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.

Glen Alexander Sheppard of Blenheim passed away on Tuesday February 5, 2018 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Glen was born in Hamilton 55 years ago to Madeleine & the late George Sheppard. He will always remain in the hearts of his children Regan, Maclean and Graem Sheppard and their mother Lori.

Glen was one of seven siblings and is survived by his sisters Paullette Henderson (Wayne) and Rita Browe (late Jim) and by his brothers John Sheppard and Al Sheppard (Kelly). He was predeceased by his brothers Mark and Tim Sheppard.

There were many things that Glen loved in life…he was an avid cyclist, he loved music, he curled, he loved the outdoors and his job in the produce department at Sobeys in Chatham. However, there was nothing he loved more than spending time with the three people who were the most important to him and made him so proud…his children.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. His family will celebrate his life at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Friends wishing to remember Glen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.

Today, February 3, 2019 we lost our Dad, Larry Srokosz.

 It is with the heaviest of hearts that I say this, and whether it is appropriate or not is not the point, but this man had a great influence on my life and I celebrate his fatherhood. 

 I cherish the memories with Dad, and the best ones always involved music. To me, he taught us the value of music. The best that I can remember is Colton and I sitting in the back of that white 95 Buick, with that god-awful red upholstery, driving down our home dirt road- listening to the best music we had ever heard; songs sung with such meaning and compassion; Roy Orbison, George Strait, Randy Travis to name a few. The 3 of us just singing our hearts out along with them. Dad lived by music and let it flow through him. There were countless nights where Dad would crank the karaoke machine, blast some George Strait and with microphone in hand, Dad would sing the deepest that bellowing base of his would go (it shook the house). Needless to say, it was awesome. Even being halfway across the country, we would call each other and say “Hey, have you heard this song?” And we would sing and harmonize (as best we could) over the phone or we would “gab” about the whole “caboodle”, or to my little “gaffer”, Callie. I called this Dad-speak, and what’s great is that these are all actual words in the dictionary. 

 Dad was also a mechanical marvel. He never ceased to amaze me. Anything that involved moving parts was something he needed to take apart, he was compelled to figure out how something worked. I loved that. Whether he put it back together was another story. That may have rubbed off a bit on Colton and I. But he could fix anything, he was a real-world McGuyver, he felt that anything tangible or even intangible could be fixed, or built, with any resources you could find. He taught us that if you were ever short a screwdriver, there was always a butter knife, or that you can build a go-kart with a chainsaw motor. He was a great man, Dad, mentor. I miss him, he taught us you have to listen for the music in life. I know there will be a key note missing from mine.

 Rest in peace, Dad. I love you so much. I’m coming home.   Cody James

 Larry Srokosz was born 61 years ago to the late Stanley & Irene Srokosz. He is survived by Terry Srokosz, by his sons Cody Srokosz and Colton Srokosz, by his granddaughter Callie Srokosz, by his sister Diane & Gary “Whitey” Guyett, and by his brothers Frank & Dyanne Srokosz and Dennis & Shelley Srokosz. He will be remembered by his sister in laws Della & Robert Johnson, Gwen & Doug Duyck and by his mother-in-law Molly Cross.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, a private ceremony will take place at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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

Ada Muriel English passed away with her family by her side on Sunday February 3, 2019. She was the much-loved wife of Bill English and proud mother of Cindy Carnegie, Joy & Butch Segeren, Susan & Keith Richards, Al & Anne English and Rick & Lisa English. The only thing that made Ada prouder than being a mother was when she became a grandmother to 11 wonderful children and a great-grandmother to 6 more. Ada will be missed by her brother Neil Seney (late Mary).

Ada was a kind and caring soul who constantly put the needs of others before he own. She was a long-time member of Charing Cross United Church where she sang in the choir and helped with the annual turkey pie fundraiser…her church family was extremely important to her. Her neighbours were never far from her thoughts as well and she enjoyed card parties and playing pepper with them whenever she could. In her spare time, she enjoyed knitting and sewing. She will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday where visitation will take place from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Ada will take place in the Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday February 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Ada with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Charing Cross United Church.

Robin Christine Mifflin of Blenheim passed away at home on Thursday January 31, 2019. Robin was an only child, born to the late Sandra and Ralph Simonar in Sault Ste. Marie on November 5, 1972. She attended school in the Sault becoming a Developmental Service Worker. After graduation, she moved to Blenheim where she worked at Southwestern Regional Centre for a number of years before accepting a position with the Lambton-Kent School Board.

On November 6, 1999 Robin married her best friend Dave Mifflin and in 2005 they became parents to James, followed by Wesley in 2008. As a family they enjoyed being active in sports and spending time with friends. Robin enjoyed curling, snowboarding, quilting and going to the gym, but her most favourite part of life was being a stay at home Mom with her boys.

It was important to Robin that the support of her friends and her community during the time of her illness be acknowledged. She was always grateful and truly did appreciate each one of you along with the things you did for her and her family.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday night from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and again on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Robin will take place at the Funeral Home on Tuesday February 5, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

In keeping with Robin’s dreams for her children’s future, it was her wish that if someone wanted to remember her with a memorial donation, that you might consider donations that would be added to James and Wesley’s education funds.

Diane Lynn Bradner passed away on Monday January 28^th, 2019 at the age of 66. She will be forever loved and missed by her husband Ron, her sons Tom Poppens (Brenda), Arik Bradner (Mikesha), daughter Rachel Ashby (Scott), by her grandchildren Amanda Oelmann (Ryan), Lindsey, Rachel, and Shane Poppens; Andrew, Aiden, and MaKenzie Bradner; Ethan and Daniel Ashby as well as her great-grandchildren Kenley and Madelyn.

She was one of three children of the late Harm and Phyllis Eeten who lived in Spencer, Iowa where Diane was born. She is survived by her brother Michael Eeten (Darla) and was predeceased by her sister Sandra Walters. She is remembered by her mother in-law Betty Bradner, sister-in-laws Christine Smith (Larry), Pamela Ohnemus (Jim) and by her father in-law Norman Bradner (Annie).

Diane lived in many places across Canada and the United States; touching so many lives within those communities. She lived and loved where ever she was and gave back whenever she could. Later in life, she fed body and soul as a head cook at Kenesserie Camp, many roast beef dinners, an artisan at our local Subway where she would always greet you with a smile, and perhaps most famously known for those cinnamon rolls that would fetch a hefty price tag at the Ridge United Church auctions. It was at Ridge where she also found her true passion in Lay Ministry.

Diane truly was one of a kind. A mother, grandmother, a friend. She will be missed by all of those she touched but will be remembered always as how she was in life and how she lived. Love you Mom.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Friday February 8 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Diane will take place in Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday February 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.

Friends wishing to remember Diane with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridge Community Church or the VON of Chatham.

Cindy Daly of Ridgetown passed away on Thursday January 24, 2019 at the age of 61. She will be forever loved by her husband Wayne, her daughters Tawnya Smith (Carmen) and Tina Gibson (Ken), by her grandchildren Amber and Brennon Smith, Dylan Ronda, Honesty, Kenya and Ethan Gibson and by her chosen children Chris Mervin and Sandy Parmley.

Cindy was one of eleven children born to the late Dorothy & John Summerfield. She is survived by her siblings Cheryl Begin (Claude), Dennis Summerfield (Denise), Wayne Summerfield (Kim), Bonnie Graham (Terry), Kathy VanSickle (Randy) and Tammy Cartier (Dennis). She was predeceased by her brothers Robert, Terry and Jerry Summerfield and by her sister Jackie Summerfield.

She will also be remembered with great fondness by her mother in law Mary Ellen Greenway, her brothers and sisters-in-law Ken Daly (Gwen), Brian Daly (Susan), Darlene Miller (Alex), Al Daly and Scott Daly (Terri), by her Uncle Ernie Summerfield and by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her fathers-in-law Jack Daly and Allen Greenway.

Cindy had a competitive nature. She loved to play cards and could often be found playing in local tournaments. Her witty personality was definitely something she was known for…she was always quick to crack a joke and lighten the mood. She played baseball for many years and when she retired she became a loyal fan and cheerleader. Cindy never shied away from hard work; a virtue that started at an early age and continued throughout her life. When she wasn’t working she was volunteering and when she wasn’t doing that she was always helping out family and friends. Whatever the task, she always gave it 100%. Cindy was a true fighter to the very end.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Cindy’s life will take place on Monday January 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. and will be followed by a gathering at the Ridgetown Legion, Branch 243 where Cindy was a long time member and part of the Ladies Auxillary. It was Cindy’s request that anyone wishing to remember her with a memorial donation would consider supporting the Ridgetown Legion or the Ridgetown Ladies Auxillary.

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

Cremation will take place with a private family interment in the Morpeth Cemetery at a later date.

Robert (Bob) DeLaet, 84, of Blenheim, Ontario, passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on January 17, 2019.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Peggy (Lusk). He will be sadly missed by his children, Richard of Chatham, Mark (late Nancy) of Blenheim, Deidra Bilotta (Tommy) of Niagara Falls; step children Toni Benning (Rich Walton) of Fort Frances, Suanne Benning (Joe Primeau) of Blenheim, Cindy Benning (Peter Melville) of Frankford, and Kelly Ellis (Scott) of London as well as his 9 grandchildren, Megan Bale-Nick (Ryan Nick) of Winnipeg, Jordan and Melissa Bale of Ottawa, Angela Mills (Kate Mitchell) of Port Hope, Paige King (Matt) of Niagara Falls, Steven DeLaet of Leamington, Sara DeLaet of Chatham, Jessica Gaudrealt (Brady) of Blenheim, Chelsea Hickey of Frankford and Samantha Ellis of London. Bob was proud of his 4 great grandsons; George and Wyatt Nick of Winnipeg, Maxim and Drake King of Niagara Falls and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie DeLaet , his brother August DeLaet and sister Augusta Sinclair.

Bob loved sports, especially baseball, where his favourite team was the Detroit Tigers. He was a lover of music as well, spending 25 years playing the accordion in the 3B’s. He retired after a long career with WG Thompson & Sons Ltd. He was passionate about his lakeside living and spent as much time as he could fishing and conversing with his many friends.

Visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home:

Saturday January 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM                                                                                           Sunday January 20 at 12:30 PM. Funeral to follow at 1:30 PM
Bob will be cremated at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother Donna Lynn Elizabeth Sanford on Tuesday January 8^th, 2019. Mom was born in Wawa, Ontario on July 6^th, 1949 to her parents Theresa (Huck) and Gordon Lohnes.

Many may have known her as the independently successful owner/operator of Loeb in Nortown Plaza, Chatham and IGA grocery stores in Blenheim, Ridgetown, and Harrow.

Mom was the proud matriarch of her family which included Dane (Amy), Kassie (Tim), Ryan, Scott (Jodi), grandchildren Brendan (Amy), Spencer, Chloe, Michael, Amber, Molly, Keegan, Reilly and great-grandchildren Brian, Benjamin, Braxton, Cruz and Carter.

Many people considered our mom as their mom too. Always putting others first, sharing, helping, giving unconditional love to others, and saying “Howdy!” (a lot). She was definitely larger than life.

In keeping with mom’s wishes, her ashes will be placed beside her dad’s at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim. This part of her life will be respected with quiet dignity. Her family and close friends will celebrate her life at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center [Charitable Registration #122963663RR0001], in recognition of the exceptional research and discovery done by Dr. Marie Faughnan, Rose Pantalone and all their staff.

Dougglas Slauenwhite of Chatham passed away on Wednesday January 9, 2019. He was born in Sudbury 51 years ago to his parents Edward Slauenwhite (Ann Parker) and the late Evelyn (Dawson) Slauenwhite. Doug was one of 6 children and is survived by his brother and four sisters.

He leaves to mourn his soulmate Aleisha Robert, their children Amanda Grass, Zack Slauenwhite, Dawson Slauenwhite, Maleah Robert, Jesikah Robert, Jamar Robert and grandchildren Jaylyn, Karson , Xavier and his Chipper Espynn.

Friends will remember Doug from the years he worked at Inergy and for the last years at Woodbridge Foam in Blenheim.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 12, 2019 where visitation will take place from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. There will not be a service as per his wishes. Cremation will follow.

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