Sadly, we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Claire Tribe, age 95, on Tuesday June 5^th at the Veterans Care Facilities of Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care in London Ontario. Fred is survived by his wife of 69 years Hazel (nee Smith) living at Longworth Retirement Residence, along with his daughters Terry (Elmer Johnson), Joanne Foster (Tony Vercouteren), son Kevin (Kathleen Quigley) and their children Laura (Josh Tabish) Eric (Lorena Pastorino) and Alex. He is also survived by his sister Marie Hartney and brother-in-law Doug Groat. Predeceased by his parents James and Gladys (nee Moody), brothers Keith (Marjory), George (Shirley), Bob (Tilly), sister Betty Groat and brother-in-law Tom Hartney.

Fred was born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, March 14, 1923. At the age of 19 he volunteered to join the Navy, in active service overseas from 1942-1945 aboard the H.M.C.S Iroquois escorting supply convoys across the North Atlantic to Russia, including trips over the Arctic Circle and south to Africa. His military service remained important to him throughout his life.

In December, 1948, he and Hazel were married. Shortly thereafter they moved to Ridgetown, where they opened a paint and wallpaper store on Main Street and established a very successful painting business. Later in life, Fred worked as the general manager of Keyser auto parts and then as Superintendent of Public Works in Ridgetown. He was active in the community and elected to town council for multiple terms. He was also a long-term member of Kiwanis, a 65 year member of the Legion and served as president of the Ridgetown golf course.

Upon retirement Fred and Hazel sold their house and travelled for 9 years in motorhomes where they found pleasure touring across every state and province from the Arctic circle to Mexico. They eventually settled in London where they continued to enjoy gardening and seniors clubs for shuffleboard, playing cards and building new friendships.

Fred enjoyed the residents and staff of both Longworth and Parkwood where he will be remembered for his kindness, patience and sense of humour. He was greatly loved by his family and we miss him already.

A service will be held Friday, June 8^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will take place at 10 am, followed by a remembrance service at 11 am and interment in at the Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or donate to a charity of choice.

John Leonard Neville, a resident of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, mother, and sisters at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance – Chatham Campus on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the age of 53.

Born in Chatham, John was the son of Marie Neville (Manley) and the late John Larry Neville. Loving father of Rachael and Drew (Rachel Faussett), uncle to Jed, Hayden (Gould), Josh and Jenna (Beecroft), and brother to Nancy (Ken Gould) and Marilyn. He will also be missed by extended family and friends.

For 25+ years in the Lambton-Kent community, John was a teacher, coach and mentor, and will live on in the hearts of all that knew him.

A private family service is being held on Friday. The family invites you to join them for an informal celebration of John’s life at the Ridgetown Golf and Curling Club on Saturday June 9 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Please bring your favourite story to share with family.

Dona Marlene Bechard of Chatham passed away at home on Monday June 4, 2018 at the age of 53 years. She was the loved mother of JonAnn & Andrew Jones and Mandy Nealey and grandmother of Cheyenne, Sierra and Bryson. She will be remembered with great fondness by her longtime friend D. Jerry Bechard.

The youngest of nine children born to the late Dona & Bill Nealey, she is survived by her siblings Marie & Leonard Smith, Pat & Fred Ryckman, Gloria Anson (late Ed), Stacie & Doug Beaton, Tami & John St. Lewis and Ken (late Linda) Nealey. She was predeceased in life by her sister Fran & Frank Stothart and her brother Bill Nealey.

Dona was one of a kind whose adventurous spirit and strong will afforded her many opportunities and experiences in life…at 53 years of age she was able to look herself in the mirror and like who she saw…a woman who had accomplished everything she had hoped for in life. Her determination allowed her to overcome many of the medical challenges she faced every day…she was such a fighter.

Dona’s wish was that her life would be celebrated. Cremation has taken place and her family will gather together to remember her.

Family and friends wishing to remember Dona with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Pet And Wildlife Rescue efforts.

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

It is with the greatest of sorrow that we announce our son Carter Paul David Lackie, the most loved and anticipated son of Lindsay McGuigan and Greg Lackie was born still on Sunday June 3, 2018. Anxiously awaiting Carter’s arrival were his grandparents and namesakes Linda & Paul McGuigan, Kim & Ed Wammes and David & Karen Lackie and his great-grandparents Pat DeBoer, Cathy Kelly and Greta Wolfe. He will be greeted in heaven by his great grandparents Dirk DeBoer, Simone & Maurice McGuigan and Gerry & Ted Kelly.

Carter will be sorely missed by his Aunts and Uncles Nick McGuigan, Darrell Lackie, Jamie & Amanda Lackie, Kayla Lackie, Dan & Lindsay Wammes, Chris & Kristin Wammes and Michelle & Bill Kaloyanis as well as many cousins.

Although Carter couldn’t stay, the footprints that he left in our hearts will be with us for eternity. Rest well, our dear son. Mommy and Daddy will love you forever.

Brian David Kelly died peacefully at home in Chatham on Saturday May 26, 2018 at the age of 61 years. Born in Niagara Falls on January 23, 1957, son of Florette (Zastre) (Kelly) Lindsay and the late Lawrence Kelly (2007), Brian was a long time resident at the March of Dimes in Chatham. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, his determination and his good sportsmanship. Brian was an outstanding athlete, receiving many awards at different meets in Ontario and New York. He will be missed by his sister Cheryl Kelly, his brothers Keith Kelly (Mary), Les Lindsay (Jody) and Robert Lindsay (Kim) as well as his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Garry (1995), his step father Lancelot “Brick” Lindsay in 2002, his step mother Elsie Kelly in 2002 and by his nephews Richard Baribeau (2006) and Danny Murphy (2016).

Friends and relatives are welcome to attend a Celebration of Brian’s life at the March of Dimes, 5 Tecumseh Road in Chatham on Friday June 1, 2018 from 11:00 – 1:00 and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Those wishing to remember Brian with a memorial donation are asked to consider the March of Dimes in Chatham.

Gail Elizabeth Foulis of Charing Cross passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at the age of 70 years. She will be missed by her husband of 48 years, Terry who she met one summer in Erieau. Many of their fondest memories were made spending time with friends and boating at the Eau.

Gail was one of three daughters born to the late Jack & Isabel (Vincent) Campbell. She is survived by her sisters Jean Ferguson (late Paul) and Mary & Frank Maynard. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Gail was a strong person who overcame much adversity in life. An automobile accident soon after she and Terry were married presented many challenges for her but she fought the odds and won them. The ability to walk again after the accident was a major victory that she was most proud of. She was also a strong advocate for the prevention of cruelty to animals and would have appreciated it if friends wishing to remember with a memorial donation in her name would consider either the Pet & Wildlife Rescue or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

In keeping with Gail’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday May 25, 2018 for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday May 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Inez (LaRochelle) Ricamore

August 30, 1920 – May 10, 2018

Inez (LaRochelle) Ricamore, daughter of the late Lawrence & Henriette LaRochelle and wife of the late Edgar C. Ricamore for 69 years passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday May 10, 2018.  Inez was the oldest resident of Erie Beach, residing at her lakefront home for more than 60 years.

Beloved mother of Larry Ricamore (Storm), Kenneth Ricamore (late Betty), Rochelle McKee (Dennis), E. Carter Ricamore (Michelle), Kylleen Tremont (David), Timothy Ricamore (Shelley), Mary Anne Neis (Robert) and Annette Stamatakis (George). She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren William Ricamore, Brigette James, Yvonne Fisher, Scott Ricamore, Tina Vasu, Susan DuMouchelle, Deborah McKee, Tracie McKee, Tina Drye, Kristopher Ricamore, Nevill Hargrave-Thomas, Nathan Hargrave-Thomas, Tara Lovelace, Jolleen Bubel, Brent Bubel, Rachel Ricamore, Derek Ricamore, Robert Neis, Matthew Neis and Kimberly Neis, by 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Sister of the late Kenneth, William and Roy (Grace) and is survived by her sisters-in-law Leah Fleming and Donna Bird. She was also an aunt to David, Keith, Wayne, John and Duffy LaRochelle, Susan Fobelli and the late Joseph LaRochelle.

Visitation for Inez will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday May 15, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrated by Fr. John Juhl will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Wednesday May 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.

Gerald Alan “Al” Swance of Blenheim passed away at home on Tuesday May 8, 2018. Al was born on June 11, 1925 to the late Mildred (Gough) & Lloyd Swance. He and his wife Betty who predeceased him in 1981 raised three sons Gary Swance & Kathy Kohajda, Greg & Darlene Swance and Gord & Monica Swance. They were the proud grandparents of Colin Seney & Nadja Lucyk, Kelsey Swance & Stephen VanRaay, Jordan Swance, Shalynn & Paul Hamilton, Desiree Swance and Brandon Swance. Al welcomed one great-granddaughter Bianca. He was predeceased by his second wife Rose Swance in 2012 and will be remembered by her family. On August 2, 2014 Al married Claudette (Rodrigue). He will also be remembered by Claudette’s children Jim & Andrea, Lynn and Lena.

Al attended school in Tillsonburg and Melbourne. He retired as a Line Supervisor with Ontario Hydro. He was a charter member of the Tillsonburg Kiwanis Club, Past Chairman of the Tillsonburg Recreation Committee and the Past Chairman of the Legion Villa Board of Directors in Blenheim. In his spare time, he enjoyed drawing, gardening and golfing with his good friend Gord Kirk.

If you asked Al what he was most proud of in his life, he would have said that it was the service he gave for his country. His wartime service included 16 round trips in the North Atlantic on convoy duty with the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. He was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Legion Padre Bill Terris will take place at the Funeral Home on Friday May 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow and a private family interment will take place at a later date when Al will be laid to rest with Betty.

Friends wishing to remember Al with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society.

Paul Franklin Clarke, February 21, 1922 – May 2, 2018

With loving sadness we say goodbye to our 96 year-old father, Paul Franklin Clarke, and with gratitude we remember his long and wonderful life. Predeceased by his beloved wife Aileen, and missed by his dear sister Muriel Askin, children Janis, Jon, Paula, Greg, and Julie, grandchildren Raphael, Kim, Gail, Fiona and Thomas, and precious great-grandson Gabriel. Born in Blenheim to Blanche and Jack Clarke, Paul loved working the family farm. In 1943 he graduated from University of Toronto in electrical engineering, then enjoyed a fulfilling career with Windsor’s Ford Motor Company as safety manager, and later was a consultant to Chatham industries. He and Aileen lived a happy retirement in Erie Beach, where he and his son built his dream home. There they enjoyed the lake, their gardens, bridge games, and singalongs, always welcoming new and old friends. Paul had a relentless passion for invention and creative home-improvements, and his adventurous spirit kept him travelling, skiing, biking and kayaking well into his 80s. Paul had great compassion for the welfare of others, working with the United Way, Kiwanis Club, and Industrial Accident Prevention Association. He and Aileen created a Guelph University scholarship for agriculture students in financial need, and fundraised for Orchestra London creating the “Music, Muffins and More” program to showcase young Kent county musicians. A poet, church organist, and beautiful tenor singer, Paul lived a life full of music, passing this love on to his children and grandchildren.

Family will hold a private memorial service for him on the land he loved. Memorial donations may be made to United Way of London or Chatham-Kent, or the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Steve Wilkinson, affectionately known to his family and friends as “Wilkie” passed away much too young at home, surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday May 2, 2018. Steve was born on February 9, 1961 to Arthur and Betty (Woods) Wilkinson who have predeceased him.

Survived by his wife Tracy of 38 years, his daughter Bobbi-Jo & Keith Abrams, three grandsons of whom he was very proud and loved so much Kayne, Quinten and Kingston and his son Jason & Erica Grainger. He is also survived by his brothers Neil & Sandi Wilkinson and Randy & Peggy Wilkinson.

Steve was loved by his Godchildren Abby Garton, Spencer Neill, Michael Wilkinson, Sean Falconer and Derek Wilkinson. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Steve worked at the Ridge Landfill for 30 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He enjoyed his summers enduro racing and camping; his winters snowmobiling and building snow forts with his grandsons. He enjoyed helping and spending time with family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday May 5, 2018 where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 & 5 – 7 p.m. Words of remembrance by family and friends will be shared at 7:00 p.m.   Friends wishing to remember Steve with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Make-A-Wish Foundation which helps children.