Philip "Phil" Duquette

1946 – 2024

Duquette: Philip Theodore Peter – A resident of Chatham, Phil Duquette passed away surrounded by family at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the age of 78.

Beloved husband to Joanne (Bechard). Phil was the youngest of 21 children born to the late Peter Patrick Duquette and Edith (Reaume). He is survived by 2 sisters, Barbara June and Helen Smith Johnson (Jim). He is also predeceased by his previous wife Patricia Murphy.

Loving father to Dan O’Neill (Kristy), Shelley and Amy Duquette. Stepfather to Tammy Bechard (Leslie), Wayne Bechard (Cathy), and Cindy Pittuck (Colin). Special Grandpa to Dustin, Dylan, Devon, Abby, Karis, Alex, Lauren, Carter, Matthew, and Madison. Forever remembered by a VERY large extended family throughout Ontario.

Phil was a dedicated worker for many years at Active Transport. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 and The Antique and Classic Car Club of Chatham. He will be remembered for his great love of antique cars, especially his pride and joy, a red '60 Chrysler, and his newest car, a '62 Thunderbird. Phil spent many days working on his cars and John Deere tractor in his garage. Through the years, many memories were also made at campgrounds with the Banana Belt Camping Club and his family.

Visitation will be held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Pardoville-Union Cemetery.

Special thanks to Bayshore, Dr. Wheeler, and the amazing staff at Chatham-Kent Hospice for their special care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Phil to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home, serving Chatham and the surrounding Southwestern Ontario region.

Helen Eileen Campbell (née Reid)

1936 - December 2, 2024

Helen Eileen Campbell, a resident of Elmira and formerly of Chatham, Ontario, passed away peacefully at Barnswallow Place Community on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Chatham, Helen was the daughter of the late Clayton and Vera (née Bond) Reid.

Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Campbell (2003), Helen was a loving mother to Kathryn and Bruce Cowper of Moorefield, Douglas and Sandra Campbell of Chatham, and Frederick Campbell and Leo Lacroix of Ottawa. She was a cherished Nana to Reid (Rebecca), Kale, Davin (Ruby), and Tate (Kiri) Cowper and Holly (Ben) and Joshua (Katie) Campbell, as well as a great-grandmother to Axel and Nixon Campbell.

An exceptional athlete from an early age, Helen captured city and district championships in track and basketball throughout high school and continued to excel in badminton and tennis tournaments in adulthood. Later, she became an avid curler and lawn bowler, leading many teams across Ontario. Helen also enjoyed socializing, dancing, and celebrating life with friends and family.

A private family service will be held, with interment to follow at Arnold Cemetery, Louisville. Donations in Helen's memory to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) or a local food bank would be appreciated by the family.

The family extends a special thank you to Barnswallow Place Care Community for their compassionate care over the last year. Online condolences may be shared at mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy May Wicks

1927 – 2024

Dorothy May Wicks (née Gibson), a beloved resident of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully at the Village on the Ridge on November 22, 2024, at the age of 97.

Born in Sarnia, Dorothy was the cherished daughter of the late Roy and Violet (née Johnson) Gibson. She was the devoted wife of the late Fred Wicks (2006) and a loving mother to Stuart Wicks and his wife Brenda of Ridgetown.

Dorothy was a treasured aunt to seven nieces and four nephews and is predeceased by one niece and three nephews. Known as Aunt Dorothy to many great-nieces and nephews, her warmth and kindness will be fondly remembered by her extended family.

Dorothy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Village on the Ridge for their care and compassion during her time there.

Funeral Details:

A Private Family Service will be held at Dresden Cemetery at a later date.

In Dorothy’s memory, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her love, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends.

Thelma Louise Jay

1933 – 2024

Thelma Louise Jay (née Penman), a beloved resident of Chatham and formerly of Highgate and Ridgetown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with her family by her side, at the age of 91.

Born in Harwich Township, Thelma was the daughter of the late Elmer and Mary (née Horton) Penman. She was the cherished wife of 65 years to the late Charles Jay (2020). Thelma will be lovingly remembered by her children, Mary Lou Brown (Ken) and Cindy Gosnell (Brian), and predeceased by her son Wayne Charles Jay.

A devoted grandmother, Thelma will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Jason Brown (Beth), Curtis Brown (Susana), Alisha Travnicek (John), Danielle Wesselius (Steven), David Jay (Amy), and Emily Jay (Dominic). She was a proud great-grandmother to Kayla, Sloan, Connor, Jackson, Isavel, Klarissa, Douglas, and Wyllium. Dear sister to Ruth Bishop and predeceased by her brother Leonard Penman (late Ann).

Thelma's passion for genealogy and history was a hallmark of her life. She dedicated countless hours to researching her family tree and authored a hardcover book on the history of Clearville Park. Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and she found great joy in being present for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral Details:

A Private Family Service will be held, followed by a burial at Duart Cemetery.

Donations in Thelma's memory can be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, Diabetes Canada, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Thelma will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to history, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.

Charles Craig Parker

1949 – 2024

PARKER: Charles Craig – A resident of Chatham, Charles Parker passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the age of 74. Born in Chatham, Charles was the son of the late Charles Henry and Cora Jean (née Siddell) Parker.

Beloved husband of 27 years to Bonnie Parker (née Knight). Dear father to Debra Jean Schepens (Mark) and Willie Parker (Leslie). Step-father to Melvin Manley, Chris Manley (Natalie), Jeff Manley, and Michael Manley. Proud Papa to Joselyn Cora Schepens and Grandpa to 15 grandchildren, including Sofia Manley, who he lovingly raised. Great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren.

Charles was a cherished brother to Liz Parker, Bill Parker (Bubba), Jeff Parker (Shirley), Bonnie Gadd, Rosie Chambers, Laurie Parker, Jayne Parker (John), Larry Parker (late Kim), and Robin Morley. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Charles retired from Navistar after 31 years of service. He was a devoted supporter of Chatham Minor Baseball and Chatham Minor Hockey, and he took great joy in watching his kids play. He also loved watching his daughter ride her horse and cherished his Sunday trips to visit his granddaughter Joselyn.

As per Charles’ wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations made in memory of Charles to Pet and Wildlife Rescue would be appreciated by the family.

Murray Arthur Delmege

April 1, 1939 - November 3, 2024

Surrounded by his family, Murray Arthur Delmege passed peacefully after a courageous two-year battle with renal cancer on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, in his 86th year, at Erie Shores Hospice, Leamington, Ontario. Born April 1, 1939, in Chatham, Ontario, Murray was the youngest child of Joanna Grace (McCully) Delmege and Ross Ingram Delmege. His early years were spent at his grandparents' farm in Zion with his sister Elaine Louise Donaldson and cousin Robert McCully, with formative years in Ridgetown and Rondeau Provincial Park.

A dedicated educator, Murray graduated from teacher's college in 1961 and taught at Malden Central Public School. Rising to Vice-Principal in 1963 and later Principal at Colonel Bishop, Queen Elizabeth, and finally Jack Miner Public School, he devoted 34 years to education before retiring in 1995. Beyond teaching, Murray championed many causes, including his work with the Rondeau Leaseholders Association. Known for his resilience, he inspired generations, teaching compassion and integrity to all he encountered.

After retirement, Murray was highly involved in the Masonic community, earning his 33rd degree in Saskatoon in 2022 and chairing the Masonic Learning Centre for children's reading in 2023. He was a strong advocate for the underrepresented, tirelessly working to support diverse pathways to success. His dedication was a testament to his deeply rooted compassion and belief in fairness.

Murray was married to Patricia Anne (Pat) from 1967 until her passing in 2010. In 2012, he found love again with his high school sweetheart, Peggy Rose Roberts. Together, they traveled widely, creating treasured memories. Murray is survived by his wife Peggy, daughters Emily Louise (Brian) Visneskie, Elizabeth Anne (Dan) Melo, and Margaret Grace (Nathan) French, granddaughters Allison, Sarah, and Georgia, as well as his extended family.

Public visitation will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10 to 11 am at the Church of the Epiphany, 106 Main St. W, Kingsville, followed by Masonic and funeral services led by Rev. Paul Silcox. A private interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Erie Shores Health Foundation (Hospice), the Masonic Learning Centre, or St. George’s Lodge A.F. and A.M. #42, Kingsville.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.