Rita passed away on Monday September 21, 2015 at the Blenheim Community village. Rita is predeceased by her husband Douglas (1984), her parents Joseph and Mary Wehenkel, her brother William and sister Aileen.  Rita is survived by her 4 children – Albert of Tillsonburg, John and Justina Wiebe of Chatham, Roberta and Paul Levesque of London and Bill and Colleen McDonald of Thamesville.  Also survived by her grandchildren Johnathan Toyne (Amanda Josh) and Joshua Toyne of Woodstock, Jude Levesque and Marc Levesque of London.  Rita is also survived by her much loved great-granddaughter Alexis Rita Toyne.

Rita was a woman of family and faith. Her greatest joy was caring for her family – she felt that was her most important job and she devoted her life to it.  When asked what she did for a living, she never hesitated to say she was a homemaker and proud of it.  She was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 where she was Past President.  Rita was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary where she was a Past President.  Rita, alongside her husband Doug, worked tirelessly for the Legion for many years in support of veteran’s care.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday September 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at the Church at 9:30 a.m., prior to the Mass.  Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Rita’s family would like to thank the staff of the Blenheim Community Village and Dr. Martha Clendenning for the care and support she received. Special thanks to the staff who provided superior care at the end of Rita’s life.

Friends wishing to remember Rita with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Legion Poppy Fund.

Peacefully, and surrounded by family, James (Jim) Franklin Eberle passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance following a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on August 5, 1938 at the family farm in Palmyra to the late Orva and Frances (McMillan) Eberle. He is survived by Glenda (Dickson), his cherished wife of 53 years, children Bob (Barb) Eberle of Blenheim, and Colette (Larry) Drew of Woodstock, and grandchildren Emily and Darren Drew.

Jim is also survived by brothers Peter (Mary) Eberle of Palmyra, Ted (Bonnie) Eberle of Rondeau Park, sisters Ann (Bob) Ellis of Essex, Linda Nesbitt of Cranbrook BC, Joni (John Cardwell) Eberle of Hamilton, Bobbi Plumridge of Palmyra, mother-in-law Bernice Bowyer, sister-in-law Darlene (late Bob) Coatsworth, brother-in-law Larry (Tina) Dickson, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim graduated from the University of Guelph in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He played varsity basketball and received the Dimson trophy for the most valuable player in his senior year. Jim retired in 1994 after teaching for 33 years at Petrolia, Leamington, Essex, and Blenheim High School where he was the Department Head of Science from 1967 until his retirement. Over the years, he coached high school basketball, golf and curling.

He was an avid sportsman, athlete, and musician. He enjoyed being out on the golf course and spent many years involved with both the Blenheim and Ridgetown golf and curling clubs. He played the guitar and bass in The Foursome band and often joined The Pubcrawlers of Chatham.

Jim will be fondly remembered by friends and family as a kind and generous man who filled his house with music and laughter. He treasured spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pa”.

Jim is resting at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Visitation is from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm Wednesday, September 9. The funeral is 11 am Thursday, September 10 at Blenheim United Church. Donations can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Palliative Care, and The Blenheim United Church.

Linda Elizabeth Nealey, also known as “Ma” to many passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday September 3, 2015 at the age of 68 years. Linda was one of six children born to the late Blanche & Elmer Johnston and is survived by her sisters Flora, Joyce, Ardith and Muriel all of New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her brother Roy.

One night at a dance, a young man named Ken Nealey met a young lady named Linda DeLong and asked her to dance. Six months later, on September 1, 1975 the two began a life together, proof that love at first sight really works. They raised a family that included Mike & Kelly DeLong, Chrissandra & Dave Bonnell, Ken Nealey Jr, Kelly & Rick Lamers, Kim & Kevin Bell, the late Michelle Simpson and seventeen grandchildren. Linda is also survived by her son-in-law Barry Simpson.

In keeping with Linda’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 7, 2015 for visiting from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service officiated by Rev. Bill Terris will take place at 1:00 p.m. Please dress casually. In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to remember Linda with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Lung Association.

Marian Eskritt, formerly of Merlin passed away at Riverview Gardens in Chatham on Tuesday August 25, 2015 at the age of 79 years. Marian was one of four children born to the late Gordon and Margaret (Patterson) Ford and is survived by two brothers Allan Ford and Ken & Rita Ford. She was predeceased by her brother Jim Ford.

As a young lady, Marian trained at Grace Hospital in Windsor and became a Registered Nurse. Prior to her retirement from Nursing, she worked for a number of years in the Emergency Department of the Public General Hospital in Chatham. She met and married Ken Dawson (who predeceased her in 1971) and together they became the proud parents of Sandra & Richard Gauthier of Merlin, Heather Dawson of B.C. and Murray & Karen Dawson of Chatham. In 1977 she married Albert Eskritt and her family grew to include Don Eskritt of Ridgetown, David Eskritt & Judy Fraser of Chatham, Chris Eskritt of Ridgetown, Loretta & Brent Howey of Chatham, Michelle Hansen & Denise Bowes of Brampton, Charlene Eskritt (late Ron) as well as 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

“Mom was a great lady. We know that she sacrificed a lot raising three children and working shift work after our Dad passed away. That determination carried everybody through when she married Albert and our families blended together. She was a community minded lady who visited the coffee shop in Merlin, helped at the Merlin Friendship Club and was a big part of rebuilding the Merlin United Church…the bricks that make up the cross at the church came from our farm. She and Albert were members of the International Flying Farmers, owning their own plane and both having their Pilots Licenses. They often jumped in the plane and headed to Branson Missouri; one of their favourite places to get away. She will be missed.”

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Mom will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday August 31, 2015 at 11:00. Interment will take place in Leamington. Friends wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimers Society.

Steven Robert O’Brien of Shrewsbury passed away on Sunday August 23, 2015 at the age of 26 years. Born on November 3, 1988, Steven was a boy of sheer determination to succeed in life, a boy who was destined to have many friends, many life experiences and a boy who would bring much joy to those around him. He was the second of three sons born to his parents David & Pam (Mickle) O’Brien, sharing his life with Michael O’Brien (Jena), Daniel O’Brien and most recently his niece Lucy. He was the cherished grandson of Fran Mickle (late Bill) and Fran O’Brien (late Don). Steven grew to become an industrious and hard working young man who appreciated life through his many interests including nature, music, carpentry and especially life by the water…he was at the peak of his happiness fishing on Rondeau Bay. He was also a young man who was proud of his accomplishments, be it a renovated house, organizing Blenheim Recreational Hockey, playing in a band or growing a garden. Steven celebrated many friendships in his life including special bonds with Bryar Koehler, Bryan Cooper and the late Chuck Hunter.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Steven’s life will be held at the Shrewsbury Community Centre on Sunday September 6, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. (remembrances will be shared at 2 o’clock). To celebrate Steven’s choice of living an unpretentious lifestyle, friends are asked to dress casually and bring a lawn chair. Folks wishing to remember Steven with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Shrewsbury And Raglan Assembly.

“There’s big ships, there’s small ships,

Short ships and tall ships,

But there’s no ship like friendship”

…Steven O’Brien

Alphonse Amerlinck of Ridgetown passed away on Friday August 21, 2015 at the age of 69 years. Son of the late Emile & Margaret “Peggy” (Johnson) Amerlinck. Alphonse was the last surviving member of his family, being predeceased by his sister Linda Glazier and brothers Joe and Pat Amerlinck. He is survived by his children Bobbi & Richard Pepper and Dawn & Doug Eves. Predeceased by his son Scott Amerlinck. Also survived by his grandchildren Chelsea, Tyler, Jacob, Jocelyn, Zachary and Kristen, his great grandson Joshua and his brother in law Nick Glazier. Alphonse was a special uncle to Frank & Pam Fiala and their children Alena and Jared as well as Brian Glazier & Cheryl Risdale and their children Ariana, Keith, Tory and Brodie. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Boyd Angus Summerfield of Blenheim passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 11, 2015 at the age of 90 years. Born in Raleigh Township, son of the late John and Margaret (Jenkins) Summerfield, Boyd was predeceased by his wife Frances in June, 1986. He was employed at W.G. Thompsons and Holdaway Roofing before getting a job with the Ministry of Transportation where he retired. Boyd will be missed greatly by his daughter Delores Summerfield and by his step children Linda & Paul Hould of Charing Cross, Ruth & George Vaughan of Blenheim, Ken Bonner of Leamington and Grant (late Kay) Weaver of Merlin. Predeceased by his step-son Ed Bonner. Boyd was the last surviving member of his family being predeceased by Ray & Louise Summerfield, Don Summerfield, Cleve Summerfield and his baby brother Ross Summerfield. He is survived by his sister in law Betty Summerfield. He will be missed by his grandchildren John Bishop, Chantelle & Shawn Lumley, Keith & Pam Bonner, Cam & Nicole Bonner, Ken & Sue Bonner, Andy & Theresa Vaughan, Rick Weaver, Janice Weaver, Michelle Weaver, Paul Hould Jr, Lisa Hould, Mike Bonner, Scott & Josie Vaughan, Candace Vaughan, Ted Vaughan, Ray & Kim Vaughan, Brenda & Marlin Cox, Chris Vaughan, Becky Guyett and Richie Bonner as well as a number of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren including his best friends Gavin Boyd Lumley and Jace Lumley. Boyd was a man-about-town and was often seen driving his “Cadillac of Scooters” which had a red English style enclosure.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Boyd will be held in the Funeral Home on Friday August 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Boyd with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Food Bank or the Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband and father Ken “Benny” Green on Friday June 26, 2015 just two days before the birth of his first grandson Benjamin “Benny” Roger Cox. Born in Chatham, son of the late Andrew and Mildred (Gosnell) Green, Ken grew up in Blenheim with his older brother the late Dr. Peter Green (survived by Peter’s wife Lyn), his sister Kathleen Perry (late David) of London and his younger brother David Green (Penny) of Beaumont AB. In January of 1967, at a party in London, Ken met a young lady named Shirley Stanski and they fell in love. On August 30, 1969 Ken & Shirley married and began a life together that would span over 45 years. He was especially proud of their two daughters Jessica Green of Calgary and Katie Cox (Todd) of Windsor.

Ken was larger than life. In his younger days he played hockey with the Chatham Jr Maroons. He was a lifelong learner whose education did not end with his graduation from the University of Waterloo. His interests were many and varied; he enjoyed golf, playing pool, weekly poker games, gardening and dancing. His appreciation of all types of music was known to everyone; he was constantly sharing his music collection with any and all who were within listening range. His interest in cooking began with a cookbook he picked up out of curiosity, and this led him to become a great chef and caterer. Ken also loved spending time with old friends and making new ones. But most of all, he loved his family and the memories that he made with them.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Golf Course on Sunday August 16, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kent Lodge 274 will be holding a Masonic Service at 2:00 to which members of the public are invited. Friends wishing to remember Ken with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Blenheim United Church.

Edward Nesbitt of Chatham passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 7, 2015 at the age of 78 years. Ed was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan to his late parents Alice & John Nesbitt. He was one of 7 children and is survived by his sisters Betty Attewell and Patricia Walker (Paul), by his brother in law Bill Dale and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in life by his brother Frank (Lucy) Nesbitt and his sisters Della Dale, Vicky Bowskill and Susan Poissant. Ed was a very giving person who liked to play a good joke on friends. He was the Produce Manager at Gordon’s Grocery Store in Blenheim and then at Zehrs in the North Maple Mall in Chatham which is where he retired from. In his spare time, he liked to play bingo. In keeping with Ed’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Ed with a memorial donation are asked to consider Loads of Love (Chatham).

David Dalgleish Simpson of Blenheim, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Simpson passed away on Friday July 3, 2015 at the age of 91. David was born in Douglas, Ontario to the late Hildred and Charlie Simpson. He is survived by his daughter Susan Simpson of Blenheim, by his grandchildren Kaleb Dobbins (Krista) of Chatham and Stesha Dobbins (Mike) of Kitchener as well as four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by his sister in law Lenore Simpson of Windsor. Predeceased by his daughter Pamela Dobbins, his sisters Grace Smith, Margaret Dickson and his brother Jim Simpson.

David served in the Army during WWII, a member of The Lake Superior Regiment for the 4^th Canadian Division. After serving his country he was employed for many years at the LCBO in Blenheim. He was a member of the Blenheim Kinsmen, the Blenheim and Area Freedom Library and the Blenheim Legion.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for David will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday July 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember David with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim & District Freedom Library and Museum.