Gordon Holmes of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday August 6, 2020 at the age of 81 years.  He was one of five children born to Olive (Ramsdale) & Uriel Homes and is survived by his brothers Tom Holmes and Fred & Wendy Holmes.  He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and William.

Gordon worked for 15 years as a barber and 25 years at Eaton Yale.

His wish was that his family would remember him privately in their own way.

On Thursday, August 6, 2020 Gerardus (Gerry) Willemsen, loving husband to Wilhelmina (Wilma) and father of four children, quietly passed at the age 90, with his wife of 64 years at his side.

Born in Zevenaar, Holland 1929 (Gerry) was one of Wilhelmus and Josephine Willemsen seven children; four brothers Wim, Henk, Teunis, and Bennie and two sisters An and Door.

After the second world war, Gerry immigrated to Canada. He landed in the Port of Halifax, on an ocean freighter that was converted to a passenger boat. He took a train to Winnipeg with a suitcase of clothes and a few dollars in his pocket. He worked in the wheat fields in Manitoba in the summer and travelled to British Columbia in the winter to work on the railroad.

In 1955, Gerry drove his Ford pickup truck across country (sleeping in the truck at night). He arrived in Blenheim, Ontario where he met Wilma.  He got a job working construction on the Southwestern Regional Center. After it was built, he got hired on growing fruit and vegetables for the patients and staff. Evenings and weekends he worked for Dorsser’s Welding building grain dryers.

He loved his animals and had many chickens, goats, pigs, ducks and ponies but his favourite was his love for a dog, of which he had many.  He loved to garden just as his father did in Holland. You would never leave his house without a basket of cherries or beans or a head of cauliflower that could fill a bushel basket.  Whenever you needed help he was there.

After he retired, he loved helping his children build their houses and landscape their yards.  He helped Will with numerous projects at Sunripe and travelled back and forth from Blenheim to Sarnia delivering broccoli.  He collected firewood from the orchards behind his house and still spent an hour a day chopping wood into his 80’s.  Gerry loved Canada and repeatedly told everyone that Canada was the best country in the world.

He loved time with his 12 grandchildren: Matthew, Jeremy and Jessica, children of Wilma Cartier (Kevin); Kysa, Ryall and Mia, children of Will Willemsen (Ingrid); Justin, Nicole and Kaitlyn, children of Joyce Morrison; Zachary, Joshua and Kirsten, children of Larry Willemsen (Renee).

He adored his 6 great grandchildren; Savannah, Gillian, Aaliyah, Lucas, Evan and Hudson.

Thanks to Blenheim Community Village for their outstanding care and compassion and the Fathers of St. Mary’s church.

A Funeral Mass for Gerry will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday August 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.  Due to current restrictions with limited attendance related to COVID-19, friends wishing to attend the Mass need to call the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a seat in the church.  Everyone in attendance will need to wear a mask or face covering.

Friends wishing to remember Gerry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimers Society in Chatham.

Alan Patrick Holden

August 3^rd, 1950 – August 1^st, 2020

In the early morning hours of August 1^st, 2020 Alan lost his battle with pulmonary fibrosis.  He was just two days short of his 70^th birthday.  He passed away at home with his wife and children by his side.  His struggle to breathe is now over.

Alan was born in Winnipeg on August 3^rd, 1950 to his parents Eugene (1985) and Charlotte (Land) (1994).  He is survived by his wife of 48 years Barbara (Rossol) and their two boys Philip & Holly and their children Tyler, Adria, Aubrey & Avery and Neil & Beth and their daughter Penelope.  His children and grandchildren were his life!

Also left to mourn him are his brother Bruce and his wife Gail, Calgary; his sister Beverly Wozny, Dauphin; his brother Richard and his wife Diane, Winnipeg; and his sister-in-law Judy (David) also of Winnipeg.  His brother David predeceased him in December of 2016 also from pulmonary fibrosis.  He also leaves his “other” family Lis & Willi Bauer, Julie & Pat Myrdal, and John & Tammy Rossol.  He was predeceased by Barb’s parents Otto (1994) and Marie (Schiebler) (2001) and her sister Anita Swystun in October of 1998.  Nieces and nephews, Paul, Scott, Todd, Cam, Tricia, Dena, Heather, Angela, Richard, Robert, Cory, Kim, Jillian, Lana and their families will surely miss their Uncle Alan.  He leaves 14 great-nephews and nieces and one great-great niece behind as well.

Alan spent the majority of his working life as a Grain Inspector, first with the Grain Commission in Winnipeg and then transferring to Chatham in June of 1981.  He “retired” from the Grain Commission in 1998 but then found retirement a little too boring and returned to work in the private grain industry for approximately ten years, finally retiring in January of 2016.

Along with Barb and the family he enjoyed 13 plus years of “glamping” at the Great Canadian Hideaway in Parkhill, where he made many good friends.  He will be missed by the “trailer” community as well.

Cremation has taken place, as was his wish, and there will be a short memorial service  at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim on Thursday, August 6^th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.  Please dress casually as Alan absolutely hated wearing a suit!

Due to COVID19, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario has instituted guidelines regarding maximum attendance at visitations and funeral services as well as mandating that everyone in attendance at visitations and funerals must wear a mask.   Please call the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to reserve a spot to attend the visitation or the Funeral Service for Alan.

In lieu of flowers would you please consider donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 47 Squire Bakers Lane, Markham, Ontario L3P 3G8; the Chatham-Kent Hospice; or MSF Canada (Doctors Without Borders), 551 Adelaide Street W., Toronto, Ontario M5V 0N8.  These are all charities that Alan supported.

Brett Alexander Reaume of Blenheim ON, born in Chatham ON passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on July 30, 2020.

Born July 1, 1959 to Madeline Marie VanPottelberg and Forest Reaume (both predeceased).

Leaving behind his wife Nancy (Rietdyk) and sons Michael (Lori) and Andrew (Kaitlyn); his grandchildren Madisyn and Colton who were his brightest lights.

He also leaves his sister Shelley Glover (Joe), parents-in-law Joe and Jackie Rietdyk, sisters-in-law Shirley Rietdyk (Dave Simpson) and Samantha Keene, brother-in-law Pete Rietdyk and cherished nephews and nieces.

Brett built a successful business (Westside Performance Plus) through sheer will and hard work and raced cars and played with the same passion and determination.  His sons are following closely in his footsteps and he was incredibly proud of them both.  He was loved by many, always looked for the good in people and was willing to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.

As he wished, cremation has taken place.  Online condolences are welcomed and cherished.  Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.

There will be a private family celebration of his life, and when we are able, we will be holding an open celebration of life.

Syd Garlick of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday, July 30, 2020.  He was born in England 89 years ago to the late George Ernest & Daisy May (Storey) Garlick.  In 1958, Syd and his wife Pamela Joan (Hill) packed up their young daughter Kim and moved to Canada to start a new life.  Soon after their move, they were blessed with their second daughter Trish.  Syd worked for many years as a carpenter for John Faas in Ridgetown before striking out on his own.  He crafted ice boats and small sail boats for families.  In his spare time, he enjoyed making and flying model airplanes and was a member of the Chatham Aeronauts Model Flying Club.  He had a keen interest in astronomy which he shared with family and friends.

Syd loved and was loved by his family; his daughter Kim Lindsay (late husband Rob) and Trish Miller (husband Chris) and his granddaughter Danielle (Robidas).  He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years Pamela on February 4, 1999, his brother Clifford and his sister Gladys Legue.

Once Syd could no longer drive, he was very grateful for the assistance of Brent Paine.  He will also be missed by nieces Betty, Barb, and friend Ray.

A private family graveside service conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will be held at the Morpeth Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Syd with a memorial donation are asked to consider Heart & Stroke Foundation.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter, Deanna Alexandra Jean Kidd on Thursday July 30, 2020 at the age of 29 years.  

The definition of family is the people you love and who love you back, the people you feel safe around, and the people you can count on to be there when you need them.

Deanna, our “Princess Dee” was a beautiful part of our family that included her Mom and Dad; Lori & Harold Reid of Chatham, Evany Reid and her blended family, especially the “fab five” that included Kassidy Reid, Flo Baylis and Lloyd Baylis.  She will be missed by her Grandparents Sandra & Kinnon Ferguson, her “Fairy Godmother and Aunt” Kim Ferguson and her “Aunt Alfie” Blanche Rabideau.  She will also be missed by many more aunts, uncles and cousins and by her Belleville family Christine Kidd, Gabrielle Mugridge, Logan Mounteny and other extended family members. 

She was predeceased by her grandparents Fred & Elda Reid.  

Deanna spent her childhood days playing with her sisters, brothers and cousins in the fields and barns of the family farm in Leamington.  In 2009 she graduated from Cardinal Carter High School in Leamington before moving with her family to Chatham eight years ago.  She loved animals, especially cats and was often teased by her family that only Deanna could get a cat  to wear doll clothes and ride in her stroller. 

Deanna was many things to many people but to one person, she was the world.  Her greatest gift in life was a bond that she shared with Evany…her “baby girl and bestest friend”.  She will be missed.

Cremation has taken place and Deanna’s family will remember her privately.  If you should want to do something in remembrance of Deanna, give your children an extra hug tonight before they go to bed and say “I love you” one more time.

Juli Ann McEachran (Watts) R.N.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together…

there is something you must always remember.   

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, 

and smarter than you think.  But the most important thing is, 

even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.”     A.A. Milne 

Surrounded by her loving family, Juli Ann McEachran passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday July 25th, 2020.  A true warrior of a ten year plus battle with breast cancer.  Wife of Lee McEachran and dedicated “Mama Bear” to her pride and joys; her daughter Erin and her son Connor.

Juli was born in Chatham, Ontario on August 2, 1971 to her parents Judy Grey (nee Lynch) and Joe Watts. She is survived by brothers Jason Watts (Valerie), David Grey (Debbie), sister Jodi Redmond (Jamie), sister-in-law Brenda Kraemer and nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by her grandparents Muriel & Jack Lynch, Joe & Mary Watts, step father Ted Grey (2016) and brother Don Grey (1994).  Sadly missed by her “fur babies”, Copper, Margo and Rio; her daily companions.

Juli graduated from the R.N. program at St. Clair College, Windsor in 1993.  She started her career at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chatham in the pediatrics department.  She continued her love for pediatrics at CKHA where she worked in the nursery until her devastating diagnosis would not allow her to continue.

She had a quiet demeanor but was always quick with her wit and charm.  Despite her cancer she was still able to have weekly dinners with her close girlfriends, enjoy her love for shopping and passion for travel.  She was always ready for her next adventure.

Her positive outlook and determination alongside the outstanding care provided by Dr. David Sullivan and the oncology team at CKHA allowed us to have more time than we imagined possible to share the life of this incredibly strong woman.

A private family service will be held on July 29, 2020 with Father David Fuller officiating.  Interment to take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Donations to the Oncology Unit at CKHA would be appreciated.

Joe Fnukal passed away at home on Saturday July 4, 2020.  He was predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children; Joyce (Arthurton) Fnukal in 1991 and by his wife Sharon Fnukal in 2019.

Joe is survived by his children Christine & Ray Ford, Paula Warren and Angela Fnukal.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  His family joined him just last month as he celebrated his 90th birthday.  He was predeceased by his sister Lillian Henderson and his brother Anthony Fnukal.

Joe was a milkman for many years back in the day when milk was delivered right to your house.  Later on, he took a job with the Township and worked part time at Evergreen Cemetery.

Joe’s family will remember him privately at a graveside service in Evergreen Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside Joyce.

Friends wishing to remember Joe with a memorial donation are asked to consider Diabetes Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Robert Russell Lindsay passed away with his wife and best friend Kim by his side on Thursday July 2, 2020.  Rob was born on October 23, 1959 to the late Lancelot “Brick” & Vera (Burk) Lindsay.  He was a twin to his sister Roberta and a brother to Susan, Veralana and Crystal Belle.  In 1967 a devastating fire claimed the lives of his sisters.  He was also predeceased by two brothers Brian and Mark and is survived by his brother Les Lindsay.

Rob’s perseverance in life shone through.  Despite being injured in the fire himself, he pursued a long-time career in construction working with George Vandersluis building houses.  When that became too difficult, he took a job cooking at Jack’s restaurant.  He loved to cook and he was good at it.

Rob especially loved the life that he built with Kim.  His love of cooking continued at home where he often made more food than the two of them could eat.  He was determined to make sure that she would have what she needed when the time came that he wasn’t here.  He loved the quiet times, especially the trips up north, fishing in a boat on a still lake, creating memories that reached deep into their hearts.  Those are the memories that will last forever.

It was Robs wish that cremation take place and that he be remembered quietly by those who knew and loved him.  Live well, eat that extra piece of pie and cherish the people you love.

Do not stand by my grave and weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on the snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry

I am not there.  I did not die.

Thomas R. Warwick, Q.C., retired Blenheim lawyer, age 81 died on Saturday June 27, 2020.  He is survived by his wife Marian (nee McKillop), three children Karen (Albert) Steinmann, Kathy (Art) DeBrouwer and Bradley Warwick as well as four grandchildren Tamra (Mohammad) Steinmann, Ryan Steinmann, Derek DeBrouwer and Darren DeBrouwer and two great grandchildren Alia Abbas and Arie Abbas, his sisters in law Isabel Warwick, Suzanne Watson and Lynn Oulette, nephews Bruce (Donna) Warwick and Mark (Ann) Warwick as well as several nephews and nieces and cousins.  His parents Roy C. Warwick and Eva Warwick, his brother Robert Warwick and nephew Allen (Doreen) Warwick predeceased.

Tom was a lawyer having offices in Merlin and Blenheim where he practiced for 42 years before retirement.  He was also a Deputy Judge for Chatham-Kent since 1980, past president of the Kent Law Association, past president of the Ontario Water Association, member and past chairman of the former Blenheim Public Utilities, former member of the Blenheim District High School Board and member of the former Kent County Board of Education.  He was also a member of the Canadian Ornamental Pheasant Association, honourary member of the Blenheim Optimist Club, member of the Rondeau Rod & Gun Club, Blenheim Kinsmen Club and the Blenheim Legion having served in the Canadian Army Reserves and attaining the rank of 1^st Lieutenant in the First Hussars.

Tom’s grandfather was T.C. Warwick who emigrated from England to Canada in 1890 and established the former Warwick Seed Company and Warwick Lumber Yards in Blenheim and elsewhere.

It was Tom’s wish that cremation take place and his family to remember him privately.

Donations to Royal Canadian Legion Br. 185 Blenheim or Friends of the New Animal Shelter would be appreciated.