John Alfred Irwin ("Big John")
1948 - 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Alfred Irwin, affectionately known as "Big John," who passed away suddenly on October 23, 2024.

John was the eldest of twelve siblings and the beloved son of the late Harold Irwin and Marion Dobson. He will be dearly missed by his daughters, Lisa and Kandice Irwin, and his step-daughters, Heather Rosso and Dawn Lozon. John took great pride in his eight grandchildren: Alex, Kyle, Angelenna, Ryan, Antonio, Amelia, Jace, and Parker, who will all carry his memory in their hearts.

Known for his kindness, warmth, and occasional stubbornness, John was loved by all who knew him for his unique spirit. Till we meet again, John—forever in our hearts and never forgotten. We love you always.

Dirk Styze Koopmans
1938 - October 22, 2024

The journey of Dirk Styze Koopmans, affectionately known as Opa, came to a peaceful end on October 22, 2024, at the age of 86. Born in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, Dirk emigrated to Canada with his parents, Styze and Frouke, to begin a new life. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 61 years, Liz, who predeceased him in 2020.

Dirk was a true patriarch and took great pride in his Dutch heritage and the family he and Liz raised. He was the eldest sibling of Alice, Bertha (1963), Albert, and Irene. Dirk was a proud father to Bernita (Sam), Steven, and Pete (Nicole), and a loving Opa to Jocelyn (Brady), Demetria (Will), Kyle, Ashley (Jade), and Karter (Emilie). He also cherished his two great-grandchildren, Aubree, his "little princess," and baby Lochlan.

Dirk had a deep love for his family, but his work at Chatham's Ford dealership also held a special place in his heart. He spent 70 years with the dealership, working up until July 2024 as a shuttle driver at Victory Ford. Known for his kindness and the many stories he shared, Dirk left a lasting impression on his coworkers and customers alike.

Opa was especially proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow and carve their own paths in life. The family is deeply grateful for the care his daughter Bernita and son-in-law Sam provided for him over the years.

Dirk will be forever missed and always remembered with love. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A private family funeral will take place, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. In memory of Dirk, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dirk Styze Koopmans. May his memory bring comfort during this time of loss.

Josephine "Yvonne" Richie
1938 - October 23, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Josephine "Yvonne" Richie (née Couture), on October 23, 2024, at the age of 86. Yvonne is now reunited with her loving husband, Jerry Richie (2005). She was the cherished daughter of the late Francis and Melda Couture, and the youngest of seven siblings. She is predeceased by her brother Ovila, sisters Marion, Cecile, Adele, Leona, and their spouses, and is survived by her sister Marie Jeanne Couture.

Yvonne will be dearly missed by her children Brenda (Wayne) Faubert, the late Deborah (Roger) Simpson, Wayne (Suzanne) Richie, and Colleen (Grant) Sloan. She was a proud grandmother to Ryan, Kelly, Randy, Shawn, Scott, Eric, Amanda, Karli, Autumn, and the late Marisa (2023), as well as step-grandchildren Monica and Chad. Yvonne’s legacy lives on through her thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Village on the Thames for their exceptional care of Yvonne over the past four years. Special thanks to Sister Theresa Campeau for her prayers and support, and to Christine Romansky, whom Yvonne affectionately referred to as her “adopted” daughter, for her kindness and friendship.

The family is also deeply appreciative of the compassionate care Yvonne received from the staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the Chatham-Kent Hospice, who ensured her final days were peaceful before she was reunited with God and her beloved Jerry.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament, 145 Victoria Ave, Chatham, on Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at St. Anthony Cemetery, Chatham.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation in memory of Yvonne would be greatly appreciated by the family.