James Baxter
Apr 25, 2024
With broken hearts, we say goodbye to our husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and good friend, Jim Baxter. After battling cancer with the utmost positivity and determination, he is being laid to rest, free from pain. He leaves behind his loving wife Gail (Kuipers) and their children Dan Wammes (Lindsay), Chris Wammes (Kristin), and Michelle Wammes (Bill). Much adored by their grandchildren Jack, Dylan, Ben, Emma, and Kate. Also sadly missed by his best buddy and fur friend Luca. He is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Colleen Baxter. Jim also leaves behind 5 siblings, Amos (Irma), Dorothy (Steve), Burt, Bill, and Cathy (Gary). He will be sorely missed by his mother in law, Nancy Kuipers as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. In his 63 years, Jim touched the lives of so many people. He was a dedicated employee of Smyth Memorials for many years. He was an avid bowler, spending 35 years volunteering his time coaching Chatham Kent youth, as well as 40 years in the Master Bowlers Association. Recently, he received his 40 year pin as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was an active member of the Blenheim Lions Club. It was through Slo-pitch that he met so many friends, traveling to various tournaments across the country and developing lasting relationships. A few of his proudest moments in baseball were winning National Championships in 2012 and 2017. He was a dedicated supporter of the Blenheim Blades and Chatham Maroons and a true fan of the Calgary Flames and the Toronto Blue Jays. Jim and his wife spent many summers camping with friends. He loved nothing better than fishing and singing with friends by the campfire with a glass of rum in hand. Jim’s wish is to support a cure for cancer by gifting his body to medical research. A celebration of life will be held Thursday May 2, 2024 from 2-5 pm at The Links of Kent with a short service at 3 pm. All are welcome to attend. As per Jim’s request, this will be a casual affair. Please feel free to come donned in your favourite team jersey or shirt. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Chatham Kent Hospice, The Wish Centre or Chatham Kent Food Banks.
Marion O'Neill
Apr 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mom Irma Marion O’Neill (nee Primeau) of Chatham-Kent, Ontario on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the age of 92. Born in Pain Court, Ontario in 1931, Marion was the daughter of Cecile (Caron) and Alphy Primeau. She was the loving mother of seven children, Shellie (Aleks) Szymanski of Grand Bend, Barb (Michel) Desjardins of Trois Pistoles, QC, Patti (Stewart Lowry) Goldhawk of Ridgetown, Kathy (Harold) Parker of London, Maurien (Mo) (the late Paul Kereluik) O’Neill of Chatham, Deb Morrison (Chatham), and the late Michael Leroy O’Neill (2018). Dear and proud Mémé of 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Survived by her brother Gerry Primeau (Helga), her sister Claudette Primeau and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters Jean Howard and Agatha Drewery and brothers Alphy and Bob Primeau. Marion was a long-time volunteer with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642. She resided in Detroit, Michigan for many years and worked as a waitress on both sides of the border while raising her children. We will dearly miss our caring, strong and vibrant mother, Mémé, sister and aunt, and will forever cherish the many memories of her life well lived. Our sincere thanks to the staff at Riverview Gardens Long-Term Care and the Chatham Retirement Resort for all of their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A private family service and interment will be held at Maple City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marion to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at lifetransitions.ca.
Richard Wigfield
Apr 21, 2024
Wigfield, Richard John Aug 26, 1948 - Apr 21, 2024 Passed away peacefully at the age of 75. Beloved husband of Laurel for 39 years. Loving Dad to Kim Crul (Maurice), Chris (Karen), and Melissa Pinch. Dear Papa to Brandon (Carly), Tiffany, Jessica, Samantha (Abass), Alyssa, Emma, Jade (Ashley) and Logan. Great Papa to Jorja, Sadie, Lailee and Yousuf. As well as his faithful furry companion Maggie. Brother of Jim (Sue), Gary (Maria), and Ted (Margaret). Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Garth and Betty and in -laws Eric and Wanda Hildebrand. Richard was a proud member of theEssex-Kent Bluegrass Club where he sang and played bass. He was a devoted family man, hot rod enthusiast who also loved hunting and fishing. Special thanks to Claire & Sara at LHSC- Victoria for their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. All are welcome to attend a celebration of life on SUNDAY MAY 26TH - 10AM - 2PM at Two Creeks Conservation Area in Wheatley. In memory of Richard, donations can be made to Ronald McDonald House to help other families.
Peter O'Brien
Apr 20, 2024
Peter J. O'Brien passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Copper Terrace in Chatham, ON. Born in St Thomas 79 years ago, he was the son of the late Leonard and Frances O'Brien (nee Hooley). Surviving are his son Todd and grandson Jesse, both of Chatham, Ontario. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Patricia) of Chatham, Ontario, and their children, and by many nieces and nephews. Peter is predeceased by his wife Mildred “Cookie” (nee Cook, 2018) and is stepfather to Debbie Sturba of Windsor, Ontario, and Darrin Cook (Carroll) of Wallaceburg, Ontario and their families. Peter and his friends enjoyed racing cars, camping, and fishing. He will be missed by all those who loved him. As requested by Peter, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:30 am Life Transitions 397 McNaughton Ave. W., Chatham. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Peter’s name at a charity of your choice.
Douglas Renwick
Apr 18, 2024
Douglas McCord Renwick passed away peacefully Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age of 79. Husband of the late Linda Renwick (nee Atkinson, 2019). They were married for 53 years. Son of the late Donald and Mildred Renwick (nee McCord). Father of Rae Anne Coomber (Dave), Jennifer Marentette (Ronnie), and Gordon Renwick (Melissa). Grandfather of Stephanie Larsh, Kelli Larsh, Cody Marentette, and Madison Renwick. Great Grandfather of Marley Larsh and Eli Larsh. Brother of James Renwick (Patti) and Richard Renwick (Anita). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. As a young man, Doug belonged to the 4-H Club, raising and showing cattle. Special memories for Doug were family vacations, camping in the summer, attending annual steam engine and train shows, and spending time with his grandchildren. Past times included building model aircraft and boats, cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Lions. Special thanks to longtime friends, Len and Clara Stacey, Donald and Helen Fletcher, and Larry Johnson. Also a thank you to the 4th floor Doctors and Nurses at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, as well as the entire staff of Chatham-Kent Hospice and Levante Living- Chatham Retirement Resort. Doug will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all those who loved him. Charitable donations may be directed to Chatham-Kent Hospice or Ashley’s Place in Tilbury. Doug’s family will be remembering him privately.