William John “Jack” Rumble passed away at home on Monday April 3, 2017 at the age of 70 years. Jack was one of 8 children born to Earl & Mary (Gifford) Rumble and he is survived by his sisters Nina (John) Snake and Joanne (Bob) Gillespie as well as his brothers Don (Joyce) and Garnet (late Susan) Rumble.  He was predeceased by his brothers Arthur, Joe and Bobby Rumble.

Jack was a hard working young man joining his father in the family business “Earl Rumble & Sons” at the age of 15 years. Eventually he and his brother Garnet would purchase the business from their father and continue the company into the next generation, now being owned by Jack’s brother Garnet Rumble and his nephews Garnet Jr and Bill Rumble.  Rumble Water Wells was bestowed the “Archie Watt Award” by the Ontario Ground Water Association recognizing their longtime family commitment to the industry.

In 1996, Jack was predeceased by his first wife Donna Jean Rumble (nee McMillan). Five years later he was fortunate to meet Evelyn Featherstone and begin a new journey as husband and wife.  Jack loved his family and held a special place in his heart for children.  He will be missed by his nieces and nephews Bill & Erica Rumble, Garnet Rumble Jr, Margie & Chris Authier, Luanne Rumble, Mary & Chris Bell, Katie Gillespie, Donna & Rory Martin, Patty & Norman Wygand, Cynthia Stork, Janet Rumble, Kevin & Jen Rumble, Joe Jr & Tracey Rumble, Pixie Allier, Kelly Rumble, Angie Rumble, Arthur Jr & Cynthia Rumble, Donna Jean Rumble, Daniel Rumble, Chris Rumble, Earl Rumble and Suzie Rumble.  He will be equally missed by Evelyn’s children and their families Pam & Paul Martin (Chris, Steve, Shawn and Chelsea), Bill & Michelle Featherstone (Ashley, Victor, Autumn and Mary Lynn), Robert & Donna Featherstone (Ryan, Felicia and Jeremy), Carolyn & Ken Randal (Ken Jr, Jessica and Nicholas), Janet & Doug Kane (Brandon and Bryson), Joe & Jennifer Featherstone (Olivia) and by his first wife Donna’s children Dianne Brideau, Lynda Quick and John Wardle and their families.  He will be remembered by his Aunt Eleanor Hartford, a number of Great-grandchildren, Great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack was a kind and compassionate gentleman. He ran a successful business but would also give anyone who needed it the shirt of his back.  He enjoyed early morning coffee shop visits with his friends, camping, traveling and visits with his friend Ross Hoffman.  He loved everything that there was to love about auction sales and would seldom leave without a new project to tinker on.  He wanted to see the world and although he did a pretty good job with that, he never got to the Panama Canal which was one of his dreams.  Regardless of that, he always said that nobody should be sad when he died because he wouldn’t be sad himself…he said that he had a wonderful life.  And with that in mind, his choice was to be cremated, to have a private interment in Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown and to have a party.

A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at the Rondeau Rod & Gun Club, 10260 Campbell Line, Blenheim on Friday April 7, 2017 beginning at 5 p.m.

Friends wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim & Area Freedom Library and Military Museum, the Chatham-Kent Hospice and the Diabetes Association. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Marcel Ameel of Ridgetown passed away on Saturday April 1, 2017 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age of 91 years. Marcel was one of two sons born to the late Zoe & Jules Ameel and is survived by his brother Odiel & Audrey Ameel of Ridgetown. When Marcel was 2 years old, the Ameel family immigrated to Canada. It was in Ridgetown, while working at a greenhouse that he met a young lady named Simone and they were married on April 3, 1948. They farmed for many years just outside of Ridgetown and raised two sons; Dell Ameel & Kathy Miron who now live in Dutton and Albert Ameel who passed away in 2002.   They are the proud grandparents of Jodi & Justin Smith of Tilbury, Jeff & Amanda Ameel of Chatham, Todd & Jenn Ameel of St. Thomas, Tracy & Mike Vanderlip of Rushton’s Corners and Tammy & Dave Richards of Dresden. They are also the Great-grandparents of Tyler, Colin, Riley, Sadie, Kyle, Peyton and Bentley. Marcel will be missed by his nephew Danny & Darlene Ameel and by his nieces Judy & Ron Osborne and Marie & Mike Foulan.

It was Marcel’s wish that cremation would take place and that a graveside service would take place. Family and friends are invited to gather at the family plot in Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday April 8, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a memorial donation to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Kenneth Crackel passed away Sunday March 26, 2017 at the Blenheim Community Village at the age of 92. Born in Chatham, son of the late George and Mary (Lane) Crackel, Kenneth was predeceased by his beloved wife Phyllis (Robinson) in 1995.

On November 30, 2001 Kenneth married Jean (Sparks) and together they have enjoyed 15 wonderful years.

Loving father of Gary Crackel and his wife Joyce of RR1 Charing Cross. Proud grandfather of Stephen Crackel and fiancé Giselle Jacques and Kyle Crackel and friend Breana Bailey. Great-grandfather of Maebella.

Loving stepfather of Greg & Chris Sparks and Brad & Phyllis Sparks. Proud step-grandfather of Lauren Sparks, Ian & Kim Sparks, Sherry & David Buck and Jessica & Brian Patterson. Step great-grandfather to Jack and Myles Buck.

Dear brother to Arthur Crackel, Riverview Gardens, the late Donald Crackel, Evelyn Brooksbank and Marian English. Brother-in-law to Barb McMillan, Don & Peggy Holdaway and Margery & Murray Roe.

Kenneth was a lifelong farmer in Harwich Township, former member of the Golden Acres Curling Club and enjoyed woodworking and travelling. He was a long time member of Charing Cross United Church. He enjoyed square dancing for many years.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Kenneth will take place in the Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday  March 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

Friends wishing to remember Kenneth with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Charing Cross United Church Building Fund, the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Floreen Payne of Blenheim slipped away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Saturday March 25, 2017. Floreen was born in Howard Township to her late parents Walter & Florence Beecroft 82 years ago. In 1953 she married a young man named Murray Payne who she supported and walked beside for over 63 years. Floreen and Murray raised five children; Shannon & David Pringle (with their children Jordan, Amanda and Matthew), Jim & Gloria Payne (with their children Rachael, Joshua and Jesse), Tom & Deb Payne (with their children Heather and Erica), Shivonne & Dan Holt (with their children Dan Jr, Michael, Christine and April), and Steve & Janice Payne (with their children Ashley and Tyler). Their family grew to include more gifts from God; their great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Chloe, Olivia, Devin Jr, Avery, Jared, Liam, Noah, Mason, Isabel, Korbyn, Maxx, Grayson, Cora, Micaela, Lucy, Nathaniel, Josie, Kaydence, Emelia, Aubree and Cynthia.

Floreen was the youngest of ten children and is survived by her brother Jim Beecroft and her sister-in-law Gwen Beecroft. She was predeceased by her sisters Ellen Forsyth, Joy Pearson and Lillian Tilley, and by her brothers Thomas, Charlie, Howard, Reg and Irvine Beecroft.

Throughout her life, Floreen held steadfast in her belief of God and lived her life as a true Christian. She was a most loving and giving person who was forever displaying random acts of kindness. Her signature on all correspondence was “Smile, God Loves You” and she shared God’s love with everyone. She was the pianist at Glad Tidings Community Church for over 60 years and on Sunday afternoons she would play for the church services at Southwestern Regional Centre. Most of all, she was a kind and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be missed dearly.

Please join family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Sunday April 30, 2017.  Regular morning worship service at Glad Tidings Community Church begins at 10:30; luncheon at 12:30 followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m.  Please know that you are welcome to attend all of the events.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations toward the Children’s Ministries Renovation Project of Glad Tidings.  Income tax receipts are available. 

Richard Willimot of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday March 22, 2017. Richard was born 48 years ago to his parents Linda Willimot and the late Tom Willimot (2003). He will be remembered always by his sister and brother-in-law Cindy & Arnold Warwick of Ridgetown, their children Rebecca and Dennis who he loved so much and their dog Hollywood. He will be missed as well by his grandmother Helen Hazlett of Blenheim. Richard was predeceased by his grandparents Lloyd Hazlett, John Willimot, Rebecca Willimot-Smith and Charles Smith.

Richard faced some real challenges in life, being diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 15 that would eventually restrict his ability to walk. However, he faced his life with a positive attitude and a great degree of determination that he inherited from his dad. He attended Fanshawe College in London receiving a degree in Radio Broadcasting which he was able to use at CFCO and CKSY in Chatham. He was a founding member and instructor at the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Chatham. He self-taught himself the art of computer generated animation and was able to work with Dreamworks and Amblin Entertainment. His latest accomplishment was to start his own production company called Penguin Frog Studio that had ties in New York. One of Richard’s fondest memories was a trip to Ireland with his sister Cindy when they took their dad home and met their extended family there.

Richard’s wish was that this part of his life be shared with his immediate family. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at one of his favourite places.

Friends wishing to remember Richard with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Arthritis Society.

Geraldine E Thomas (nee Anthes) passed away peacefully on Thursday March 9, 2017 at the Blenheim Community Village where she had been a long term resident since 2008. Geraldine “Geri” was in her 103^rd year. She was born in Aldborough Township on August 4, 1914 to Jacob & Ellen (Main) Anthes. She was predeceased by her husband James B. Thomas, her stepsons Reginald (Agnes) and Lowel Thomas, her sister Aleda Riley (James) and by her brothers George (Margaret) and Clarence (Thelma) Anthes.

Geri is survived by her son Clarence “Yogi” Shaw (Marilyn) of Blenheim, her step daughter Marlene Thomas of Shakespeare, her niece Marie Kish of Chappaqua N.Y., several nieces and nephews in California, her grandsons in London and Kitchener, granddaughters in Kitchener and by several step grandchildren in Canada. Geri was also predeceased by her longtime family friend and travel companion Reta Swartz.

After graduating from school, Geri laboured in Rodney and lived briefly in Plymouth Michigan before returning to London where she laboured at Victoria Hospital and for the Belvedere Hotel Catering at the Robert Simpson Company. She was the supervisor of Foods for Sommerville House at the University of Western Ontario. After retirement she enjoyed travelling and gardening, she was a member of the London Crochet Club and the Hamilton Road Seniors, organizing entertainment at 30 Baseline Apartments. After a fall and breaking her arm, Geri moved to the Blenheim Community Village Retirement Home in October 2008. In December 2013 after a hospital stay she returned to the Blenheim Communituy Village Long Term Care.   Many thanks go to the nurses, care workers and staff of the Blenheim Community Village, to Dr. Perkin for Mom’s care and to the visitors.

Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Saturday March 11, 2017 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. when a service for Geri will be held. A private family interment will take place in the Rodney Cemetery on Monday. Friends wishing to remember Geri with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of their choice.

Flip Vandersluis, a well-known contractor in Blenheim passed away on Monday March 6, 2017 at the age of 79 years. Flip was born in Lollum Friesland, Netherlands on May 26, 1937 to the late Renze & Hotske (Nydam) Vandersluis. It was in Blenheim, on March 14, 1959 that he married his sweetheart Marie Furman and began a lifetime of memories that would last for over 50 years when Marie passed away in 2009. Flip and Marie were the proud parents of six children; Rick & Cathy Vandersluis, Rob Vandersluis, Bonnie & Chris Delargy, Laura & David Huffman, Wendy & Larry Smith and Philip & Tracey Vandersluis. Their family grew to include eleven grandchildren Cameron Vandersluis, Alexander Vandersluis, Ryan & Amanda Delargy, Sean & Erica Delargy, Samantha Delargy, Shelby Huffman, James Huffman, Craig & Kym VanGassen, Brandon & Nikki VanGassen, Nathan Vandersluis and Nicholas Vandersluis as well as eight great-grandchildren Blake, Jayden, Grady, Max and Sophia VanGassen and Harper, Renn and Sutter Delargy. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Ashley Marie VanGassen.

Flip was one of fourteen children and is survived by his brother Mike Vandersluis and his sisters Irene Wolting and Sadie Postma. He was predeceased by his sisters Louise VanDyke, Gertie Wagner and Wietske Hamberg and by his brothers Klaas, Michel, Friedrich, Cornelus, Otto, Eise and Henry Vandersluis.

In keeping with Flip’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday where visitation will be held from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Flip will be held in Trinity Anglican Church on Saturday March 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to make a memorial donation are asked to consider Trinity Anglican Church or the London Health Sciences Foundation.

Flip’s family wishes to thank Dr. Martha Clendenning, the staff of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the staff of Victoria Hospital in London for the wonderful care and compassion that was given to our father, grandfather and great-grandfather. That meant so much to us.

Michael James Awram of Blenheim and formerly of Ridgetown passed away on Sunday February 26, 2017 at the age of 62 years. Michael was one of three children born to the late Mike & Beatrice (Crossett) Awram and is survived by his sisters Carol McKellar & Tom Savage of Chatham and Debra Awram of Highgate.  Michael will always be remembered with great fondness by his wife Anita McKinlay, by his children Megan Awram (Dustin Deline) and Michael Awram (Chelsey Jeffrey) all of Chatham, by his grandchildren Michael Jeffrey Awram, Alisynn Awram and Layla Deline, by Anita’s children Heather McKinlay (Eugene Verzin) of London, England and Duncan McKinlay of London Ontario. He was an awesome Uncle to Michael McKellar and Kari McKellar and great uncle to Jacob, Keelan, Portrait, Kate, Ella and Aada. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Jennifer.

Michael was a friendly, outgoing man who was a great hockey player and a cabinet maker by trade. In his spare time he enjoyed the outdoors, be it fishing or a back yard barbeque with family and friends.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday March 1, 2017 where visitation will be held from 12:00 until 2:00 when a service conducted by Pastor Gilliland will begin. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown.

Friends wishing to remember Michael with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Children’s Hospital in London.

Doreen Helen Kent of Merlin, much loved wife of the late Gordon Kent (2014) passed away at the Meadow Park Nursing Home on Friday February 24, 2017 at the age of 89 years. Doreen was the daughter of the late Olive (Atkinson) & Vernie Jones and is survived by her only sister Marlene Kent (late Doug).  In her life, Doreen had accomplishments that she was very proud of.  She graduated from University of Western Ontario in 1948 and took a position as a High School Teacher at the Merlin District High School.  She had a love for music, loved her church and enjoyed a life with Gordon for over 59 years.  Nothing made Doreen more proud than her family which included her children Dana & Stephanie Kent, Dale & Sandra Kent, Elaine Bessie (late Dennis) and Darin & Susan Kent and her grandchildren Jennifer & Greg, Meredith, Joseph, Owen, Steven, Logan and Tyler.  She will be missed by her brothers in law Marshall & Joan Kent and Lee Kent as well as her nieces and nephews Christine & Tim, Tracy, Jeff & Tammy and Julie & David.

A private family service conducted by Rev. James Haupt will take place on Friday March 3, 2017 followed by interment in Stewart Cemetery, Merlin. Friends wishing to remember Doreen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Sick Children’s Hospital, London as that charity had a special place in her heart.

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

Geraldine Louise (Graham) Guttridge of Merlin passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Sunday February 19, 2017. Geraldine was born in Raleigh Township 83 years ago to her late parents Evelyn & Lewis Graham. One night on a double date she met a man named Warren Guttridge and on February 3, 1951 they were married, beginning a journey that spanned over 66 years. Geraldine and Warren raised three children; Pam && Robert Tasker of Chatham, Kim & Shelley Guttridge of Merlin and Theresa & Mike Fleury of Merlin. They are the proud grandparents of 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Geraldine is survived by her sisters Elaine Wilson and Donna & Bob Botting as well as her sister in law Nancy Graham. She was predeceased by her sister Marjorie Graham, her brother Tom Graham and her brother in law Ron Wilson.

Geraldine enjoyed spending time with her family. Over the years she worked at some of the local stores and restaurants in Merlin and she was a member of the Merlin Legion where she helped with catering.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Geraldine will take place in the Funeral Home on Thursday February 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Eric Skillings officiating. Cremation will follow with a private graveside service to be held in the Merlin Cemetery at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember Geraldine with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the CNIB.