Marie Theodora (Vercouteren) Oostrom of Newbury passed away at home on Thursday October 17, 2013. Born in the Netherlands to her late parents Albert and Adriana Vercouteren 68 years ago, Marie loved animals and found herself at peace living in the country. She will be missed dearly by her children Albert, Willy and Jamie Oostrom, Marie Oostrom & Ken Huckle, Tamie & Bob Goldrick and Raymond Fowler & Candis Young. She was the proud grandmother of Brianna, Jonathan, Maria, Jessi, Theresa, Haley, Johnathan, Edward, Morgan, Mathew and Sean (predeceased) and great grandmother of Mackenzie. She will be loved and missed by her brothers and sisters Phil & Martha Vercouteren, Anna & Tony Versteegden, Hank, Albert and Tony Vercouteren and Adriana Wilson-Dowler, by her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and by many friends and neighbours. It was Marie’s wish that cremation would take place followed by a service in Blenheim where she spent her childhood days. Friends
and family are invited to attend a Funeral Service for Marie at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday October 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.. Friends wishing to remember Marie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Cancer Society.

Newton, Carl Douglas from Blenheim formerly of Barrie, Ontario passed away on Tuesday October 8, 2013 at the age of 78. Predeceased by Judy (2000) and Joan (2010). Proud Father to Lynne Broadbent, son in law Kelly Broadbent, Grandson Jamie (his pride and joy), Trixie, children Doug (Nancy), Craig (A.J.), Sean and grandchildren Ben, Eric, Brittney, Chad, Lucas, Bailey, Leesa, Corey, Josh and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his companion Viola Barnwell, his toy schnauzer Maxi, extended family and friends. Carl was actively involved in the Lions Club for over 40+ years and also with the Blenheim Rotary. Friends and family will be received at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home at 60 Stanley Street, Blenheim Ontario 519-676-9200 on Friday October 11, 2013. Visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm and Service 2:00 pm. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers donations to the OSPCA would be appreciated.

Joe Luis

A father, husband, friend, coach, joker, dancer and hard worker. These are only some of many words which describe a man with so many talents and gifts. Joe always saw the humor in every situation (even when not appropriate). From ties on his head to intentionally walking into doors when strangers opened them, he never left a place without someone smiling or laughing. Joe did have a serious side. He loved helping those in need whether it was to coach a sports team for the community or help a stranger he met in Africa get back on his two feet – his generosity was endless. Sadly he will be very missed, but we know that his spirit and love will never be forgotten and will always be within those who had the privilege of meeting him.

Upon a long and courageous battle defeating cancer, surrounded by family, Joe Luis was called by the Lord on Oct 5^th 2013. Unexpectedly accompanied by his brother in law Robert McGuigan, Joe joins his father Joao Luis, brother John and father in law Guido Ceccacci in heaven. Joe is survived by his loving wife Rita Luis and cherished children Joel Luis (Katie Race), Andrea Luis-Heath (David Heath) and Christopher Luis. He resides forever in the hearts of his dear mother Ana Emilia Luis of London and sisters Tina Luis of Cobourg and Helen Bobyk (Duane Bobyk) of London. Remembered as well with much fondness by mother in law Josephine Ceccacci of Blenheim and sister in laws Adriana McGuigan of Blenheim and Margaret Rufo (Sergio Rufo) of Hawaii. He will be sadly missed by nieces Jennifer Hamilton of Santa Barbara, Rachel Croteau (Devon Croteau) of Kingston and Emilia Bobyk of London and nephews Matthew and Guido McGuigan of Blenheim and Angelo and Gian Carlo Rufo of Hawaii. Joe’s love has touched many others lives including his cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and fellow workers.

Special thanks to the nurses and doctors of the Critical Care Trauma unit at Victoria Hospital, London. Donations in memory of Joe Luis can be made to the Hutton House in London, Ontario or by supporting Andrea and David’s half marathon walk in aid of beating bowel cancer at www.justgiving.com/Andrea-LuisHeathandDavid-Heath/

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. On Thursday October 10, 2013 friends and family may again gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 11 – 12 noon at which time the family respectfully requests their privacy. A Funeral Service for Joe Luis and Rob McGuigan will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with private family services at a later date.

Robert John Alfred McGuigan

“The true measure of a man’s worth is not what he

does for himself, but what he does for someone else.”

Robert John Alfred McGuigan was a loving father (aka plant guy), simple, patient, and unconditional husband, entirely committed to both his family and friends. Robert was well known for his happy and laid back nature, greeting all with his smiling moustache. His passion in life was to “talk story”; and topics had no boundaries. His courageous and caring nature will be remembered by all.

Robert was called to the Lord in the early morning of Saturday, October 5. Accompanied by his brother in law Joe Luis, Robert joins his father and mother, Maurice and Simone McGuigan, and father-in-law Guido Ceccacci, in heaven.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Adriana McGuigan and precious boys Mathew and Guido McGuigan. He resides forever in the hearts of his three brothers, Patrick (Linda) McGuigan, Paul (Linda) McGuigan, and Alan (Candy) McGuigan, all from Blenheim. Remembered as well with much love and admiration by mother-in-law Josephine Ceccacci of Blenheim and sister-in-laws Rita Luis of Blenheim and Margaret (Sergio) Rufo of Hawaii. He will be sadly missed by nieces Amanda McGuigan, Britney McGuigan , Andrea (Dave) Luis-Heath, Angela McGuigan, and Lindsey McGuigan; nephews, Joel (Katie) Luis, Nathaniel McGuigan, Michael McGuigan, Spencer McGuigan, Chris Luis, Nicholas McGuigan and Christopher McGuigan; and great niece and nephews, Nevaeh, Brooklin, and Royce.

Robert’s love has also touched the lives of many others including cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and fellow workers. Donations in memory of Robert McGuigan can be made to either the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Foundation, or New Beginnings.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Tuesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. On Thursday October 10, 2013 friends and family may again gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 11 – 12 noon at which time the family respectfully requests their privacy. A Funeral Service for Joe Luis and Rob McGuigan will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Cremation will follow with private family services at a later date. Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Simone Delphine (Verhoeven) McGuigan, 79, of Cedar Springs, passed away Friday, September 6^th 2013 in her family home. Beloved wife of the late Maurice McGuigan, Dear mother of Robert (Adrianna) Pat (Linda) Paul (Linda) and Alan (Candy). Loving grandmother of Amanda, Britni, Spencer, Matthew, Guido, Lindsay, Nicholas, Nathaniel, Michael, Christopher and Angela. Doting great grandmother of Brooklin, Nevaeh and Royce.

Predeceased by her sisters Jeanie and Mary and survived by her brother Remi (Ramona) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Simone was an active member of Trinity Anglican Church, as member of choir, ACW, Ladies Guild, Chancel Guild, Delegate to Synod, Trinity pie lady, and lay reader. Simone was also a Boy Scout leader, Kinette, and Red Cross home maker.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Simone with her family during visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home 60 stanley St Blenheim, on Monday September 9^th 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A service celebrating her life will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 59 Ellen St, Blenheim Tuesday September 10^th at 11:00 am.

Condloences for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Anglican Church as well as New Beginnings Stroke Recovery Association 9 Maple Leaf Dr, Chatham Ont.

Special thanks to New Beginnings, Bay Shore homecare, Cathy Pardo, and Ethel Townsend.

Doris Louise Shelp of Rondeau passed away on Wednesday September 4, 2013 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born 77 years ago to her late parents Gretta (Collard) and Herschel Rumble, Doris worked as a stenographer at the O.P.P. Station in Chatham when she met Everett Shelp and fell in love. Doris and Everett, who predeceased her in 2010, married and raised three daughters; Carrie & Ron Ball of Bobcaygeon, Marie Shelp of Rondeau and Marsha Shelp of Rondeau. They were also blessed with two grandchildren Bryan & Abbie Ball and Heather & Chris Harder and three great grandchildren Keira Harder, Riley Harder and Zephyr Ball. Doris is survived by her brother Keith & Doreen Rumble of Simcoe, her sister in law Carole Shelp of Winnipeg, her nieces and nephews Kevin Shelp, Ann Huggard, Greg & Susan Rumble an Laurie Birch. She was predeceased by her brother in law Lloyd Shelp. Doris was a very social person who loved her regular outings, be it quilting on Monday afternoons with the Ladies of The Lake, going to shuffleboard in Morpeth on Wednesdays and attending Emmanuel Congregational Church in Ridgetown on Sundays. In her “spare time” she enjoyed gardening, curling and playing cards. In days gone by, she and Everett enjoyed cruising on their Goldwing motorcycle and camping. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday September 8^th from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their respects to Doris’ family. A Funeral Service will be held in the Emmanuel Congregational Church, Ridgetown on Monday September 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Morpeth Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Doris with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Emmanuel Congregational Church or the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Roy Brice of Rondeau Bay Estates passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Monday September 2, 2013. Roy was born in England 89 years ago to his late parents Ellen & Lawrence Brice. He served as a Warrant Officer in the Royal Airforce from 1942 – 1946. In 1958 he moved to Canada. Before settling in Rondeau Bay Estates his homes included Hamilton, New Zealand and Erieau. He is survived by his wife Arlette Vermeersch, by his children Roger & Edith Brice of Toronto, Sandra Brice of Vancouver, Shelley & Mike VanOverloop of Chatham and Patricia Vermeersch of Chatham, by his grandchildren Ali Brice, Callum Brice, Alecia & Josh Butzer, Nathan & Kim VanOverloop, his great grandson Levi Butzer and his brother Alec. He was predeceased by his son Russell, his brother Irving and his great grand daughter Yvie Butzer. Roy was a distinguished saxophone player who has recorded music. He also played with Liberace, Ella Fitzgerald, Walter Ostanek, Milton Beryl and most recently his great grandson Levi. Roy appreciated life. He loved nature, fishing, the years of camping in Big Pine Keys, Florida with Arlette and his home in Rondeau Bay Estates. In keeping with Roy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday September 6^th from 7 – 9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Roy will be held in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday September 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Roy with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Arthritis Society.

Marilyn Diane (Brown) DeClerck passed away on Sunday September 1, 2013 at the age of 72 years. Marilyn will be remembered as a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a sister and an aunt. She will also be remembered as a hard working person who consistently put the needs of others before her own. She spent many of her working years at Southwestern Regional Centre, at Nursing Homes and at the Dollar Store in Blenheim. Three years ago Marilyn’s life changed forever when her husband and the love of her life, Richard DeClerck passed away. In her search for peace and
meaning in life, she found the Word of Life Gospel Church and it was there that she was able to find joy volunteering at the Soup Kitchen. Marilyn was born into a family of eight children. She is survived by her brothers Vern, Robert and James and was predeceased by her sisters Layla and Mary and brothers Thomas and William. She will be sadly missed by her children Diana & Mike Ytsma of Chatham, Ron Robinson of Blenheim, Cheryl Robinson of Blenheim, Doug & Evelyn Robinson of Blenheim and Lynn Coll of Blenheim. She will also be missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and
friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their respects to Marilyn’s family. A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce will be held in the Word of Life Gospel Church, 22 Talbot Street in Blenheim on Thursday September 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow with a private interment in Evergreen Cemetery where Marilyn’s urn will be placed next to Richard’s. Friends wishing to remember Marilyn with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Soup Kitchen at the Word of Life Gospel Church.

Clara May Richardson of Chatham passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Sunday August 25, 2013. Clara was born 99 years ago in Essex Ontario to her late parents Bertha and Francis Harris. She was the last surviving member of that family, having been predeceased by her sisters Gladys Stephens and Laura Gosnell. Clara married Clifford Richardson who predeceased her in 1976. Living in Turin, they raised three daughters; Doris Robinson of London, Eleanor Malm (Ross Hoffman) of Blenheim and Gloria Loyer (Bernard) of Florida. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. A private graveside service for Clara officiated by Rev. Bill Terris will be held in Gosnell Cemetery on September 3, 2013. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with Funeral Arrangemens.

Fred Ainsworth of Blenheim and formerly of Windsor passed away on August 23, 2013. Fred was born in England on August 8, 1917 and on August 11, 1941 he married his wife of 72 years, Jean (Morley) Ainsworth. Fred served with the Royal Air Force in England for 6 ½ years during World War 2, spending 3 ½ of those years in the Far East as a Fitter Air Framer. 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. Fred and Jean 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 Fred will be private. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.