Linda Elizabeth Beckstead (nee Nead)

Born:  October 10, 1949

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved Mom on Wednesday July 19, 2017.  She passed peacefully at the London Health Sciences Centre Victoria Campus surrounded by her loved ones.  She is predeceased by her brother Roger (1968), father Floyd (1987), mother Thelma (2007), brother Al (2012) and sister Audrey (2014) who we know she is safe with now.  She leaves behind her daughters Tammy and Jenn, as well as her three grandchildren Dalton, Ashtyn and McKenna who she loved dearly.  She is survived by her sisters Connie (Bill) and Judy (Larry) and her brother Dale (Sheila).  She will be missed by her nephews Terry (Annie), Dwayne (Cindy), Jamie (Kelly) and Marc (Jen) and her nieces Sandi (Darrin), Nicole, Amy (Derek), Karen and Jaime.

Mom worked at the Southwestern Regional Centre from 1990 until its closing in 2008.  After she retired she enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and her special fur baby Buddy.  She was always willing to lend a helping hand to her dear friends in the apartment building and spent countless hours with her sidekicks Lorraine and Lyle.

A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Linda with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or an Animal Rescue Foundation of your choice.

Just a few words in closing:

**Special Poem written by her daughter Jenn**

The decisions we made were not easy

We wanted you to stay

But God had other plans for you

And he called you home that day

Our hearts were filled with sadness

Our tears they fell like rain

So we laid our hands upon you

And comforted you from pain

It was hard to watch you lay there

So we whispered “It’s OK”

And kissed you as you left us

Knowing we’ll meet again one day

Our lives will never be the same

The void you left is real

But rest in peace dear angel

Our hearts will somehow heal

Love Jenn

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS TAM, JENN, DALTON, ASHTYN AND MCKENNA

Patrick Joseph Howlett of Blenheim (formerly Chatham) passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at the age of 71.

Pat was one of five children born to the late Selby and Mary (Moss) Howlett on September 8, 1945 in Gambo Newfoundland. Pat will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Veronica (Mack) Stockley of Gambo, NFLD, Vince (June) Howlett of St. Johns NFLD, Mary (Derrick) Squires of Newcastle ON, and by his sister-in-law Carmel Howlett predeceased by his brother Jim Howlett of St. Lawrence, NFLD.

Pat was an extremely caring and proud father to his four children and dearest Poppy to his only grandchild. He will be sadly and profoundly missed by daughters Lori Simone, Leah Smith, Tara Howlett, and son Ryan Howlett as well as granddaughter Kennedy May Smith. Pat will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbours, customers and colleagues.

Aside from being a loving sibling, father, and grandfather, Pat was a trusted and brilliant mechanic. A loyal, honest, hardworking man with a passion and life’s work in the trucking industry.  From driving, being a mechanic, to owning his own trucking companies or repair shops (sometimes all simultaneously), Pat always looked forward to putting on his grey t-shirt, blue work pants and working with his son in their shop everyday.

Pat would never tell you what to do, but in lieu of flowers or donations sip Jack Daniels on your deck, make an appointment to get your car tuned up, or pay your taxes late (or not at all). Any of these would make him happy.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 19^th from 7pm-9pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 11am. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

In honour of Pat feel free to drive your truck or heavy equipment machinery to the funeral.

Of Blenheim passed away on Saturday July 15, 2017 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 82 years. Son of the late Nelson Daniel and Florence (Redman) McCrae. Beloved husband of Catherine (Niefer) McCrae. Loving father of Cathy and Jeff Whittington and their children Spencer and Adam of Thornhill; Marie and Tom Abbott and their daughter Amanda of Mississauga and late daughter Rosemary (1986). Dear brother of Garold and Rose McCrae of Chatham, Pat Forrest of Port Dover; brother-in law of Mary Lou and Peter Machina of Windsor, Joanne Niefer of Windsor, Richard and Mary Niefer of St. John’s Newfoundland and Bernadette Niefer of Ottawa. Jack will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers Len, Alick, Percy and Hugh and sisters Sis (Lillian), Vi, Mary and Joyce.

There’s a poem by Linda Ellis called, “The Dash”. It explains that the most important thing on your tombstone is the dash – the space between your year of birth and your year of death. Jack filled his dash well, especially during his 30+ years in Blenheim.

Every one of his daughters and grandchildren was the apple of his eye, each being cherished for unique reasons. He always looked forward to their visits and was proud of their accomplishments.

Jack did a lot of volunteer work when he was able. He was a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club who had been involved in many work parties and dinners including pig roasts. To work the bar there, he got his SIP certification from St. Clair College.

In the winter, he enjoyed doing snow removal for the neighbours for many years. He did what he could at the “old” Sr. Centre and was quick to help when a replacement driver was needed for Meals on Wheels. He was a good sport and “costumed”, most often outrageously, for the Happy Gang.

When his mother-in-law was alive, he spent many hours keeping her company, taking her to reunions, to visit relatives, and even travelling as her companion when she would visit Houston, Texas. (Everyone was amazed when they came home still talking to one another.) She was his “mother” and she loved him like a son.

When he would have a bout of pneumonia, Dr. Clendenning knew he was definitely “on the mend” when he would ask her when he could again ride the mower to cut the grass. The last few years limited his social interaction, but he looked forward to weekly outings when a group of friends would get together to play cards.

Jack was very valued, respected and well loved by his in-laws and he reciprocated in kind.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at which time a Funeral Service will be held. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Due to allergies, no live flowers or plants, please. Instead, the family invites you to make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

Marilyn Sterling (Arthurton) of Blenheim passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 11, 2017. Marilyn was born 75 years ago to her late parents Ethel & Ernest Arthurton. She married Albert on February 3^rd 1962 and they were together for 35 years until his passing July 13, 1997. Marilyn was predeceased by her sister Joyce Fnukal. She will be remembered with great fondness by her sons Allan & Deb Sterling of Pain Court and Steven & Ellie Voets-Sterling of Blenheim, her grandchildren Bryce Voets-Sterling & Bernadette (Benny) Sullivan, Zoe & Wade Vermeersch, Cameron Sterling, Kyle Sterling, Connor Sterling and Kurtis Sterling. She will be missed by her brothers Keith & Norma Arthurton and Loris & Sharon Arthurton as well as her brother-in-law Joe & Sharon Fnukal and sister-in-law Lillian & Art Huffman and their families.

Marilyn loved camping with her family and friends and was a 40 year member of the National Campers and Hikers Association and local club, Ruf-n-Redi. She was the Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge in Blenheim, Past Grand Matriarch of the Ladies Encampment Auxiliary of Ontario and a longtime member of the Rebekah Lodge in Merlin. She enjoyed her 35 years working at H & R Block in Chatham and Blenheim and driving school bus for Blenheim Bus Lines for 30 years.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Friday July 14, 2017 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Marilyn will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday July 15th at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow.  A private family interment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery.

Marilyn’s wish in lieu of flowers is to remember her by making a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association.

Wilhelmina Isabella Pieters of Chatham and formerly of Blenheim passed away on Sunday July 9, 2017 at the age of 91 years. Wilhelmina was predeceased by her husband Machiel “Mike” Pieters in 1988 and is survived by her seven children; Adriaan & Yvonne Pieters  of Blenheim, Wilhelmina Dent & Hugh Pillon of Windsor, Ellie & John Weales of Oshawa, Gerry & Cynthia Pieters of Kaledon BC, Mike & Mariola Pieters of Edmonton AB, Vince & Louise Pieters of Chatham and Linda Lauzon of Chatham.  She was also proud to be the grandmother of 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister Door Schroevers-Folker of Holland and two sisters-in-law Truus Van’t Westende and Marie DeJonge-Pieters of Holland.

Wilhelmina enjoyed knitting, crocheting and needlecrafts. She made booties, mittens, bonnets and sweaters for babies and donated them to the hospital auxiliary.  She especially loved any time that she was able to spend with her dog Buddy.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Parish Prayers will take place at 7:00 p.m.) and again on Thursday morning from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.  A Funeral Mass for Wilhelmina will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Thursday July 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.

Friends wishing to remember Wilhelmina with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Dorine Fisher of Chatham passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Saturday July 1, 2017 at the age of 87 years. Dorine was one of six children born to the late Claude & Ruby (Wood) Gould.  She is survived by her brother Bob & Diane Gould.  Predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Dillon (late Mark), Ruth Gould and her brothers Russell (late Ruby) and Raymond Gould.

Dorine was predeceased by her husband Lyle on November 20, 2016. While they were longtime residents of the Port Crewe area they raised four sons;  Allan & Nancy of Redbridge ON, Ed & Cindy of Beardmore ON, Dan of Fort McMurray AB and Kevin & Kim of Chatham.  They were also the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Dorine retired from Southwestern Regional Centre where she spent many years working as a Developmental Service Worker.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community funeral Home where visitation will take place on Wednesday from 3 – 5 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Dorine will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday July 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rick Dressler officiating. Interment in Stewart Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Dorine with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.

Donna Stephens of Merlin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday June 17, 2017. Donna was born 70 years ago, one of five daughters to the late Martin & Margaret (Laramie) Klie. She is survived by her sister Alice (Dean) Wigle and her brothers-in-law Donald Clark and Stan Johnson. She was predeceased by her sisters Irene Clark, Marion (Hugh) Gascoyne and Jean Johnson.

While she was still in high school, Donna met a young man named Glenn Stephens. A few years later they began a life as husband and wife for almost 49 years. Donna and Glenn farmed together and raised three children who she was very proud of; Dwane & Sarah Stephens, Sandra & Steve Turner and Chris & Kristi Stephens. They were thrilled when their family grew to include their grandchildren Valerie, Josh, Ryan, Emma, Prestyn and Averie Stephens and Kristin Turner.

Family meant everything to Donna and it would come as no surprise that she considered the residents and staff of Southwestern Regional where she worked for many years to be her second family. She was loved and respected by all.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday where visitation will take place from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and then begin again at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Donna officiated by Pastor Eric Skillings will take place in the Charing Cross United Church on Saturday June 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.   Cremation to follow with a private family interment in Ouvry Cemetery at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Donna are asked to consider a memorial donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Dawn Lynn Ladore passed away at home on Friday June 9, 2017. Dawn is the daughter of Margaret Ladore and David Ladore (Heidi). She leaves behind two children; her daughter Celene Lynn Ceccacci and her son Blake Allen Casey and her brother David Ladore (Nadia). She will also be missed by many Uncles and Aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her grandparents Jean Chadwick Ladore, David Richard Ladore, Sybil J Little (nee Marsh) and Percy Swan Little.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday June 14, 2017 for visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will take place immediately following the visitation. A private family interment will take place at St. Mary’s Anglican Cemetery, Walkerville at a later date.

Donations in memory of Dawn can be made to the Word of Life Soup Kitchen in Blenheim, Blenheim Food Bank, Pet and Wildlife Rescue or the charity of your choice.

Richard Allen Raine “Dick” passed away suddenly at his residence at the age of 71 on June 8th 2017. He was born in St Thomas and lived the majority of his years in Ridgetown and later Blenheim. He was the son of the late Harry and June (Claypole) Raine.

Father of Sam Raine (Jessie), Doug Raine (Peggy), Carolyn Powell (Dave), Christine Agla-Taylor and Missy Randall (Tim).

Proud Papa of Michael Raine, Keegan Shoemaker, Morgan Raine,

Amberlynn Trudell, Tiffany Roets, Dakota Raine, Arizona Raine, DJ Raine, David McPherson, Samantha McPherson, Steven Taylor, Ashley Taylor, Jocelyn Randall, and Megan Randall.

Great Papa of Tanner Laczo, Samuel Raine, and Brooklyn Kostyalik.

Survived by his brothers Bill Raine (Sue) and Robert Raine.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Saturday June 10th from 7-9 p.m.  In keeping with Dick’s wishes, cremation and a private family celebration of life will follow at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Dick with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Lung Association.

Clarence Fredrick Rodwell of Blenheim passed away on Tuesday June 6, 2017. Clarence was born in England and would have celebrated his 94^th birthday in just ten days. He was one of four children born to the late Violet and Fredrick Rodwell and is survived by his sisters Elsey Martin (late Albert) and Jean Little (late Ken). He was predeceased by his brother Harold.

In 1943 Clarence married his sweetheart Leora Ward and began a journey that would span almost 74 years. Their only child Marilyn Jean predeceased Clarence and Leora as an infant. Clarence worked for 21 years with the Department of Highways doing road maintenance. In his retirement years he and Leora enjoyed travelling and making new friends. He was a true gentleman.

Clarence will be remembered by Leora’s family Blanche Burke, Shirley & Jim Green, Doris Ward and Jackie Ward. Predeceased by Jean & Byron Tole, Frank Burke and John, Sidney, Earl and Raeburn Ward.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday June 9, 2017 where visitation will take place from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. A Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings will follow at 2:00 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Clarence with a memorial donation are asked to consider Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim.