Donald Creto Irwin of Blenheim passed away at home on Saturday April 6, 2019; the day that marked 73 years of marriage to his lovely wife Vera (DeLeeuw) Irwin and two days before his 97^th birthday. Don is also survived by his much loved daughter Mary Dawn and his grandsons Mitchell Snobelen, Chuck Irwin and Jesse James Irwin. He was predeceased by his son Tim Irwin in 1991, by his parents Creto & Florence (Rumble) Irwin and his only sister Evelyn Eves.

Don was a veteran of World War II. He was a hard working man who showed fortitude and determination throughout his life. Most of his working career was spent as a cement mason though he did work for a time at Standard Tube and for Jack Ford at the Ford Funeral Home. He was always proud of his family and he was happy that he was able to provide for them. He was a member of Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim as well as the Blenheim Legion. He loved playing horseshoes.

Don could often be seen walking around town. Even when his eyesight began to fail him, his determination did not. He instinctively knew how far to walk and when to turn, where to step up and down and when the lights turned red which allowed him to go for a daily walk to get his mail. In his final years he was able to feel safe and loved at home with Vera, Mary Dawn and Mitchell.

It was Don’s request that cremation take place. A private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider Trinity Anglican Church or the Blenheim Freedom Library & Military Musuem.

Surrounded by the people who meant the most to him in life, Brian Hackett passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice in the early morning hours of Friday April 5, 2019. A farm boy at heart, Brian appreciated everything there was about living in the country, and so when the earth begins to grow in the spring or whenever there is the sound of a babbling brook, he will be remembered with great fondness by his wife Laurie and their daughters Amanda Hackett (Tim Brown) and Sarah Carnie (Rob Carnie). Brian & Laurie’s life together began in 1986. Their first home was in Belle River where Brian managed a turkey farm. From there they moved to Ridgetown and then to Blenheim where friends will remember him working at Canadian Tire. For the last number of years Brian & Laurie chose Guilds to call home and raise their girls. Brian enjoyed many years working with Jim DeBrouwer on the farm.

Brian was born 55 years ago in Wingham to his parents Joyce and Lorne Hackett. When he was five years old his mother passed away and he became one of the lucky kids in life to be given a second Mom, Hazel Jean Hackett. He was loved by his sister Brenda Hackett-Steele (Brian) and his brothers Greg Hackett (Chris) and Mac Hackett. He was an awesome Uncle to Emma, Chase, Jill, Brandan, Jocelynne, Jolene, Hayden, Ava and the late Bryan. Brian was loved by many Aunts and Uncles. He shared a special bond in life with his Aunt Bell and his late Uncle Chester as well as Laurie’s family. He was predeceased by his mother and father in law Irene & Richard Laforet.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Brian, conducted by Pastor Bill Terris will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday April 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow.

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

Dora DeNeve of Blenheim passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday April 1, 2019. She will be remembered always by her husband Cyriel DeNeve, her daughter Sandra Myers, her son Paul DeNeve and her grandson Remi Myers. Dora was one of four children born to Rika & Henry Bloemen and is survived by her brother Hank Bloemen (Betty) and her sister in law Judy Bloemen. She was predeceased by her brothers John Bloemen in 2002 and Harry Bloemen in 2007.

Dora had much determination in life. Not only did she help Cyriel when they owned a farm outside of Ridgetown from 1966 – 1992, but she took on a full time job at Southwestern Regional Centre until her retirement. She had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being around people. Family meant the world to her.

In keeping with Dora’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Legion on Sunday April 14, 2019 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Dora with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Garry Cowan of Blenheim passed away suddenly and peacefully with his children by his side on Monday April 1, 2019. Garry was born in Blytheswood on November 23, 1938 to his late parents Helen and Bill Cowan. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Pauline in 2012. Garry was the proud father of Brant Cowan, Lee Ann & Rob Fraser and Lesli Cowan (George) and grandfather of Jocelyn Cowan, Robyn and Holly Fraser and Andrew Layes. He is survived by his brothers Maurice & Lorraine Cowan and Roger & Judy Cowan. He will be missed by his furry friends Mollie and Zeus.

Garry was a kind and caring man who loved the outdoors. He loved hockey and baseball with his favourite teams being the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. Whenever he watched the games on television he would get his team jersey on and out of respect, stand for the national anthem.

It was Garry’s wish that cremation take place. His children will welcome family and friends at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday April 20, 2019 at 11 a.m. for a short service beside the columbarium where Garry’s urn will be laid to rest with Pauline’s. Following the service at the Cemetery, everyone is invited to return to Glad Tidings Community Church for a time to share memories and lunch. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Friends wishing to remember Garry with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

James Mitchell Wands Ellis of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday March 29, 2019. Jim walked this earth for 68 years and over two-thirds of that time he walked beside the love of his life Jacalean (Radford) Ellis who he had met at a New Years Eve party in Niagara Falls on December 31, 1971.

Jim was born in Peterborough to the late Roland & Elizabeth (Wands) Ellis. He was one of four children and is survived by his sisters Linda Harry and Heather Pilatzke (Raymond). He was predeceased by his sister Phyllis Ellis. When he married Jacalean, his family grew to include her brothers and sisters Carolyn Radford, John Radford (Brenda), Judi Pennanen (Lawrence) and Murray Radford (Lucy). Following them were the nieces and nephews who he simply adored; Dawn Sucee (John), Danielle Sampson (Chuck), Jamie Ellis, George Harry, Philip Harry, Terry Ellis, Meagan Radford, William Radford (Amanda), Allison Gallant (Luc), Brier Bailey (Kevin), Taylor Radford and Emily Radford (Jace). He was predeceased by his mother-in-law Betty Allen who thought he could do no wrong and her husband Vern Allen.

Jim successfully worked in the shoe sales industry for many years which brought to light many of his qualities such as having patience and perseverance, having a cheerful disposition and being a good listener. He saw the stories of peoples lives through the shoes that they wore. In his quiet times he loved to fish, read and spend time with the people he loved.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday April 13, 2019 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with remembrances being shared at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place in Dundas at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association or charity of your choice.

Ann Buxton of Blenheim and formerly of South Buxton passed away surrounded by her family at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Friday March 22, 2019. Ann was born in Chatham, Ontario on February 27, 1926. She was one of four children born to the late Bartholomew & Anna Veverka. She is survived by her sister Millie Konecny (late Francis) and was predeceased by her brothers Louis (survived by Annie) and John & Jayne Veverka.

Ann and her husband Jack Buxton, who predeceased her in 1977, were the proud parents of Millie VanderNaalt, Jackie Ross, John Buxton (Angela), Kandy Osborne (Rick), Jerry Buxton (Cindy), Sherry Driver (Tom), Sally Caron (Brad) and the late Bill Buxton (survived by Darlene). She was also predeceased by her son-in-law Harry VanderNaalt and grandson Robert VanderNaalt. She is survived by 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday March 26^th for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday March 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Merlin Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Ann with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, Christian Horizons or a charity of your choice.

Ann’s family would like to extend a sincere thankyou to the caring staff of the Emergency Department and the 4^th Floor Medicine A&B units of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Maurice Albert Claeys left us on Saturday March 23, 2019, leaving behind his loving wife of 65 years Simone (Roose) Claeys and furry son Sammy.

Moe as he was called by everyone is survived by his sister Evelyn Vadovic and his sister-in-law Louise Claeys and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a sister Yvonne Bennett, two brothers Omer and Donald Claeys, three brothers-in-law Maurice Roose, Karl Vadovic and Lorne DeWispelaere, and three sisters-in-law Vera Roose, Yvonne DeWispelaere and Madeline Claeys.

Maurice retired from Motor Wheel in Chatham and became a well known scooter traveller. He loved to go for rides uptown to have coffee with all of his buddies. Along the way he would wave and talk to everyone.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Maurice with a memorial donation are asked to consider P.A.W.R. Animal Rescue or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

Joseph Herman Asprey of Chatham passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 20, 2019. Joe was born in Saint John, New Brunswick 75 years ago but has called Chatham his home for many years. He is survived by his daughter Valerie Lutes, his son Anthony Asprey and his long-time friend Danette Spurgeon.

Joe was faced with many challenges in his life but he faced them all with courage and determination. His happy place was being by the water. His family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Riverview Gardens for the excellent care and the kindness shown to Joe during the last chapter of his life.

It was Joe’s wish that his family remember him privately.

Kenneth William Haskell was surrounded by people who loved him when he passed away on Friday March 15, 2019, just three days after his 60^th birthday. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 34 years, Carolyn (Core) Haskell and his children Ken, Hank and Ciara.

Ken was the one of four children born to the late Bill and Shirley (Jones) Haskell. He is survived by his sister Kim Lindsay (Bob), his sister-in-law Deb Haskell and his brother-in-law Doug Morrison. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored. He was predeceased by his brother Rick Haskell and his sister Cindy Morrison.

Ken was a truck driver by trade and a fisherman at heart. A great day for him was any day that he was on a boat. He also enjoyed watching car races at the local tracks, quite possibly because he was the number one fan of his nephews who raced.

Ken’s middle name William means “protector”; a name that he lived up to. After his brother Rick died he and Carolyn moved their family to Chatham because Ken knew in his heart that this is where he was needed and where he needed to be. He was an awesome uncle.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 6 – 9 p.m. for a time of visitation with Ken’s family. Cremation will follow.

Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Audrey Elsie Parker of Blenheim and formerly of Erieau passed away on March 11, 2019 at the age of 98 ½ years. Audrey was born in London Ontario, daughter of the late Sarah & William Punnett. She was the last surviving member of her family having been predeceased by her sister Sybil Burns (Bob) and William Punnett (Emma).

Audrey and John Byron “Jack” Parker were married for 68 years before Jack predeceased her in 2007. Together they raised three daughters; Charlotte MacDonald (George), Margaret Rose Burke (Larry) and Sandy Holdaway (Jim). They were blessed with nine grandchildren; Roderick MacDonald (Mary), Shelley MacDonald, Gregory MacDonald (Sandra), Karen McIntyre (Kevin), Suzie Rowley (Doug), Jacqui Campbell (Jeff), Debra Toll (Steve), Tricia McIntyre (Bill) and Jason Holdaway. They were further blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Audrey was looking forward to her tenth great-great grandchild in a few weeks.

For many years Audrey called Erieau home and she faithfully attended St. Paul’s Anglican Church there. After selling her home, the Legion Villa in Blenheim became her new home where she made more friends. She will be remembered for her kind soul, her keen sense of humor and her contagious laugh.

Friends and family are invited to visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Audrey will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A private family interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Audrey will be laid to rest with Jack.

Friends wishing to remember Audrey with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.