Obituaries

Darrel Paine

A photo of Darrel Paine

Service:

Blenheim Legion (Upstairs)
August 6, 2023
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Darrel Paine, age 77, on June 29th. Darrel is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Dianne, his two children Jennie (Jason) and Todd (Julianne) and his grandchildren; Morgan & Kate of Blenheim and Ben & Hannah of Ohio. He is also survived by three siblings – Brent, Cheryl and Dawn – and sisters in law, Mary and Linda. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Edith, and siblings, Larry, Lee-Anne, Sharon and Kim. He will also be sorely missed by his cuddle pals, Campfire and Chip.

Darrel was a life long Blenheim native. He was a carpenter for most of his life, having built or renovated many houses in the community. He was on speed dial for his kids with any house related question, as he always knew how to fix whatever it may be. As one not to sit still, Darrel spent his ‘retirement’ working on the farm at Delhaven Orchards not far from the house where he grew up.

He was an active member of the community, volunteering for many years on the board of Blenheim Minor Hockey and suiting up as a referee, sometimes alongside his son, Todd. In his later years, he loved nothing more than watching his grandson, Morgan, play hockey and you could find him and Dianne in arenas all over the surrounding counties for a game. He was very proud of all of the pursuits of his grandkids, taking in school plays, baseball games, choir performances, gymnastics practices and graduations.

In his spare time he enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, reading books, watching the summer concert series and of course, he was always up for a good game of cards. He loved fishing, tinkering on the boat and spending time at the shop with his best friend, Barry. He also cherished his big ski trips out West with the boys and his travels to Ohio and beyond to spend time with Jennie.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held upstairs at the Blenheim Legion on August 6, 2023 fom 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

We would like to thank Darrel’s coworkers at Delhaven for their quick actions and care, and Marc and Mike of Blenheim Community Funeral Home for their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ or a charity of your choice.

Hélène Marier

A photo of Hélène Marier

Hélène passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023. She was a feisty and vibrant woman who defied the survival odds of cancer, for which her family is grateful.

As a nurse at the Chatham hospital for many years, Hélène was truly dedicated to helping others and providing kind and compassionate care to people who needed it most. After she retired, her interest in medical and nursing issues remained front and centre. Hélène was passionate about animals, often going above and beyond to care for them, as well as tending to her beautiful garden.  Hélène also delighted in buying special treats for her grandkids to enjoy, as well as for family and other visitors.

We, Hélène’s stepchildren, are deeply appreciative of the almost 20 years she spent in our lives as the partner and second wife to our father, Clark, as well as grandma to our kids. Hélène is survived by her stepchildren Erin (Paul), Kathleen, Charlene (Aaron), Kristena (Ryan), and Thomas (Stephanie), as well as her step grandchildren, Claire, Blythe, Violet, Austin, Beau, Katie, and Tyler; sister Denyse, and brother Gilles. She is predeceased by her first husband, Denis Copeland (2001), and her second husband, Clark Mifflin (2023).

Nous t’aimons toujours Hélène! Memorial donations may be made to the Chatham-Kent hospice www.chathamkenthospice.com or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada www.heartandstroke.ca.

Arley “Tex” Haskell

A photo of Arley “Tex” Haskell

Arley Haskell, affectionately known to most people as “Tex” passed away on Sunday July 16, 2023 at the Windsor Regional Hospital.  He will be loved forever by his wife of 55 years, Linda (Chandler) Haskell, his daughter Chantelle Trachy (Deric) and their children Logan and Spencer, his son Ryan (Leanne) and their children Chloe and Michaela.  He was a bonus grandpa to Leon and Kayden and an uncle to many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Arley & Mildred (Mason) Haskell and by his brothers Robert Haskell (Erville) and Ronald Haskell (survived by Darlene).

From a young age, Arley could figure anything out.  He quit school early to become a welder at Turnco in Blenheim and ended up becoming a Millwright.  He worked at a few different factories before taking a job at Southwestern Regional Centre in the Maintenance Department.  He was well liked and respected for his quick wit, his friendly smile and his willingness to give a helping hand.  He was a good teacher to his children and grandchildren, offering them advice and his experience to help them become the best they could be.

He was never bored.  After work, he loved being involved in sports, playing on three baseball teams, playing hockey and boat racing.  He loved going to yard sales “because you just don’t know what you’ll find” and he was very mechanically talented.  It wasn’t uncommon for him to have different cars in the yard that he would tear down for parts that he used to build his pride and joy…his T Bucket.  He and Linda enjoyed many car shows and just going for drives in that car.

Arley was able to fix anything and everything in life…except for this final and unexpected challenge.  He did his best and he tried very hard to stay, but it just wasn’t to be.  He’s going to be missed a lot.  His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors at the Windsor Regional Hospital who fought so hard to bring him back.  Your kindness and your efforts were appreciated more than words can tell.

For all of you who knew Tex, it wouldn’t surprise you that he “didn’t want anything fancy”!  Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered in the garden at Christ Church in Chatham with some other members of his family.

If you want to remember him with a memorial donation, he would have liked it if you would consider Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue https://ckanimalrescue.com/donate/ or Pet and Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/ .

Jacqueline Nereyda Soto

A photo of Jacqueline Nereyda Soto

Visitation:

Friday July 14, 2023
2:00pm-6:00pm

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacqueline Nereyda Soto. After a lengthy struggle with cancer, Jacqueline passed away at home with her family by her side on Tuesday July 11, 2023 at the age of 41.

Beloved wife of Luis D’agosto for 15 years. Devoted mother to the late Angelica, step-mother to Alexia, Justin, and Gavin. Loved daughter of Luzmila and Silvio. Sister to Hellen and Anthony. Aunt to Giovanni, Angelica, Luna, Nathaniel, Antonio, and Nikolai.

Jacqueline will be forever loved and remembered by many extended family members and friends. Words cannot articulate how much Jacqueline was loved. May all of our lives be enriched by Jacqueline’s life, and may her role in creating a lifetime of beautiful memories with those lives she touched stay in our hearts forever.

Jacqueline’s vibrant personality touched the lives of countless individuals. Those who knew Jacqueline will remember her as someone who deeply cherished family. She found great joy from spending time with loved ones and valued the memories they created together. Her bright smile and infectious laughter brought warmth to every room she entered.

Jacqueline leaves behind cherished memories that will forever be held dear by those fortunate to have known her. Although Jacqueline may be gone from this world, her impact lives on forever in our hearts.

A celebration of Jacqueline’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St, on Friday July 14, 2023 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm with cremation to follow.

As expression of sympathy, flowers and/or memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Beverley (Henderson) Osmon

A photo of Beverley (Henderson) Osmon

Beverley Jean Elizabeth Osmon of Ridgetown passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Saturday July 8, 2023.  Born in Raleigh Township 86 years ago to the late Harold & Lorena (Ronson) Henderson, Bev was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, George Osmon in 2017.   She will be remembered fondly by her children Norene Desat (John) of Sarnia, Steven Osmon (Daize) of Hamilton, Stuart Osmon (Beth) of Chatham and Scott Osmon of British Columbia and by 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Bev is also survived by her brothers Robert Henderson (Laurette Caron) and Mike Henderson.  She was predeceased by her brother Ron Henderson.

Bev was a medical secretary for many years.  In their retirement years, she and George enjoyed travelling from one coast to another in both Canada and the United States.  In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Her urn will be placed with her father in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember Bev with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Children’s Make A Wish Foundation https://makeawish.ca/donate .  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Wes Chalmers

A photo of Wes Chalmers

Dad often said you must play the cards you are dealt in life.  He spoke from experience having no choice but to play the poor hand he received in his youth.

Dad was born on August 30, 1930 in Cochrane, Ontario, a town that the Chalmers family helped pioneer in a previous generation.  Cochrane has short summers and brutally cold winters. He arrived at the beginning of the depression.

Dad’s mother died when he was two years old.  His father worked in remote mining towns and was overseas for six years during World War II.

Dad fondly spoke of working on the Chalmers dairy farm despite growing up in a house that was heated with firewood in a climate that experienced – 40 °F temperatures.  He shared a room with the hired man and remembered the window thick with ice on the inside because the room was unheated.

Dad worked hard on the farm.  He also worked hard in school and realized his strong suit was being a voracious reader with an outstanding memory.  He was often called upon to read in class and perform in church. Dad was also a witness to history, having grown up playing hockey with Tim Horton, seeing the Dionne quintuplets, and living through World War II.

Dad was unable to stay in school past grade ten.  He worked for a lumber company and for Lands and Forests for a couple of years, which taught him his future was in southern Ontario.  He knew he wanted to work with electricity and made his way to Toronto in the late 40’s.  He responded to an Ontario Hydro job posting as an architectural draftsman.  He told the interviewer he could not draw a straight line but wanted to work with electricity.  The interviewer arranged for dad to interview in London where he was hired as an operator.  He did not have any money for his first week’s room and board.  He borrowed $10 from his manager and started employment with Ontario Hydro where he worked his entire career.

Dad learned electricity from Ontario Hydro and an International Correspondence School course.  He was considered a power engineer despite his lack of formal education.  He could design and troubleshoot electrical distribution services including fuse coordination, load calculation, transformer sizing, conductor sizing and switching.

Dad met Glenna Rogers in London who was training as a nurse.  She often said there was something exceptional about our father.  She was right but it was not his income.  They were married in 1952 and started life together in Windsor on dad’s salary of $230 per month.  This began an almost 50-year love affair and partnership.  Dad drew a royal flush when he married mom.  She gave him the support, home, and family he had not had as a child.

Mom gave up her nursing career to look after the family that soon arrived with Tom, Nora, and Bill.  Mom supported dad as he worked to impress Ontario Hydro.   The story they often told about what life was like for a young couple in the 1950’s was the difficulty they had getting approved for an $80 per month mortgage.

Dad’s abilities were noticed by Ontario Hydro in 1961 and the family moved to London where he started a sales job promoting electric heat.  Dad spent many evenings teaching electricians and engineers heat loss calculations and the electric heat design while mom was home with four children after Jim arrived.  They built a three-bedroom house for the six of us in a subdivision with other young families.

Dad was promoted to Manager for Ontario Hydro’s Kent Area in 1967.  Although the job was usually held by an older person with an engineering degree, dad’s electrical knowledge qualified him for the job until his retirement in the late 1980’s.  Dad was blessed with the perfect job.  He loved electrical distribution and the many challenges of dealing with technology, unions, bureaucracy, customers, and weather.  His crowning achievement was managing the rebuilding of Kent’s electrical system after it was destroyed in the 1976 ice storm.

Dad’s promotion brought the family to Southwestern Ontario.  Mom and dad chose to live in Blenheim so the family would benefit from being in a smaller community.  They bought the house on Talbot Street that mom loved and dad always considered home.  They became part of a wonderful community and even learned dad had many local relatives because his mother originally came from Shrewsbury.

Mom and dad enjoyed a large group of friends who went to church, supported service organizations, played bridge, attended London’s Grand Theatre and spent many afternoons enjoying each other’s company.  Mom and dad brightened up the world with extensive flower gardens with an emphasis on roses. Dad and friends fished in Lake Erie.

Dad participated in local politics and the church.  He was a member of Blenheim Town Council, a school board trustee, liaison with Erie Beach and Erieau electrical commission, and served for many years on the Kent County land division committee.  Dad was a lay minister who preached at many United Churches.  He was a delegate to the United Church General Council and served on the education committee.  Dad was on an advisory board for the Chatham-Kent Health system and participated in the Ridge Players musical.

Dad and mom were part of what’s called the greatest generation.  They benefitted from a time when people with grade ten education could advance in their careers and become middle class citizens.  Mom and dad provided four children with a comfortable home, clean clothes, good food and most importantly, an education.  Mom and dad made saving money for children’s education a priority and took great pleasure in their children’s achievements.

Sadly, mom became ill in the mid 90’s. Dad was her primary caregiver.  They rebuilt the house so she could be comfortable in the home she loved util she died in 2001, ending the retirement they enjoyed for several years.

Dad made the best of the last 22 years of his life alone.  He did everything a person of advancing years should do to preserve their memory.  He read several newspapers every day, continued reading voraciously and played competitive duplicate bridge.  Days before dying, he and his bridge partner were first in the weekly tournament.

Most importantly, dad assumed the role of family patriarch.  He followed family through emails, phone calls, Facebook and attendance at weddings and family events.  He saw his family grow to include his children and their spouses: Tom and Lynda, Nora and Norm, Bill and Corinne and Jim and Charlene.  His grandchildren and their spouses and children included Luke and Allison and their sons Ben, Teddy and Marty, Carly and Mitchell, Roslyn and Ryan and their son Lucas Jordan, Spenser and Jesse, Laura and Chad and their children Hazel and Jack, Joel and Emma and their son Finn, Stacey and Michael and their son Xavier, Cara and Brad and their sons Liam and Nolan, Jodi, Wesley, and Justin.

The family is gathering privately at Evergreen Cemetery to celebrate a hand well played and fulfill Wes’ desire to be interred with Glenna.

Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember Dad with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca/donate .  Online condolences and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Robert Swerdon

A photo of Robert Swerdon

In Loving Memory of Robert Ian Swerdon

Robert (Bob) Swerdon, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born on December 17, 1948, to Mary and John Swerdon, he leaves behind a loving family.

Above all else, Bob treasured his role as a dedicated family man. He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn Lorraine Swerdon, (nee Brandon). Together they built a bond of love and support that will forever be cherished. As a father, Bob provided unwavering care and guidance to his children, Bruce Swerdon (Luisa Ragusa) and Beverly (Phil) Cooper. His love extended to his cherished grandchildren, Marcus Swerdon, Vanessa Swerdon, Tyler Cooper, and Matthew Cooper. He found immense joy in their presence and took great pride in witnessing their growth and happiness.

Among many occupations and passions, Bob was a pioneer, healer through chiropractic care, politician, farmer, builder and carpenter. He found solace and excitement in sailing and RV’ing from coast to coast.

Bob’s creative spirit and meticulous craftsmanship were evident in his skill as a builder. He brought forth awe-inspiring work that stood as testaments to his talent and attention to detail. His creations will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come, especially the “bus” he built.

Robert Ian Swerdon is survived by his sister Patricia Cooper (née Swerdon), his brother William Swerdon, and his sister Teri-Anne Swerdon.

In his later years, Bob found solace in the serene beauty of Blenheim, Ontario, where he resided. He treasured the simple joys of life and embraced each moment spent with family and friends.

We all celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the profound impact he made on those around him.

Cremation has taken place and the family will remember Robert privately.

Donations made to the Acceptional Riders Program at TJ Stables would be appreciated.

Mail cheques to: Acceptional Riders
c/o TJ Stables
837 Gregory Dr. E.
Chatham, ON N7M 5J7

Lisa Howard

A photo of Lisa Howard

Service:

Interment at Evergreen Cemetery
Saturday July 15 @ 11:00am

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday February 18, 2023
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Following the visitation times, friends
are invited to gather at the Red Barn
Brewing Company, 20466 Lagoon Road,
Blenheim

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lisa Howard, an incredible wife, loving mother and grandmother extraordinaire on February 15th, 2023.  Lisa began her life on November 30th, 1965, the daughter of the late Mary Ann (Ford) Brooks and was a lifelong residentof Blenheim.  She leaves to mourn her husband of 33 years Bernie Howard, her sons Zach (Rachel) and Evan (Mikhayla), her daughter Darien (Jack) and her grandchildren Boone and Kai whom she loved so
dearly. As well as her sister Michelle (Brad) and their family.

Friends will remember Lisa from her years of service at the Southwestern Regional Centre and following that, her time with St. Francis Advocates.

Sometimes you never realize how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Lisa’s bravery throughout the last three years was a testament to us.  She opted to live life and not allow a cancer diagnosis to define who she was.  She didn’t wait until life wasn’t hard anymore to be happy.  She woke up each day with an even greater appreciation of the people she loved and desire to watch her grandchildren grow.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for a time to visit and reminisce with family and friends on Saturday February 18, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.   Following the visitation time, friends are invited to join the family at the Red Barn Brewing Company at 20466 Lagoon Road, Blenheim.

If you want to remember Lisa in the best possible way, say I love you one more time. Encourage your children to be who they want to be.  And when you have grandchildren, be the best Grams you know how to be.  An interment for Lisa will be held at Evergreen Cemetery on July 15, 2023 at 11:00am.  Family and friends are welcome to attend.  A tribute to Lisa can be viewed by clicking the following link:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JHP5S2LRSH7J9J63 

Barbara McLeod

A photo of Barbara McLeod

A Life Well Lived …

Precious gift granted by parents Walter W. & Janet A. Miller.

Dreams shared and realized for 63 years of loving, honouring, and cherishing husband George.

Always in her heart, bringing a world of love and happy memories for children Jeff, Laura, and Linda.

Sweet moments, laughter, and endless love for grandchildren Tyler, Warren, Ryan, Julie, Jennifer, Linsey, and Brian.

Joy and pride in great grandchildren Devin, Reid, Olivia, Logan, Carter, Claire, Sophia, Charlotte, Wyatt, Hudson, Isla, Macy, Natalie, and Isla.

Lasting love and memories shared with siblings Bill, Marjorie, Rosemarie, Joanne, Dianne, and Doug.

Pride in continuing multi-generational Presidency and membership in The Royal Canadian Legion.

Many friendships formed through Mac’s Ceramics, 4-H Leader, GMC Great Lakers, GMCMI, Ladies Auxiliary at Branch 185 of The Royal Canadian Legion, and life-long sharing of her creative talents with good times and laughter throughout the years.

A life well lived is a legacy, of a loving, lasting memory in a smile that our grateful hearts will always treasure.

As per Barbara’s wishes, cremation has taken place with interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

Jean Parkhouse

A photo of Jean Parkhouse

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday July 6, 2023
2:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday July 6, 2023
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Jean (Mills) Parkhouse passed away peacefully at home on Saturday July 1, 2023.  Born 96 years ago to the late George & May (Haskell) Mills, Jean was the last surviving member of her family having been predeceased by Mary Rumble, Pearl Stover, Flossie Wood, Evelyn Benjamin,  Howard Mills and Fred Shepley.

Jean and her husband Billy, who predeceased her in 1969, were the proud parents of five children; Carol Prokop (Fred), Patricia Travis (Richard), Kelly Parkhouse (Rena), Don Parkhouse and the late Randy Parkhouse.  Their family grew to include 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

For many years, Jean worked at W.G. Thompson’s in the packing room.  She also enjoyed being a part of the Women of the Moose Lodge 1030 in Blenheim.

Visitation for Jean will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday July 6, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will follow the visitation.  Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider two of her favourite charities; the Heart & Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/legacy-giving and the Diabetes Association https://crm2.diabetes.ca/ .