Verna Elizabeth Jane Kelly, affectionately known as “BJ” and “Ma” formerly of Cedar Springs passed away with her family by her side on Friday September 30, 2016. Born 60 years ago to the late Laverne & Leona (Sorrell) Kelly, BJ lived her life with sheer determination. Her legacy will be her colourful, fighting spirit. She was loved by her sons Vern Meredith of Chatham, Barry Meredith of Chatham and Dan Meredith of Erieau as well as their father Sly Meredith. She was passionate about her grandchildren Chassidy, Elizabeth, Jamison, Knox and Brooklyn and she was the best sister to Kathy Kelly and Karen Anderson, the late Nancy Smith and the late Daniel Kelly. She will be missed by her brother-in-law Gary Smith, several nieces and nephews and many, many friends. BJ was proud that her roots were in Erieau. She loved baking, especially at Christmas time. She loved animals, she loved spending time with friends and she loved fish & chips. But most of all she loved her sons. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Monday October 3, 2016 from 12 – 1 p.m. A Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will begin at 1:00. Cremation will follow and a private interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember BJ with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Chatham Kent Hospice or the Blenheim-Ridgetown Chiefs Hockey Team in memory of her nephew Devin Tedford.

PIERRE JOSEPH JEAN EUDES DORÉ passed away in the early morning of Sept 28, 2016 at CK Health Alliance, Chatham. Pierre was born on Sept 27, 1943 in Chicoutimi, Quebec, to the late Simone and Hercule Doré. As a young man, he enlisted and served in the United States Army where he trained as a combat medic. He settled in the Chatham-Kent area, a community that he adored, working at Motor Wheel and later as a Registered Nurse. Pierre was filled with enthusiasm for life, and love, compassion, and caring for others. He loved woodworking, exercising at the local gym, and regaling his friends and family with episodes from his storied past. He cherished his roles as loving husband of 43 years and best friend to Marian Doré of Blenheim, loving father to Suzanne Doré (Terry Opiela) of Chatham and Bruce Doré (Mia Leimkuhler) of Philadelphia, and loving grandfather to Tyler, Aidan, Oscar, and Juniper, all of whom made him extremely proud. He is also survived by brother Bruno Lafrèniere (Debbie), sister Michelle Ouellet (Yvon), sister France Lafrèniere, Wysman family in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Chatham Parthenon Lodge, Blenheim Lodge, and Mocha Shriners. His family would like to thank the CKHA ER and ICU staff, and Serenity Blenheim Independent Living. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday for visiting from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Masonic Service conducted by the Kent Lodge No. 274 A.F. & A.M. will take place at 6:45 p.m. A Funeral Service for Pierre will take place at the Funeral Home on Sunday October 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Ruth Ann Pickle of Blenheim passed away with her family by her side on Monday August 29, 2016. Ruth Ann was born August 4, 1948 in Chatham to the late Clarence (2012) and Margaret (Tunks) Pfaff. She married the love of her life, Rev. Patrick Shawn Pickle on June 8, 1974 beginning a journey that would span over 42 years. Ruth Ann and Pat are the proud parents of Jennifer (Daryl) Atkinson of Kitchener, Rachel (Jason) Apthorp of Blenheim and Jeffrey Pickle of Blenheim and the very proud grandparents of Simon Atkinson and Cameron Atkinson. Ruth Ann was one of seven siblings and is survived by her sisters Marg (Rod) Miller of Port Parry, Mary (Dale) D’Clute of Strathmore AB and Penny Pfaff (Darryl Throsel) of Blenheim and by her brothers Harold (Sharon) Pfaff of Blenheim, John Pfaff of Calgary and Robert “Bob” Pfaff of St. Thomas. Also surviving her are 7 nieces, 4 nephews, 7 great-nieces and 5 great-nephews.

Ruth will be remembered as an accomplished pianist who shared her gift with a number of churches. She especially loved Christmas music…actually she loved the whole Christmas season and while the house would be decorated a month ahead, there were some decorations that would remain out for the entire year. She loved sitting on the patio with her family enjoying an evening barbeque. She loved people, she shared the gifts that were bestowed to her in life and she cared for all of God’s creatures. She was a Christian.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and again at Glad Tidings Community Church on Thursday from 10 – 11 a.m.

A Funeral Service for Ruth Ann, conducted by Pastor Eric Revie will take place at Glad Tidings Community Church on Thursday September 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Acting as pallbearers will be Jeff Pickle, Jason Apthorp, Daryl Atkinson, Darryl Throsel, Jeremy Pfaff and Rod Miller. Flower bearers will include Simon Atkinson, Cameron Atkinson, Aidan Throsel and Kailyn Throsel.

Friends wishing to remember Ruth Ann with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Group Hug Apparel, a charity near and dear to Ruth Ann’s heart.

Frank Joseph Fiala passed away suddenly at his home on August 28^th, 2016. He was born March 21^st, 1943 in Chatham, Ontario to Joseph Fiala (1956) and Mary (Plyha)(Fiala) Balun (1975). Beloved husband and best friend of Jeannette Marie (Benoit) Fiala. Admired father, advisor & provider of Mary Lynn (Tom) McKillop, Jody Lynn (Dan) Mifflin, Frank Jr. (Pam) Fiala, Joey (Linda) Fiala, Terry (Janice) Fiala & Jackie Lynn (Denis) Lalonde. Caring & cherished pepere of Jolene & Kirk McKillop, Marcie (Matt, Abi & Austin) King, Alena & Jared Fiala, Kayla & Jenna Fiala, Brodie & Madison Lalonde. Baby brother of Edward (Bernice) Fiala (1983), & Vera Engl (2003). Also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Frank farmed in Harwich (Township) and worked at Eaton Yale (Oxford Automotive) for 36 yrs. He had a heart bigger than life, always putting others ahead of himself and always there to lend a helping hand. He was mechanically inclined, smart and a handy person to have around when you needed something fixed. He worked hard, played harder, was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved the outdoors. His happiest times were family get togethers and cooking up BIGGGG meals for his family. He’d cook enough for a small army……but that we are!

In keeping with Frank’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Home visitation and a private family service will be held at St. Mary’s Church.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Blenheim Foodbank, the youth group at Rondeau Rod & Gun club or charity of your choice.

Garnet Daniel “Dan” Eskritt of Ridgetown passed away peacefully in Windsor on Tuesday August 24, 2016. Dan was born 75 years ago to his late parents Garnet & Margaret (Carnegie) Eskritt.  While serving as a young Canadian soldier in Germany, he met and married Berta (Lemken) who predeceased him in 2010.  Dan and Berta were the proud parents of Michael Eskritt of Merlin, Erik & Tammy Eskritt of Blenheim and Jason (late Tracey) of Ridgetown.  It was no surprise to anyone that the prides and joys of his life were his grandchildren Kristen Eskritt, Kyle Eskritt, Dawn & Ian Simard (with their children Jacob, Aaron and Anna), Jenny & Justin Thesen with their son Isaiah) and Samantha Eskritt.

Dan is survived by his siblings Wilma Eskritt, Barbara Beisel, Helen Tomkiewych, Pete & Andrea Eskritt and Hugh & Shirley Eskritt. He was predeceased by his siblings Margaret Eskritt, Evelyn Speed, Thomas Eskritt, Stan Eskritt and Harry Eskritt.

Dan retired after 32 years working at Navistar in Chatham. In his retirement he enjoyed working on his old Mustangs, attending car races and spending time with family which is what made him the happiest in life.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Frank DeGelas passed away peacefully August 22, 2016 in his 81^st year at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born May 3, 1935 on the family farm at McKay’s Corners to the late Oscar and Alice DeGelas. Much loved father of Dena Anderson and her husband Wayne, David DeGelas and Duncan DeGelas both of Chatham, Jeannie DeGelas and Amy DeGelas of Windsor. Dear brother of Jeannie Vanderviere and her husband Jerry, Maurice DeGelas (late Bonnie) and Mary Vandehogen (late John). Brother in law of Jack King, Bill King and the late Mary Anne King. Best Grandpa to D.J. and Amber DeGelas, Jason and Brooke DeGelas, Kyle Anderson, Kelley and Chris Kirwan, Megan and Daniel DeGelas, Jordan, Janelle and Jalen DeGelas. Frank is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Best Great Grandpa to Brayden, Chloe, Emma, Mya, Ava, Ashton, Isabella and Noah.

Frank Grew up and worked on the family farm in McKay’s Corners. Frank was a loyal employee of W.J. Thompson and Sons for 45 years, driving the bulk feed truck. Frank coached hockey and coached and umpired girls and boys baseball in Blenheim for many years. Frank was coach of the 1967 Blenheim Peewee Baseball team that captured the all Ontario Championship. Frank was honoured with coach of the year award in 1982 by the Blenheim Youth. Frank spent many precious hours travelling to watch his grandsons, granddaughters and great-grandsons play hockey and baseball and loved every minute of it. He loved to stop for hamburgers after the games. Frank enjoyed fishing, cars and all sports.

As per Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or service. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Rick Johnston of Blenheim passed away at home with his family by his side on Sunday August 21, 2016 after a courageous 20 month battle with cancer. Rick was born in Chatham 64 years ago but had many childhood memories of living in Glencoe with his late parents Dorothy & Wilfrid Graham. He is survived by his loving wife Linda (Moody) Johnston with whom he has shared the last 30 years of his life with. He will be missed by, his children Gary & Amy Pook, Randy & Julie Pook with their son Brady (who Rick would have said should have been at the top of the list), his daughter Dana & David Standeven and Jason Johnston as well as his siblings Elaine Blackmore, Nancy & the late Don McKellar, Diane & Allan Patterson and Wayne & Janet Tulloch and Linda’s family Eileen Moody (late Gordon), Cathy & John Mallory, Judy Campbell & Jim Vidler and Patricia & Dan Dauphin.

Rick was a carpet installer by trade who in 1991 became the proud owner of Rick’s Carpet Centre in Chatham. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed drag races, travelling to Florida with his family, helping to rebuild a ’55 Chevy 210 which was a replica of his first car and spending time reading newspapers in his gazebo. He loved cutting the grass and the Coors Light that went with it. Most of all, he loved the times that he spent with Brady, be it teaching him how to drive the riding lawn mower or being the number one Grandpa at a sporting event.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Rick, conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday August 25, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Rick with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Clinic.

Robert Wayne “Pete” Turner of Blenheim passed away with his family by his side on Friday, August 12, 2016. Pete was born in Southampton 61 years ago to his late parents Leslie & Ruth (Warnock) Turner.  He will be missed by wife Michelle (Bilodeau) Turner, by his children Jonathan & Jenn Turner and Jason & Lori Turner and foster son Harvey Potts.  He was a special Papa to Karis, Jayden, Olivia, Taylor and Luke.  He is the brother of Joy (late husband Frank) Caine, the late George Turner, Marvin (Sandi) Turner, the late Larry and Joy Anne Turner, Bryne (late wife Sheree) Turner, Linda (Bill) Peach, Debbie (Ken) Durfy, Rick (Terroleen Argent) Turner and Ronnie (Deb) Turner.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Antoinette Bilodeau Lauzon, sister-in-law Lisa Bilodeau (Robin Deschênes), brothers-in-law Christian (Sylvie) Bilodeau and Sylvain Bilodeau and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday, August 16 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Pete will be conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce in the funeral home on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow.

The family would like to thank the Staff at CCAC and the Staff on Medicine and in the ICU at the CKHA.

Friends wishing to remember Pete with a memorial donation are asked to consider The Covenant House.

The family requests that everyone dress casual.

Richard Albert “Rick” Guyett of Blenheim passed away with his family by his side on Sunday August 7, 2016. Rick was born in Cedar Springs 77 years ago to his late parents Roy & Joan (Holcombe) Guyett.  He will be missed by his longtime companion Margaret Koniger, by his children Debbie & Stan Gammage, Louise Crow, Mark & Vicki Howe, Donald Howe & Betty Anne Osborne, Michael Howe (Laurie), Emily Guyett and Mandy & Frank Mailloux.  He was a special Grandpa and Great-Grandpa to Wendy Patchett (Jared Smith), Dennis Bergsma (Jenny), Mariah Marchand, Brady Marchand, Aiden Mailloux, Quinn Mailloux, Savannah Mailloux, Joan Howe, Bryce Patchett, Brayden Patchett, Gracie Smith, Crystal Smith, Jordan Doig and others.  He is survived by many cousins.  Rick was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Wendy.

Rick will be remembered for his sense of humour and his love of racing stock cars. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Wednesday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.  followed immediately by a Funeral Service.  In keeping with Rick’s wishes, cremation will take place.  Friends wishing to remember Rick with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association.

Bill Wright of Blenheim passed away on Tuesday August 2, 2016 at the age of 79 years. Bill was born in Chatham, son of the late Helen & Wilfrid Wright. He lived his life in Blenheim and while going to Blenheim District High School, he met his future wife Mary Ann Russchen with whom he celebrated 58 of marriage. Bill and Mary Ann are the proud parents of Susan Wright, Mike & Krista Wright and Todd & Jody Wright. And just when they thought it was perfect, their family grew to include their grandchildren (who Bill adored) Aiden and Keirin. Bill will be fondly remembered by his sisters Catherine Shaw (Bev) and Patricia Haskell (Doug), his sister in law Dorothy Wright (late Allison) and by his very special nephews and niece Mark, John, Jeff, Stephen and Karen.

Bill was just an all-round nice guy. He worked hard, he built his family a home and he loved his community. He was the “go to guy” of the neighbourhood if your lawnmower was broken….he could fix anything. After he retired from Navistar, he took up repairing clocks, big or small. He was the man behind the ongoing maintenance of the Town of Blenheim clock.

In his life, Bill wore many hats and he accomplished many things. He was an accomplished carpenter, he appreciated nature, he loved animals, he enjoyed a good game of cards and he could polka with the best of them.

But most of all, Bill Wright loved his family.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday August 4, 2016 where visitation will begin at 3:00 and continue until 5:00 p.m. when eulogies will be given by family and friends.

Those wishing to remember Bill with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.