- Following an illness of just over two weeks duration, Marion Victoria (Mabee) Blakely entered in to rest at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, Picton, Wednesday, April 29, 1970. She was the widow of Harry G. Blakely, a former Mayor of Picton and for half a century a prominent businessman of the town. They had marked their 60th wedding anniversary. She was born on May 8, 1865, daughter of Marshall Isaac Mabee and his Wife, Addie Marion Woodrow. She was of U.E.L. ancestry, being a descendant of Asa Werden. (Asa Werden became one of the wealthiest settlers in Prince Edward County. He came to the county penniless but with a shoemakers kit. He was born in Stonington, Connecticut, but family possessions were confiscated by the British and Werden Senior died in a prison ship in New York Harbour. Asa Werden gave each of his fourteen children property. Asa was one of the largest land holders in Prince Edward County and held extensive land throughout the Province)
Left to mourn the loss, loving sons Clealan Blakely, Wills Blakely, Woodrow Blakelv Robert Blakely, all of Picton, and John Blakely of Guelph. Harold G Mabee of Geneseo, New York her brother. Among those attending the final tribute were Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Mabee of Geneseo, N.Y., Mrs. F. M. Wootton, Colborne, Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Roberts, Mrs. Helen Lu.?h, Peterborough, C. H. Sifton, Cobourg, Stirling Hudgin Kingston, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Woodrow, Toronto
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- Surrounded by his family at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004. Robert Douglas Blakely of King Street, Picton, died at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Mary and the late Beverly. Loving father of Bob and his wife Janice of Peterborough, Steve and his wife Joan of Edmonton and Janet and her husband Mike Howard of Peterborough. Dear brother of Woodrow and his wife Virginia of Picton and the late Clealan, Willis, Jack and Frank. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Matthew, Johanna, Jennifer, Tracy, Melissa, Dillon and Grace. Mr. Blakely is resting at the Whattam Funeral Home, 33 Main Street, West, Picton, Ontario. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Friday, November 26th at 11 a.m. Reverend Audrey Whitney officiating. Interment Glenwood Cemetery. Donations to the Lung Association or the Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family. (Cheques only please) B.P.O.E. #326 will hold a walk past during the funeral service. Friends may call on Friday morning from 10 till 11 a.m.
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- Woodrow Blakely, the proud Second World War veteran known as Prince Edward County's "Mr. Remembrance" has died at the age of 87. A memorial service was held at Picton United Church on Monday, June 22, with Rev. Dr. Hal Wilson officiating. Blakely, who was a history teacher at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, for many years, passed away, suddenly, at his home, last Thursday.
Born in Picton, in 1922, he was the son of the late Harry and Marion Blakely, staunch supporters of Picton United Church. Like his parents, Blakely maintained strong ties with the church, throughout his life. In an account written for The Stone Church, commemorating Picton United Church's 200th anniversary, Blakely recalled that he met his wife, the former Virginia Batton, at a teen club called the Reycraft Juveniles, a group named after the United Church minister, Rev. Reycraft. He left Picton to begin studies at Queen's University, in 1941 and, in 1943, joined the army. He was wounded in Normandy, where he served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Blakely spent time in English hospitals, before being sent back to Canada, in January, 1945. Deeply affected by his wartime experiences, he became one of the strongest supporters of Picton's Branch 78, Royal Canadian Legion and served as its president, from 1976-78, 1984-85 and 1989-90. In The Stone Church, he wrote, "The Legion, as well as the church, has played a large role in my life." In 2004, he returned to Juno Beach, with the late Rev. Ed Horton, regimental chaplain for the Winnipeg Rifles, whom he had originally met in Normandy, to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day. He recalled that he was 22 years old when he landed on the war-torn beach, which he would later revisit on several occasions prior to the D-Day anniversary. When Branch 78, Royal Canadian Legion celebrated its 75th anniversary, in 2005, Blakely recalled taking part in its early fundraising projects, including Variety Minstrel Shows at Picton Armouries. "In the 1948 show Bill McLean asked me to play the part of Al Jolson and sing 'Mammy'. To get the full effect, including Jolson's voice, the main curtain was drawn, a large, high-quality record player was placed behind the curtain and I did a lip-sync. With the exception of the people in the first few rows, I fooled the audience. They were convinced I was actually singing," he recalled. For many years, Blakely, a member of Prince Edward Lodge A.F. and A.M. No. 18, G.R.C., was also its organist. A true patriot, traditionally he spoke each year, on Nov. 11, during the annual Remembrance Day services at Picton United Church. A keen historian, Blakely was also closely involved with each year's annual service at the White Chapel and, shortly before his death, gave a newspaper interview in which he recounted its history. Proud veteran, dedicated teacher and a conservator of history, Woodrow Blakely gave generously of his time and talents, in support of his community. The well-known Picton resident is survived by his wife, Virginia, daughter, Linda (Mrs. Larry Boyce) of Wellington, son, Jim, (Cathy) of Picton and grandchildren Greg, Natasha, Gavin, Briar, Lucas, Marni, Jamie, Michael, Ryan, Alyssa and their families. He was predeceased by his son, Gordon, and brothers Clealan, Jack, Willis, and Robert.
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1922 - 2009 (87 years)
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