Jack Matthew Ridgers was born on October 16, 1926, in Chatham, Ontario, to first time parents Alice and George Ridgers. The birth coincided with a move to their newly built home in Chatham, Ontario on the same day. Jack’s younger sister Helen Ridgers soon arrived and Beverly (Ridgers) Reaume arrived several years later. Jack was predeceased by brother-in-law and friend Bill Reaume (Beverly) earlier this year. Jack grew up and early on showed a talent for the arts. Following many of the youth of his day Jack joined the army, but was fortunate that the war ended before he was shipped overseas. Jack had been offered an art scholarship to Ryerson University, but was encouraged to enter the trades instead. He often mentioned how he loved his job as a sheet metal worker and also had opportunities to complete artistic works of art with sheet metal. Jack met the love of his life Fay Irene Stanlick, and they were married for 63 years until she passed away in 2012. Fay encouraged Jack to develop his artistic talents. He completed mostly landscape paintings and some portraits which are hung in hundreds of homes and businesses throughout Canada and the United States. Jack and Fay were blessed with three children, like his parents before him 1 boy and two girls, and several great grandchildren as life quickly moved forward. Terry and Debbie Ridgers. Granddaughter Faye and Will Mercier; Great grandchildren Tyler, Connor and Mikayla. Granddaughter Theresa Ridgers (beloved deceased infant 1982). Granddaughter Angela and Mike Brown, Great grandchildren, twins Theresa and Helen. Grandson Matthew Ridgers. Daughter Kathryn and Murray Quinton, Grandson Kevin and Marilyn Quinton; Great grandchildren Stephanie and Austin, Grandson Jim and Lorraine Quinton; Great grandchildren Fynn, Braylee and Colton. Granddaughter Gina Quinton and Great grandchild Caleb. Daughter Lynn and David Clarke, Grandson Cory Clarke, Grandson Nikolas and Katie Clarke. Jack loved life. After being forced to retire at age 65 from the union, he continued sheet metal work out of his garage until December 2021, until he moved to Fairwinds Lodge. He loved to sing and sang at church and concerts until his last solo at the Legion during a recent veteran’s luncheon. He loved to eat, and his last meal was one of his favourites, homemade Christmas turkey dinner with all the trimmings, delivered to his hospital room. He made friends everywhere including his pharmacist, and chiropractor, and enjoyed seeing his friends from the bank, Tim Horton’s, and work. He loved his church, Community of Christ, and had friends he considered family from both sides of the border, and throughout Ontario. He was ordained an Elder in 1950 and continued to minister to others in many ways. He loved to laugh, make people laugh with his corny jokes, and laughed often. Most of all Jack loved all his family and met with extended family often. He thanked his children all the time for the things we did for him and always exclaimed what a wonderful family he had. Despite our sadness Jack wants a Celebration. Let’s celebrate the Wonderful life he had, and the Wonderful gift he was to us. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed on Jack’s memorial page on www.smithfuneralhome.ca. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to World Accord (cheques only at the funeral home please).
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Matthew Ridgers October 16th 1926 December 27th 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario