Colleen Buchan of Merlin passed away on February 27, 2024 at the age of 89 years.  She will be reunited with her beloved husband Royce (2007) and will be lovingly remembered by her children Judy & Lenny Phelan, Rudy & Deb Buchan, Jim Buchan, Kim Urquhart (2021) and Kelly Buchan, by her grandchildren Michelle & Justin, Jeff & Jill, Brandie, Laura & Rob, Melissa & Jeff, Khloe & Mitch, Aubree & Jesse and Logan, her great-grandchildren Madison, Megan, Alley, Macie, Brooklyn, Jake and Nate as well as her great-great grandchildren Aria, Nash and Iylah.

Colleen was the daughter of the late Mary Jane & Archie Carr and sister of the late Betty & Ozzie Suitor.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Rose Carr and brother-in-law Bob Gobert.  She spent her working career at Southwestern Regional Centre, retiring in 1999 as a Facility Supervisor.  She had a soft spot in her heart for dogs and cats, she enjoyed crocheting, making crafts for vendor markets and shopping.  She and Royce enjoyed boating in the summer and trips to Florida in the winter.  She was a proud grandmother who always had a story or two ready to share about her grandchildren’s lives.  She appreciated her neighbours and her long-time friends that she made over the years and visiting the Merlin Friendship Club.

Colleen’s family will gather privately at the Merlin Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to Royce.

Robert Morden Wilton passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday February 23, 2024.  Born 78 years ago to the late Harold & Barb Wilton, Bob was loved beyond measure by his wife Georgina, his daughter Carolyn Bernardo (Philip), his grandchildren Christopher Hudson (Stephanie), Nicole Bernardo (Josh Houston), Dillon Bernardo, Danielle Bernardo (Kyle McCann), Lora Spence (Frank) and his great grandchildren Bentley, Olivia and Charlotte.

He was one of six children and will be missed by his sisters Janet Veres, Elizabeth Robitaille (Mark) and by his brothers Brian Wilton (Elise) and Bev Wilton (Penny).  He was predeceased by his brother Rick Wilton (Ira Jane) and brothers-in-law Tim Veres and Don Robitaille.  He will also be missed by Georgina’s family Cathy Stevens (Steve) and Marion Wiles, by many nieces and nephews and by his favourite feline companion Cinnamon.

After meeting at a party in London, Bob and Georgina began a journey that lasted almost fifty years when they married on October 12, 1974.  The last thirty of those years were in Blenheim where they moved to be closer to his family in 1994.  Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing whenever and wherever he could.  He built his own mountain bike and enjoyed many riding trails including the old railroad tracks that took him from Blenheim to Highgate.  Bob maintained many lasting friendships through his extensive travels for his work in the environmental and recycling industry.

Bob’s most treasured gift in life was his family.  He enjoyed every minute he spent being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.  His lifetime was spent appreciating and protecting the environment so that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would be able to enjoy the same beauty of the world that he was able to enjoy himself.

As Henry Ford once said “the only true test of values, either of men or of things, is that of their ability to make the world a better place in which to live”.  That was Bob…his desire and purpose in life was to leave the world a better place than he found it.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and neighbours whose kindness over the last few months will never be forgotten.  To Jodi, Nicole and nurses Mary Beth and Shari who helped with Bob’s medical and day to day needs…you were a blessing.  And finally, to his brother Bev and sister-in-law Cathy…we are humbled by your dedication and commitment to Bob during his illness and especially in these past few weeks.

Although we will celebrate Bob’s life and his accomplishments in the future, we will honour his wish now to remember him privately and quietly.

Friends and family wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice  https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

Dear Friends and Family,

It is with a deep sense of sorrow and loss that our family announces the passing of our mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and daughter Gail Elizabeth (VanSickle) Eskritt at home on Saturday February 3, 2024.  Knowing that her time was near, our entire family gathered around her bed to watch her favourite movie “The Great Outdoors” and listen to Christmas songs because Christmas was Gail’s favourite time of year.  We held her hand and told her how much she meant to each of us, how much we loved her and how much we will miss her, because we did and we will.

Gail was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago.  She underwent every chemo and radiation treatment that she could so she could get better.  They say that if you make it for five years, you’re a survivor.  Gail did almost that, but on March 1, 2022 she found out that the cancer had returned and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.  For the next 704 days she would struggle, not to get better, but to stay strong enough that we could have one more day with her.

She will be profoundly missed by our children Lynn & Rachel, Darrell & Anna and Makaila, by our grandchildren Lucas, Graham and Clara, and our chosen son Marcel & Chantelle.  She will also be missed by her brothers Jeff & Janet and John & Brenda, her Eskritt in-laws Al & Shelley, Jennifer, Roberta & Gaetan, Barb & Denis and Marvin & Kim and by her many nieces, nephews and friends.  She was predeceased by her parents Leo & Melba.

The story about the girl from Dresden who met the boy from Ridgetown at Funeral Director School in Toronto started 43 years ago on January 24, 1981 when we got married.  There have been many interesting chapters for sure.  The next chapter will teach us how to accept that things will never go back to how they used to be, and that this ending is really a new beginning.  Our story will continue through our children and their children.  It will be great.

Please join us at Glad Tidings Church on Thursday February 8, 2024 for visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service conducted by a long-time friend Terry Tribe will take place at 2:00.  Following the service, the immediate family will take Gail to her final place of rest in Evergreen Cemetery.  It was most important to Gail that everybody have something to eat and drink so you are all invited to go to the Willow Ridge Golf & Country Club next to the church and we will meet you when we get back.

During the past seven years, Gail spent an incredible amount of time travelling to doctors appointments outside Blenheim.  She thought that the new Blenheim Medical Health Hub was the best thing that could happen for our community.  If you would like to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider the initiative to bring health care closer to home.  Online donations can be made at www.blenheimhealthhub.com

Marc Eskritt

It is with saddened hearts that the family announces the passing of Gerald Kenneth Gardner. Predeceased by mother Helen, father Murray, and brother Tim. Survived by loving wife of 52 years Chris. Also survived by sisters Jane (Norm deceased) and Pat (Jack deceased), brothers Jim (Landis deceased) and Randy (Marlene),  brother in law Wayne (Nancy deceased), brother in law Randy (Audrey), sister in law Cindy (Jerry), son Chad, daughter Jenna (Jeff), and grandchildren Ethan, Nathan, Nolan and Lili. He will also be greatly missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation has taken place. The family has decided to celebrate his life in private.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly ‘Joy’ Johnston who passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Thursday January 25, 2024 at the age of 87.  Joy was the youngest of ten children to the late Joseph and Lila (Farrell) Lemoine.  She was the dear wife of the late John Johnston.  Loving mother of Mike and Russ (Carolyn) Johnston.  Grandmother of Kayla, Michael, Cole, and Kendra.  Joy loved gardening (particularly roses and other flowers), reading, baking, spending time with family and was a member of the Legion Auxiliary.

Visitation will take place on Saturday January 27, 2024 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim from 3:30pm until 4:30pm followed by a funeral service at 4:30pm.  A private family interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Sarnia will be held in Sarnia at a later date.  Donations made in memory of Joy to the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Judy Beaubien, a long time resident of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Sunday January 21, 2024.  Born in Chatham 75 years ago to George & Blanche (Faubert) Beaubien, Judy was predeceased by her only sister Linda Sadler.  She will be remembered fondly by her niece and nephew Christa Sadler and Jeffrey Sadler and by her brother in law Garry Sadler.

Friends will remember Judy attending the Blenheim United Church for many years with her Mom, attending social times with neighbours and for her love of crafts.   She was the master of creative abilities and the connoisseur of crocheted dish cloths.  She always had a few projects on the go.

Cremation has taken place.  A funeral service for Judy conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday January 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  Those wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent.

Captain Cameron Perry Fulkerson

Born in Port Burwell March 7, 1948

It is with great sadness that the Family announce the passing of Cameron Fulkerson.  Lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy (McCarthy), son Brad (Yvette), daughter Michelle (Fred), grandchildren Chelsea (Tyrus), Danielle (Jeff), Tanner, Megan (Adam), and great-grandchildren Jackson and Olivia.  Son of the late Rod Fulkerson & Theresa (Cameron).  He will be remembered by his brother of Lawrence (Wendy), sister Joann and many relatives in Quebec.

Because of his love for boating and water, Cam chose to upgrade from Deckhand to Captain earning his Captain licences, Fishing Master Class IV, Master of Minor Waters and enjoyed that profession for over 40 years.

As well as the love for his Family and making memories with them, he enjoyed taking care of his fur babies and all of natures four legged and feathered creatures.

FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS, CAPTAIN

Cremation has taken place, and the Family has chosen to remember Cam privately.  Friends wishing to honour Cam’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations

Elsie Pearl Haskell (February 25th, 1930 – January 11, 2024) passed away peacefully at Eden Villa in Chatham, ON at the age of 93 years with nieces Debi and Lee-Ann by her side. Daughter of the late Millard and Annie (Hillman) Haskell. Beloved sister-in-law of Mary Lou Haskell and Melvin Guy. Predeceased by her siblings Kenneth, Lloyd, Lorne, Hilda, Fern, Alta, Eleanor, Larry, Murray and Carole. Much loved Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-Great Aunt to Debi, Lee-Ann, Logan, Kramer, Gareth, Rhiannon and Talan. Dearly cared for by Jarel Lumley. Also remembered by Dennis and Doris Guy, Shawn and Cristina Haskell. Elsie retired from PGH after 30 years working as an RNA in the delivery room. She was also a volunteer at Meadow Park Nursing Home and attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Elsie was a long time fan of country music singer Bill Anderson. Elsie enjoyed travelling, eating out and listening to the Grand Ole Opry. Through the years, she attended many hockey and soccer games, swimming lessons and family celebrations for her Great niece and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Eden Villa for their compassion in caring for Elsie. Friends will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. Blenheim, on Tuesday, January 16th, from 4:00-5:00pm. A Funeral Service for Elsie, officiated by Rev. Eric Skillings, will be held at the Funeral Home following visitation at 5:00pm. A private family interment will take place at Stewart Cemetery on Wednesday. Donations in remembrance can be made to the charity of your choice.

We are very saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Terry Pook on Thursday, January 4th at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, at the age of 72.

Dear husband of Doreen Pook (Pardo). Loving father of Gary (Amy) Pook, Randy (Julie) Pook, and Chuck Irwin (Leanne Senyk). Proud grandfather to Brady Pook and Kailem Sobry. Brother of Dennis (late Margie) Pook, John Pook, Cathy (Brian) Hitchcock, and uncle of the late Tammy (Junior) Daniels, Tonya Bechard, and Jason (Candace) Pook.

Terry retired from Navistar Industries in Chatham after 32 dedicated years. He then pursued many interests including travelling with Doreen to his favorite destination, the Dominican Republic. Terry was always happy to welcome family and friends to “the barn.” He was a long-time member of the Blenheim Legion (Colour Guard) participating in Remembrance Day Ceremonies, parades, and other events. You could often find Terry at Branch 185 or 185 EH!, having good times with good friends and always having the brightest smile in the room. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for Terry will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 7:00pm until 9:00pm with a service at the funeral home on Friday January 12 at 11:00am. A Celebration of Life for Terry will then follow the service at the Blenheim Legion. A private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Blenheim Branch 185 or the Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Frederick Morley Holmes (known to many as “Papa Fred”) who passed away on Saturday January 6, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Eileen ‘Wendy’ Holmes (nee Richmond), his son David (Helen) Briscoe, and daughter Heather (Marco) Voets. He was the proud ‘Papa Fred’ to David, Josh, Brittany, Mykenzie, Cassandra, Mikayla, Johan, Wesley and great grandfather to Liam, Mya, Levi, and Eoin. He was the brother of Tom Holmes and predeceased by Robert, Bill, and Gordon Holmes. Brother-in-law of Ruth (Bill) Neil of Nova Scotia and the late Bob Richmond. Uncle of Kevin and Terry Holmes.
Predeceased by his parents Olive (nee Ramsdale) and Riley Holmes. Fred began his working career at Braithwaite Furs (‘the mink ranch’) and moved to the International Harvester (Navistar) until his retirement in 1995 which he also considered a “full time job with no holidays”. He was a lifelong resident of Blenheim, enjoyed woodworking, treasure hunting at auction sales, listening to 8 tracks, “puttering” in the garage and “little house”, telling a good joke, or doing great impressions. He was most famously a master storyteller, telling tales of fact or fiction, often intermingled.
He will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have had the pleasure of his company. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday January 9, 2024 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm with a funeral service taking place on Wednesday January 10 at 11:00am at the funeral home. Following the service will be an interment at Evergreen Cemetery. In accordance with Fred’s love of animals, donations made in memory to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A tribute video of Fred’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FNN3M49QHQF6DXFM