Richard Martin Allen passed away on August 29, 2017 while surrounded by his loved ones. Richard was born 72 years ago to his parents Vern & Dorothy (Martin) Allen. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Lou (Ewing), their children Shelley & Brad Newham, Heather & Brian Debusschere and Shawn & Kelly Allen and their grandchildren Courtney Newham (Mike), Hailey Newham, Aaron Newham, Brady Newham, Brodie Debusschere, Dakota Debusschere, Spencer Allen, Jacob Allen, Carson Allen and Preston Allen.

Richard will be remembered by his brother in law Norman & June Ewing, his Aunts Merle Smith and Lula Nicholson as well as his cousins Brian & Jana Smith and Joanne & Jamie Daniels. He was predeceased by his sisters in law and brothers in law Edna & Harvey Eves, Mary & Francis Irwin, Isabelle & Orville Benn, Gord Ewing, Jim & Lil Ewing and Donald Ewing, by his Aunt Inez & Milton Cleveland and Uncles Maurice Allen and Norm Nicholson and by his cousin Linda Smith.

Richard wore many hats in his life. He worked at Fram/Siemens in Chatham for 21.5 years, owned Allen’s Convenience in Chatham and sold real estate for Dave O’Brien in Blenheim. He was a baseball coach, past President of the Blenheim Golf Course and farmed for many years with his father Vern.

Probably the hat Richard enjoyed wearing the most was his hockey hat. He assisted the Blenheim Blades as Manager, was a past President of Blenheim Minor Hockey and also served as the Manager of his son’s teams for many seasons which included winning the Ontario Minor Hockey Peewee Championship in back to back seasons. Richard was also the Convenor for the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League and received the Crystal Puck award in November 2010 recognizing him for his outstanding commitment to the Ontario Hockey Association.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Thursday August 31, 2017 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Richard will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday September 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Richard with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Day Away Program at the Alzheimers Society in Chatham or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Mary Lou Stephens of Blenheim passed away on Tuesday August 22, 2017. Mary Lou was born in Nova Scotia; one of 15 children born to the late Melvin & Annie Lloyd. She is survived by Lila Walker of Blenheim, Yvonne Hines (Tony), Emma Jean Lloyd (Lawrence), Crawford Lloyd (Diane), Jessie Lloyd (Darlene and Henry Lloyd (Kathy) of Glace Bay NS, Louie Lloyd (Valerie) of Port Morien, NS, Joseph Lloyd (Sherry) of Merlin, Melvin Jr Lloyd (Phyllis) of Toronto and Hector Lloyd (Diane) of Chatham. She was predeceased by her brothers Alex and Shane.

Mary Lou will be remembered by her children Kent Joseph (Kathy) of Shrewsbury, Darlene Ingle (Jimmy) of Pasadena Texas and Scott Stephens (Deb Pardo) of Shrewsbury and their families.

In keeping with Mary Lou’s wishes, cremation has taken place. An informal time for visiting with family and sharing stories will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday August 25, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Mary Lou with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Women’s Shelter in Chatham.

Donna Marie Musyj (Rivait)

With great sadness we announce the passing of our Donna. Her journey with Breast Cancer ended in the early hours of August 14^th, 2017. It was at that moment she was able to open her arms and be reunited with her babies Derek (1991) and Dylan (1992).

To put the needs of others and to leave all judgement behind is unconditional love. She shared this love with children Zakry & Alisha, Isaiah & Brooklyn and Rebekkah, her grandson Zayden and her best friend Randy. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her next two grandchildren in the near future.

Raised in Ruscom by her parents Theresa and the late Armand Rivait, she will be missed by her siblings Ron, Deb & Jim Nadalin and their children Kelly, Matt and Kaitlyn, Rick and his children Sam, Jessica and Gabe, Kevin & Rose and his children Lisa, Mariah and Emily. Also left to mourn are many aunts, uncles, cousins, amazing friends and on Randy’s side Brad, Brenda (Shawn) Bilokraly and their family whom she loved dearly.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday where visitation will take place from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parish Prayers will take place at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass for Donna will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Friday August 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are asked to go directly to the church as there will not be public visitation at the Funeral Home prior to the Mass. A private family interment will take place in St. Joachim.

Donna lived her life with unpretentious charm, intellectual curiosity, and a playful sense of humour. It was her contention that all things good could be achieved if you wore pyjamas. To that end, it was her expressed wish that you wear your pyjamas to her visitation at the Funeral Home and casual attire to the Mass at the Church. That alone would have made her happy.

Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Music Program at St. Anne’s Catholic School in Blenheim.

Greg Abrams passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday August 8, 2017 doing what he loved to do most in life, which was working on a car in his shop. He will be forever missed and loved by his wife Sharron (Paveling) Abrams with whom he would have celebrated 44 years of marriage on August 18^th. Greg was proud to be the father of Keith & Bobbi Abrams, Kevin Abrams, Carrie Abrams, Tim Abrams and Rob Abrams. He was even prouder to be the grandfather of Kayne, Quinten, Alexis, Kingston, Danielle, Taylor and Joshua. He loved being a Grandpa.

Greg was one of four children born to Gloria McNeil and the late Leslie Keith Abrams. He is survived by his sister Mary Bartholemew and by his brothers Ted & Donna Abrams and John & Jacquie Abrams and their families.

Greg was a mechanic who started his career with Canadian Tire in Kingston. After accepting a transfer with the company, he and Sharron moved to Blenheim where they became entrepreneurs and purchased the Sunoco Gas Station. He will also be remembered as the owner of Abrams Towing and Abrams Taxi in Blenheim. In his spare time when he wasn’t working on his cars or his friends cars, he and Sharron enjoyed being members of the Blenheim Legion.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Friday August 11, 2017 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Greg with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association.

Edward Mason Anson of Blenheim passed away on Sunday August 6, 2017. He is survived by his wife Gloria (Nealey) Anson, his daughters Julianne Anson (Wayne), Debra LaMarsh (Joe), his sons Kenneth Anson, Murray Anson (Heather), David Ulch (Renee) and Charles Ulch.  Grandfather of Crystal, James, Sabrina, Jerrid, Jean, Edward, Bayli, William, Wayne Jr, Kenna, Ashley, Breann, Scott, Clayton and Mason.  Great-grandfather of Samuel, Sevannah, Sydney and Samara.

Ed was one of eight siblings born to Edward and Myrtle Anson and is survived by Rose Cunningham (late Arnold), Marjorie Dorion, Sheila Bachmier (late Norm), Sharon Wright (Gordon), Linda Armstrong (Henry) and Wallace Anson (Jean). He was predeceased by his sister Helen Mew.

He is also survived by Gloria’s family Marie Smith (Leonard), Pat Ryckman (Fred), Stacie Beaton (Doug), Tami St. Lewis (John), Dona Bechard and Ken Nealey. Predeceased by Fran Stothart, Bill Nealey and Linda Nealey.

Ed wore many hats in life. He was a carpenter and a truck driver.  He was a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Kent Clover Leaf Club, the Red Cross, St. Johns Ambulance and the Blenheim Seniors Centre.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to any project.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday August 9, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:00 followed by a Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor Eric Revie. Cremation will follow.  Friends wishing to remember Ed with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Lung Association.

George Clinton Warren, P. Eng.

Clint passed away peacefully August 4 at home with family by his side.

Clint was a devoted husband to Donna (Moore) for 69 years. Proud father of Jane (John), David (Cynthia), Margaret (Bill) and Betty (Tim). Grandfather of Ryan (Jen), Scott (Stephanie), Daniel (Alizeh), Rebecca (Brandon), Jonathan, Steven (Alicia), Amy (Richard), Jennifer and Evan. Great-grandfather of Ethan, Molly, Maeve, Rhys, Devyn, Logan Clint and Lucas. Survived by sister Eva (Gerry). Pre-deceased by grandsons Christopher and Thomas, sisters Emma and Margaret, and brothers Ted, Bob, Bill and John.

Clint was born in Port Dover on January 21, 1925, and grew up in Erieau. Clint joined the R.C.N.V.R. in October, 1942 (age 17) and was discharged November, 1946. Clint continued his education, graduating in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1951. In July 1951, he joined Ontario Hydro, retiring in 1983. Clint and Donna enjoyed their retirement at their home in Toronto and their cottage (“The Shack”) in Erieau. A private graveside service for the family will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim officiated by their son Maj. Rev. Canon David Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Clint’s name to Variety Village Toronto, the Wounded Warriors Association or to the charity of your choice.

We would like to express our thanks to the Palliative Care Team at Sunnybrook Hospital, the Home and Community Care, Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network and the Bayshore Home Health Team for their compassionate care.

It is with deep love & sadness that we announce the passing of John “Wray” Phillips, peacefully at his residence on Sunday July 30th, 2017. He is survived by his wife Jean (McMillan) Phillips and his daughters Cheryl Hammett (Scott) of Thamesford, and Donna Phillips of Byron Ont.  Predeceased by his daughter Karen Merulla, his mother Evelyn Jean Phillips, brothers Robert “Wayne” Phillips and Ross Leslie Phillips.  Wray will be remembered by grandchildren Kelsey and Brent Hammett, Austin and Bree Merulla and many nieces & nephews.

You are welcome to join our family at Greenwood Cemetery for a Celebration of Life observance on Friday August 4, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a Donation to the Four Counties Health Services the Adult Day Program, Newbury On or a Charity of your Choice.

We ask that you take a moment to hug your family and friends.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Rob Cyril Coleman of Blenheim passed away at the Windsor Regional Hospital – Ouellette Campus on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the age of 62.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his daughters Melissa Coleman (Jarred VanGassen) and Kristine (Dan) Armstrong, by their mother Cheryl Coleman and by his grandchildren Colby and Jace Armstrong. Rob is also survived by his brother John (Norma) Coleman, his niece Ellen Coleman and his great nephew Roman. He was predeceased by his parents Cyril & Joan (Hollerhead) Coleman.

Rob retired from Southwestern Regional Centre where he worked for many years as a Developmental Service Worker.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday August 3, 2017 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

A private time for family only will begin 6:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Rob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim.

Pharaildus (Phil) Vercouteren passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on July 21, 2017.  Phil was born 79 years ago to his late parents Franiscus and Adriana (Geilswijk) Vercouteren. He married Martha (Meidinger) in 1961 and celebrated 52 years together before her passing in 2013. Phil was a self-employed painter for several years. He will be remembered with great fondness and extremely missed by his children Christena Vercouteren of Blenheim, Laurie and Andy LaBrosse of Essex, Phillip and Susan Vercouteren of Blenheim and Liesa Hodgins of Blenheim. Very proud and loving grandfather of Joel and Melissa Caughy, Jennifer Caughy (Chris), Nathan Vercouteren, Kevin Vercouteren, Jolynne Vercouteren, Mitchell LaBrosse, Rachael LaBrosse, Zechariah Hodgins, Kuper Hodgins and Great Grandfather to Noah Reis and Scarlett Mathieson.

Dear brother of Anne and Tony Versteegden, Adriana Wilson-Dowler, Hank, Tony (Joanne) and Albert Vercouteren and brother in law to Marjorie Meidinger, Stephan and Pat Meidinger, Paul Jaster, Theresa Regier, Virginia Denomme, Mary and Gerard Ducharme, Anne and Cyrille Hartman. He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his sister Marie Oostrom, brothers in law Roman, Ivan and Leo Meidinger, Lloyd Denomme and Clem Regier.

Phil was a quiet man of very few words with great family values who had a love for coffee. If not at home, his children always knew where to find him. Besides his passion for horseshoes and shuffle board, he had a big lover for the COR and Cursillo movements.

We would like to thank all of the nurses and support staff at the CKHA and Dr. Martha Clendenning along with all the AMAZING staff at the Hospice and family, friends and neighbours for their support during Dad’s illness.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Tuesday July 25, 2017 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, 95 Marlborough Street North, Blenheim on Wednesday July 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Following the interment service at Evergreen Cemetery, a reception will take place in St. Mary’s Hall. Friends wishing to remember Phil with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

John Glen Arnold

September 4, 1964 – September 5, 1970

John Glen Arnold, son of Fran & John M. Arnold and brother of Tracy and Paul passed away in North Bay 47 years ago at the age of 6 years. He has now been brought back home from North Bay and will be laid to rest in Arnold Cemetery, Chatham where family and friends are invited to gather on July 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. for a graveside service. Following the service a reception will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.