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.
Thomas Francis Devereaux
September 1, 1936 - July 19, 2026
Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, Thomas Francis Devereaux passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 89. Tom was the beloved husband of the late Joanne Devereaux (1997), with whom he shared 41 wonderful years together. He was a loving and devoted father to Patricia Fleming (the late Mark, 2021), Mark Devereaux (Marj Davey), Jill Allen (Paul), and Joel Devereaux (Rebecca). He was a proud and deeply loved Papa to Matthew Fleming (Kristina), Michael Fleming (Jessica), Ashley Devereaux, Jenna Devereaux, Averey Devereaux (Jeremy), Aaron Devereaux, Kirstin Salisbury (Paul), Alysha Allen, and Samantha Devereaux.
Nothing brought him greater joy than watching his family grow, and he was especially proud of his eight great-grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his brother Ralph Devereaux, his sister Mary Lou Burgess, and his special friend Jeanne Dobroski (2023).
Tom was a quiet, genuinely kind, and easy-going man who never let life’s stresses weigh too heavily on him. He had a calming presence and a simple outlook that those who knew him came to appreciate deeply. His favourite saying, “That’s the way she goes,” perfectly captured his relaxed attitude and ability to take life as it came. Tom had a lifelong passion for sports, especially baseball and hockey. He was a loyal fan to the Detroit Tigers, and his patience was demonstrated as he cheered on the Toronto Maple Leafs year after year.
After retiring from Polysar, he enjoyed spending more time on the golf course, where he found both relaxation and friendship. Tom’s family will forever cherish the many summers spent gathered around his backyard pool. Those afternoons and evenings filled with laughter, swimming, corn-on-the-cob and time together became some of the most treasured memories shared by his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his warmth, gentle sense of humour, quiet strength, and the countless simple moments that made people feel loved and welcome. Tom’s love and presence will be deeply missed and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. MacSweeney and Nurse Lance Marcy for their exceptional care, compassion, and unwavering commitment to Tom over the past two years. Their kindness, support, and dedication meant a great deal to Tom and to all of us. We would also like to sincerely thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospice for the incredible care, comfort, and dignity they provided during Tom’s final days. The compassion shown by the entire hospice team brought great comfort to our family during a difficult time.
Family and friends will be received at SFH – McKenzie & Blundy Chapel, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 1011 Oak Ave., Sarnia, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice or a charity of choice (cheques only at the funeral home, please).
