Candice Jennifer Duff passed away at the Hospice of Windsor on Thursday March 24, 2016 with her family by her side. In her 39 short years, Candice was able to accomplish many things…she was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter Sasha of Windsor who she raised with confidence and determination to go forward and she was an awesome big sister to Laura & Josh Ellis of Saskatoon and Peter & Ester Duff of Ottawa. She was the first to teach her parents Judy (Webster) Duff of Windsor and Hugh Duff of Chatham about unconditional love and she instilled a great sense of pride in the hearts of her grandparents Agatha Duff (late William) and Betty Webster (Bert) (late Walter). She will be fondly remembered by her companion Norm Gascon and her friend Marg Schram. Candice was an employee of Livingston International Inc. She will be missed by all and respected for her warrior approach to life and her illness. Her family is truly grateful to have had her in their lives. In keeping with Candice’s love for animals, it was her desire that friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation would consider their local O.S.P.C.A. It was also Candice’s wish that this stage of her life be treated with quiet dignity. Following cremation, a private family service will be held. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

James Shane “Legend” Woudenberg, a resident of Blenheim passed away suddenly Thursday March 24, 2016. Born in Chatham on November 29, 1973 to Dini Woudenberg and the late John Woudenberg (2013). Loving father of Alexis Woudenberg (Aaron McCathern). Brother and best friend to John Woudenberg Jr (Kathy). Great brother to sisters Marrianne Willis (Jon), Janet Ostrander (John), Henny Hoy (Rick) and Rob Wever. James will be missed by many nieces and nephews.  Also missed by Corinne Summerfield (Dodi).

James was a loyal employee of Anbo Machine Tool & Die. He enjoyed many things in life; motorcycling, snowmobiling, socializing with his many friends and recently home renovations but his number one interest in life was always his relationship with his daughter Alexis. We will truly miss your infectious smile and stories, James.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will be held in Glad Tidings Community Church on Monday March 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember James with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

George Thomas passed away in Leamington on Wednesday March 16, 2016. George was born 71 years ago to his late parents Lee Orville Thomas and Dorothy Fern (Franklin) Thomas. He is survived by his sister Sue Newman (late Lorne), his nephew Mike Newman, his niece Leanne & Steven Crawford and by his great nephews Daniel Vaughan and Evan Vaughan. George worked for many years at Rockwell in Tilbury. He was a quiet man who was content to live his life in blue jeans and a t-shirt as long as there was a Corvette waiting for him in his garage. It was George’s wish that this part of his life be shared with his family. His service will be private.

Claire Diane Marchand nee Owens, 39 years old of Flemingo Street Blenheim passed away March 14, 2016.

Claire was born in Bridgend, South Wales, UK to Michael and Diane Owens on May 1, 1976. Claire worked tirelessly as a Registered Nurse in Chatham –Kent for many years and most patients she cared for would refer to her as “Their Angel”.

Claire is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill & Phyllis Owens and “Vic” and Marie Buckland of South Wales, UK.

Claire is survived by her husband Brent, much loved son Brenden and daughter Lauren, parents Mike & Diane Owens, brother Rhys, sister–in–law Lyndsey and beautiful nephew Kalen.

Claire will also be sadly missed by her mother-in-law and father–in-law Neil & Sandra Marchand and family, many uncles, aunts and cousins in the UK, and by her very close friends Karen, Emily, Becky, Rachel, Jen, Cara and Jamie.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday March 18, 2016 from 2:00– 4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. A private funeral service for family and close friend will be on Saturday March 19, 2016.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). With a special mention and appreciation to Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Neil Mckenzie and Cardiologist Dr. David McCarty both of LHSC.

Friends wishing to remember Claire with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Dorothy Hughes, 85, of Catherine St, Blenheim, passed away March 12, 2016.

Visitation and memorial service will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 2:00– 4:00 pm, with a reception to follow at Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion in Blenheim.

Dorothy was born in Liverpool, England to James and Dorothy Hale on April 11, 1930. She worked as an Accounts Clerk in Liverpool, as a Cashier at Canadian Tire in Blenheim, and as a Steward at Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion. She enjoyed spending time with friends and travelling to England to spend time with her family and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, James and Dorothy; dear friend Bill McIntosh; sister Betty; cousin Alan; and ex-husband Gordon.

Dorothy is survived by her sister Jean; cousins Valerie and Sandra; daughter Linda; son David; five grandchildren Amy, Daniel, Emily, Sara and Emma; and seven great-grandchildren Abigail, Jake, Joshua, Madeline, Peter, Katie and Charlie; and dear friend Pamela Carey.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Doctor Martha Clendenning, the nurses, personal support workers, and staff of the Erie St Clair Community Care Access Centre, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the Palliative Care Consultation Team, the Victorian Order of Nurses, Bayshore Healthcare, and Blenheim Community Village for their support in Dorothy’s final days.

Alvin Leroy Emerson of Blenheim passed away on Friday March 4, 2016. Al was born in Erie Beach 87 years ago to his late parents Wilfrid Earl & Norma Pearl (Lamarsh) Emerson. On June 5, 1954 Al married his best friend Joan (Bolus) Emerson and began a journey that would span over 61 years. Together they raised two daughters; Debbie Emerson of Kitchener and Janet & Scott Rastin of Ancaster. They were also blessed with two grandchildren; Christian Rastin and Patricia Rastin. After successful careers with Navistar and the C&O Railroad, Al enjoyed his retirement by becoming involved with the Blenheim Legion, the Seniors Bowling League and the Blenheim Seniors Centre. It was Al’s wish that this part of his life be regarded with quiet dignity. A private family service will be held. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.  Friends wishing to remember Al with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Seniors Centre Building Fund, a project that he and Joan have been quite passionate about.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hank Cornielis Tol who passed on Thursday, March 3, 2016 with his family at his side.

Formerly of Volendam Holland, Hank has resided in Blenheim Ontario for over 60 years. Hank passed away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Chatham Campus at the age of 82.

He was the dearly beloved husband and best friend of Gerdie (Tuyp) Tol of 59 years and father to his son, the late Richard Tol (1989), his daughter, the late Deborah (Creamer) Tol (2007), and daughter Frances Tol and her husband Roger McClatchey of Charing Cross.

Proud Grandfather to Alicia Chartier (Tol) and her husband Jordan of Chatham and Great Grandfather to Richard Chartier.

He is survived by 3 brothers and 3 Sisters in Holland. Predeceased by his Mother, Father, 2 sisters, 9 brother-in -laws and 3 sister -in- laws in Holland

Hank and Gerdie came to Canada in 1956 and settled in Blenheim and worked for the Cedar Springs Hospital where they retired in 1993. Hank struggled with his diabetes but fought hard by walking the streets of Blenheim miles at a time and talked to everyone that he ran into. He then enjoyed doing his rug hooking with his companion “Buddy” his cat, painting and doing crossword puzzles but most of all watching and taping his soccer games.

We would like to thank Dr Providence and the nurses on the 4th Floor of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, as they went above and beyond their duties to make Hank be comfortable during this tough time.

A private viewing was held on Friday March 4th for Family followed by cremation. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to remember Hank with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Church Soup Kitchen.

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

Alfred Alois Dominicus De Bruyne of Leamington and formerly of Blenheim passed away on Thursday March 3, 2016 with his loving wife Madeleine and family by his side at the age of 86 years. Alfred was one of five children born to the late Emerance and Henricus (Henrie) De Bruyne and is survived by his sister Yvonne (Marcus) Edward, his brothers Frederick (Diane) De Bruyne and Mauritz (Rachel) De Bruyne and his sister in law Leta De Bruyne Elliott (late Willie).

Alfred and Madeleine were married on October 4, 1952 and began a loving journey that would span over 63 years. Together they raised three daughters; Jacqueline and husband Walter Clemente, Kathleen and husband David Lippett and Caroline and husband Richard Vandervecht. Loving grandfather of Matthew (Keith Wace), Sarah, Michael (Laura Clademenos), Katlyn, Hailey, Ryan and Danielle.

Alfred and Madeleine farmed on Ridge Road (Front Line) until their retirement when he and Madeleine moved into Blenheim. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, bowling, and coaching his girls’ softball teams. He also acted as a trustee for the Catholic School Board. In 2015 he and Madeleine moved to Leamington to be closer to their children.

In keeping with Alfred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday March 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Following the Mass, a private family interment of the urn will take place in Evergreen Cemetery while friends gather at St. Mary’s Hall for a luncheon.

Friends wishing to remember Alfred with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation and St. Mary’s Church Blenheim (cheque).

After putting up a bold and strong fight against cancer, Terry Thomson of Chatham passed away at home on Monday February 29, 2016. He will be missed greatly by his children Jenny (Taku Iwasaki) and their son Oscar, Ryan (Hanna), Justin (Rhea) and their son Leroy, Scott (Sandra) and their daughter Shea, Shawn (Tamara) and their daughter Olivia as well as their mother Linda Thomson. Terry was born in London; one of four children born to the late Richard & Beatrice (Gilpin) Thomson and is survived by his siblings Ann (Rick) Holmes, Fay (Craig) Williston and Richard (Gillian) Thomson. He trained as an Accountant and worked in Chatham at Ontario Steel and Rockwell/Meritor. Beyond dabbling in some amateur baking, in his spare time he enjoyed a good game of golf and social times at William Street Café but nothing surpassed the joy of spending time with his grandchildren.

In keeping with Terry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visiting on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Terry will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday March 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce. A private family interment of the urn will take place in Arnold Cemetery, Chatham. Friends wishing to remember Terry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Terry’s family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of the Oncology Unit at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance and to Terry’s team of doctors including Dr. Bailey and Dr. Sullivan of Chatham as well as Dr. Welch and his staff at Victoria Hospital in London.

Eaton, Pamela Ann (Maybank)

November 24, 1927 to February 25, 2016.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pam on Thursday, February 25. Beloved Mom to Christina (Don), Barbara (Andrew), Leslie (Dianne), Shirley (Wayne), Marcus (Lisa). Cherished Nanny to Don (Keri), Krista (Gerry), Jennifer (Dan), Leigh-Ann (Gabe), Kathryn, Christopher, Marcus, Amanda (Eric), Ryan, Julia, Samantha, Vivian, Ronan. Loving Greatnan to Ethan, Euan, Quin, Mason, Alexa, Marcus, Rachel, Miguel, Jacob, AJ, Jordan, Blake, Sophia. She is lovingly remembered by her sister Betty, brother Marcus (Pauline), Sister-in-law Margaret and her many nieces and nephews. Pam was married to her very loving husband, Christopher H. T. Eaton until his death in 1988. She always fascinated us with her stories about life in England during the war years from evacuation with her siblings to life in war torn London. Pam genuinely enjoyed life, saw the positive, and cared about people. Even with such a large family, Mom never forgot a birthday. It was the simple things in life that gave Mom the most happiness,

from knitting, being a wiz at Jumble words, to watching Jeopardy, Young and the Restless, and golf. One of her favourite things to do while staying with Shirley was to visit the Eau-Buoy coffee shop in Erieau where she met many caring people. However, Mom’s greatest happiness was when she was able to spend time with her family and this dedication to her family is her legacy. We love you Mom. A celebration of Mom’s life will be held in the Spring.

“Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” Rossiter, Worthington Raymond.