Steven Robert O’Brien of Shrewsbury passed away on Sunday August 23, 2015 at the age of 26 years. Born on November 3, 1988, Steven was a boy of sheer determination to succeed in life, a boy who was destined to have many friends, many life experiences and a boy who would bring much joy to those around him. He was the second of three sons born to his parents David & Pam (Mickle) O’Brien, sharing his life with Michael O’Brien (Jena), Daniel O’Brien and most recently his niece Lucy. He was the cherished grandson of Fran Mickle (late Bill) and Fran O’Brien (late Don). Steven grew to become an industrious and hard working young man who appreciated life through his many interests including nature, music, carpentry and especially life by the water…he was at the peak of his happiness fishing on Rondeau Bay. He was also a young man who was proud of his accomplishments, be it a renovated house, organizing Blenheim Recreational Hockey, playing in a band or growing a garden. Steven celebrated many friendships in his life including special bonds with Bryar Koehler, Bryan Cooper and the late Chuck Hunter.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Steven’s life will be held at the Shrewsbury Community Centre on Sunday September 6, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. (remembrances will be shared at 2 o’clock). To celebrate Steven’s choice of living an unpretentious lifestyle, friends are asked to dress casually and bring a lawn chair. Folks wishing to remember Steven with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Shrewsbury And Raglan Assembly.

“There’s big ships, there’s small ships,

Short ships and tall ships,

But there’s no ship like friendship”

…Steven O’Brien

Alphonse Amerlinck of Ridgetown passed away on Friday August 21, 2015 at the age of 69 years. Son of the late Emile & Margaret “Peggy” (Johnson) Amerlinck. Alphonse was the last surviving member of his family, being predeceased by his sister Linda Glazier and brothers Joe and Pat Amerlinck. He is survived by his children Bobbi & Richard Pepper and Dawn & Doug Eves. Predeceased by his son Scott Amerlinck. Also survived by his grandchildren Chelsea, Tyler, Jacob, Jocelyn, Zachary and Kristen, his great grandson Joshua and his brother in law Nick Glazier. Alphonse was a special uncle to Frank & Pam Fiala and their children Alena and Jared as well as Brian Glazier & Cheryl Risdale and their children Ariana, Keith, Tory and Brodie. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Boyd Angus Summerfield of Blenheim passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday August 11, 2015 at the age of 90 years. Born in Raleigh Township, son of the late John and Margaret (Jenkins) Summerfield, Boyd was predeceased by his wife Frances in June, 1986. He was employed at W.G. Thompsons and Holdaway Roofing before getting a job with the Ministry of Transportation where he retired. Boyd will be missed greatly by his daughter Delores Summerfield and by his step children Linda & Paul Hould of Charing Cross, Ruth & George Vaughan of Blenheim, Ken Bonner of Leamington and Grant (late Kay) Weaver of Merlin. Predeceased by his step-son Ed Bonner. Boyd was the last surviving member of his family being predeceased by Ray & Louise Summerfield, Don Summerfield, Cleve Summerfield and his baby brother Ross Summerfield. He is survived by his sister in law Betty Summerfield. He will be missed by his grandchildren John Bishop, Chantelle & Shawn Lumley, Keith & Pam Bonner, Cam & Nicole Bonner, Ken & Sue Bonner, Andy & Theresa Vaughan, Rick Weaver, Janice Weaver, Michelle Weaver, Paul Hould Jr, Lisa Hould, Mike Bonner, Scott & Josie Vaughan, Candace Vaughan, Ted Vaughan, Ray & Kim Vaughan, Brenda & Marlin Cox, Chris Vaughan, Becky Guyett and Richie Bonner as well as a number of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren including his best friends Gavin Boyd Lumley and Jace Lumley. Boyd was a man-about-town and was often seen driving his “Cadillac of Scooters” which had a red English style enclosure.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Boyd will be held in the Funeral Home on Friday August 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Boyd with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Food Bank or the Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband and father Ken “Benny” Green on Friday June 26, 2015 just two days before the birth of his first grandson Benjamin “Benny” Roger Cox. Born in Chatham, son of the late Andrew and Mildred (Gosnell) Green, Ken grew up in Blenheim with his older brother the late Dr. Peter Green (survived by Peter’s wife Lyn), his sister Kathleen Perry (late David) of London and his younger brother David Green (Penny) of Beaumont AB. In January of 1967, at a party in London, Ken met a young lady named Shirley Stanski and they fell in love. On August 30, 1969 Ken & Shirley married and began a life together that would span over 45 years. He was especially proud of their two daughters Jessica Green of Calgary and Katie Cox (Todd) of Windsor.

Ken was larger than life. In his younger days he played hockey with the Chatham Jr Maroons. He was a lifelong learner whose education did not end with his graduation from the University of Waterloo. His interests were many and varied; he enjoyed golf, playing pool, weekly poker games, gardening and dancing. His appreciation of all types of music was known to everyone; he was constantly sharing his music collection with any and all who were within listening range. His interest in cooking began with a cookbook he picked up out of curiosity, and this led him to become a great chef and caterer. Ken also loved spending time with old friends and making new ones. But most of all, he loved his family and the memories that he made with them.

In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Blenheim Community Golf Course on Sunday August 16, 2015 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Kent Lodge 274 will be holding a Masonic Service at 2:00 to which members of the public are invited. Friends wishing to remember Ken with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the Chatham-Kent Hospice or the Blenheim United Church.

Edward Nesbitt of Chatham passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 7, 2015 at the age of 78 years. Ed was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan to his late parents Alice & John Nesbitt. He was one of 7 children and is survived by his sisters Betty Attewell and Patricia Walker (Paul), by his brother in law Bill Dale and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in life by his brother Frank (Lucy) Nesbitt and his sisters Della Dale, Vicky Bowskill and Susan Poissant. Ed was a very giving person who liked to play a good joke on friends. He was the Produce Manager at Gordon’s Grocery Store in Blenheim and then at Zehrs in the North Maple Mall in Chatham which is where he retired from. In his spare time, he liked to play bingo. In keeping with Ed’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Ed with a memorial donation are asked to consider Loads of Love (Chatham).

David Dalgleish Simpson of Blenheim, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Simpson passed away on Friday July 3, 2015 at the age of 91. David was born in Douglas, Ontario to the late Hildred and Charlie Simpson. He is survived by his daughter Susan Simpson of Blenheim, by his grandchildren Kaleb Dobbins (Krista) of Chatham and Stesha Dobbins (Mike) of Kitchener as well as four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by his sister in law Lenore Simpson of Windsor. Predeceased by his daughter Pamela Dobbins, his sisters Grace Smith, Margaret Dickson and his brother Jim Simpson.

David served in the Army during WWII, a member of The Lake Superior Regiment for the 4^th Canadian Division. After serving his country he was employed for many years at the LCBO in Blenheim. He was a member of the Blenheim Kinsmen, the Blenheim and Area Freedom Library and the Blenheim Legion.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for David will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday July 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember David with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim & District Freedom Library and Museum.

Chris Stanford of Erieau passed away at home in the early morning hours of Wednesday July 1, 2015. Chris was born 41 years ago to his parents Kathryn & Michael Stanford. In 2000 he married the love of his life, Shelley (McClure). They made Erieau their home and they began a family including Cody, Rylee and Sam of whom Chris was very proud of. Chris will be missed sorely by his sister Katie Stanford & Mike Edd, his brother Jason & Deb Stanford, by his mother in law and father in law Catherine & Brian McClure and by his brothers in law Justin & Anton McClure, Daniel & Erin McClure and all of their families. Chris will be remembered for his many years of dedication to Greenfield Specialty Alcohols in Chatham. In his spare time, Chris was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and providing fishing charters. Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday July 2, 2015 from 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Chris will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Friday July 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce. Cremation will follow. Friends wishing to remember Chris with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of a wonderful, compassionate and gentle soul. Loving and devoted husband to Elise for over 50 years. Proud father to Mark (Ruth) Roy, Rick (Kelly) Roy, and Debbie (George) McFadden. Endearing Papa to grandchildren Giselle, Kyle and Chase. Supportive Uncle to many nieces and nephews, along with their children. Most remember him as a mechanic who listened to more than just car problems. He will also be remembered for his strong hands and endless hugs, a rose garden ‘whisperer’, and his witty ‘Johnny-isms’…. we will always remember his words, ‘Be good, be bad, but DON’T be sad!’

Per his wishes, a Celebration of Life visitation will be held Friday, July 3 at 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. In his honour, donations can be made to the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild Comfort Committee.

Larry Pepper of Shrewsbury passed away at the Four Counties Hospital in Newbury on Friday June 26, 2015 at the age of 73 years. Larry is survived by his wife Linda (McWha) Pepper, by his daughters Penny & Marty Amburgey and Tammy & Andre Turbide, by his sisters Linda Haskell (Rocky), Donna Wilson (Jim), Maxine Stover (Danny), by his brother Terry Pepper (Carol) and his brother in law Jake (John) Campbell. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, by his step daughter Lisa Cundle and step son Mark Cundle and by his good friend Terry Russell. He was predeceased in life by his parents Mack and Mary Louise (Labadie) Pepper and by his sister Judy Campbell.

Larry retired from Meritor in Chatham, having started 38 years before when it was called Rockwell. He was an avid outdoorsman, whether it entailed taking the girls camping at Seagull Island, riding his motorcycle or travelling to Gogama in the middle of winter with Linda to go snowmobiling. He was a fisherman, a hunter and a lover of nature. He and Linda spent their summers at their trailer in the Port Glasgow Trailer Park. If whatever he was doing could be done outside, he was content.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Tuesday June 30, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place in Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Larry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Lois “Jean” Hunter passed away on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at the age of 94 years. Lois was one of eleven children born to the late Annie & Robert Sprague and is survived by her youngest sister Laura (Bob) Badilo. Lois met and married her husband, the late Edwin Hunter while living in the U.S.A. before moving their family to Windsor where Edwin eventually owned his own business. Together they raised three children; Jean Kay (Jack) Monasmith, Carol (Gary) Jones and the late Douglas Hunter. She is survived by her daughter in law Anne Hunter, by her grandchildren Brad, David (Monica) and Mark (Holly) Monasmith, Chris Jones, Jennifer Charlton and Ken Reynolds (Meg), by her great-grandchildren Ethan, Gracelyn, Hudson, Emily, Caleb, Carter and Jesse, and by her honourary granddaughter, Diane Jones. Special thanks to the staff on 3 East at Riverview Gardens for their care and compassion during Jean’s stay.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Service for Lois will be held in the Merlin United Church on Monday June 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Shanks Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Lois with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 465 in Merlin or the charity of your choice.