Lorna Jean Cowley passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on September 19, 2024 at the age of 75 years.  She will be remembered with great fondness by her children Kim Ward (Tom) and Steven Russell, her stepchildren Dianne & Peter Moffat and Pam Cowley and their families as well as her sister Eleanore Dease (Ken).  She was predeceased by her parents George & Ethel (Wood) Prout, her husbands Herbert Russell and Don Cowley, her son James Lyle Russell, her sister Shirley & Earl Wright, brother Harold & Johanna Prout and stepchildren Max Cowley (Elaine) and Mark Cowley.

Lorna was a kind and caring soul who put the needs of others before her own.  She took care of her son James through his journey and after he died, she went to work for the Red Cross as a homemaker and caregiver.  She had a soft spot in her heart for animals of any kind.  She loved to travel, especially if it was on a Goldwing motorcycle headed toward cottage country where she would take in all the beauty of the world.  In her quiet times, she loved looking through pictures and putting puzzles together.

Lorna’s family will celebrate her life privately at Evergreen Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Don.  Family and friends wishing to remember Lorna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Cancer Clinic https://lhsf.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=613 where she was always in good hands, or the Blenheim Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ so that someday there can be treatment options closer to home.

    “Together Forever” (married July 31, 1999)

It is with deep sorrow that I share yet another loss for the Lindsay family in Blenheim.  On Monday September 16, 2024 as the result of an accident, Fred Lindsay left this world silently to go be with our Mom and Dad, Carol and Bill Lindsay.

Fred was born 65 years ago.  Our family would come to include three children; John, Fred and myself (Linda).  We were a part of a large Lindsay clan who lived in and around Blenheim, a clan that still remains close to this day.  We were children of the 70’s which meant we had an incredible  childhood.   We rode our bikes everywhere, drank out of water hoses, rode in cars without seatbelts and watched black and white tv…and it was all good.  Fred and I got into spats sometimes and played tricks on each other but at the end of the day all was forgiven.  After Dad died in 1970 Mom had to go to work so we were on our own a lot, but we were never alone, since we had family everywhere we went.  Fred was part of a trio of cousins “Fred, Ted and Ron” who always hung out together.

Growing up in the 70’s made Fred the man he was.  He was a free spirit.  He marched to his own drum.  He appreciated simple things in life that others take for granted.  He was a hard-working man who dedicated 38 years of his career as a press operator to Sinteris in Blenheim.  He appreciated family and despite all of our childhood spats and pranks, he would have defended me at the drop of a hat.  I will always love him for that.

Fred never had a family of his own but many years ago he met Karolyn Kohajda and they became inseparable.  You could never just say “Fred” it was always “Fred and Karolyn”.  From the very start they had the right mix of personalities and interests to turn a friendship into a relationship and create a lifetime of memories that will now be Karolyn’s to keep.

Fred was a part of the liked to keep tabs on his nephew Ben and he “adopted” a little brother of his own, Dustin.  Both those boys will miss him a lot.

My brother didn’t want a funeral, so John, Karolyn and I invite family and friends this Saturday to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2-4 & 6-8 to reminisce about the good times and wish Fred well on his next journey.  You know that Fred wouldn’t have wanted anything fancy, so it will be informal.  No need to dress up…the important thing is that we’ll all be together.

For those wishing to remember Fred in some way, we would appreciate it if you would consider making a donation to the Blenheim Health Hub https://blenheimhealthhub.com/donate/ or the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/ in lieu of flowers.

Linda Lindsay

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Evelyn Bellamy, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Evelyn peacefully passed away at home on September 15th, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 10^th 1938, Evelyn was a woman of style and grace, known for her high-heeled wedges and chic wardrobe. She brought joy and laughter to those around her with her quick wit and love for telling jokes.

Evelyn will be deeply missed by her devoted partner of over 44 years, Albert Collins. She is survived by her loving daughter, Liane Snobelen (Ken Newton), her step-children, Tawyna Thompson and Steve Collins, and her chosen brother, Lionel Hebert.

She is predeceased by her parents, Bertha Lozon (1989) and Pierre Armand Emery (1991); her sister, Irene Schmitchen (1992); her children, Randy Bellamy (2019) and Mary Ann Bellamy (1966); her granddaughters, Rebecca and Rachel Bellamy (1999); and her chosen brother, Hilaire Hebert (2017). She will be missed by her many beloved nieces and nephews.

Evelyn’s memory will be cherished by her granddaughters, Nicole Snobelen (Andy Simek), Brittany Peck-Doman (Josh Peck-Doman), Mikaela Wolsey (Jordan Wolsey), Mackenzie Hooper (Aaron Hooper), Randi-Lyn Vandewynckel (Cody Vandewynckel), and Danielle Bellamy, as well as her step-grandchildren, Indica Thompson and Nolan Thompson. Her great-grandchildren, Leona, Hudson, Drew, Lincoln, Blake, Rueben, and Josiah, will carry on her legacy.

Evelyn had a passion for the simple pleasures in life, from enjoying a cup of green tea to tending to her garden. She was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, loved to dance, and always took pride in dressing up for every occasion. A hardworking woman, Evelyn poured her heart into everything she did. Above all, she cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life and her greatest joy.

Her presence will be dearly missed, but her spirit and the love she shared with those around her will live on forever.

A graveside service for Evelyn will be held at Pardoville Cemetery on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Lillian Armstrong of Blenheim passed away on Monday September 9, 2024.    She was born 86 years ago in Toronto to Terrance & Lillian (Russell) O’Rafferty.  She was the proud mother of Joy Fields, Kim Cameron, Norman Rudman and the late Robin Rudman (1994).  She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren Nolan (Jessie), Emery (Marcie), Miranda, Jessica (Jacob), Nichole, Shawn (Cassie) John, Sean and Alex (Katie), her great-grandchildren Kolton, William, Mia, Missy, Irelynn, Nora, Huron, Lottie, Maise and Anasia and by her great-great grandchildren.  She is survived by her sister Maureen Dulmage and her brother John O’Rafferty (Susan).  She was predeceased by her husbands Gerald McDonald in 1977 and George Armstrong in 2007, her sisters Elizabeth and Joan and her brother Terrance.

Lillian was proud of the Irish heritage that came from her father’s side of the family.  She was known for her warm hospitality and friendliness, her love of music and the odd time spent in a pub watching her beloved Toronto Maple Leafs play hockey.  Life wasn’t always easy for her but she never let that stand in her way of helping others.  She worked hard in life for her family, her careers included repairing fishing nets for Goodisons, cooking at the Cadillac Hotel, planting tomatoes and working in retail.  She was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 185 in Blenheim, an avid pool player and had an affinity for dogs, especially her shih tzu Missy who never left her side.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Lillian will take place at the Funeral Home on Thursday September 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.

Cremation will follow and a private interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery where Lillian will be laid to rest with her husband Gerald “Jack” and daughter Robin.

With profound sadness, his family announces the passing of Ward Parker, suddenly but peacefully at home after a brief illness in his sixtieth year. Ward was a loving husband to Karen Reid – life partners for more than thirty years. He is sadly missed by his daughter, Madison Reid, stepson Darrin Jacques (Jamie), and his grandchildren, Ashton and Autumn.  He was a beloved brother-in-law to Lynn Reid Barbour (Bert) and Stuart Reid (David Sereda) and an caring uncle to Ashley Burgess (Delvin), Courtney Reid (Brittany-Lee Levesque) and Nicole Reid. He is mourned especially by his “ride or die” brother, Tony Parker, as well as many siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Ward was predeceased by his father-in-law, John Reid (2003), his “mom” Carol Brown (2022), and mother-in-law, Margaret Reid (2023).

Ward enjoyed travelling the roads, resulting in a career as a truck driver with Warren Gibson Trucking for over fifteen years. He loved people, having a chat and sharing a Bud Light with anyone that happened by.  Many summer evenings were enjoyed at the race track – Ward was an active member of a pit crew for many seasons. He loved tending a roaring campfire, a swim in his backyard pool, and most of all, spending time with his many “fur babies.”

Ward treasured his childhood years, being raised by his grandparents, Jennie and Talford Jefferson. That nurturing and caring environment instilled in him the capacity to be the world’s best “Gramps” to his own grandchildren.

Ward will be sadly missed as the family barbeque king and the turkey guy at the holidays. He loved to feed everyone and he was an amazing cook. Our family celebrations will never be the same without his joyous and fun-loving spirit. Look to the open sky where the eagle flies and Ward will be there.

The family will host a celebration of Ward’s life on Saturday, October 5 at 11 am, at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Street, Blenheim. Bring your memories, stories, or songs and pay tribute to a life well lived.  The family invites you to help others by making a donation to a charity of your choice in honour of Ward.

Marcus Maxwell Coates passed away on Wednesday August 21, 2024 following a tragic accident that took place on the land where he lived and loved so much.  Marc married the love of his life Tanya (Dobbie).  When they were blessed with their daughter Cheyenne, his life was complete.  He lived and breathed for his girls and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do to make them smile.

Along with Tanya and Cheyenne, Marc will be missed by his mother Geri Coates, his sister Crystal Sheppy (Dan) and their daughter Sydney, his life long friend Ben Coll and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marc is in heaven now with his dad Ken Coates who passed away just fourteen months ago.  They are both greatly missed.

He is also predeceased by his grandparents Jean & George Verstraete and Doris & Max Coates.

We will celebrate Marc’s short but wonderfully lived life at a later date.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Arthur David Breward of Blenheim ON announces his passing on August 8, 2024 at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of his family, on the fifth anniversary of his wife’s death.

Beloved husband of the late Bianca (August 8, 2019).

Treasured father of Lynda (John) Miller, the late Alan (Feb, 2019), Michael (Katherine) and Owen.

Cherished grandfather to Michael (Samantha), Katy, Bianca (Steven Harismowich) and Natasha (Sean) Elliott and Great Grandad to Sophia, Charlie, Chase, Sawyer, Willow, Lucy and ?

Predeceased by parents Arthur (1950) & Florence (2001) and sister Madge (2006).

David was accepted to University of Birmingham Medical School in 1948, following in the footsteps of his much loved older sister.  After graduating from medical school he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for four years, achieving the rank of Captain.  Although he was based for most of his time in the RAMC in Munster, West Germany, he served many British regiments throughout Germany as their medical officer, even having a call out once to the Soviet Embassy.

He emigrated to Canada in 1967 with his wife and three children, having a final (and in his words “true Canadian”) child three years later.  His career as an Anesthetist/Anesthesiologist in West Germany, England and Canada spanned more than sixty-four years eventually retiring at the age of 88 in January 2019.

When not working, he loved spending every moment with his family, as they all equally loved spending time with him.  Without complaint he spent endless hours on the ski slopes, as the designated boat driver while all of his children had a turn on waterskis and leading canoe trips into Algonquin Park.  He always made the time to listen to all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether that be at sporting events or performances or even just advising on various medical issues that any of them had.

Putting education above all else, he never hesitated giving his children the best education possible.  A lifetime gardener, he was also a voracious reader, consumer of knowledge and an avid storyteller.  All of his children and grandchildren were left in awe as he described his childhood years growing up during the Great Depression and in war-torn Britain during World War Two.

While we lost our Dad, many lost a friend and loved one.  He has been a rock and guiding light to many, a master of humour and loved watching Britcoms, comedy shows and classic war movies.

There was so much more to him than just Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad, though to us, that was his greatest role.

As Ernest Hemingway wrote:  “When my old man grinned, nobody could help but grin too.”

We love you Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Dudley Gerald Sparks passed away on July 26th at the age of 93 years. Much loved husband of 71 years to Shirley (Seney) Sparks. Dudley attended Blenheim High School. He was a past member of Merlin Kinsmen, Past Noble Grand of Merlin 100F Lodge, a member of the Charing Cross United Church and a long time member of Merlin Legion where he enjoyed the Dart and Euchre Leagues. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed his hunting trips to Northern Ontario with his hunting buddies. He was a Blue Jays and Leafs fan. Dudley was a member of The Boosum Beauties where as “Darling, Debbie”, he played first base for the team to raise funds for charities. He loved to tease everyone, especially his grandchildren. Dudley was the son of the late Burvil and Viola (English) Sparks. He is survived by his daughters, Lori (Bill) Thompson and Lisa Sparks, his grandchildren, Aaron (Nadia), Lauren (Chris), Adam, Kendra (Jake), Shannon (Matt), Lisa-Ray (Anthony) and Dakota (Ryan). He was Poppy to his great-grandchildren, Koen, William, Marlee, Maddox, Miles, Luca, Maverick, Nora, Layla-Rae and Beatrix. Also survived by daughter-in-law Janice Vince and son-in-law Paul Deneve, his sister Audrey (Orville) and in-laws Diana (Jim), Jim (Late Nancy), Bev (Lynda) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased parent to his son Danny, great grandson Andrew and his in-laws Alena and Harry Seney. Dudley was a well known builder and Craftsman who built many beautiful homes in Chatham-Kent with his father Burvil, later with his son Danny and friend Cyril.  Dudley had a lot of one liners… “Keep your stick on the ice and the puck toward the net”.  Or when saying goodbye, he would say “Be good.  If you can’t be good, be careful. If you can’t be careful, don’t name it after me.”  We will all miss him and his wonderful sense of humor.  He was an amazing, talented man.

Goodbye my love.

Visitation for Dudley will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday August 11, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.  A Celebration of his life will take place at the Merlin Legion on September 29, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.