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).

Nora Williston passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Sunday November 30, 2014. There were four children born in Scotland to Donald & Mary (MacLeod) Matheson; Nora who was born on May 14, 1922 and her siblings Donald, Kate and Norman. After the family immigrated to Canada, Nora met a gentleman from Chatham by the name of Howard Leslie Williston and they were married. Together they raised their son Craig, who with his wife Fay made Nora the very proud grandmother of Adam and Kelly. For many years Nora and Howard lived in Chatham. Nora was a longtime adherent of First Presbyterian Church and was actively involved in the ladies groups there. She also spent many hours volunteering for community organizations in her effort to leave the world a better place. Over the past few years, the staff of the Blenheim Community Village earned the respect of Nora’s family through their daily efforts to make Nora’s new home comfortable…your compassion was noticed and appreciated.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday December 4, 2014 to celebrate Nora’s life. There will be visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. At 11:00 there will be a Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bill Terris which will be followed by a luncheon and a time to visit with family and friends. Following the luncheon, the family will proceed to Arnold Cemetery where Nora will be laid to rest with Howard. Friends wishing to remember Nora with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A.

Joyce Shepherd of Blenheim, much loved wife of Keith Shepherd passed away on Saturday November 29, 2014 at the age of 71 years. Born to the late Rose and Bill Bushey, Joyce was the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by her siblings Willford, Carl, Doris and Mary Ann. She will be missed by her loving children Terry Ripley of Windsor, Nolan & Lenore Ripley of Ottawa and Rob & Amy Ripley of Ottawa. She will also be remembered with fondness by her grandchildren Tara, Niki, Terrence, Ben, Nate, Julie, Nikki, Shannon and Carter, by five great-grandchildren and by Keith’s brothers Bob & Marion and Bruce & Betty. Joyce loved crafts and spent much of her free time crocheting, knitting and doing needlepoint. She will be remembered for her years of work at Thompsons and at 7-11 in Blenheim. In keeping with Joyce’s wishes, cremation will take place. A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Joyce with a memorial donation are asked to consider Glad Tidings Community Church in Blenheim, The Gathering Place in Ridgetown or the Diabetes or Cancer Societies.

Robert Bentley of Blenheim, much loved partner of Theresa VanDyk passed away on Monday November 24, 2014 at the age of 66 years. Bob was the eldest of three children born to their late parents William & Mildred (Thompson) Bentley and is survived by his brother Bill Bentley & Helen VanDyke of Cedar Springs and by his sister Mary & Lawrence Dell of Midland. He will be remembered with great fondness by his Aunt Margaret Labonte and by all of his nieces and nephews. Bob was actively involved in sports through his high school years playing baseball, hockey and held the position of Quarterback on the football team. Friends will remember his through his years of working at Navistar. He enjoyed his quiet moments with a good book…he travelled the world through books and could carry on a conversation about any topic. He will be missed. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Bob with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Helen Weller of Chatham, daughter of the late Chester & Stella Sibinski passed away on Sunday November 23, 2014 at the age of 58 years. Along with her brothers Jerry Sibinski and Rick & Cathy Sibinski, Helen’s childhood and much of her adult life was spent in Blenheim. She will be remembered for the person she was…a free spirit who preferred to be barefoot, a determined person who raised her sons David Hodges and Jack Weller while putting herself through school to become a Civil Engineer and a driven person who ranked at the top of her class and acted as Valedictorian on graduation day. She had one more goal in life which was to own a motorhome and live a nomadic life, travelling from shore to shore and never having to worry about being on time. She will be remembered with great fondness by her husband Dale Weller, by her extended daughter Geniel Hillman and her grandsons Dawson and Riley Hodges. Just as her mother was her best friend, Helen was the best friend of her sons David and Jack. She was the one they could turn to in times of joy, trouble or pain. She was their rock. In keeping with Helen’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Helen with a memorial donation are asked to consider Heart and Stroke or MS society. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

“Go to heaven Mom and look down on us till we meet again. You are now free of pain…you can walk barefoot through the meadows, you can run and do as you have always wanted. You can now travel in the motorhome wherever you want. We love you and will always remember the times we had…may you be with God and at peace until we meet you again.” David and Jack

John Kochnowich passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the C-K Health Alliance on Saturday November 22, 2014 at age 83. John is the son of the late Fred & Marta Kochnowich. Beloved wife of 57 years to Mary (Ramsdale). Loving dad to Bonnie (Bill Roest) of Rodney, Steve (Corinne) of Muirkirk and Tom (Prudence Murray) of Chatham. Grandpa to Brian and Brooke (Mike) Roest, Stacey (Stephen Pattison), Dale (Kaylene) and Jenna Kochnowich, Ashely and Ryan Kochnowich. Survived by longtime family friend Lisa Kochnowich. Brother to Anne (McKillop) and the late Paul Kochnowich. Brother-in-law to Charlotte (late Charlie) Day, George (late Marion) Ramsdale, Howard (Rita) Ramsdale and the late Eva (Lloyd) Coatsworth.

John retired from International Harvester and farmed on Erieau marsh and #3 Highway. He loved his daily drives to the Erieau marsh, going to yard and auction sales and tending to his famous garden. Family will receive relatives and friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home (53 Stanley Street) on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday November 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Donations can be made to either the Cancer or Parkinsons Society.

Jean Elizabeth Schell passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Saturday November 22, 2014 at the age of 90 years. Jean was the last surviving sibling born to the late Lottie (Darby) and Arthur Rumble, being predeceased by her sister Neita Elliott and by her brothers Dean & Florence Rumble, Harry Rumble and Ike & Jean Rumble. She was also predeceased her first husband Ben Cowlan in 1965, by her second husband Peter Schell in 1990 and by two infant children. Jean is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Rumble and by her Rumble nieces and nephews Nancy & Don Jackson, Dan & Lyn Rumble, Ron Rumble (late Sadie), Diane Rumble (late Rob), Sharon & Carl Swanson and Dennis & Jackie Rumble. Jeans travels in life took her to Fenlon Falls where she ran a General Store, Mitchells Bay, British Columbia and Saskatchewan before returning to Blenheim in 1993. She was a member of the Blenheim Legion Branch 185 Ladies Auxilliary and the Senior Centres in Blenheim and Chatham. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday November 26, 2014 for visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 when a Funeral Service conducted by Rev Wanda Burse will be held. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Talbot Trail Park.