Agnes Noreen Dekker, of Chatham and formerly of Port Colborne, passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday, January 14th. Noreen was one of three children born to the late Robert & Georgina (Henderson) Roy and was predeceased by her sister, Joyce (Robert) Wylie, and brother, Robert Roy. On August 26, 1961, Noreen married her best friend, Reindert Dekker, and began a journey that would span over 58 years; five years dating and 53 years of marriage. Together they raised two sons, Ronald, married to Ruth, who live in Chatham with their three children and Robert Dekker who lives in B.C. and has three children. Noreen was a kind and caring person, with a fantastic sense of humour, who loved reading, gardening and telling stories After her father died, Noreen and Reindert moved in with her mother to care for her. Noreen lived for her grandchildren and enjoyed summer holidays because it meant that she could have Erin, Owen and Morgan, from Chatham, for extended visits to her home in Port Colborne. In their retirement years, Noreen and Reindert enjoyed adventures in far flung places, including Hawaii, Alaska, Holland and Scotland. They frequently travelled to New York state to visit her niece, Joyce, her husband, Brian Mader and their three children. In August, 2013, they moved to Caleb Village in Chatham to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In keeping with Noreen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Saturday, January 17, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a casual reception and a time to share stories and celebrate Noreen’s life. Friends wishing to remember Noreen with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Ivy “Georgia” Lorraine Knight (nee Mitchell), a resident of Blenheim passed away on Thursday January 8, 2015. Born July 27, 1936 in Leamington, daughter of the late John & Ivy Alise (Nichols) Mitchell, Georgia lived in Leamington, Guilds, Chatham and Blenheim. Wife of the late Gerald William (Bill) Knight (2010). Dear mother of William Jeffrey (Jeff) Knight of Ardmore, Alberta and John Gregory (Greg) Knight and his wife Leslie Ann of Glencoe. Sister of Janise Maureen Knight of Burnaby, B.C. and Joanna Louise (Johnny-Lou) Barton and husband Michael of Morpeth. Surviving are 5 wonderful grandchildren; Michelle Elizabeth (Nathan) Stevens, Johnathan Dillon (Beth) Knight, Mitchell William Knight, Keegan Gregory Knight and Kylie Alyssa Knight; one great-granddaughter Emily and many special friends. Georgia was a Life Member of Rose of Kent Chapter No. 119 Order of Eastern Star and Mecca Chapter No. 58 O.E.S.; P.D.D.G.M. of O.E.S. District No. 3; a member of Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion and of the Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 185; was on the Board of Directors of Blenheim Figure Skating Club for 23 years; C.I. and Administration Officer of Blenheim Bomber Squadron for 4 ½ years; a past officer of Past Matron’s Club of District No. 3 O.E.S; and Kent White Shirine # 17; a Representative of the Town of Blenheim on Blenheim Community Arena Board for 10 years; and of Kent Region Skating Council; and holder of a Trillium Pin Long Service Medal from the Province of Ontario; as well as a Parkwood Hospital Volunteer from 1993 to 2005.

Family will receive friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday January 11, 2015 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. with the Funeral Service being held on Monday January 12, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Louella Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 31, 2014 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance with her family lovingly at her side. She would have celebrated her 90^th birthday on January 22^nd. Louella was one of 16 children born to the late Salina and Samuel Lindsay. She is survived by her sisters Mabel Brown of Ridgetown and Salina Dauphin of Blenheim as well as four sisters in law; Carol Ann Lindsay, Madeline Lindsay, Florence Lindsay and Betty Lindsay. She was predeceased in life by her sisters Marguerite Lindsay, Vieletty Nealey and Vanessa Devine as well as by her brothers Byron, Henry, Thomas, Charles, Will, Sam, Dave, Bill, Lancelot “Brick” and Matthew “Pat” Lindsay.

When Gillis Turner returned from the war In 1945, he and Louella were married and began a family of their own which includes their daughters Betty Clark of Blenheim, Sandra (Bob) McNear of Blenheim, Debra (Bob) Senyk of Blenheim and Gillis (the late Janice) Turner of Blenheim, all of whom she was very proud. Louella was a wonderful grandmother of 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one great-grandson.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 3, 2015 from 10 – 11 a.m. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Louella with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Blenheim Baptist Church or Sick Kids Hospital.

Anthony Leon “Tony” Johnson of Dealtown passed away on Sunday December 28, 2014 at the age of 64 years. Tony was born in England where he served his country for a number of years. He met and married his wife Lorraine (Holt) and together they raised their daughter Zoe. Tony was a hard working man who enjoyed his spare time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and walking his favourite dogs which were Labrador Retrievers. Following their daughter’s death in 2003 Tony and Lorraine emigrated to Canada in order to be near to their grandsons Andrew Gifford and Peter Gifford along their father Roy Gifford whom they are very proud of. A private family service will be held for Tony which will be followed by cremation. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Tony with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Air Cadets Blenheim Bombers.

David Dyck of Chatham passed away at home on Friday December 26, 2014 at the age of 77 years. Family and friends are invited to the Old Colony Mennonite Church in Charing Cross for visitation on Monday December 29, 2014 from 6 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for David will be held in the Church on Tuesday December 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

Frank Burke of Blenheim passed away peacefully at home on Sunday December 21, 2014 at the age of 87 years. Born in Harwich Township, son of the late Glen and Vera (Maynard) Burke, Frank farmed and worked at Rutherfords Mill for 32 years. He married best friend Blanche (Ward) on October 15, 1947 and began a journey that would last over 67 years. Frank and Blanche raised three children; Rosemary & Ken Morden of Oakville, Doug & Lynne Burke of Blenheim and Peter & Sherri Burke of Blenheim. He was the proud grandfather of Andrew, Rosalyn, James, Sarah, Vanessa, Jennifer, Scott and Dan and great-grandfather of Madison, Riley, Raelyn, Johnathan, Sophie and Charlotte. Frank is survived by his sister Shirley Pilon of Southampton, by his brother Larry & Margaret Rose Burke of Erieau and by his sisters in law Marcella Burke of Chatham and Wynne Burke of Toronto. He is predeceased by his brothers Verne Burke and Jack Burke and by his brother in law Charles Pilon. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Friday December 26, 2014 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Frank will be held in the Funeral Home on Saturday December 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Fuller officiating. Friends wishing to remember Frank with a memorial donation are asked to consider either VON Palliative Care, Trinity Anglican Church or the Cancer Society.

Melvin Loyd Bender, age 74, known to all as “Mel”, born in Stratford, Ontario on April 17, 1940, took his final peaceful breath at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London with his best friend and wife, Gail, and family by his side, on Saturday December 20, 2014.

Mel is mourned by his wife and soul mate of 51 years, Gail, and sister Gail (Roy) Dorscht, children Lisa (Jeff) Lucio, Lynn (Jeff Lessard) Bender, Lori (Jim) Ryan, Luanne (Steve) Jamieson, Nathan (Natalie Rouse) Bender, and Justin (Shannon Dalziel) Bender.

He will be fondly remembered as “Grumpa” by his grandchildren, Madison & Meredith, Jake, Mackenzie & Zachary, Ethan, Aiden & Liam.

Mel was predeceased by his father, Harvey Adam Bender (1984), mother, Lucienne Marie Bender (Ethier) (2013), and his sister, Marlene James (2007).

Mel was very proud of his involvement with the prestigious Preston Scout House Band. He was a member for many years in the 1950’s. His formal education was in Kitchener, Waterloo and London. He entered into the Life Insurance Business in 1959, and in 1976 he moved his family to Blenheim. Mel was the founder of The Money Broker Inc. in Blenheim offering the first Deposit Broker business in Chatham-Kent for the sale of Guaranteed Investments Certificates to meet the investments needs of our community. This business has grown to include branch offices in Ridgetown, Tilbury and Leamington.

His journey was always full of his family, laughter, sharing a beer with good friends, and he could often be found singing a tune or dancing to his favourite country music. Mel & Gail enjoyed travelling across the continent, enjoying new experiences and making new friends along the way. In 2005, they bought a cottage in Grand Bend (which later became their retirement home) and spent many years renovating and enjoying the summers with family and friends. Cherished memories of family vacations and the cottage(home) in Grand Bend will continue to be shared with family and friends for years to come.

Visitation will be on Saturday December 27 from 2:00 pm – 4:00pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Funeral will be on Monday, December 29 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church.

Donations to the Chatham Kent Hospice, the Lung Association of Ontario or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

David Johnston, much loved son of Mary and the late Clarence Johnston passed away on Friday December 12, 2014 at the age of 50 years. David will be sadly missed by his siblings Sharron & Brian Cooper, Janice Yourex, Maggie & Rudi Engel, Pat & Tom Hamelin, Larry & Jane Kozlof and Paul Kozlof. He was predeceased by his sister Karen Armstrong, his brothers Alex Kozlof and Ricky Kozlof and by his brother-in-law Glen Yourex.

When David was ten years old, an accident left him to face many challenges but he accepted those challenges and made his life the best that it could be. He partnered with his good friend Tom Boyd and became the first paraplegic to become a part of the Southwestern Ontario Bass Association. David and Tom also enjoyed many fishing adventures and became great supports for each other.

David was an avid fisherman, a great cook, a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburg Steelers, he loved to play basketball and he loved to watch movies . He appreciated his Mom and the things that she did for him. Although many of their drives would be to his regular dialysis appointments, they would enjoy other drives that took them to Parks Blueberries and Port Stanley. And of course David’s life wasn’t complete until he had a Tim Hortons coffee and a Fruit Explosion muffin.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday to show their support to David’s family. A Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Revie will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday December 16, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Friends wishing to remember David with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Dialysis Unit at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. David’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff who work in the Dialysis Unit and commend them for a job well done over the past years.

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

Ross Gardiner of Chatham died peacefully at home on Wednesday December 10, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by his loving wife Kathryn, his three children Sherry (Jerry), Ken (Janice) and Rob, by the grandchildren he adored Ryan, Lisa, Scott (Tiffany), Andrea, Liam and Conor as well as his sister Eunice Laycraft and sister-in-law Marilyn Gardiner. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews who thought that “Uncle Ross was the coolest”.

Ross was one of six children born to the late Harold & Annie (Powell) Gardiner. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Merlin during a time when you appreciated what little you might have. Like his brothers who have all predeceased him, Ross had to quit school after grade ten and work on the farm. It was his brothers who taught him some of the most rewarding life lessons…from Glenn that there was a world to explore and that if you fell down, you had to pick yourself up and keep going; from Max to be kind to all and that humour was sometimes the best medicine; from John Claire that hard work was the foundation to a man’s success and from Murray that you should never get stuck in one way of doing things; that “planting a different crop” could have its rewards. And so it was that Ross would work in sales at Labombards until they closed and then continue on at RayMac until his retirement. He was well thought of and respected by his employers and customers alike. He was an excellent salesman and a good friend to many. Through his hard work and determination as a salesman Ross won all of the trips that he and Kathy enjoyed over the years. One of his fondest memories was the trip to Hawaii when he and his friend “accidentally” nudged another man into the pool. After having to replace the man’s cowboy hat, boots and camera, Ross decided that it was an expensive nudge but worth every penny! Ross & Kathy also enjoyed many years of going to Arizona with Ralph & Marie Cryderman and meeting new friends along the way.

Just as Ross learned life lessons from the people closest to him, he leaves behind his own legacy of life lessons…that although kittens may leave footprints on your nice clean car, they can also lead you to find the love of your life, that you can enjoy duck hunting but you shouldn’t bring a wounded duck home and keep it in your kitchen, that inner peace can be found during an afternoon of fishing on the lake and finally that you should never put all of your faith in the guy who says he’ll replace your new tricycle that he just ran over!

Also special thanks to the London Regional Cancer Centre, Dr. Rodregues, Dr. Kurvvela & Nancy, CCAC Palliative Care Team, Dr. Susan Munro and “ Ross’s Special Angels” Stacey & Nick.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service for Ross will be held at a later date when his ashes will be scattered over the places that he held closest to his heart. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Ross with a memorial donation are asked to consider CKHAHA – Oncology Baskets or the OSPCA Chatham-Kent.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our oldest brother Beverly Wayne Brooks of Chatham on December 8, 2014. He was 72 years old. Bev was born in Chatham on April 11, 1942 to the late and much loved Rosa June (2008) and Benjamin William Brooks (1990). Bev leaves to mourn him his daughters Lori Anne Brooks of Naughton ON and Gwenna Males of Orangeville, two grandchildren Tasha Males (Jay) and Jeremy Willard and one great grandson David Edward Robinson. Loving brother of Marilyn Dudley (Robert), Leon (Dawn), Byron, John (Dianna) and Cecil (Diane). Godfather to Robert Dudley Jr. Brother-in-law to Carol and Cathy. He will be sadly missed by two Aunts, Blanche Brooks of Chatham and Eleanor Green of Windsor. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday December 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street in Blenheim. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Funeral conducted by Rev. Paul McPhail. IF you wish to make a donation, please consider the North Buxton Community Cemetery in care of Wayne Travis (519) 354-4584 (charitable organization).