Dale was a man whose happiness was contagious and whose presence could turn strangers into friends wherever he went.  He never saw junk – only potential treasures or something that could be turned into a few extra dollars.  Resourceful, creative, and endlessly optimistic, Dale had a way of seeing value where others might not.

He loved his family deeply, especially his children and grandchildren.  He was the son of Ruth & Cyril, deeply loved by Claudette, father of Beau, Tess and Taya (Curtis) and grandfather to Breanna Boundy, Haven and Beau Jr Veenstra, Owen Hewiston, Leon and Elise Conn and “Uncle Dale” to many.

Dale would do absolutely anything for anyone at the drop of a dime – or at the very least for some gas money.  His generosity knew no bounds, and his heart and house were always open.

Dale lived by his favourite phrase, “happy, happy, happy”, a saying he never let a day pass without sharing.  He brought laughter wherever he went, including through his legendary Donald Duck impression that delighted both kids and adults.

Always up for a road trip or the next adventure, Dale never let distance, discomfort, or the state of his body stop him from saying yes to life.  If there was somewhere to go or something to see, he was ready to take the drivers seat.

After a life lived with joy, humour and boundless love, Dale is finally at peace and no longer in pain.  He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In the early morning hours of Saturday December 13, 2025 Jane Pope passed away peacefully while listening to her favourite country music and holding her daughter’s hand.  She will be missed greatly by Karen and her husband Mike Parren of England and by her granddaughter Marla, who brought her immense joy.

Jane was born in Chatham 73 years ago to the late Garnet & Margery (Hebblethwaite) Smith.  She is survived by her sister Janice Smith (Terry Fiala) and was predeceased by her only brother David as well as her partner of many years Jim Luke.

Throughout her life, Jane always felt blessed to be surrounded by her family, great neighbours and good friends.  Although she appreciated all animals, her cats were at the top of the list.  Friends will remember her from her many years of working at Mallory Industries.

It was Janes wish for her family to remember her privately.

Wife of the late Johan Banman, and mother of Frank, Abe, Cornie, Jake, Margaret, John, Margaret, Lisa, Helen, Jake, Nick, Ben, Tina, Nancy, Dave and the late Pete, passed away at her home in Blenheim on December 9, 2025 . She was 85 years old. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, on Friday December 12 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm.  A Funeral Service for Anna will be held in the Charing Cross Old Colony Mennonite Church on Saturday December 13 at 2:00 p.m., with Ält Abram Friessen officiating.  Interment will be in the Pardoville Union Cemetery following the service.

Shirley McCorkle of Chatham passed away on Thursday December 4, 2025 at the age of 86 years. She was the proud mother of Monica Oram (Rob), Sherry Brudritt, Miriam McCorkle, Terry McCorkle, Larry & Kim McCorkle, Stephen McCorkle and the late Karrie Hartford (survived by Basil), and will be missed greatly by her grandchildren Corey, Calvin, Kayla, Dealia, Lacey, Greg, Grace, Brent, Erin, Amanda, Courtney, Emily, Meagan, Damian and Moriah, their spouses and their families including a number of great and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by three grandchildren Alisha, Joey and Melissa.
Family was the ultimate joy for Shirley. She was one of seven children raised by the late Jurald & Elsie Boswell and is survived by Pat Smith (late Jim), John Boswell (late Gloria) and David Boswell (Cheryl). She was predeceased by Mary & Rupert McCorkle, Joe Boswell and Jerry Boswell (survived by Glenda).
Shirley worked for many years as a Developmental Service Worker at Southwestern Regional Centre. She was loved and respected by everyone who lived and worked there.
In every community, there seems to be someone whose positive spirit is impossible to ignore—a person whose gentle smile is as familiar as sunrise, even when clouds gather overhead…that was Shirley. Even though she endured significant losses in her life, she showed that the silver lining was always within reach, especially when she was surrounded by the love of family and friends. Her smile, her laughter and those genuine hugs that she gave will never be forgotten.
Visitation for Shirley will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday December 9, from 2:00 – 5:00 and again on Wednesday December 10 from 12:00 – 2:00 followed by a funeral service conducted by family; her nephew Kenneth McCorkle and grandson Corey Hartford.  Following the service you are welcome to join the family for a luncheon at the Shrewsbury Community Hall
Friends wishing to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are asked to consider three of her favourites; the Children’s Health Foundation in London https://childhealth.ca/,  the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ or the Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.ca/.

Jean McQuarrie of Blenheim passed away at home on Thursday December 4, 2025 at the age of 92.  She will be missed by her children Cindy Ford (Bill), Leslie McQuarrie (Karen) and Gordon McQuarrie, by three grandchildren William Ford Jr (Jennie), Maegan Bogaert (Chad), Tyler McQuarrie (Dara), seven great-grandchildren and her sisters Nona Fraser, Marilyn Hackett and Carolyn Christener.  She was predeceased by her husband Garnet McQuarrie in 2001, by her parents George & Gladys (Balmer) Wardell, her sisters Velma Campbell and Betty Brownlee and by her brothers Melvin, Bill and George Wardell.

Throughout her life, Jean demonstrated an unwavering commitment to kindness.  Her selflessness and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her.  She was content to go for walks, tend to her flower gardens and spend time with her family.  Friends will remember her from her days  working at Stedmans Variety Store and Glaziers Canning in Blenheim and later at Southwestern Regional Centre where she worked until her retirement.  She was a long time member of the Blenheim United Church.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Those wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Legion Poppy Fund.

There is no greater heartache in life than having to share the loss of your child.  With broken hearts we let you know that Olivia Sarah Hanak-Guttridge, just 23 years old passed away on September 22, 2025 following a car accident.  She will be missed immensely by her parents Heather Hanak (Gary Bryans) and Warren Guttridge (Marylu), her brother Joseph Guttridge and her sister Jennifer Brown (Kevin).  She was an awesome aunt to Gideon and Grace, granddaughter to John & Helen Hanak and the late Harley & Donna Guttridge and niece to Linda Dupuis (Al Howes), Sally Benge (Terry) and Allison Graef (Harley).

Olivia had a huge heart, especially for animals – a steady stream of furry friends including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and ducks always seemed to find their way to her door.  And throughout her life, any job that she had was one where she could make a difference in someone’s day.  Most recently she worked at the Tilbury Tots Daycare.

True to her caring nature, Olivia wanted to help others even after her death.  To that end, she had signed her license to become an organ donor, and thanks to her generosity, others have now been given a second chance at life.  That’s the kind of selflessness she showed every day.

We would have celebrated Olivia’s birthday with her on November 29^th.  We have chosen to keep that day now to celebrate her life.  Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home that day at 11:00 where there will be a chance to visit with her family until noon when a Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Eric Skillings will take place.  Following the funeral service, everyone is invited to gather at the Merlin Legion to join us in celebrating a life, albeit too short, was lived fully, boldly and without regret.

Our family would like to convey our sincerest gratitude to the Chatham-Kent EMS and Police Service as well as the Victoria Hospital Critical Care Trauma Unit.  The care and kindness that you gave to Olivia did not go unnoticed.

In keeping with Olivia’s love of animals, those wishing to remember her through a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Pet & Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/

On Monday November 17th, with his family at his side, the man, the myth, the legend that was Bill Bowden Sr. gained his wings.  He was a fisherman through and through like his father and his grandfather before him.  He is survived by his best catch, his wife of nearly 50 years, Barb.  Also survived by his loving children Bill Jr.(Kristen), Jennifer, and Jodi (Mitch); grandchildren Devin Bowden (Jill), Ryen Hill, Braeden Bowden, Wyatt, Ben, and Gus Bushey; and his best pal his dog Penny; sister Betty Ann Allossery (Roy), brother Gary Bowden (Christine); sister-in-law Jackie DeWispelaere (Ken) and brother-in-law Mark DeWispelaere along with beloved nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father George “Bud” Bowden and mother Mae “Pinny” (Turkington); Bill was a big personality, but his heart was even bigger.  He was always drawn to those who needed a little extra kindness or support or maybe just a good laugh on a bad day.  He loved to dance and sing whenever the opportunity presented. Bill loved the Leafs, the Bluejays, and Labatt’s Blue.  He had many friends whom he loved like family.  He was well loved by all. He had a good life.  He worked hard sailing the high seas for nearly 50 years as a commercial fisherman, first with his Dad & Grandpa, then with Goodison’s for 43 years.  Fishing was not just his vocation, it was his legacy, his passion, and his favourite hobby, 2nd only to his love of hockey.  He will be missed every day.  Visitation Thursday November 20th at Blenheim Community Funeral Home 2 – 4 &  6 – 8 p.m.  Interment Friday November 21st leaving at 1 p.m. from the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to Pardoville Cemetery, all are welcome to celebrate Bill by accompanying him to his final resting place. Cemetery service followed immediately by a Celebration of Life upstairs at the Blenheim Legion. Dad didn’t like anything “stuffy” or or formal”, so please come as you are.

Donations to South Kent Minor Hockey or the Chatham Kent Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) https://pawr.org/funds/.

“10-4 everybody”

Richard Gryp passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on November 17, 2025.  He was born in Chatham to the late Evelyn & Albert Gryp 76 years ago and is survived by his brother Tom (Karen) Gryp of Merlin as well as two nephews Bryan Gryp and Bill Ritchie and their families.

Rick worked for many years at Dover Auto Wreckers selling car parts.  He was a big NASCAR fan and a Montreal Canadiens fan.  He enjoyed country music, especially Charlie Pride and took many trips to Florida.  He was an easy going guy who will be missed by several friends that he made in his lifetime.  He will also be missed by his dog Lovey.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Rick’s family will be remembering him privately.

With peace and trust in his Heavenly Father, Bryce Oliver Baker left his earthly life at Village on the Ridge, on November 11, 2025 at the age of 91 years. Predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Betty Lou (Sloan) in 2020. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bryce will be deeply missed by his children Susan (Tom) Hebblethwaite, Brent (Agnes) Baker, Cheryl (Bruce) Ross and Bradley Baker. He was loved by his twelve grandchildren, Tammy, Amanda, Lauren (Devon) Taylor and Matthew (Christianne) Hebblethwaite, Kyle (Alicia) and Kelsie (Matt) Baker, Nicholas (Clara) Van Dyk, Carmen (Matthew) Cox and Hannah Ross and Scott, Stephanie and Laura (Stan) Baker and his 11 great grandchildren.

Bryce was the son of Charles and Ruby (Towl) Baker who owned a farm in Raleigh Township. He is survived by his sister Lorraine (Ray) Dhaen, his brother David (Susan) Baker and sister-in-law Shirley Baker. He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister, Gordon (Donna) Baker, Shirley (Tom) Jensen, George (Marilyn) Baker, Wayne Baker and Irvine Baker. Also survived by members of Betty Lou’s family, in-laws Bonnie Sloan, Barbara Donnelly, Norine (Allen) Duck and Lyle (Pat) Sloan. Predeceased by in-laws Ralph Sloan, Jim Donnelly and Gordon Sloan.

Bryce worked several jobs as a young adult, including at the Co-op in Chatham and he studied how to repair tube televisions. He owned his own Sunoco Gas Station (Baker Sunoco)on Grand Avenue in Chatham. Then, in 1965, he and Betty Lou made the courageous move to open Baker Farm Equipment in Ridgetown, where they worked together for many years. They relocated with their family to a new home on the shores of Lake Erie, the first of three homes by the lake. After Bryce sold his business in Charing Cross, which he opened in 1969, he and Betty Lou moved to Blenheim and he used his lifelong love of driving for many years including for Blenheim Bus Lines and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Bryce was a long-standing member of New Scotland United Church where he guided many young people in their faith as a SundaySchool teacher, served on the session and sang in the choir until 2018. He bowled in a league with his brothers at Sunset Lanes and sang with many Baker-family relatives in the Chatham Cultural Centre Chorale.

Bryce and Betty Lou beautified every home that they lived in with colourful flowers and designs. They shared their love of God’s beautiful world with friends and family. They passed this love onto their children, who now in turn, pass this love on to their own children and the story continues.

Bryce looked forward to rejoining the love of his life, Betty Lou, and we can only imagine them holding hands while walking through gardens once again and singing in the heavenly choir.

Our family is truly thankful to the staff at Village on the Ridge and in particular the nursing team in Assisted Living for their love and support of Dad as he transitioned from independent living to the care he needed over the past year. ‘Dr. Rachel’ Simmons provided medical care to Mom and Dad throughout their senior years and we are grateful.

Donations in memory of Bryce can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or the Salvation Army Food Bank, Blenheim https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/66335 through the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.