Ruby Postma of Blenheim passed away into the arms of her Lord, surrounded by the love of her family on Monday March 4, 2019.

Ruby was born in The Netherlands 88 years ago which is where she met a young man named Albert who was working on the same farm. On October 28, 1953 (the warmest day that fall) Ruby and Albert began a journey as husband and wife. Their journey spanned over 65 years and would see the addition of five children; Trudy Timmermans (John), twins Fred Postma (Wilma) and George Postma (Hetty), Ron Postma (Linda) and Terese Saunders (Scott). They were also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. She is also survived her sister Wietske DeVries and her brother in law Lou Kuipers. Predeceased by her sister Edith Kuipers, her brother Cor Sietsma (Sylvia) and her brother in law Peter DeVries.

Ruby was a long-time member of the Christian Reformed Church in Blenheim. She was an incredible mother who raised her children with the same Christian values that she lived by and she was the kind of grandmother that everybody wanted. Friends would often see her going for walks to the post office with that one man she cared about the most…her beloved Albert. She will be missed.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday March 8, 2019 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Due to construction at her own church, a Funeral Service for Ruby will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday March 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be her grandsons The Rev. Jason Postma and Rev. Albert Postma. Music for the service will be provided by Ruby’s great-granddaughter Alicia Marentette. A luncheon will take place immediately following the Funeral Service followed by a private family interment at Pardoville Cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Ruby’s grandsons Chris Timmermans, Jeff Timmermans, Matt Saunders, Eric Postma, Caleb Postma and Adom Postma.

Friends wishing to remember Ruby with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Christian School in Chatham which was important to her.

Raymond “Ray” Wayne Mack of Blenheim passed away on Saturday March 2, 2019 at Chelsea Park in London at the age of 72. Ray was the son of the late Robert Cecil and Margaret Elizabeth (McCorkell) Mack.

Ray had recently celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss to Louise (Hanson) of London, having been married on Valentine’s Day in 1969.

Loving father of Timothy Mack (Jose DaSilva) of London and James Mack of Blenheim. Predeceased by son John. Survived by brother Bruce (Theresa) Mack of Chatham, nephew Scott (Caroline) Mack of London and niece Connie Mack of St. Catharines. Special friend to John Robinson of Essex. Missed by his faithful dachshund Sara.

Ray was a dedicated custodian with the Lambton Kent District School Board for several decades working mainly at Ridgetown Public School and Harwich-Raleigh Public School. Ray was a past president of the Blenheim Optimist Club and lifetime member of the East Kent Vintage Equipment Club. Ray was also an avid bowler, participating in both the Thursday night Men’s league and the Sunday night mixed league. Ray was also a member of the Golden Acres Horseshoe Club.

Ray’s preferred hobby was driving his 1964 Corvair Convertible while listening to his favourite band, the Beach Boys. Ray enjoyed attending multiple car shows where he could show off his four-wheeled pride and joy and talk with others that shared his interest.

Friends wishing to remember Ray with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.

In keeping with Ray’s wishes no funeral service will take place but visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday March 7, 2019 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Marius Nooyen, beloved husband of the late Mary (Kerkhof) Nooyen (2015) passed away on Wednesday February 27, 2019 at the age of 84 years. He will be missed by his daughters Kellie Gillier (Tim) of Kent Bridge, Marietta DeLaet (Ken) of Blenheim and his sons Gary Nooyen of Blenheim and Erick Nooyen (Jill) of Rondeau. He was the proud Opa of Dalton Nooyen, McKenna Nooyen, Bayley Gillier, Caden Gillier and Sydney Gillier.

Marius spent most of his years, after immigrating from Holland, on the farm where he worked tirelessly to provide for his family.  He was well known in Blenheim, especially among the Dutch community.  He enjoyed playing cards with his fellow Dutchmen and his family.  Marius enjoyed going for morning coffee “at the Venus” with his friends while he was able to.  His children and 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy and he would light up whenever he was with them.

Marius is survived by his sister Joanne Monden of Ridgetown, his brother Wim Nooyen of Ottawa and his sisters and brothers-in-law Rikie Nooyen of Forest, Martin VanHeesch of Blenheim, Harry & Bernadette Kerkhof of Wallaceburg and Josephina Kerkhof of California. He is predeceased by Diny VanHeesch, Harry & Christine Nooyen, Arnold Nooyen, Peter & Cathy Nooyen, Chris Monden and Monique Nooyen.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday March 3, 2019 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Marius will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Monday March 4, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

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

Richardson, Lyla May.  A resident of Meadow Park Nursing Home passed away on February 17, 2019 at the age of 91.  Born in Dover Township on the family farm, March 12, 1927.  Daughter of the late William and Jean Stokes.  Predeceased by her husband Thomas Edward (2013).  Loving mother of John (Gayle) Richardson, Dan (Connie) Richardson, and Debbie (Richard) VanRycheghem.  Cherished grandmother of Rebecca (Bill) Kouyzer, Sarah (Mickey) Parr, Amanda (Jeff) Millman, Brian VanRycheghem, Tanya (Darcy) Bax, Kali (Collin) Sellwood, Aimee (Bobby) Grinde, and Ashley Nickason.  Dearest great grandmother of Zach, Justin, Ryan, Abigail, Alana, Gracie, Lucas, Nash, Kale, Brandt, Brittany (Mike) Smith and Mickala.

Survived by sister Grace Lundy, and sister in laws Joan Stokes and Fay Stokes.  Predeceased by siblings and their spouses, Ruth (Jim) Wood, Bob Lundy, Ross Stokes, Grant Stokes, June (Clifford) Civalier, and Irene (Valere) Vannieuwenhuyze.   Also predeceased by sister in laws and brother in laws Robert (Olive) Richardson, William (Laura) Richardson, Samuel (Alison) Richardson, and Donald (Barbara) Richardson.  Remembered by several nieces and nephews.

Lyla was very involved in her earlier years with St. Paul’s United Church, and worked very hard along side her husband Tom on the farm. She was very dedicated to her 3 children and loved cross-stitching, quilting, knitting and cooking.

Mom’s wishes were to be cremated and to have a private burial at Botany Cemetery, at a later date.

Donations to Meadow Park Auxiliary would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Meadow Park Nursing Home staff for their exceptional care.

May 23, 1948 – February 16, 2019

Wayne Stanley Clark of Blenheim, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2019 at Riverview Gardens in his 71^st year. He was the youngest son of the late Myrtle (Taylor) and Stanley Clark. Survived by his loving wife Lynn (Garrod) and daughters Michelle Clark of Toronto and Robin Knight and granddaughter Abby Knight of Parry Sound, brother Blair (Sheila) of Wasaga Beach, sisters-in-law Agnes Clark of Chatham and Vicki Clark of Ridgetown, Dolores (Ralph) Ferguson of Watford, brother-in-law Bud (Agnes) Garrod of Ottawa. Predeceased by Lloyd, Donna (Bruce) Suitor, Jean Durnin, Harold, Gerald and Murray. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Wayne worked at the Southwestern Regional Centre as a Developmental Service Worker for 29 years until his retirement in 2000. He often brought the residents home for a visit or drove them to various activities and was a Scout leader for their camp. He farmed the family farm for 29 years and after his retirement he drove semi-truck for Brush Farms for 7 years until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2007. He survived lung cancer in 2015.

In 2010 Wayne and Lynn moved from the farm to Blenheim until he entered Riverview Gardens Nursing Home in May, 2018 where a caring staff looked after him. He was a devoted life-time member of the Fourth Line United Church where he was a Clerk of Session, Elder, Steward and Trustee. He was also President of the Fourth Line Friendly Folk for several years.

Wayne and Lynn loved to RV and pulled their 5^th Wheel to the Maritimes and out West as far as Victoria, B.C. They also pulled their trailer to Silver Springs, Florida for several years as well as various campsites in Ontario until they had a seasonal lot at Mooretown for five years. Wayne loved to golf and bicycle at campgrounds and on the trails in Rondeau Park or around his neighbourhood. He also liked to go to Tractor Pulls, Farm Shows and RV Shows. His favourite hobby was making Christmas Tree Stands which were guaranteed to hold up a 12-foot tree. He loved to watch westerns and even met Roy Rogers at his museum in Nevada. He rode a horse with the cowboys in the mountains near Calgary for 3 days.

Wayne was a kind and gentle man, fun loving, with a good disposition and great smile, a loving father and a wonderful husband of almost 50 years. He enjoyed having all the family for a big barbecue and fireworks at the farm for his birthday around the Victoria Day weekend. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday March 1 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Wayne conducted by Roy Dusten will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday March 2, 2019 at noon. A private interment of Wayne’s urn will take place in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Wayne with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Parkinson’s Society of Southwestern Ontario or the Alzheimer’s Society.

Florette “Flo” (Zastre) Lindsay entered into the light of eternal life peacefully on Saturday February 16, 2019 at the age of 89 at Riverview Gardens, Chatham. She was predeceased by her husband Lancelot “Brick” Lindsay in 2002, by her sons Barry Kelly in 1975, Garry Kelly in 1995 and Brian Kelly in 2016 and by her grandsons Richard Baribeau in 2006 and Daniel Murphy in 2016.

Flo was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 1, 1929 to her parents Alfred & Justine (LaFreniere) Zastre and was the sister of two brothers and eight sisters. She was a long time resident of Blenheim and with her husband Brick owned and operated Blenheim Taxi for many years before selling and opening a restaurant, store and bait shop until retiring back to Blenheim.

Flo will be greatly missed by her family: her son Keith & Mary Kelly (grandsons Ryan, Patrick and Greg) of Victoria B.C., her son Les Lindsay (grandson Sam and granddaughter Eden), her daughter Cheryl Kelly (grandson Matt Rose and granddaughter Lisa Murphy) and by her great granddaughter Olivia and great grandson Cohle.

We would like to thank the staff on 5 West at Riverview Gardens for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday February 23 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and will be immediately followed by a funeral service.

Friends wishing to make a donation in Flo’s memory are asked to consider the Pet and Wildlife Rescue.

James Raymond “Jimmy’” Boothe of Blenheim passed away on Saturday February 9, 2019 at the age of 48 years. He will be forever missed by his wife Wendy, his father Jim Boothe of Ridgetown, his sister Stephanie & John Fraser with their children Kirkie, Kalvin and Lexie of Morpeth, his brother Dennis & his partner of Winnipeg and his grandmother Elizabeth Boothe of Chatham. He will also be missed by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Carolynn (Colebrook) Boothe in 2012.

Jimmy was a hard working guy. He got his first job when he was 15 and met his future wife while he was detassling corn. He became very talented at fabrication and used that talent for many years at RM Auto Restoration before starting his own business Fargo Fab just outside Blenheim. Although on the surface he would have seemed to be a quiet person, his mind was always in motion thinking about how he could make something new or fix something old. He was the best uncle he could be, teaching Kirkie, Kalvin and Lexie life skills and getting them involved in hockey which was another passion of his own.

In keeping with Jimmy’s wishes, his family will remember him with a private family service on Tuesday and then his urn will be taken to Evergreen Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his Mom. A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Family and friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Marie Joyce Laurie, a resident of Blenheim passed away Wednesday, February 13^th with family by her side at the Village on the Ridge, Ridgetown, in her 91^st year.

Marie was born June 26, 1927, the youngest daughter of Fred and Florence Slocombe of Blenheim. She was the beloved wife of Gordon for 59 years before his death in 2010.

Marie was the loving mother of Paul of Shrewsbury, Peter and Chrissie of Erie Beach, and the late Joyce Laurie (deceased 2008).

Survived by brother-in-law Jim Laurie (Joanne) of St. Thomas, sister-in-law Shirley Dawson of Edmonton. Predeceased by sister Olive Jean Cameron and her husband Gerald, brother Charlie Slocombe, brother Jim and Anne Slocombe, brother-in-law George and Norma Laurie of Chatham.

Marie was gramma to Spencer Laurie of Calgary, Arden Laurie of Blenheim and Curtis Lewis of Barrie.

Special aunt to Pat and Jim Bennett (Brandon and Sarah), Liz and Murray Butler (Stephanie and Carrie), Jen and Michael Bush. Predeceased by nephews Mike Laurie, Wayne Stoehr, Byron Stoehr, Jeff Laurie and niece Linda Laurie. Also survived by nieces and nephews, George, Julie, Cindy, Kevin, Karen and Janice (nee Laurie) all of Chatham and David Dawson, Lori Dawson and Mike Dawson.

Marie started working at the Blenheim News Tribune in 1941 where she met her future husband Gordon. They worked side by side until her retirement decades later. Marie was a long time member of the Golden Acres Curling Club, was a member and director of the former Blenheim Community Golf Club and was a member of the Blenheim ladies golf league for many years. She was a multiple champion for Women’s Golf in the Ontario Newspaper Association. She was a member of the Blenheim Branch 185 Legion Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed being a Brownie Leader in her younger years. Marie loved travelling the warmer climates and cruising the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.

A private family service will be held on Saturday at 2 pm at Evergreen Cemetery. Family invite friends for a time of celebration and reminiscing at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 2:30 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2019.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Marie’s memory are asked to consider the Canadian Lung Association, Golden Acres Curling Club Roof Fund or the Golden Acres Curling Club Junior Curling program.

Neva Candace Irwin passed away on February 8, 2019 with her daughters by her side at the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown. Neva was the daughter of the late Percy and Elizabeth Lanz. Born April 6, 1916 she was the last surviving member of her family, predeceased by her brother Maxwell Lanz & wife Elaine and her sister Rosemary Ford Feduk and her husband Tom.

Neva lived for 102 years. Her life was full. She married Shirley Bell Irwin at a young age. They had a partnership in life as well as business. Shirley owned and operated Irwin Motors; a Studebaker dealership and also sold Massey Ferguson tractors at one time.

Neva was the mother of two daughters Candace & the late Jim McCurdy and Lyn & the late Dr. Peter Green. She was the grandmother to Christopher & Nancy (Hutchinson) McCurdy, Erin & Bob Claeys, Kevin & Susan McCurdy, Jason & Cherie Green and Sarah (Green) & Patrick Jacobsen. Her family grew to include great grandchildren Connor, Katie, Brianne, Justine, Libby, Megan, Michael, Andrew, Rachel, Julia, Natalie and Ava. She recently became great-great grandmother to Matteo. She will also be missed by several nieces and nephews.

Neva was a lifetime member of Trinity Anglican Church where she attended regularly until her move to the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown where she received excellent care from a wonderful staff during her last years. She was a past member of the I.O.D.E. Eastern Star and Rebecca Lodge. She was Past President of the Blenheim Home and School.

Neva’s social life was busy travelling, painting and doing ceramics. She was an avid reader. One of her favourite pastimes was the daily 10 a.m. Coffee Club at a local restaurant with the girls. Neva and Shirley enjoyed short trips and camping with their daughters. Family was important and their home was a favourite meeting place.

Neva’s family will have a private service in May. Her urn will then be interred in Evergreen Cemetery with Shirley.

Friends wishing to remember Neva with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Trinity Anglican Church, the Blenheim Library or a charity of your choice.

Charles Alfred Gardiner, son of the late Margaret VanLooy (Albert)& Alfred Gardiner (Muriel), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family that loved him dearly, on Tuesday February 5, 2019 at the age of 78 years.

Charles, affectionately known as “Charlie” and “Chuck” married the love of his life, Sue (Haydon) fifty-seven years ago.  Together they raised three children who made them very proud; Annette Lucio (Mark), Bill Gardiner (Jen) and Ray Gardiner who passed away in 2016.  They had the awesome adventure of being grandparents to Vanessa Lucio, Bill Gardiner Jr and Kate Gardiner as well as great-grandparents to Teagan, Pheobe, Owen and Ryker.    He will be remembered fondly by his siblings and their spouses Sharron Guyett, Pat Wright (late Mick), Cheryl Werne (Glen), Marion Reaume (late Al), Kathy Eade (Doug), Eve Gardiner (late Doug) and John Howard (Joyce).

Charlie was a long time employee of Southwestern Regional Centre where he quickly advanced from the position of a Health Care Aide to Residential Supervisor, then to Facility Supervisor and finally the Manager of Auxiliary services including Housekeeping, Laundry farm and gardens until his retirement in December 1996 after 34 years.  He and Sue enjoyed many years and many bonfires at their “summer home” in Campers Cove, Wheatley and winters in Florida.

Charlie was Scout leader of many years in Chatham at 1st Presbyterian Church troup # 9, where he shared his love of the outdoors and, and instilling his passion on the youth of serving others. He did so both as a Scout leader and Venture leader at work at SRC always wanting to get the “kids” there the same opportunities and organized many camping trips for them as well.  Charlie was a long time Jaycee in Chatham and was given the honour of Senator for his commitment to his community, including, chairing many community events such as both Christmas and fair parades, as well as the haunted house and the many sporting events and tournaments. He did all these not to just serve the community but to install those same values to his children.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Saturday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Chuck, officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will take place on Sunday February 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.

Friends wishing to remember Chuck with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Diabetes Society or the Kidney Foundation.