It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our Husband, Dad and Grampa, Richard Keith Malott who died suddenly on May 1st, 2025.

Richard was married to the love of his life, his bud, Debbie. They would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on June 1. Richard and Debbie have been in each other’s lives for 56 years, getting engaged when he was 18. They married in 1974 and together raised their daughters Amanda and Dezarae. He adored his girls and made sure they wanted for nothing. He anticipated their needs before they ever had to ask, always ready to help, build anything they asked, or simply be by their side.

Richard found immense joy in his role as Grampa. Dezarae and her husband Gavin Kemp blessed him with three grandsons—Sebastien, Damien, and Xavier—who became the light of his life. He would drop everything to be with them, always hoping the time they shared would become treasured memories to carry them through their lives. The boys brought endless joy, pride, and laughter into his life.

Richard had an impeccable sense of humour—quick-witted and always ready with a perfectly timed joke that made you laugh out loud. He was a man of quiet strength, deeply respected, and his presence brought comfort and calm.

Richard was the oldest child of Keith (1993) and Carrie (2017) Malott. He is survived by his sister Elizabeth Tape (Ed), brother David (Wendy), nephew Kenny Hall, and niece Carol Gillett (Nathan). He was predeceased by his sister Carol (1975) and brother Morice (2025).

A highly skilled and respected Plumber and Gas Fitter for 50 years. Richard ran his own successful company, Malott Plumbing, for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Even in retirement, Richard was always busy with a project. He had a beautiful property that he worked hard to build and maintain—growing food, creating trails, and building a space for his family to enjoy together. He always had a project on the go, whether it was around the house or bringing to life whatever his daughters or Debbie dreamed up. He built the family home with his own hands, a place filled with love and memories. His generosity of time and talent was unmatched.

In his later years, Richard discovered a passion for baking and cooking. He found joy in preparing meals, caring for his family, and simply being with the people he loved most. His greatest happiness came from seeing his wife happy. He truly loved Debbie—every action he took was to care for her, support her, and make her feel loved.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, there will be no service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pet and Wildlife Rescue, a cause that is special to Amanda.  Online donations can be made at https://pawr.org/funds/

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work and humour. His family will carry his love with them always—in the home he built, the laughter he shared, and the memories he helped create every single day.

It is with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to Gary on April 27, 2025; losing the battle with a sudden, aggressive AML diagnosis.  His difficult suffering ended with the caring help of M.A.I.D.

He leaves his loved ones; Linda (Bella, Danny), his loving, small family in Windsor; his brother Greg (Fran), nephews Paul (Alissa, nephew Nathan and niece Addie), Mike (Sydney), Mark (Hiran) of Montreal, brother-in-law Michael (Genny) of Saskatoon, cousins Karen (Duane) of Kitchener/Waterloo and Janie (Jim) of Alberta.  He was blessed with the very BEST friends in Hamilton, B.C. and Port Rowan, New Hamburg from working at Westinghouse, ETI and General Electric, as well as his newly made friends in Blenheim who are so kind, generous, giving and have the largest hearts ever.

Thank you all.

Gratitude and thanks are extended to Dr. Chandrasena, Dr Lazo-Langner, the oncology nurses and staff of the CKHA ambulatory clinic, VON, Willi and Marc.

Cremation has taken place.  A small family gathering will take place at a later date.

Sleep in peace, Gary.

Yots

XO

Gail Mariash (nee Brock)

December 3, 1953 – April 28, 2025

Gail Mariash passed away on April 28, 2025 in her 72^nd year.  She leaves behind her husband David, daughter Jenna (Cameron Murray), sons Michael and Aaron (Mary Berg) and brothers Dennis Brock (Brenda) and Russel Brock (Susan).  She was predeceased by her mother Nancy and father Harry Brock.

Gail was born and raised in Hamilton, moving to Blenheim as a teenager.  While she left to attend university in Hamilton, she returned to Blenheim after her marriage to raise her family.

You might remember Gail from Brock’s Drive-In Restaurant…if you had a Brockie Burger, she probably served you.  She drove school bus for over a decade and later managed the office at Nuco Plastics.  After her retirement, Gail enjoyed moving to Shrewsbury to build a new home.  She was active in a wonderful circle of new and old friends and neighbours (especially the book club ladies!)  She was a gardener, a talented ceramicist and painter, and maintained a deep, lifelong appreciation for nature.

At Gail’s request there will not be a funeral, however a celebration of life will be held in the future.  In lieu of flowers or donations, please plant a native species tree or pollinator plants.  She would really love that!

Finally, a note of thanks to the oncology teams in London and Chatham for their compassionate efforts in treating her, and the ER staff in Chatham who showed her great care in her final days.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth MacDonald Sr. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Ken lived a long and full life, surrounded by family, friends and the community he loved.  Born in 1934, he grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, kindness, and integrity – values he carried with him throughout his life.

He was a devoted father to Ken Jr., Elly, and Debbie with her husband Jared.  He was a proud and loving grandfather to his five grandchildren, in order of age:  Rachel, Jackson, Taylor, Naomi and Robyn.  He is also lovingly remembered by his sister Janice, and his brother Gary with his wife Lois.

Ken was blessed with many interests that brought hm joy throughout his life.  Whether attending sporting events, taking in a show, working in his garden, or simply enjoying time outdoors, he embraced each experience with enthusiasm and gratitude.  His passions reflected his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and his desire to stay active and connected to the world around him.

Ken will be remembered for his warm smile, sharp wit and unwavering support for those around him.  Whether it was cheering on a sports team, sharing a story from his younger years, or offering a word of advice, he made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Donna, his sister Mary Lou and his parents, Helen and Ross.

We are grateful that Ken lived a full life without the hardships of heart disease, stroke or cancer.  In his final days, although he faced a sudden health turn, he remained courageous and dignified.

As a family, we are comforted by countless memories and by the legacy he leaves behind – one of strength, humour, generosity, and love of life.

A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday June 1, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory can be made to Canadian Tire Jumpstart, a cause that reflects his lifelong love of sports and helping others:  https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate

“Our dad was a man of action –

never needing words to show his love or his values. 

He simply lived them every day.”

Maurice L. Caron

December 14, 1924 – April 18, 2025

In the early morning of April 18, our Dad was called home by our Mom to celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary together.

Dad was born December 14, 1924 to Alfred & Lucy (Bechard) Caron in Pain Court ON.  He met our Mom working in the tobacco fields of Tillsonburg.  They were married on April 18, 1945 and together they raised 8 children.  He was a man who could fix most things and had the tools to do it all.  He retired from Navistar in 1980 – then known as International Harvester.  In his retirement he became a substitute bus driver, making numerous trips to the Toronto Airport, he drove a fertilizer truck, bartended at the Blenheim Hotel for many years, and did anything else to keep himself busy.  In his younger days, he coached baseball, hockey and was an avid golfer for many years.

He leaves behind his children Nancy & Ray Labadie, Brenda (late Dave) Klages, Randy & Barb Caron, Rick & Pat Caron, Brian & Loretta Caron and Sandy & Ron Russell.  He was predeceased by his daughter Dianne and her husband Bill Jenkins, and his son Dave (survived by Mary Ann).  He was the grandfather of 19 grandchildren (predeceased by 2 grandsons), 3 step-granddaughters, 25 great-grandchildren (one more on the way). 4 step-great grandchildren and  4 great-great grandchildren.

Dad is survived by his sister Margaret Haines (late Les) and sister-in-law Germaine Raaymakers as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by 16 siblings and their spouses.

Many thanks are extended to Dr. Martha Clendenning and the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for your kindness.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 – 11 a.m.  Maurice was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with the Canadian Regiment from 1940 – 1944.  As an ordinary member of the Blenheim Legion for 53 years, a Legion Service conducted by his friend and Legion Padre Bill Terris will take place just prior to the 7 p.m. visitation.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday April 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Dad will be laid to rest with the love of his life Irene.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ would be appreciated.

DAVID Maurice CARON  1947-2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Maurice Caron on the 16^th day of April, 2025 at CKHA at the age of 77.  Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.  He was born on September 28, 1947 to Maurice and the late Irene (nee Vandenberghe) Caron.

Survived by his wife Mary Ann (nee Shaw) Caron of 19 years, loving father to Denise (Matt) McKay and Kathy Caron (Derek Vouk).   Stepfather to April (Mike) Schenk and Jimmy Titus.  Grandfather to Colin, Raegan, Carson, Riley (Kristen), Reese, Griffin, Zachary and Ben.

Brother and brother-in-law to Nancy (Ray) Labadie, Brenda (the late Dave) Klages, Randy (Barb) Caron, Rick (Pat) Caron, Brian (Loretta) Caron, Sandy (Ron) Russell and predeceased by sister Dianne (Bill) Jenkins).  Also sadly missed by sisters-in-law Janet (Russ) Korpan and Karen Humphrey.  David will be missed by many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends that he has made over the years.

Long time employee and retiree of Navistar, Dave had many friends throughout the working years.  Dave and Mary Ann spent many summers together camping at Summer Place campground.  He spent his free time watching all sporting events.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be planned at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the palliative care unit at CKHA.  Your patience and devotion to our family during this time will not be forgotten.

Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/would be greatly appreciated.

It is with deep sadness that we announce Gertruda (Truus) Ermers, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, passed away with her family by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday April 15, 2025.  She was born May 11th 1935 in Tegelen, Limburg, The Netherlands 89 years ago to the late Catharina & Johannes Heuvelmans (late Susie VanVugt), immigrating to Canada as a young woman. Following the death of her husband, Karel VanUden in 1961, she met and married Cornelius Ermers. Over the course of their 58 years together, they raised four children; Kathleen Bridgen (Tim), Jennifer Ceccacci (John), Brian Ermers (Janet) and Kevin Ermers (Amy). Proud Oma of Ryan (Pam), Corey (Vicki), Celia (Andrew), Scott (Danika), Olivia, Julia, Noah and Ayden and proud Great-Oma of Lexi, Charlotte, Lily, Norah, Lucy, Maximus, Jasper and Jude.

Truus was the loved sister and sister-in-law of Ann Dorssers (late Andrew), Chris Heuvelmans (late Phyllis), Mary Vandenberg (late Harry), Cathy Denomy (late Jude), Leo & Carol Heuvelmans, late Angelina and Martin VanRaay, late Elizabeth and Eppie VanDerMolen, late Theo (Ann) Heuvelmans, late John (Lorraine) Heuvelmans, late Gerard Heuvelmans, Harry and Brenda VanVugt, Dan VanVugt, Nelly and John Templin and late Lorne Avery. She will also be missed by in-laws Yvonne and Nevio Novacco, Fred and Marg VanUden, late Case and Tiny VanUden, late Tony (Willy and Frank) VanUden, late Corry and Nico DeJong, late John (Truus) VanUden, late Theo and Mary Ermers, late John Ermers, late Piet Ermers, late Hank Ermers, late Sjaak Ermers, late Gerit Ermers, late Riek Ermers, Willy and Thea Ermers, and Sister Rosa of The Netherlands.  She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Mom was creative, she loved to sew, cook, crochet, bake and knit to name a few hobbies. She loved to travel and made many memories along the way. She remained active and loved to walk and bike regularly. A favourite place to visit was Rondeau Park. Family was everything to Mom and nothing made her happier than being together. We will miss her immensely.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with prayers at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday April 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham.

Donations to Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ would be greatly appreciated by the family.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Keith Anderson died at home with his family on April 13, 2025.

Keith was born to the late Malcolm and Marjorie (Lovett) Anderson. He was the beloved husband to Rowena Day-Anderson, adoring father to Keith, Tyler (Julie) and Christian (Meg) Anderson. He was a proud and caring grand-father to Mikhaila, Kai, Molly and Sunny. Keith was a loving brother to Dave (Judy), John (Alanna), Gord (Rose), Janet and Dorothy and predeceased by siblings Sandra and Ron. And a joyful uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Keith worked as a chef and baker for many years and was renowned for his pastry across the county and province. For many years he worked supporting people with special needs and effortlessly cared for people in his community by delivering meals and helping in any way he could with his caring heart.

Flowers are welcome and donations to your favourite charity are appreciated.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with Service to follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Blenheim Baptist Church, 24 Talbot St E, Blenheim, Ontario.

Surrounded by his family and knowing that he was loved, Paul Therrien passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025.   He is survived by his wife of 68 years, and our mother, Elaine (Hammer) Therrien.  He was the much loved father, pépé and grandpépé of Jim & Betty Lou Therrien with their children Alicia & Andrew (Spencer) and Tyler & Chrissie (Taner, Lance and Charlotte), Karen & Brian Whittal with their children Jason Whittal & Cheryl Glassford (Travis) and Michael & Brianne (Leah, Lauren, Heather and Benson), Lori & Willem Hummel with their daughter Amy & Brandon Vandehogen (Tessa and Stella), Mark Therrien & Mary Jane Tasker  and Kevin & Kim Therrien with their children Kayla & John and Andrew & Kaitlyn.

He was the last surviving child born to Calexte & Leah (Authier) Therrien, having been predeceased by Yvonne & Leo, Evelyn & Pat, Clara & Dona, Rosemary, Alcide, John & Margaret and Leo.  He is survived by two sisters-in-law Cyrilla and Toni Therrien.

Dad was a farmer…a man of the earth.  He appreciated things that many others take for granted like a walk in the country, a gust of wind blowing through a cornfield, the sun and gentle rains.  At night he would look to the sky, see the lights of heaven shining through the stars and thank God for all that he had been given.  He walked this land for 93 years and made every one of them count.

He was a long-time adherent of St. Patrick’s Church in Merlin, served on the cemetery board for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Knights of Columbus prayers will take place at 6:00 just before the evening visitation begins.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  The interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Paul with a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Patrick’s Cemetery or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.