Shirley Ann Gardiner of Windsor passed away on Saturday December 19, 2015. One of three children born to her late parents Bertha & Warren Gardiner, Shirley is survived by her brother Ken Gardiner & Jackie DeWispelaere of Blenheim and was predeceased by her older sister Judy DeMaeyer.  She will be remembered with great fondness by her niece Jen & Rick Dulisch, her nephews Mickey & Cheryl Gardiner and Michael & Terry Gardiner, by her great nieces and nephews Allan, Kyle, Bowdie, Kristen and Alex Gardiner, Abbie and Rhys Dulisch as well as her great-great niece Lauren.  Shirley was raised on the family farm outside of Blenheim.  After graduating from Blenheim District High School, she took a job at Forsyth Travel Bureau and Thompsons in Blenheim.  Following that she worked at the CKLW television station in Windsor before becoming the  Executive Assistant to the Manager of Ford (Essex plant).  She was a family oriented person whose work ethics and precision were second to none.  In her quiet times she enjoyed being at home and spending time with her cat, affectionately known as “Mr T”.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Shirley will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday December 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr.Mariaraj Irudayam of St. Mary’s Church officiating.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Shirley with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Terry Graves of Chatham, best friend of John Robinson, passed away at home on Tuesday December 15, 2015 at the age of 60 years. Born in Chatham to the late George and Marie Graves, Terry was raised in Ridgetown.  She was predeceased by her only son Stefano Graves in 2012 and by her sister Betty Ure.  She is survived by her brother Gerald Graves, her aunts and uncles Madeline Bateman, Nora Graves, Joyce Campbell, Ruth Graves, Junne & Bill Jenkins and Ron & Jan Graves as well as several cousins.  Predeceased by her aunts and uncles Gladys & George Shoemaker, Dorothy Graves Wally Bateman, Audrey & Garnet Smith, Ken Graves, Don Campbell and Fred Graves.

Terry was an independent spirit. After living in Ridgetown her residences included Toronto, Mexico, Vancouver and Windsor before settling in Chatham.  She had many friends who have walked beside her in her journeys, especially John who has been her rock for the last 20 years.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday December 18, 2015 for a time of visitation followed by a Memorial Service with Rev. David Fuller officiating.  Friends wishing to remember Terry with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Sandra (Craner) Longe passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 8, 2015. Born in Chatham on May 1, 1969 Sandra will be forever missed by her husband Bill Longe, her daughters Jessica Craner, Nadine Longe, Rachael Longe and Chelsea Longe, by her granddaughter Kaydence Longe, by her parents Sharron & John Craner, her sister Jenny Lyn & Dan Verellen with their sons Joshua and Jacob, by her mother-in-law and father-in-law Frankie & Joe Longe, brothers-in law Frank Longe and Fred & Wendy Longe and nieces and nephews Sarah, Maggie and Curtis Longe.  She was predeceased by her brother Vernon Craner.  Sandra was a long time employee of Community Living in Chatham.  She lived her life with determination and fortitude.  She will be missed.

A Celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday December 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul McPhail officiating. A time to share memories and visitation will take place following the service until 3:00 p.m. when the family will proceed to Evergreen Cemetery for the inurnment.

Family and friends wishing to remember Sandra with a memorial donation are asked to consider Community Living Chatham-Kent.

William T. “Bill” Gregg of Chatham passed away at home on Friday December 4, 2015. Born in Windsor on January 12, 1935 Bill is the husband of his loving wife Beverly A. (Band) Gregg.  Father of William “Butch” (his favourite son) of Chatham who accomplished the many mechanical and business things that Bill only dreamed of doing.  Butch always let his Dad catch the big “ones”.  Father of Timothy (his favourite son) of Chatham who exemplified a strong, nurturing father and husband role…envied by many, loved by all.  Father-in-law to Jolayne, his favourite daughter-in-law.  Father of Tracy Ann (his favourite daughter) who enjoys her father’s compassion for special population with competence and care and who made him especially proud.  Father-in-law to Karl, his favourite (#6) son-in-law.  Gramps to six very special grandchildren; Brandon, Shayla, Courtney, Casey, Kyle and Cole who every day were bright lights of hope and excitement in an often troubling world.

Bill was a faithful member of St. James Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, clerk, committee chair and humble servant. He celebrated many accomplishments in life; academically he was a graduate of Kestler School of Design in Chicago, Kennedy Collegiate in Windsor and the London Teachers College.  He earned a BA from the University of Windsor and an M.Ed from Wayne State University.  He held a certification in Special Education, a Specialist Certificate through the Ministry of Education and Certification with the Canadian College of Health Service Executives.  He felt indebted to the LaSalle Board and the children of Col. Bishop for his practicum teaching years in the real world.

Bill’s professional career began in his preteen years as he aggressively pursued his calling as the “Liberty” book salesman. Later he would establish the first senior special education class in Sandwich West for children with learning disabilities and emotion control issues.  He was favoured with appointments as Special Ed Consultant, Windsor Board of Education and Regional Educational Consultant with the Ministry of Education stationed at Windsor Western Hospital.  He was the first appointed Director of the Regional Children’s Centre through the Windsor and Essex Community and Social Services, being assigned to a committee on special service needs of exceptional children.  He was the first Director of the Bluewater Centre in Goderich until its closure when he completed his service until his retirement at Southwestern Regional Centre in Blenheim.

His retirement years were filled with fun, family and the continued pursuit of knowledge. In that time, he earned his Real Estate License, Power Sailing Squadron License and earned his Automotive Certification from Georgian College.  He was the Proprietor of W.T. (Bill) Gregg Aluminum Columns and Accessories which included windows, siding and cremation urns.

Bills passion for life was influenced by many including the Good Book, Mrs. Jean Cox, Special Education Supervisor, Marsh Thompson, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joan Bowers, Ministry of Education, Dr. James S. Band, Department of Health and Welfare, Rev. Lockie Royal, Rev. John Guirin and most importantly by his wife Beverly who walked beside him for over 56 years.

Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. for visitation. A Funeral Service for Bill will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday December 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation to follow.

Maurice Cecil Phelps, 89 years, passed away at his residence on December 3, 2015. Predeceased by parents Cecil and Beatrix (Walley) Phelps. Beloved husband of the late Ada (Gifford) Phelps (2008).  Loving father of Dan & Ann Phelps of Leamington, Kathy & Chris Steel of Blenheim. Dear grandpa to Leslie Stonefish, Sonny Riley, Brandon Riley, Kody Phelps, Nevaeh Phelps, Kathryn & Jason VanderPryt, Luke Steel, Dan & Tanya Steel.  Dear great-grandpa to 14 great-grandchildren.

Survived by sister Margaret Gilbeault (Stan 2011) and sister-in-law Hazel Gifford (Bill 2007). Predeceased by brother Robert Phelps and his wife Jean Phelps. Predeceased by brother-in-laws Edwin, Jack, Jim Gifford and sister-in-law Ruth Brown.  Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Maurice was born on March 12, 1926 in Decatur, Illinois. His family moved to Canada when he was a young boy to live on his grandfather’s farm near Badder Town.  As a young man he served in the US Navy.  When he returned he married Ada and raised two children.  Maurice had various jobs, but spent most of his working years as a tool & die maker for Russell Tool & Die of Chatham.  Retiring in his 50’s, he was able to work on his woodworking hobby and enjoyed travelling, and working in his yard.

Visitation was held at the Merlin United Church on Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. A Funeral Service for Maurice was held in the Merlin United Church on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Stewart Cemetery.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Heart & Stroke or Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Mary Elizabeth Rumble, daughter of the late George & Florence (Haskell) Mills passed away on Saturday November 21, 2015. Mary was born in Chatham 94 years ago.  She and her late husband Harry Rumble (1985) raised three children; Nancy & Don Jackson, Daniel Rumble (2015) who is survived by his wife Lyn and Ron Rumble (late Sadie) & Harriett Reekie.  She was a wonderful grandmother to Rob Jackson, Vince Rumble, Shawn Brown, Nathan Brown, Jenn Knights and Valerie Duquette and great-grandmother to fifteen (predeceased by her great-grandson Connor Duquette).  Mary grew up in a house of seven siblings.  She is survived by her sister Jean Parkhouse and was predeceased by Pearl Stover, Flossie Wood, Evelyn Benjamin, Howard Mills and Fred Shepley.  She was a former member of the Blenheim Moose Lodge, the Cedar Springs United Church and was a very supportive member of her family and community.

Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Thursday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Friday November 27, 2015 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed immediately by a Funeral Service conducted by Pastor Eric Skillings.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.  Friends wishing to remember Mary with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Acceptional Riders Program at TJ Stables.

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother, Donna Lou Horak (Allison). Born in 1936 to the late Louis Allison and Lylia (Mifflin), Donna is survived by her brother Mac Allison and his wife Margaret.

Donna lived her life and raised her family on the Allison Sideroad near Blenheim. It was there that she fell in love with the love of her life, John Horak.  Together they worked side by side on the family farm of fresh produce, chickens, and tobacco. They lead by example – no task was ever too great for them.

Donna retired from teaching to devote her life to their children Paul (Nancy) Horak, Jane (Sel) Jordan, Michael (Jenn) Horak, and Philip Horak. Her Grandchildren Stephanie, Jennifer, Kevin, Meagan, Julia, Jessica, Ethan and Felicia meant the world to her and she was so proud of them.

Donna was an avid and skilled card player and never backed down from a challenge. She enjoyed family camping trips, wiener roasts, and all family get togethers.  Despite being stricken by Parkinsons, she was always determined and always had a smile on her face and a kind word for all.  She was a proud member of the Catholic Womens League and St. Mary’s Church choir.

Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Parish prayers will be held at 6:45 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday November 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Friends wishing to remember Donna with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Parkinsons or Cancer Society.

To everyone in Blenheim who came out Friday afternoon to greet and honour my son as he returned home to Chatham-Kent, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks.

I cannot begin to tell you how deeply touched everyone in my family feels by your reception. We had no idea anything was being planned in town, and we are so honoured and grateful at your outpouring of support. To see everyone waiting in the cold, just to demonstrate their respect for John Robert and compassion towards us was incredibly moving. It really is overwhelming to experience such kindness.

Thank you all so much, for everything. We appreciate it very, very much.

It is important to us to know that people are thinking about and discussing John Robert’s actions – why he chose to volunteer in Kurdistan and why he thought this is a battle worth fighting. He truly believed that when we learn about injustice, we have a responsibility to act. I hope people will continue to think about that in the days to come 

Thank you again.

Valerie Carder

Clifford James Stokes (Jamie) succumbed to his injuries at Victoria Hospital, London sustained from an accident at the intersection of the Erieau and Bisnett side roads. He is survived by his parents Jim and Ruth Stokes of Erieau, his wife Shannon, his only daughter Jayme-Ruth, his only son Justin (Tara) and two grandsons Jessie and Alex.  He is also survived by his sister Kathy Halvorsen (Doug), niece Melissa Faubert and two great nephews Kaiden and Riley; friends Jem Buell and Jaycelyn.

Jamie, a resident of Erieau and graduate of the Robert Land Academy was a “driver” of many things and a lifelong lover of motorcycles which he rebuilt, repaired, painted and rode to many distant places. He enjoyed sailing at the Erieau Yacht Club.

Jamie was the caregiver to his only beloved daughter Jayme-Ruth (age 10) to whom his life was dedicated. In lieu of flowers, donations to a Trust Fund for Jayme-Ruth can be made through the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Visitation will take place at Glad Tidings Community Church from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Friday November 13, 2015. The visitation will be followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at the same location.  Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at a later time.  Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangements.

Arthur Henry Rumble of Blenheim went to be with his Lord on Monday November 2, 2015. Art was born in Chatham 61 years ago to his late parents Earl & Mary (Gifford) Rumble.  He is survived by his wife Donna of Chatham and by their children Arthur Jr, Daniel, Donna-Jean, Christopher, Earl and Suzie and their families.  He is also survived by his siblings Don & Joyce Rumble, Jack & Evelyn Rumble, Nina Rumble & John Snake, Garnet Rumble (predeceased by Susan) and Joanne & Bob Gillespie.  Predeceased by brothers Joseph and Bobby Rumble.  Art will be missed by his God-daughter Katie May Gillespie, by the extended family he raised as his own with Donna and by several nieces and nephews.

Art was a Water Well Contractor by trade and helped many families in Blenheim and the surrounding communities. He worked hard and played hard, living his life on his own terms.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday for visitation from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Art, conducted by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday November 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember Art with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider the Word of Life Church soup kitchen.