Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services, 804 Ontario Street Unit C11, Stratford, ON (2026)

07/28/2026

About a pre-paid funeral arrangement:

A pre-paid funeral is NOT LOCKED into the funeral home with which it was made. It is easily transferred to any funeral home you wish to use, for whatever reason. So, if you move to another town or city, or most of the family has re-located elsewhere, etc… it is still recognized. Just let the NEW funeral home you will be using know WHAT your wishes are and WHERE they are.

07/23/2026

THOMAS GEORGE WEBER
June 1952 - July 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Weber, who passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, at the age of 74 surrounded by his family at the Stratford General Hospital.

Born on June 2, 1952, in Stratford, Ontario, Tom spent his life building lasting friendships, cherishing family, and enjoying the simple pleasures that brought people together. He will be remembered for his warm personality, quick smile, and his quiet, gentle demeanor. He was never happier than when building memories through laughter and good company with friends and family.

Before retiring, Tom dedicated 22 years of service to Schaeffler Canada, where he was respected by colleagues and friends alike. In his younger years, Tom was a multi-talented athlete who excelled in many sports. He had a lifelong passion for athletics, especially soccer, and always loved reliving his days from his beloved F.A.G. Team. He was also an avid sports fan who seldom missed the opportunity to watch a game.

Tom leaves behind his loving family, including his sons Brad Weber (Jenny) and Jesse Weber (Angie). He was a proud grandfather to Coleton, Hannah, Blake, Corinthia, and Milo. He is also survived by his sister Mary Carter (Steve); his brother-in-law George Raycraft (Sandy); sister-in-law Cindy Friedt; and his former wife Heather Van Kooten, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, George and Marjorie Weber; his sisters Patricia Raycraft and Cindy Willemsen; his brother Fred Weber and brother in laws Gerry Willemsen; and Gerry Camden.

Tom's family and friends will remember him for his kindness, sense of humour, competitive spirit, and unwavering appreciation for the people in his life. The memories he created and the friendships he nurtured will be treasured forever.

Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Tom’s life on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Hall (ANAF), 151 Lorne Avenue East, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 2N9.

As expressions of sympathy, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Stratford General Hospital Foundation (sghfoundation.org) directly, or through Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services, 804 Ontario St., Stratford, ON. N5A 3K1. 519-271-5062.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and fondly remembered. In Tom’s words from his final days: “We’ve got good memories and that’s really what keeps the soul alive”.

07/20/2026

CONTAINMENTS

Oh – the spongy, unrestricted and magnificent mind of a child! I recall the fantasies of youth that sprouted their sensational inspirations out of the boredom of a day with only a television set as company – and that, controlled by Mom and Dad, or Oma, after school.

As a young boy, the first books I ever read were science fiction novels from my parents’ extensive collection. One in particular, sparked me – about an existence where people lived under a gigantic unseen and climate controlled geodesic dome due to the pollution outside of it. That book stayed with me and began to haunt my impressionable mind. The notion that “outside” may not really be outside began to seep in as light through a pinhole – conjuring thoughts of our universe, arbitrary ideas about time and space and the confines of neighbourhood, country, continent and planet.

I began to wonder: how do we really know if we’re outside? Does simply leaving the house entail all it means to be “out?” And if anyone could be beyond the outside, would that be what some would reflect on as God? Maybe we’re all simply existing under a dome that we cannot see, as in that novel, on a cosmic table whereupon someone need merely raise the platter up to the stars and lift the lid for us all to be free.

This thought of “outside” and where it is, entangled itself into my notion of freedom somehow, and through adolescent wonderings, started threading its way into observations of what humanity does to itself. It was a feeling at first. Maybe from a sense of some wrongdoing I carried out upon someone or a remembrance of a hurt someone inflicted upon me. Regardless of how it began I became acutely aware of us having to live with one another. I began to recognize the many ways in which we place ourselves in confinement – through hatred and prejudice, through wealth, through decisions and situations that didn’t have to be – and from that, I caught glimpses of escape through the realization of a growing insinuation of common energy, that emanated from myself and everyone else around me – all of us tied to the same core – hearts beating in and out of rhythm, but still all from the same source. All these lives under the same “dome” of existence. And then I felt a new sense. Something akin to freedom at those rare times when you feel its majestic force and realize that you are, to some degree, a free agent within it.

So, I knew I could be free in my own life, despite all the trappings of society – the laws, the rules, the appropriate behaviours. But I didn’t know how, and I couldn’t explain why I knew that. Something about the concept of autonomy and freedom being sustained in the mind.

And while adolescence was a wild ride of hormones and discovery and angst, there were the forces of family to contain the soul when the will dared stretch out into the world beyond – yawning out the comforting safety of home and breathing in the dangerous electrified air outside. Somewhere beyond neighbourhood, over those childhood years, some of us eagerly moved out into the unfamiliar world – as bold as we believed ourselves to be – we ventured as far as we dared. And there was some kind of freedom in that too. And joy, and rebellion. And sadly, for me, there was someone dear to me – a friend, who I could not speak of afterward, who never made it out of adolescence alive because he strayed too far. And I never came to know if his death was deliberate or accidental.

Nevertheless, at the time I stitched him and his memory into the sinews of my own threadbare safety net and said to myself, “look... this far and no further, lest you die too.” And I cried alone for a long time in places where no one could find me. And for many years after, I held my breath.

And as I grew, the desire for freedom outside turned to the desire for peace inside. And the containments of family and home emptied themselves of gravity, loosened their grip, became light. The need to discover new worlds then, turned inward where all things begin, all thoughts are watered, and all seeds sprout.

And then I saw clearly something I’d never thought of before... at the beginning of “my” time, “I” was not. But at birth, “I” became. Just as you did, dear reader. Something from nothing? No. Not nothing. An idea perhaps, from something beyond me. An action. A reaction. A flicker of light that turned possibility to certainty. That life force again. Something like liberty, except now I recognize it as being inside of me. Inside my mind. And I’m thinking about it and allowing it to form itself into words I understand that I could not fully understand in my youth – not just the word “freedom,” but “love,” “truth,” and “wisdom” too.

And what did I do then as I grew into adulthood with those words, after not really understanding the spaciousness of them within me for so long? After all the hurts, all the escapes and all the confinements thus far – I think on their meaning still, gently, and give them away freely, sure as I give them to myself. I let the words live inside and I live them out into the world, so those I meet know they may do the same – all of us, together. And then finally, miraculously – this happened – I sensed the truth of us all and began to breathe more easily again, knowing the earth is small. And in knowing it’s small, knowing instinctively, that our tiny lives of freedom are for ourselves, and also for each other.

UNTIL SOON. LIVE WELL.

07/10/2026

ROBERT EDWARD LEEMING
January 1930 - July 2026

A LARGER-THAN-LIFE CHARACTER HAS JUST TAKEN HIS FINAL BOW.

Robert “Bob” Edward Leeming of Forest Road, RR4 Stratford, peacefully departed this realm at the age of 96, on Friday July 3, 2026.

Born the 28th day of January, 1930, in Toronto Ontario, Bob was the youngest of the four sons of the late Harry Horsfall Leeming and Gladys Leeming. Bob’s brother’s: Harry, Jack, and Ed, all predeceased him.

Following graduation in 1954, with a University of Toronto engineering degree, and as a Linebacker on the U of T Canadian Championship Varsity Blues Football team, Bob continued his Engineering studies on scholarship at the University of Munich. While in Europe Bob and his wife, Moira, married, vacationed, skied and worked at the parent plant of Fischer Automatische Gusstahlkugelfabrik (FAG) Bearings.

Upon their return to Canada in 1956, the newlyweds moved to Stratford, built their beloved house on Forest Road and raised 4 kids. Bob continued to work at FAG Stratford and in FAG Connecticut for another 37 years, retiring in 1992 as Group Vice President North America.

A multifaceted man, Bob will be remembered by his friends and family for many loud, slightly over the top, laughter filled gatherings and parties on Forest Road and for his ability to command a room and entertain with his repertoire of jokes, songs and theatrical stories and antics.

Bob was also known for his encyclopedic memory, spending much time reading, while listening at very high volume (to the chagrin of his kids), to hours of classical music. His favourite hobbies included spending long spring and summer days planting trees and tending to the various gardens on his property, always with his much loved and loyal dog by his side - or creating another over engineered bench or table in his wood shop work room.

Bob is predeceased by his very much missed wife, Moira and his granddaughter Jessica. Fondly remembered for his wit, humour and song. He is survived by his four children; Kim, Scott (Kim), Steven, David (Amanda), eight grandchildren: Erin, Lauren, Derek, Grant, Michael, Brittney, Shelby and Jackson, and two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Jack.

A private memorial service for family and friends will be held on July 20, 2026 at 11 am. at Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services, 804 Ontario St., Stratford, ON. 519-271-5062. A small informal gathering/reception will take place afterward.

The family wish to express a very heartfelt thank-you to Bob’s dear friends and caregivers: Jennifer, Jeremy, Joy, Al and Karen, who cared for and looked out for our dad in his final years. It was their kindness, care and love for our father and the way they treated dad with such dignity, respect, kindness and compassion that enabled him to remain in his beloved Forest Road property of 67 years until the end of his life’s journey. They will forever have the family’s gratitude and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Stratford Perth Humane Society, an organization that Bob has supported from his heart for many years, or simply purchase a tree on this website for Bob, honouring one of Bob’s favourite pastimes, and in order to reforest the Canadian landscape.

07/09/2026

BURNETT JOHN LAWS
July 1942 - July 2026

Burnie passed away peacefully with his wife, Susan, beside him.

He is predeceased by his parents Caroline and Burnett Laws, parents-in-law Isabella and George Leslie, daughter Lauralynn Leslie Burney, brother Ronald (Darlene), and brother-in-law George Leslie. He is survived by son-in-law Robert Burney, grandson Colin Burney, Robert's brother Gregory Burney (Jovi) and their daughter Ashley Marie Burney, his sister Donna and brother-in-law James Holmes, as well as sisters-in-law Gaye Leslie and Irene Leslie. Also remembered by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Before retiring to Stratford Burnie was a computer technologist for the City of Toronto. He enjoyed attending the theatre, playing tennis, cross-country skiing, skating and reading. Burnie was a member of the Avon Hiking Club, The Field Naturalists, Friends of the Library, Painting for Pleasure, and Plato's Cafe.

Burnie and Susan have travelled to Europe, the USA and many places in Canada.

A celebration of Burnie's life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Stratford General Hospital for the care Burnie received. Donations in memory may be made to the Stratford General Hospital Foundation through Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services. 804 Ontario St., Stratford, ON. N5A 3K1. 519-271-5062.

07/04/2026

THE FINAL FRONTIER

Remember Star Trek? Space: the final frontier? That’s a fallacy. I know a place far more mysterious, sometimes unpredictable, and yet, oddly malleable – more so than outer space. The final frontier that really matters is within. It's always been within. It’s never been out there. Not during the Stone Age, not through the Bronze and Iron Ages – nor was it through the Classical Era, Middle Ages or into the Modern Era of human history. And still today, it is not outside of us.

Certainly, there are many frontiers, but the final frontier as somewhere other than ourselves is a myth. What we perceive outside of us is the physical world as sure as we are born into it and become a part of it. What is inside is everything else: the spirit, inspiration, wonder, the experience, and creation – the foundation of our perceptions, our happiness, our ability to change. In fact, there may never be a “final” frontier at all, only a series of many frontiers, met and navigated.

Humans have come a long way, trudging through the annals of time and recorded history. We can examine our lineage in galleries and museums, recount our deeds through magnificent invention, brave exploration, compassionate community and “glorious” bloodlust for God and country. We can project forward, onward and upward, dig into the soil and thrust ourselves towards the planets – but the invisible thread that binds us, stitches us all into the tapestry of humanity, originates from ourselves – our minds. That is the only frontier every single individual upon the planet shares through the act of living. Wish twere possible that our minds could come together more and see the bigger picture of our global predicament – to sink or to swim.

While the mind is the frontier of paramount importance, it is often the one overlooked or least self-examined. The achievements of human beings are self-evident, the consciousness of the achiever less so.

Indeed, every new idea or new happening that comes into our minds through the doors of our senses and enters the house that we have created for ourselves, comes in without knocking – and whatever event or thought it is, sits itself down in the middle of the room and says, “deal with me.” There it is! And so, everything we believe, all that we feel, all that we think and know – is all that we have as tools to welcome it or reject it, make friends with it or make enemies of it, expand our knowledge of it or stay uninformed of it.

Everything in the world of the human being, always and forever, is filtered through the brain. The body is the “house”. The mind is the “home.” It is what we do with what comes into that home that matters most. And when the home is in turmoil – the house is in turmoil.

Turmoil happens when there is a struggle between what one wants, thinks or feels, and what actually is. It’s a universal truth that if I want to understand a thing I don’t fully understand, I need to open my “home” even more than it is, expand the mind, and comprehend the current information. Likewise, with an emotion – if I want to feel loved, I need to show compassion. It isn’t a given. One thing begets another. What you give, so you will receive. And with confrontations? What then? With practice, one can stay in the relative calm of the emotional waters, while the tumultuous waves are rolling above on the surface – and this is the place of balance, where we can be unshakeable and clear – in the space one chooses to be in.

I don’t berate myself or another when I don’t have the thing I’m looking for. If I’m looking for harmony for example, I must act as if it is already within me – practicing peace and observing myself within my all too personal or narrow world view. Keeping myself as willingly open as possible. Growing into it. The mind first – the body follows.

And it can be so with almost everything within the frontier. I don’t want to be in turmoil. I want harmony. So, I know that the only way I can possibly water that seed is to train my mind to be patient and not immediately react or respond rashly with what I’m feeling in the haste of the moment. No one I’m interacting with will give me the harmony I seek. I need to do it for myself. They’re busy doing their own thing.

To practice standing still within the gap of what is and what I would like to create is a skill and a powerful stabilizer. And to be gentle with myself and willingly search out the seams of my own ignorance or prejudice of a thing is striving for wisdom. It is not a weakness or shameful. If I don’t do that, what I really want is nowhere in the room. What’s blossoming instead is avoidance and frustration without any long-term understanding of the battle within.

So, I practice, through each interaction, through situations that present themselves and actions that are carried out. Like a child in perpetual discovery – if I act out who it is I want to be in practice, I eventually become that person. If I flirt with different perspectives on things, I eventually open to greater understanding and feel less provoked. If I start every interaction as “friend,” then “enemy” becomes something I need to be convinced of and becomes harder to find. That’s good for everyone – especially if the enemy I’m struggling with is myself.

UNTIL SOON. LIVE WELL.

06/25/2026

WHY NOT WONDERMENT?

In the lobby of the Tom Patterson theatre in Stratford, Ontario there are photographs of historical moments that have occurred on stage. Around these memories there is a painted frame by Les Harper, an indigenous artist, and a quote that says: “I had this dream, that I was born with a set of glasses on. I realized one day that these weren’t my glasses, and that I could have my own pair.”

Obviously, that quote comes from someone who was told at one time, how to view his world and specifically himself in it. Seeing in a particular way can be a prison we make for ourselves; but also, seeing can be freeing. The oddly wonderful thing about observation is that as soon as we see the thing, we think everyone else is seeing the exact same thing, and they’re not. In a mere fraction of a second the thing seen becomes painted in the colours of our disposition, shaped to fit the contours of our mind and then experienced based upon our conditioning. I never see what you see. You never see what I see. Our perception of that thing presented to us will be different.

Likewise, this is quite evident in the creative spaces of visual art, music, theatre and the written and spoken word. Creation is an expression of a need and never is the product of that need or the action in carrying it out, seen or appreciated in the same way by everyone experiencing it. Most often when it comes to artistic expression, we talk about it and share ideas – but not so much in social circles concerning ways of being or lifestyles? I suppose the thing apart from us, the thing created, feels more like neutral territory. It isn’t us – and so, easier to ask questions about or discuss an opinion over.

We don’t, however, merely create in artistic circles. Expression of oneself is a brave endeavor in any regard, and we express ourselves on so many levels, often without giving much thought (beyond how we dress) about what we are doing. What we think, how we act, how we use language, how we perceive the world around us. We ‘create’ ourselves and then, instead of wonderment, questions, and discovery – perceptions are hung on our names freely like garments – by ourselves – based upon how we would like others to see us – or by others – based upon their perception of us. This is inescapable. We want to be recognized. But rarely do we ask and want to discover about the other. We become the art objects that we create – the surface appearance – but without conversation and curiosity no one knows the depths of us and even more regrettably, neither, at times, do we.

At the intersection of perception and what is seen – where we recognize that we are making a judgement about another or even a judgement concerning ourselves, usually the place where our uneasiness shows – this is where the door should open. But often we set up a kind of us and them scenario. We start to feel disenfranchised. We might become fearful, threatened, confused, doubtful or angry, but nothing has been done to us. And our uncomfortable feelings allow us to blame or ridicule the other, or ourselves. Sometimes we simply shrug off that sense of discomfort. But there are moments where it might be best to convert that apprehension into curiosity if the situation allows.

A child is often unafraid to ask someone in a wheelchair why they are in the chair, opening conversation. The child is in that space of wonder and curiosity. But the adult has been conditioned not to be disrespectful or what they deem as inappropriate. In the adult world, it is often not what is said that offends, but how it is said. Most often, I find, a genuine curiosity comes through in the voice and questions are then welcome and understanding might ensue. People love to explain the ‘why’ of themselves.

Likewise, with so many things in life, there are areas where there is room for further consideration – the homeless we might abhor, the sexuality we don’t understand, the faith that is unlike our faith. Most often we react to these differences in ways that illustrate our anxiety and shut off avenues of compassion that could make us understand each other a little more or learn something new. And certainly, if we react to these gaps between us, or within ourselves, with antagonism, simply through what we perceive to be the truth – all we are doing is skirting around our own fear and our own weaknesses.

I try to live openly, but gently. Like anyone, I have had unfounded opinions about many things growing up – but as we grow in age and wisdom, hopefully, we loosen the things that keep us tethered and recognize these beliefs of ours and the restrictions they place on ourselves and others. Harmful to the general peacefulness within.

The face of wonder, curiosity and creativity is a good thing, and in a world that is moving towards greater diversity it would be silly to think that confrontation rather than curiosity is the way to go. It doesn’t mean we need to agree – but starting from wonder is a space where harmony can grow – with the things and the people seemingly so different from ourselves. Until this is realized, like the pappus of a dandelion – our unfounded judgements concerning us and them are blowing in the wind and setting seeds on the ignorance of the world.

UNTIL SOON. LIVE WELL.

06/25/2026

DONALD JOHN MACKENZIE
December 1958 - June 2026

It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Don Mackenzie at Stratford General Hospital, on June 5, 2026 at the young age of 67, after a battle with kidney disease.

He will be dearly missed and is mourned by his wife of 26 years, Alicia Hodder Mackenzie. He leaves behind his sisters Catriona (Larry) Jarvis of Ajax, ON., June (Ron) Carey of Scarborough, ON., his mother-in-law Lydia Hodder of Stratford, ON., his five nieces and 1 nephew.

He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Agnes Mackenzie.

Don was a car lover! His passion was drag-racing and he will be missed by his drag-racing buddies, his cats and his family.

Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice through Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services. 804 Ontario St., Stratford, ON. N5A 3K1. 519-271-5062.

06/23/2026

JAMES "JAY" VINCENT LANGFORD
October 1965 - June 18, 2026

Jay Langford of Shakespeare, Ontario, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on October 5, 1965, Jay lived a life defined by hard work, friendship, and a genuine connection with those around him.

Jay was predeceased by his and Jen’s beloved daughter, Madison Francis Langford; his mother, Donna Langford (Nicholson); and his father, Cliff Langford of Woodstock. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law, Marg Van Raay of Chatham, and his sister-in-law, Karen Brodie (Van Raay) of Chatham.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Jennifer Langford (Van Raay), and his cherished children: daughters Riley and Mackenzie Langford, and son Harley Langford. He is also survived by his sister, Kimberlia Kirk (Langford) of Detroit and her husband, Tobi Kirk; his brother, Paul Langford of Woodstock and his wife, Sherrie (Miller); his father-in-law, Jack Van Raay of Chatham; his sister-in-law, Michelle (Van Raay) and Randy McNeil; and his sister-in-law, Jodi Mackenzie (Van Raay). Jay will also be fondly remembered by his nine nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jay's family was his pride and joy. No matter how busy life became, he made sure to call or text every day to check in. He loved and accepted his children's friends as if they were his own, always ready with advice, encouragement, a story, or a nickname that would stick for years. His home, his heart, and his sense of humor were always open to those he cared about.

A graduate of Ridgetown College, Jay built a career rooted in agriculture and transportation. He worked as a swine farm manager for many years before transitioning to trucking. In recent years, he drove for Ramseyer Trucking and most recently for DJ Jackson Haulage, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and dependable nature.

Jay was a passionate poker player, an avid motorcycle rider, and a friend to all who knew him. He was always the first to strike up a conversation, make a connection, or offer a helping hand, and often the last to leave any gathering. Whether meeting a stranger or spending time with lifelong friends, Jay had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome and valued.

His warmth, generosity, laughter, and unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Jay will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by his kindness and friendship.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 26th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Shakespeare & District Optimist Hall, 3976 Galt Street, Shakespeare, Ontario, N0B 2P0. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Jay's life and share memories. The family will share stories at 4:00 p.m., with refreshments to follow. Please feel free to come at any time and stay as long as you wish.
As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent to the Shakespeare & District Optimist Hall, or a tree may be planted in Jay's memory from the Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services website: (www.jarfh.com)

Forever loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten.

06/23/2026

RICK PERREAULT
July 1958 - June 2026

A giant heart has stopped beating.

Rickey "Rick" Maurice Perreault, 67, of Stratford, ON went to his final home on June 17 after a short and devastating illness, shattering the hearts of those who love him. His family was with him when he died, surrounding him in love.

Rick was born on July 17, 1958, in Chatham, ON to Mary and Maurice Perreault and lived his early life in Blenheim. He spent many happy days at his grandparents’ farm in Ridgetown before the family moved to London in 1970.

After graduating from Westminster Secondary School in London in 1978, where Rick was an active and award-winning athlete – his coach called him the heart of the team – he went on to study Business at King’s University College at Western University. Football, hockey, baseball and golf were all favourite pastimes, and his forever favourite teams were the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. Rick enjoyed many trips to favourite baseball and football stadiums and NHL rinks over the years.

Rick and Leanne began dating in high school and married in 1985. Together, they made warm, happy homes for themselves and family in London, Mississauga, Woodstock, Lambeth, and eventually Stratford, which has been home since 2004. Many happy, laughter-filled gatherings and celebrations have taken place in their homes, with everyone welcome.

Rick and Leanne welcomed with joy their daughters, Charlotte and Claire, in 1997 and 2002, and have built a strong, loving family with them at the centre. Rick was so very proud of his girls and cherished their company. He was proud of their kind, loving hearts, their independent spirits, and of the people they are in the world.

Rick lived his life according to his values: family, kindness, hard work, generosity and love. He was an exceptional husband and Dad, son and son-in-law. He showed his love for his family through many thoughtful and selfless acts, consistently, over all the years. He was his family’s rock. And not just for Leanne, Charlotte and Claire - for his Mom, Leanne’s Mom and everyone else lucky enough to be in his orbit of care. He took great care of those he loved.

Rick’s way of showing love was doing. He cooked for his family with care, knowing everyone’s favourites and exactly when to make them; created beautiful holiday spreads year after year; helped with countless moves in and out during and after the girls’ university years; planted beautiful planters for Leanne each spring; coached hockey and drove the winter countryside during Claire’s hockey years; and brought Leanne a cup of coffee every morning to start the day.

There were father-daughter camping trips when the girls were young, wonderful cottage vacations, furniture refinishing projects with Charlotte, the yearly ceremony of finding and decorating the perfect Christmas tree, ritual fall drives to the St. Jacob’s Market, and so many ordinary moments made extraordinary because of him. These memories are rich and cherished and will last a lifetime for all who love him. Rick was a good man who put his family first and would do anything for them.

Professionally, Rick excelled at a life-time career in food sales (including Loblaws, Silverwood’s Dairy, Sealtest, Ault Foods, Nestle, Cadbury, Kraft and Mondelēz), where he made countless friends over the years, and loyal customers who became friends.

Rick retired in 2022, giving him more time for golf – at the Mitchell Golf Club and on annual excursions with friends; spending time at the lake – Rick was always happiest near the water; venturing to the south of France in 2024 with Leanne; enjoying his Mustang convertible; listening to his country and beach music; and impressing us all with his building projects, most recently a beautiful backyard sauna. He also chose to work part-time, first with the Stratford Festival, then with Sobey’s in Stratford.

Rick is predeceased by his father Maurice, his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Dean Sutton, and his father-in-law Bill White. He is survived by his wife Leanne, daughters Charlotte and Claire Perreault, mother Mary Perreault, sister Lisa (Perreault) Brendon, mother-in-law Elizabeth White, sisters-in-law Susan McManus and Tracey White, several nephews, nieces and cousins, and his shadow and canine best friend, Oscar. He will be missed enormously and remembered with much love.

Visitation will take place on Monday, June 29 between 4-7 p.m. at the Stratford Perth Museum at 4275 Huron Rd., Stratford. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 96 Huron St., Stratford, officiated by longtime family friend, Father Jim Mockler. Following the service, a reception for friends and family will be hosted in the back garden of the Stratford Perth Museum. (Register link if attending the reception on funeral home website at www.jarfh.com). Everyone welcome. The funeral service will be live-streamed for family and friends who are at a distance – a link will be posted on the Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services site.

Warm thanks to the community nurses and personal support workers who supported Rick when he was at home. With the move to Hospice, the care teams and staff there showed Rick and his family tremendous dignity, respect, kindness and compassion every moment – they will forever have the family’s gratitude and love. The family requests that any donations be made to Stratford Rotary Hospice (link on funeral home website at www.jarfh.com)

Donations may also be made through Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services at 804 Ontario St., Stratford. 519-271-5062

Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services

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