Richard Gerald DeClerck

Richard Gerald DeClerck of Blenheim passed away on Sunday January 17, 2010. Born in Chatham 67 years ago to his late parents Maurice (1985) and Zelma (1995) DeClerck, Richard was a carpenter who took great pride in the houses that he built in Blenheim. He was a long time employee of Navistar, retiring almost 16 years ago and a member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club. Richard was an avid gardener who enjoyed building bird houses for his back yard. Friends will remember the years that he smoked meats. Richard loved the excitement of the South Buxton Raceway and at home he enjoyed modifying his own truck and his John Deere lawnmowers. Richard will be sadly missed by his loving wife Marilyn and by his children Diana & Mike Ytsma of Chatham, Ron & Lynn Robinson, Cheryl Haskell, Doug & Evelyn Robinson and Lynn Coll all of Blenheim. He will also be missed by 14 grandchildren and 8 great-granddaughters. He is predeceased by his only sister Mary Pelisek and by her husband Tony. Richard’s family invite friends for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Richard will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Wednesday January 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ed Nicol of the Cedar Springs United Church officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Richard with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society.