Peacefully, surrounded by her family’s love, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, Bonnie Lou Nead (nee LaBonté) passed away at the age of seventy-six.  She is survived by her loving children; Jeff (Amber) Nead, Gerry (Sue) Nead and Julie (Steve) Tellier. She was a very proud Grandma to her grandchildren Emily (Tyler), Caitlin (Ron), Kyle (Brooke), Sydney (Braden),  Hunter (Sean), Jordan (Josh), Warren (Marisa), and Jadyn (Cole). She treasured her time with her seven great grandchildren. Also survived by her sister-in-law Diane (Graham) Adamson. Predeceased by her parents Gene and Betty LaBonté, her in-laws Howard and Betty Nead, her two brothers Ron Pearce and Bob LaBonté . Waiting for her with open arms, a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile, will be the love of her life, Don Nead (2019).

Bonnie found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially riding her bike around Merlin, family gatherings, and spending time outdoors tending to her lawn.

The heart of the Nead family is gone, missed dearly, and never to be forgotten.

Cremation to take place with a private family burial.

A celebration of life will be held at the Merlin Legion on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 2-4 pm, with words of remembrance at 3pm.  Family and friends wishing to remember Bonnie are asked to consider your local Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund.

William “Allan” Lanman

Passed away March 5th surrounded by his closest family.

Born June 2, 1945.

Known to friends and family as “Al or Allan”, he was raised in Kentucky and attended Kenyon College followed by the University of Kentucky before moving to Canada in the late 1960’s. He lived in various Ontario cities, and he eventually settled in Toronto where his passion for books and photography led him to owning a used book and photography shop.

Al leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Cathy, and son Christopher (and his wife Aman) and young granddaughter, Celine, who he adored.

He leaves behind his brother Ronnie (Judy) in Virginia along with nieces and nephews throughout the US.

Also leaves behind his sister-in laws Cindy, Caryn (Evan), Cheryl (Jim), Christine (Ron) and many loved nieces and nephews here in Canada.

Al loved reading books (often 3 at a time) and never went anywhere without one. He always had a true curiosity about life and learning right until the end. His passion for Kentucky and the University was always close to his heart. His love for Kentucky basketball was shared with anyone he knew.

Al’s unique sense of humor, wealth of knowledge, and enthusiastic debates on many topics will be missed by all who knew him well.

Visitation will be held, Tuesday March 10 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim.  The Funeral Service will be held, Wednesday March 11 at 11 a.m., at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim, followed by internment at Evergreen Cemetery. A reception to follow at the Blenheim Legion.

In Loving Memory of John Robert Lucio

September 7, 1951 to February 20, 2026

Loving husband of Monika Lucio together 37 years, happily married 33 years. Dear Father of Leanne & Ryan, Kristal, Tina, Marcus & Keshia, and Brianna. A beloved grandfather and great grandfather. Loving son of Joan and the late Henry Lucio. Dear Brother of Rick & Pam, Pat & Kathy, Brian, Cathie, Kellie, Jeff & Lisa, Dana, predeceased by sister Connie (Marvin), and Klaus & Margitta. Cherished by his beloved furry best buddy Gandalf.

Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Rob knew what a kind, generous man he was and how he was always there to lend a helping hand. He was a jack of all trades from a mechanic, carpenter and painter to fixing just about anything and everything around the house. Rob was one of a kind with a great sense of humour and made friends everywhere he went. Rob was a Nascar fan of Jeff Gordon and devoted sports fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Lions. Rob loved to cook for his family and was a certified grill master. He loved traveling for work and with his family all around the world. Rob was an amazing husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, he will be deeply missed.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Motycka on February 22, 2026.  Born 85 years ago to the late Joseph and Rosie Motycka, he is survived by brother Stan Motycka (Sharon).

Jerry was predeceased by his wife Ann Motycka (nee Bell).  Father of Jeff Motycka, of twins Jeanette and Jennifer Motycka (Gerry Pfaff) and proud grandfather of River and Rain Pfaff.

Jerry worked for 36 years before retiring from Rockwell (Meritor) in Chatham.  He enjoyed the company of friends.  He enjoyed the outdoors, spending time boating, camping, snowmobiling and ice fishing.  Later, after retirement, he and Ann spent winter months in Florida.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. James Wheeler, the nurses and PSW’s at both the Blenheim Community Village and Chatham-Kent Hospice.  Your kindness and service is great.  Special thanks to my sister-in-law Nancy Shannon (nee Bell) for your kindness, care and friendship.

As per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no services.  Please consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice in your charitable donations this year.

James Robert ‘Bob’ Austin, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on February 14, 2026 after a brief illness.  Bob enjoyed living at St. Andrew’s Residence in Chatham for the last ten years, after residing most of his life in the Blenheim area. Born in Chatham June 5, 1938, he was the last surviving member of his family. Son of the late Walter and Alicia (Barron) Austin, and brother of Francis (Mickey), John Mac, Ada Lachapelle, Dolores Kelly and Mary Theresa Nead (Mack).

Bob was a proud retiree of Navistar, who continued to give public tours of the plant after he retired.  He was active at St. Andrew’s, and always enjoyed a good social event.  Bob enjoyed outings with friends and family, including regular visits to the Legion with his nephew Mike. A man of deep faith, Bob was involved for many years with local prayer groups including the Third Order of Franciscans. He enjoyed different sports through the years including bowling and curling and was an avid racing fan. He enjoyed watching hockey and baseball, cheering on the Blue Jays during their run for the title last year.

Always there to lend a hand, Bob was loved by many nieces and nephews and their families and was an honorary member of the Zimmer family.  He will be missed by many.  Huge thanks to everyone at St. Andrews Residence for helping Bob enjoy such a full life, and to the staff who cared for him so compassionately at CKHA.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Visitation will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Chatham on Thursday February 19, 2026 from 11:00 – 12:00 followed immediately by a Funeral Mass.

Friends wanting to remember Bob with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Outreach for Hunger https://outreachforhunger.com/donate/ or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

David Clemens Doddy passed away peacefully at home Saturday February 14th.

David was the son of the late Peter and Elizabeth Doddy. He will be remembered by his children, Barbara (George) Myltschenko and Dan (Anika) Doddy. He was predeceased by his infant son, David Patrick.

Nothing brought Dave greater joy than his grandchildren—William, Andrew, and Gracie—who were the light of his life and the source of his proudest moments. Whether cheering for them in their chosen sport or activity, lending a steady hand building Lego, making his famous “two cheese grilled cheese” or simply watching them grow, he treasured every minute spent with them.

Dave dedicated his entire career to Fram (later Seimens) in automotive testing. Having started there immediately after high school he eventually went on to create and receive patents for at least two parts—an achievement that reflected both his mechanical brilliance and his determination to improve what wasn’t working.

Those who knew him knew he was happiest outside. Summers found him drawn to the water on Rondeau Bay, usually carrying a crowd over to “the island” on Dave’s Taxi, or pulling a smiling kid or two behind it in tubes or on skis. In winter, he traded waves for snow, equally at home in the crisp air and bright landscapes of the season on a snowmobile. No matter the time of year, when he was healthy, Dave was rarely idle. He had an innate need to tinker, repair, and restore. Neighbours, friends, and family all benefited from his capable hands.

Thank you goes out to those who helped make the last months and days of his life comfortable, caring for him where he was happiest, at home.  Special gratitude to caregivers Tena and Corinne, Nurse Prab, the Chatham-Kent Community Paramedicine team and Jesse from ProResp for their kind spirits and willingness to go above and beyond when Dave experienced his hardest days.

Cremation has taken place and plans for a celebration of life will happen at a later date.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald George Park, age 81, who has gone on to tend the farmers fields of heaven.

Ron passed peacefully on February 7, 2026 with his family by his side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.  He was predeceased by his parents Florence and Wesley and his brother Albert.  Ron is survived by his wife of 38 years, Shriley Kunzler, his son Scott (Nancy), daughter Deanna (Russ) and stepdaughters Christine, Jane and Clara.  Ron also leaves behind loving nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born July 21, 1944 in Wyoming Ontario, Ron was a proud farmer whose collection of farmer’s hats was legendary amongst his family and friends.  Enjoying a cup of coffee with Ron was always a treat.  His sense of humour often highlighted his mischievous side.  Always the clever businessman, Ron loved the satisfaction of negotiating the best deals at auctions and yard sales.  His gentleness and down to earth manner will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday February 16, 2026 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.

Interment at Wyoming Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Susan G. Shriver, a “Citizen of the World” passed away peacefully in Chatham, Ontario on February 7, 2026.  Susan was a wonderful mother, a faithful friend, a dedicated volunteer, a world traveller and a lover of languages. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Olinda, Ontario, a practitioner of the values of the International School of Personality and Human Relations (PRH), and active in the Franco-Ontarian community.

Susan Toni Guthridge was the only child of Richard Clay Guthridge and Anne Margaret Brown and grew up in New York City playing in the neighbourhood around 52^nd Street and the East River of Manhattan. Susan excelled in school and entered William Smith College in upstate New York at the age of 16. After completing a BA, Susan travelled to Europe, Israel, and Egypt spending two years in France learning French in Strasbourg and teaching English in Paris. Her time living and teaching in France guided the course of Susan’s future.

Susan returned to the United States to attend Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to complete a Masters of French Language and Literature and, in parallel, a Masters of Librarianship. While at Emory, Susan met her first husband, John R. Shriver, and daughter Noelle Anne was born. They emigrated to Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1971 and Susan started to work for the Windsor Public Library at the Willistead Manor branch. In 1976 she began teaching at Belle River District High School in the French immersion program.  Susan transferred to the newly opened L’Ecole Secondaire L’Essor in 1979 and truly enjoyed teaching the students Francais, Ethics, Co-Op and working in the school library until her retirement in 1996.

Towards the end of her teaching career, Susan met her second husband, Ted (Edward) Joseph Bell (d. 2023) at a PRH workshop. Susan moved to the Blenheim area where she and Ted lived on a farm with their cats and then moved to be by the water in Erieau.  Susan moved to the perfect townhouse in Blenheim when Ted entered assisted living in Ridgetown.

Susan had slow, progressive kidney failure through much of her life and started on dialysis in 2017; first in Windsor and then in Chatham.  The Dialysis Team in the Chatham Health Centre Dialysis unit were like an extended family, and the Nephrology Team in London were attentive to her health, her concerns and requests.

Susan will be deeply missed by her daughter Noelle, son-in-law Alan, step-grandchildren Julia, Madeline, Robert and their families, stepson Ken Bell and the extended Bell family, many first cousins and their families around the US, and her large group of friends including ones from childhood, university, her travels in Europe, her time in Windsor, and more recent friendships she formed in Chatham-Kent; all who have been such a strong support and source of joy.

A Celebration of Susan’s Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9, 2026. If you would like to make a donation in Susan’s name, please consider the Blenheim Medical Health Foundation (The Hub).