where he retired from in 1999.  He was always ready to lend a hand and had a special place in his heart for animals.

It was Laird’s request that cremation take place and that his family remember him at an interment service in Craford Cemetery at a later date.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider Pet & Wildlife Rescue.

Tony Driessen

A photo of Tony Driessen

Service:

Private

Tony Driessen of Blenheim passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Jeanine on Thursday August 20, 2020.  Tony was born in Holland 93 years ago, one of nine children to the late Wilhelmus & Theadora Driessen.  He is survived by his brothers Bertus Driessen (late Lies) and Willy Driessen (Leen) of Holland.  He was predeceased by his sisters Lies & Harry vandenVorle, Petronella Driessen and Anna & Jacob Stoffelen, and by his brothers Johannes, Marinus and Hermanus Driessen.

Tony and his wife Jeanine (VanRaay) Driessen are the proud parents of Ron Driessen and Rob Driessen of Blenheim, and Antoinette & Jamie Dimitroff of Windsor.  They are also the very proud grandparents of Mackenzie, Haven, Abby, Grace and Landon.

A private family Mass will be held for Tony on Monday.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Tony with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society.