It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Randy Wilkinson on April 23, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Randy was born on January 9, 1957 to Arthur and Betty (Wood) Wilkinson who have predeceased him.  Randy is also predeceased by his brother Steve.

He is survived by his children, Emily (Erich), Jodi (David), Jeremy (Jenn), Jessica (Ryan), Derek (Courtney), his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his brother Neil (Sandi) and sister-in-law Tracy.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Erie St Clair LHIN and VON Canada (especially Karen) for all of their help during the past two months.

Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society, VON Canada or the charity of your choice.

Anne Elizabeth (Horley) Armstrong, much loved wife of 60 years to Carl Armstrong and mother of Brad (Patti) and Brenda passed away on April 20, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Anne will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren Jessica and Brent Wilbur and by her great-grandchildren Lucas, Zachary and Dylan Wilbur.  Special Aunt to Scott Berry, Kirk and Deb Berry, Brent and Hedi Berry.

Anne was the daughter of Lorne (1980) and Mabel (1968) Horley and daughter in law of John (1980) and Ada (1973) Armstrong.  She was predeceased by her brother Glenn Horley (1959).

Sister in law of Jean Cates & the late Don (1986) and Eileen (1996) and Harold (1997) Berry.

Anne’s family will remember her privately on Thursday April 23, 2020.  Interment will take place in Merlin Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House or the Diabetes Association.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Jacques “Jack” Hould of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday April 19, 2020.  Jack was born in a small town in Northern Quebec called McWatters 68 years ago but eventually made Blenheim his home for many years.  He was a kind soul who focused on the good that he saw in everyone he met.  He was a long time employee of Southwestern Regional Centre who came to work faithfully every day to work in the Housekeeping department.  In his own way he tried to make people smile and add a ray of sunshine to their lives.  During his stay at the Hospice, he recognized those same efforts in the people who surrounded him as it became his turn to receive the kindness he had always given.  In keeping with Jack’s wishes, his family will remember him privately.  Friends wishing to remember him are asked to pay it forward to someone in need or consider a memorial donation to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

GREENE, Gerald “Richard” 

“A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.”

It is with heavy hearts we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather on April 11, 2020 at the age of 76.  Richard was the eldest son of the late Gerald and Doris Greene of Blenheim.  He is survived by his loving and very patient wife of 50 years, Sherry (nee: Blackburn) and two daughters, Melodie Greene of Indonesia and Heather and Tom Moore of Wyoming, Ontario.  Extremely proud grandfather of Connor, Cian and Brydie Moore.  Dear brother-in-law to Bill Blackburn (late Betty) of Chatham, the late Dale Blackburn and Carolyn of Exeter, the late Glen Blackburn and Dot of Terrance Beach, Don Blackburn (late Charlotte) of Cambridge, Larry and Helen Blackburn of Chatham, Joan and Harry Kranenburg of Trenton and the late Randy Blackburn of Chatham.  Lovingly remembered by several nieces, nephews and friends.

Richard’s love of community and its youth was expressed through his contributions to Scouting, where he brought to life some pretty amazing Christmas floats and elaborate haunted houses.  Likewise, it gave him the excuse to live out his childhood dream of building and operating the well known Kub Kar and Drag Tracks, which brought much excitement for boys and girls over a 40-year span.  Although, many wonderful memories for his children and grandchildren were also created as a result of his involvement in Scouting, it was his enthusiastic love of Algonquin Park that led to countless summers canoeing, kayaking and hiking that will be most cherished.  We may have made fun of his obsession, but his love of nature and being outdoors was infectious, and many memories were made and shared as a family.

Anyone who received one of Richard’s woodworking originals knows he was a man of many talents who could do anything, build anything and had unwavering devotion to family and friends.  His quiet presence was immeasurable and will be immensely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Due to the current health pandemic, cremation has taken place; however, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  For those wishing to make a memorial donation please consider The Friends of Algonquin Park, Ronald McDonald House or a charity of your choice.

M = Magnificent

E   = Eversmiling

M = Monumental

E   = Eternal Sunshine

Bernice Fiala went to be with the love of her life on the same day they were united in marriage sixty-one years ago. She married Edward Fiala and together they owned a farm and raised their family. Bernice was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Beulah(Griffore) Benoit. Loving mother to Joanne (Kris) King, Kathy-Lynn Stennett (partner Joe Gillier), Anne-Marie (Rick) Embury, and Eddie Fiala (fiancé Karri Vermeulen). Devoted Mémè to Tara King and partner Dean Youchezin and children Dominic and Desmond; Adam King and daughter Severyn; Rachel King; Lisa (Jeff) Stonehouse and children Brady, Abby, and Brett; Bryan (Dana) Stennett and son Blake; Joshua Embury, Erica Embury, Nicole (Adam) Iannetta, Sarah (Joel) Pepper and children August, Julien, Addison, and (late) Benjamin; Jordan, Evan, Joelle, and Jocelyn Fiala. Mémè had a special place in her heart for Jenn and Kai Kristianson.  Beloved sister to the late Omer (Rita) Benoit, the late Don (Anna) Benoit, Doreen (late Donald) Alexander, Diane (late Robert) Myers, Leo (Adrienne) Benoit, Annette (Peter) VanDeHogen, Jeannnette (late Frank) Fiala, Roland (Connie) Benoit, Lucille (Jean) Laprise. Sister-in-law to the late Vera (Fred) Engl. She was known as Aunt/Tante Bernice or Aunt Bis to many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Family was at the centre of Bernice’s life. Even if you weren’t related, you were instantly inducted as an honourary member of the family upon your first visit. She graciously welcomed people into her home with that vibrant smile and you rarely left her place without having a coffee, tea or drink of your choice, along with a delicious baked good she had prepared.

Bernice enjoyed watching sports, particularly hockey and baseball, which many of her family members participated in. She was an avid supporter of local hockey teams, baseball leagues, and a fan of the Montreal Canadiens. Other interests included spending time on the deck admiring her beautiful flowers and listening to the backyard birds singing, Thursday night Dinners (also known as “Bread and Butter Day”), Coffee Club with her sisters hosted at her home, and playing cards with her “Good Ole Neighbours”, Mac and Marg Allison.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren will fondly remember Mémè for times spent with her in her rocking chair, comforting them with her lullabies and nursery rhymes, and her version of The Chicken Dance. Most importantly, Bernice’s loved ones will always remember her advice to treasure each day God blesses you with and to “KEEP SMILING”. 😊

Bernice’s service will be private.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider Meals On Wheels or the charity of your choice.

It is with heartfelt sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Kenneth Marshall Anderson of Blenheim, Ontario at Henderson Hospital in Henderson, Nevada on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Son of the late Percy and Sybil (Cameron) Anderson, Miramichi, N.B.  Beloved husband of Lynda.  Proud father of Bruce (Jane), El Segundo, California and Dr. Glenn (Susie), Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Lindsay, Emily, Jack and Alec.  Missed and loved by his sister Nancy Anderson.

Also lovingly missed by his mother-in-law Betty Tustin, brother-in-law Stephen Tustin, sisters-in-law Sandra Edwards and Susie Tustin (friend Gayle Downard), as well as his nieces, nephews and great nieces.  He will also be missed by his many friends.

Ken had a wonderful full life.  He graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB and had an extensive and brilliant career in Sales and Marketing, lastly Allegretti Manufacturing.  He retired as a Real Estate Broker in Chatham, Ontario.

Ken and Lynda spent many vacations skiing in Lake Tahoe and spending time with his family over the past 45 years.

Ken was cremated in Henderson, Nevada, as were his wishes, and a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.  Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Chatham Goodfellows, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or Charity of your choice.

Mary Ellen Faulkner of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away on Thursday April 2, 2020.  She was born 97 years ago to her late parents Hazel & Charles Karn and is survived by her brother Chuck Karn (Marguerite).

Mary and her late husband Kenneth Faulkner (2002) were the proud parents of four children; Ann Banfield (Howie) of Florida, Ken Faulkner of Chatham, Bob Faulkner (Donna) of Manotick and Jim Faulkner of Windsor.  Grandma will be remembered by Lane (Larry Clark), Laura (Tim Outtrim), Amanda (Myles Peter), Lesley (Ryan Blakey), Erin (Trevor March), Austin, Emerson, Taylor, Brynn, Ayla, Beau, Frankie and Ollie.

Mary loved to play Bridge and will be hosting a few games soon.  She was renowned tole painter who enjoyed spending winters in Florida.  She was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan.

Cremation has taken place.  A private graveside service will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery.

Wendy Gale Sykes, much loved daughter of the late Vi and Roy Sykes passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday April 1, 2020.

Wendy’s greatest joy in life was her children.  She will be missed greatly by her son Gabe Sykes with his daughter Fiona and her mother Melissa as well as Gigette Burk with her children Nathan, Kainaen and Neven.  She will also be missed by her brother Robert Sykes, her nieces and nephews and their families.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends will have an opportunity to gather at a later date when Wendy’s urn is placed in Pardoville Cemetery with her father.

Sue Newman of Cedar Springs passed away peacefully in the still of the night on Monday March 30, 2020.  She was 75 years old.  She leaves behind the two people who looked up to her most in life; her daughter Leanne Crawford (Steven) and her son Mike Newman.  She will be missed by her grandchildren Evan Vaughan (Marie-Philip), Daniel Vaughan (Teneshia), Matthew Crawford (Jayde), Josh Crawford (Alison), Stevie Crawford (Mackenzie), by ten great-grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.  In 2001 she was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Lorne Newman.  She was also predeceased by her parents Dorothy & Lee Thomas and by her only brother George Thomas.

Sue drew strength in life through her faith in God.  She was a long-time member of Cedar Springs United Church until its closing and then became a member of the Fourth Line United Church.  It was that faith that allowed her to face the future unafraid these past few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.  She was very grateful for the kindness that was shown to both her and to her family by the doctors and nurses at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Sue will be remembered as a kind and caring neighbour, a great friend and a person who left this world a better place.  She mastered the art of making butter tarts and always had some on hand in the freezer…just in case.

Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.    Friends wishing to remember Sue with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Westover Treatment Centre.

Jim Luke of Blenheim passed away on Sunday March 29, 2020.  He leaves behind his soulmate of over 37 years Jane Pope, her daughter Karen & Mike Parren and their daughter Marla of England, his brother Richard & Bonnie Luke of Newmarket and his sister-in-law Janice Smith & Terry Fiala of Blenheim.  He was predeceased by his parents Reginald & Mabel (Herman) Luke, his sister Elizabeth Mortlock and his brothers Jack and Wayne Luke.

Jim was a quiet man in life who wished for the same when his time was done here on earth.  His family will remember him privately.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.