Obituaries

Cathy Nooyen

A photo of Cathy Nooyen

Service:

St. Mary's Church, Blenheim
Saturday March 29, 2014
1:30 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday March 28, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our caring and loving mom and Oma, Cathy Nooyen. Cathy passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her children on March 26, 2014. Welcoming her with open arms is our dad and Opa, her husband, Peter, who left us in January of 2000. Missing her with heavy hearts are her daughters Ingrid Johnston, Linda (Mark) Phillips, and her sons Robert and David (Tanya) Nooyen. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Amanda and Kaila Johnston, Taylor and Chad Phillips, Kyle, Spencer and Camryn Nooyen – they brought a smile to her face, laughter to her day and spirit to her heart. She gave us strength, taught us patience and showed us courage. Our mom will always walk with us. She will forever be a living presence in all of our lives.

Dear sister of Adrian & Corrie Spitters of Lambeth, Theo, Berthus, Cor, Nellie and Grada and their families of Holland. Predeceased by Jan and Johanna in Holland. Sister-in-law of Harry and Christine Nooyen, Wim Nooyen of Ottawa, Marius and Mary Nooyen, Rikie Nooyen and Martin Van Heesch of Blenheim, Joanne Monden of Ridgetown. Predeceased by Monique Nooyen, Arnold Nooyen, Chris Monden and Diny Van Heesch. Friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Friday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Cathy will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday March 29, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Cathy with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Blenheim Food Bank.

Every day in some small way,

We will miss her more than words can say.

In our hearts you will always stay

Loved and remembered everyday.

Bill Brinkman

A photo of Bill Brinkman

Mr. William Alfred “Bill” Brinkman passed away on Tuesday March 25, 2014 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born in Toronto 88 years ago to the late Ada Mae (King) and Harry William Brinkman, Bill met and married Dorothy Jean Cox from Erieau and they began a life journey that would span over 55 years. Together, Bill and Dorothy raised their son Jeffrey who lives in Belle River with his wife Debbie and their daughter Abbie. Bill was an Engineer and a long time employee at Southwestern Regional Centre. He will be missed by several nieces and nephews and was predeceased by his brothers Cyril, Ab, Syd and Robert, and by his sister Marjorie. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no formal services at this time. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Evan Deschryver

A photo of Evan Deschryver

Service:

Private

It is with such sadness that we announce our son, Evan Lars Deschryver was born still at Victoria Hospital in London on Monday March 24, 2014. Quietly Evan tiptoed into the hearts of his Mom, Melissa McCormick and his Dad, Brett Deschryver and left a lifetime of beautiful memories for them to hold. He was loved from the start…our baby boy; our beautiful son. Evan had an extended family who was also looking forward to his arrival, his Grandparents Syd McCormick of Erieau, Willy Deschryver of Blenheim and Janet Deschryver of Peterborough, his aunt Sarah & Kevin Coll and his uncles Marshal McCormick, Josh Deschryver and Matt Deschryver, his cousins Kalvin Coll, Blake Coll, Cohen Deschryver and Benson Deschryver and his Great-Grandmas Mary Manninger of Chatham, Joyce McCormick of Blenheim, Dorothy Osborne of Blenheim and Jean Deschryver of Blenheim. A Private Family Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday March 29, 2014. Following the service, Evan will be laid to rest with his Grandma Molly McCormick in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

Just know Evan, that if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Love Mommy and Daddy

Jean Ainsworth

A photo of Jean Ainsworth

Service:

Private

Jean Ainsworth of Blenheim and formerly of Windsor passed away on March 15, 2014. Jean was born in England on May 15, 1922 and on August 11, 1941 she married her husband of 72 years, Fred Ainsworth who predeceased her on August 23, 2013. While living in England, Fred and Jean had three children; John Ainsworth (Sally), Reda McGilchrist (Charles) and Helen Breault (James) and following their move to Canada in 1949 they had two more children; James Ainsworth (Wanda) and Daphne Finch (Andrew). Also surviving are a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean and Fred owned the Green Door Bakery in Blenheim until they retired in 1983, followed by many tours of Canada and the United States before settling for a time in Windsor. Funeral Arrangements for Jean will be private. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Bill Wright

A photo of Bill Wright

Service:

Blenheim United Church
Thursday March 20, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday March 19, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

William Stanley (Bill) Wright, known as Curly to his old friends, passed away on March 15, 2014 at the age of 80. He was a loving husband of Ada (Payne) Wright, father of Kelly (Gary Oliver), Craig (Lynne Sears), and Philip Wright (Kerstin Essmann). Much loved Grandfather of Jared, Blayne, and Kary Oliver, Andrew, Stacey, and Matthew Wright. Bill was the last member of his generation in the Wright family being predeceased by siblings Margaret (Thorne) Westland, Irene Riseborough, Jack Wright, and Lorne Wright. He will also be missed by sisters-in-law Joyce (Bill) Guerin and Brenda (Ted) Rumble and several nieces and nephews.

He was always “on the go”. He attended Talbot St Public School and Blenheim High School, but decided he would quit early and make his fortune by working at Shillington’s Department Store. I guess his million wasn’t in sight as he travelled to Windsor and enlisted in the Navy at the ripe old age of 17.

Bill was trained at Naval Radio Station Gloucester, a communications training base south of Ottawa and his first posting was in Aklavik, NWT as a member of a special unit – Supplementary Radio System – a separate group affiliated with the Armed Forces who governed their own activities. They didn’t serve within the regular armed forces and only served within their own command and units. Although 98% of the time they served in land-based units with a number of them in the northern part of the country, and were initially with Army and Air Force Signal groups, they were mostly members of the Royal Canadian Navy. Just recently, information was made public about the work of this special unit.

While in Aklavik he curled at the “Top of the World” curling club. He spent a short time in Moncton, NB where he was called to the Commanding Officer when coming off watch and was told to pack because he was going on exchange to the US Navy. He packed his bag, sold his car, and was on the train to Washington DC by noon. He was given some choice of postings and chose Imperial Beach, California on the border of Mexico. In Imperial Beach, he was fortunate to be a catcher on a baseball team made up mostly of carded players. He was so proud of being the only Canadian and one of the few non-carded players. He learned to play ball in Blenheim and played on four area teams in one season. Next he was posted to Gander, NL and then finished his 10 years of service teaching communications at Headquarters in Ottawa.

After his discharge, Bill worked at Canadian Marietta, Kent Concrete, Doey Gravel and Cleveland Sand and Gravel. His favourite job was working at the Land Registry Office where he became the Deputy Registrar in Chatham.

He was involved in the community through local sports and clubs. He played competitive softball, baseball, racquetball, bowling, golf and hockey. While playing in a racquetball tournament he overheard a young man joke about having to play “that old man”. Bill, being the old man, beat the young joker and went on to win the whole tournament.

Bill also coached minor baseball in both Blenheim and Cedar Springs and minor hockey in Blenheim. He was treasurer of Blenheim Minor Hockey and the President of Blenheim Community Golf Club.

Bill has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 for 45 years.

Even with his first heart surgery at 42 years old and numerous other health problems throughout the years following, he defied the odds and was able to watch his grandchildren grow up and celebrate his 80th birthday alongside his family. He was a true gentleman, a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Jayne Parker

A photo of Jayne Parker

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday March 6, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday March 5, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Jayne Kristine Parker passed away in the arms of her loving husband Reg Stirling on Sunday March 2, 2014 at the age of 49 years. Jayne will be missed by her daughter Jayna & Donovan Robinson of Collingwood, her son Devin Molenhuis of Wasaga Beach and by her father Bill Parker & Mary Kormendy of Blenheim. She was predeceased by her mother Irene (Kormendy) Parker on March 17, 2006 and her brother David Allen Parker who passed away when he was two years old. Jayne was raised in Erieau with her brothers Jim Parker and partner Barb Karch of London, John & Chris Parker of Erieau, and Chuck & Teresa Parker of St. Joseph’s Island. On June 28, 2008 when she married Reg, her family grew to include her father-in-law Don Stirling of New Scotland, her mother-in-law Helen (who passed away on October 7, 2009) as well as her sister-in-law Glenda Ebert (late Craig) of Blenheim, James & Kathy Stirling of New Scotland and Art & Grace Stirling of Blenheim. Jayne was a Graphic Designer at Copies & More in Blenheim. She enjoyed painting, photography, nature and playing cards and darts. She was a member of the Card Parties of Erieau, the Erieau Sailing Club, the Historical Society of Blenheim & District and was a member of the New Scotland UCW. One of Jayne’s greatest joys was spending time with Reg on their boat, the “Eauasis” which they docked in Erieau. No matter where their travels took them, no matter where they lived, Jayne’s heart never left the Eau. She will be missed but at least she now has calm seas and smooth sailing.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Jayne’s family on Wednesday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Jayne, conducted by Rev. Wanda Burse will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday March 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow with a private family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Jayne with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

 

Joe Manninger

A photo of Joe Manninger

Service:

A Private Family Service will be held on
Saturday March 1, 2013

Visitation:

There will be no Funeral Home visitation.

Joseph “Joe” Manninger of Blenheim passed away on February 27, 2014 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with his family at his side in his 85th year. Joe was born in Fish Creek, Saskatchewan on March 25, 1929 to his late parents Michael and Margaret (Boyle) Manninger. He was the beloved husband of the late June (McEachran) Manninger (February 28, 2009), the dearly loved father of Linda Hillman and her husband Russel, step-father of Gail Steen, Mary Louise Clark, John Steen, Greg Steen and his wife Diane. “Best Papa” in the world to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dear brother and brother in law of Frank & Marnie Manninger and Mary Manninger of Chatham and the late Marion & Byron Dale, Ted & Rita Manninger, Michael & Barb Manninger, Elizabeth & Frank Grant, George Manninger and Art & MaryAnn Manninger. He will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews. In respect of Joe’s wishes, a private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday March 1, 2014 with Rev. Wanda Burse officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Jack Demeurichy

A photo of Jack Demeurichy

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday February 3, 2014
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday February 2, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Jack Gene Demeurichy of Erieau passed away on January 29, 2014 with his family at his side at CKHA. Jack was born July 28, 1954 to the late Leon & Nellie Demeurichy. He was a loving father and was proud of all three of his sons Robert Demeurichy (Sarah) of Erieau, Richard Demeurichy (Mark) of Erieau and Ryan Demeurichy (Amy) of Petawawa. He will be remembered by their mother Connie Vidler. Proud grandfather of Deacon and Daisy and a new arrival in March 2014. Also deeply missed by his loving and devoted sisters and brothers-in-law Helen Ouellette (Al) and Betty Anne Smith (George Szatori). Sorrowfully and lovingly missed by his girlfriend Kathy Kelly of Erieau as well as his nephews and his furry pal Buddy. Predeceased by his daughter in law Rebecca Demeurichy and by his brothers in law Robert Vidler and Brian Cunningham. Jack was a 25 year member of the Erieau Fire Department and acted as Chief from 1991 – 2000. He started as an employee at Erieau Packers, eventually moving into owning the business with a partner until selling it and taking a job with Presteve Foods in Wheatley until he retired. Jack will be remembered as a fine woodworker with a wicked sense of humor who would always make time for a good game of cards with friends. He loved Erieau and served as a Councilor prior to amalgamation. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday February 2, 2014 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to Jack’s family. A Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Tim Joyce will be held in the Funeral Home on Monday February 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Jack with a memorial donation are asked to consider the LHSC Multi Organ Transplant Unit or the Canadian Liver Foundation.

Victor Caruana

A photo of Victor Caruana

Service:

St. Mary's Church
Blenheim
Tuesday January 28, 2014
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

There will be no Funeral Home visitation

Victor Caruana of Chatham passed away on Thursday January 23, 2014. Victor was born in Malta 80 years ago; one of four sons to his late parents Carmen & Carmel Caruana and is survived by Joseph and Frans and their families who still reside there. He was predeceased by his brother Edwin. When Victor was 16 years old he moved to Canada and put himself through college, eventually becoming a Mechanic. He met and married Georgina Ruby (Clark) who predeceased him in 1990. Together they raised two daughters; Vicky-Jo Caruana & Stephen Weston who now live in Clarington and Joanne & Randy Moody who live in Chatham. He was also blessed with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; Melissa Villers and her daughter Kennedy of Niagara Falls, Jodi-Lynn Curran and her daughter Jaden of Chatham, and Stevie Weston, Curtis Weston and Collin Weston all of Clarington. Victor had a true appreciation for all of God’s creations, especially children and animals. He also loved working around his house, the Toronto Maple Leafs and especially his 1972 Ford F150 truck. In keeping with Victor’s wishes, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Tuesday January 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. There will be no Funeral Home visitation. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember Victor with a memorial donation are asked to consider the O.S.P.C.A. to help animals. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Gordon Lohnes

A photo of Gordon Lohnes

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday January 23, 2013
4:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday January 23, 2013
Family Only: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Public: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Gordon Lohnes passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2014 at the age of 83. Born February 26, 1930 to Gordon and Bertha (Weeks) Lohnes in Toronto, Ontario. Loving husband of 66 years to Theresa (Huck) Lohnes who he married November 1, 1947 in Toronto. Survived by brothers Bill (Joan) Lohnes of Nobleton and Bud Lohnes of Calgary. Dearly missed by daughter Donna Sanford of Chatham, grandchildren Dane (Amy) Sanford, Kim (Tim) Wright, Ryan Collier and Scott Collier, by his great grandchildren Brendan (Amy), Michael (Chelsie), Spencer, Amber, Chloe, Molly, Keegan and Reilly as well as his great-great grandchildren Brian and Cruz. Resting at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Thursday January 23rd with family visiting from 2 – 3 p.m. and public visiting from 3 – 4 p.m. followed immediately by a service. In lieu of flowers, donations to HHT Research Fund, c/o St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, Toronto would be appreciated by the family.