It is with profound sadness that the family of Rene Gerard Van Hyfte of Dresden announce his passing at his home on Sunday August 28th, 2022, at the age of 83 years. Cherished son of the late Jules and Augusta Van Hyfte. Beloved husband of Carol. Loving father of Debra Myers of Wallaceburg, Cindy Giomo of Courtenay, B.C., Brenda Horn (Jay) of Centralia, Sandra Van Hyfte of Dresden, and Brian (Catherine) Van Hyfte of Chatham. Proud grandpa of Rene, Scott, Kaela, Matteo, Lisa (Ryan), Alanna (Jason), Ryan, Kristen and Clayton. Great grandpa of Maxwell, Madelyn and Jacob. Kind son-in-law of the late Garnet and Audrey Squires. Dear brother-in-law of Bill Squires (the late Ann), Jim Squires (Rose) (and the late Gertrude), and Susan McDonald (the late Lynn). Predeceased by his brother Arsene (Irene) and infant brother Gerard. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews as well as his extended family and his many friends.
Rene will be remembered for his love of family and farming. He was a hard worker, who dedicated his life to his family, farming and Navistar, where he worked for 31 years then retired. Rene was also a dedicated church member and a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus. He truly enjoyed seeing and being with people, including his coffee buddies. He was always the first to offer to take the grandkids to their various functions, such as appointments, hockey games or other sporting events. The past few years he especially enjoyed sitting outside in his comfortable lawn chair with a view of the farm, being with family and friends, watching the cats and birds. He was loving and gentle and always ready to lend a helping hand. His family meant everything to him.
Special thanks for the exceptional care received from his family, EMS, PSW, respiratory care, home care services.
Family and friends are invited to the Alexander & Houle Funeral Home, 245 Wellington St. West, Chatham, 519-352-2710, on Thursday September 1st, 2022, with visiting from 7 to 9 pm. A funeral mass for Rene will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 698 Tecumseh Street, Dresden, on Friday September 2nd, 2022, at 11 am with celebrant Father Gerard Bedard. Interment Dresden Cemetery. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation and Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. On-line condolences may be left at www.alexanderandhoulefuneralhome.ca
Your gentle face and pleasant smile
With sadness we recall.
You had a kindly word for each
and died beloved by all.
The voice is mute and stilled the
heart that loved us well and true.
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
from one as great as you.
You are not forgotten loved one,
Nor will you ever be.
As long as life and memory last,
we will remember thee.
We miss you now,
our hearts are sore,
as time goes by we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your vacant place.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rene Gerard Van Hyfte August 28 2022..
Alexander & Houle Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Chatham, Province: Ontario