Peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on Thursday May 26th, 2022, Mr. John Highgate of Blenheim passed away in his 89th year. Cherished son of the late Stanley and Corrine Highgate. Beloved husband of Louise. Loving father of Sheila White, Lorna Toner, Doug Highgate (Jennifer), Brent Smith (Margaret), and Jay Smith (Pam). Proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and proud great grandfather of eight great grandchildren. Dear brother of Sherman (Elaine) and dear brother-in-law of Darlene Highgate. Predeceased by his sister Sarah Sims (that late Frank), and brother Ralph.
John was a residential and commercial builder, taking a 4th generation carpentry business to the next level. JS Highgate Construction built many of the quality homes in the surrounding area of Chatham-Kent.
He was a proud founding member of the Dresden Rotary Club, receiving their honour award for Service Above Self 1987-1988. He was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award in 1988. This is given to a Rotarian that shows outstanding contribution to the community. John founded the Playhouse project, providing valuable skills to the carpentry program at Lambton Kent Composite School and raising funds for Rotary.
John always felt a commitment to his hometown community, and he built park structures using his own resources and labour. Even though he moved away from the town he was raised in, he was always drawn back to make his mark. Among the things he dwelled on in his last few months, was the old Dresden Cannery property on Metcalfe Street. Purchased and demolished in 1979, he had several plans over the years that were halted by red tape and politics. Finally, a few weeks ago the Dresden Rotary Club officially accepted the land as a donation giving him some peace of mind.
A long-time patriarch of his family, John was known to be a proud stoic aka stubborn man, meaning things got done under his terms with few compromises. Everyone who knew him can attest to his integrity as well as his unmatched focus and work ethic. He also had a sharp sense of humour that he loved to share with friends and family.
Always interested in classic Ford vehicles he took on a project in his 70s building a hot rod ’49 Mercury pickup. As a first-time mostly self-taught welder he designed and created his pride and joy, a multi award winning attention grabber. He was more or less a fixture of Southern Ontario but with coaxing from Louise he ventured out. They toured Italy and rode horses in the Rocky Mountains. They drove the ’49 Mercury pickup he built with his own hands, to the east coast and came back with a huge trophy from The Atlantic Nationals Car Show.
On the day of his death, he was surrounded by his extended family including his granddaughter in Australia via video chat. We all sipped his prized Scotch as he spoke with each one of us before passing while holding the hands of his wife and his youngest daughter.
Cremation is to take place. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Highgate May 26 2022..
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Chatham, Province: Ontario