Frederick "Fred" James Moss
August 19th, 1937 - May 31st, 2026
At St. Joesph's Hospice after a long, painful journey, Frederick James Moss peacefully joined the choir in heaven on May 31, 2026. Fred was born in Paris, Ontario on August 19th, 1937, to John and Alice Moss (Johnston). He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Dorothy (Butler), his daughters Nancy Laanstra and Lisa Golab (Mike), his grandchildren Alex and Matthew Laanstra, Justin and Aaron Golab, his sister-in-law Shirley Cooper, brother-in-law Dave Butler (Marie) and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents John and Alice Moss, his brother Paul and sister-in-law Barbara, and brothers-in-laws Bob Cooper and Donald Butler.
At an early age his family moved to Goderich. After secondary school he attended Stratford Teacher's College and began his 35-year teaching career. He spent a year teaching armed forces children in Soest, Germany and then 31 years as a dedicated principal for the Lambton County Board. Upon retiring he continued overseas teaching twice in Nepal and ESL in the Czech Republic, China and Mexico. He had developed a love for adventure and travel and became a tour host for the Ontario Teacher's Organization traveling to over 70 countries, 6 continents, 10 provinces and at least 35 states in the U.S. His pockets were always bulging with pins and candy to give out.
Music was a passion of his starting in music festivals at an early age. He sang in numerous choirs singing and acting whether it was at a nursing home, the Nightingales, the symphony, a church choir or most recently the Georgian Singers. He organized a barbershop quartet once at the church and the "Airmen" while he was in air cadets.
He was so proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He loved taking them to parks, movies, on fishing excursions, to the beach, and on trips to Goderich. He taught them computer and the joy of reading. They loved listening to a "real" story as they called it.
Fred was a retired session member at Paterson Church, on the mayor's honor list, loved chatting with the sailors of the Mission to Seafarers and even critiqued movies suitable for children for the Observer. He will be truly missed but his memories will live on.
Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Smith Funeral Home, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations would be gratefully accepted at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church or St Joseph's Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please).
J. Ronald Hutchinson
February 27th, 1946 - June 13th, 2026
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of James “Ron” Hutchinson, on June 13, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on February 27, 1946, James Ronald was predeceased by his beloved wife, Glenda Hutchinson (nee Garrison), his parents, James Hutchinson and Catherine Hodgins (nee Craig) his stepfather Jim Hodgins, and by his sisters, Sharon and Cathy (Roger). James is lovingly remembered by his children, Craig Hutchinson (Stephanie), Jill Hutchinson, and Jennifer Hutchinson; and by his cherished grandchildren, Brianne (Josh), Jacob, Max, and Angel (Richard). He is also survived by his brother, John Hutchinson (Nancy), brother-in-law Garry Fitzgibbon, as well as nieces, nephews extended family members, and friends.
Ron dedicated more than 30 years of service to Dow Chemical. Earlier in life, he served as a volunteer firefighter and was actively involved with the scouting movement. Throughout his years, he valued friendship and community, maintaining many lasting relationships with former coworkers and friends. Though private by nature, he enjoyed staying connected with those around him and appreciated the companionship and conversations shared over the years. He will be remembered for his independence, quiet nature, and the many connections he maintained throughout his life.
The family wish to extend their sincere gratitude to the healthcare professionals who provided care and support during his final days. Forever remembered and deeply missed.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to The Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca
Robert “Bob” “Chopper” Frederick Bentley
December 4th, 1933 - June 18th, 2026
Bob dedicated 37 years at Imperial Oil where he started his career in the Carpenter and Insulator group and then finished off in the Fire Department.
Above all, Bob was a devoted family man. Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Linda Jean Elizabeth (Essery) of 54 years. Bob is pre-deceased by his parents Lola Blanche (nee Russelo) and Leslie Robert Bentley. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Sheri (Andy) Brinksman, Stephanie Bentley and Michael (Tammy) Bentley. Beloved Brother of the late Norma (Bill) Stevens, the late Marilyn (Hoot) Gibson, Beth (the late Ron) Scott, Peter (Marlene) Bentley and Gail (Ron) Gosnell, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. Beloved Gramps of Jessica (Niel), Megan (Alyssa), Kayn (Taylor), Katya (Austin), Mya (Riley), Levi and Abby. Cherished Great Grandfather of Reign Bentley.
Bob will be sadly missed by Debbie Miller and Cheryl Jestin, whom he shared a very special bond with throughout his lifetime. He will be fondly missed by his nephews Aaron and Tyson Dileo, who always looked up to Uncle Bob as an inspirational figure.
Bob had a lifelong passion for sports, both as a player and a coach. Over the years, he devoted himself to hockey, football, baseball, and more—truly loving them all. Those who knew him will remember him as an avid and loyal supporter of the Montreal Canadiens. He was proudly inducted into the Sarnia Sports Hall of Fame.
Bob spent the last 23 years at Bluewater Country, where he built many lasting friendships and shared countless cherished moments. He enjoyed staying active and social, especially through playing carpet bowl, bocce ball, darts, and shuffleboard. More recently, he moved to Landmark, where, although his time was brief, he thoroughly enjoyed the moments he spent there.
Above all, Bob treasured time with his family and friends. He valued every moment shared with loved ones, creating memories that will be held close by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love that his family will proudly carry forward.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Stokes Inland on August 2nd, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
Joan Marie Potter
December 17th, 1934 - June 25th, 2026
Peacefully, surrounded by loving family at Trillium Villa, on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Joan Potter passed away at the age of 91. Predeceased in March 2026 by her husband George of 43 years. Mother of Jennifer McKeage (James), and Colleen Mormino (Dan) and stepmother of Lynne Helwig, and Carrie Wernert (Robert). Proud grandmother of Aidan (Allie), Brendan, Sara, Dan, Alex, Caitlin (Jordan), Sarah, Paige (Shane), Mitchell, and great-grandmother to Hayden and Nathaniel. Born into a farming community in Virgil, Illinois in 1934, Joan Berens attended Madonna High School in Aurora, Illinois and continued to maintain life-long friendships made there.
She raised her daughters, Jennifer and Colleen in Wheaton, Illinois and while there, she worked at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital where she established relationships that continued to be vital to Joan throughout her life. Joan married George Potter in 1983 and subsequently, moved to Sarnia, Ontario. She was welcomed into the Potter clan and enjoyed the colourful family reunions. Joan loved gardening, taking walks in Canatara Park and taking in the beauty of Lake Huron. She also enjoyed playing Gin Rummy, eating fresh tomatoes and peaches, and watching British murder mysteries. Joan was a stoic, determined and private person and became known fondly, for her “sassy” nature.
The family would like to express exceeding gratitude to the Trillium Villa staff for the love and care shown to Joan for the past 20 months.
Cremation has taken place. At Joan’s request, a private burial of ashes was held at
Resurrection Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please). Please also remember and celebrate Joan’s life by drinking a cup of black coffee, eating potato chips, listening to the birds, smelling the flowers and walking by the lake.
