RIDDELL: John “Jack” Keith
Posted By On January 23, 2024 @ 12:00 AM In Dashwood,Exeter,Obituary | 75 Comments
RIDDELL: Peacefully, at Exeter Villa Nursing Home, Exeter, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 John “Jack” Keith Riddell of Exeter, formerly of RR 1, Hay, age 92. Beloved husband of the late Anita (Morta) Riddell (September 16, 2023). Loved father and father-in-law of Deborah and Hiram Thompson of Lucan, Wayne and Deborah Riddell of Grand Bend, Donna and Daniel Overholt of Exeter, Heather Riddell of Exeter, Brenda Riddell of Seaforth. Cherished grandpa of Scott and Stephanie, Terri and Scott, Jason and Sarah, Jaclene and Jeff, Craig and Amanda, Kevin and Amber, Amber and Jon, Kendra and Steve, Lea and Marty, Shayne and Janelle, Cody. Treasured great-grandpa of Charlie, Rylie, Ryan, Logan, Wrenley, Romi, Paxton, Lacie, Kensi, Brantley, Brynnlee, Jack, Mason, Wyatt, Nathan, Hayley, Dax, Ada, Dutton, the late Hudson (2016), Sawyer and Axel. Dear brother-in-law of Elizabeth Boezak of South Africa, Sylvia Flotman of New Zealand, Joan Morta, Rosie Morta, Vincent Morta all of South Africa. Fondly remembered by his first wife Leone (Bryan) Riddell of Exeter and nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents William Keith and Dorothy Belle (Spong) Riddell, siblings and their spouses Douglas and Betty Riddell, Beth and Jerry King and Jean Riddell and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lois and Lorne Ford, Marguerite and Desmond Firth, Peter Morta, Maxwell Morta, Alwin Boezak and Leonard Flotman. At Jack’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service for Jack will be held at the Exeter United Church, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pastor Paul Vollick and Mr. Bob Heywood Officiants. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. Private family Interment St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys at a later date. Jack received his B.Sc. in Agriculture for OAC in 1957. He served as Assistant Agricultural Representative in Hastings and Essex Counties, then as Assistant Manager of the Ontario Stockyards. Jack raised cattle and sheep on a farm near Dashwood, while he was working as a school teacher at the South Huron District High School. He owned and operated the Hensall Livestock Sales Barn and worked as an auctioneer jointly with his brother Doug. In 1973, Jack ran for the Ontario Liberals in Huron County and was elected and became the Agricultural Critic. In 1985, he became the Minister of Agriculture and Food. During his tenure he introduced the Ontario Family Farm Interest Rate Reduction program and he formed an Agriculture Caucus Committee of rural MPPs. Jack was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in June of 2017. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the South Huron Hospital, Exeter; Exeter Villa Nursing Home, Exeter or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Jack’s family are very appreciative and thankful to the management and staff of the Exeter Villa for their kind and compassionate care of Jack during his residence there. Our thanks also go to Dr. Jerome Jadd for his care of Jack over the last many years.
For those that were unable to attend the service, it was recorded. Due to a technical difficulty at the church, the sound cut out at the end of the service. To view the service please click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiErdnovf1k
Condolences for the family of “RIDDELL: John “Jack” Keith”
Donna, Danny, and family, and the extended Riddell family
I was very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing this morning. What a full, and ambitious life he lived. Jack was a presence that was quickly recognized as strong, proud, and hard working. This city girl got a quick education of life on the farm when I met Donna in 1975. I also have fond memories of Jacks involvement in politics, attending many events, and watching him “work the room”. If we were lucky, we would get to hear Jack belt out the auctioneer song, often accompanied by his family. I also got to see Jack at home, always keeping everyone on their toes with engaging conversations, intertwined with quips and stories.
Oh how I enjoyed my time on that farm. I’m not sure we ever shared with Jack, that I ran the red farm truck into the fence.
RIP Jack, you’ve earned your eternal rest. Love to your family.
Denise and Bob
Heather and Family:
I am saddened to read that you have lost your Father.
That last goodbye is always the hardest. Know that you are in my thoughts.
Hugs my Friend.
Joan Cleave
Our sinceriest condolences to the Riddell, Thompson and Oveholt families. Jack was a fine neighbour and respected political representative. You can be rightfully proud of his contributions to his province, community and neighbourhood. We both have fond memories of annual Libral Party barbeques at the farm. May your sweet memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Earl and Julia Martene
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family at the passing of their father. Many pleasant memories of our RV outings and couple winters down south.
To the Riddell Family
I have fond memories of Jack. He was a well respected man with many accomplishments .
Our condolences to you all .
Rest in Peace Jack .
Kind thoughts ,
M & K Thompson
My sincerest sympathies to the Riddell family. Your dear father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle shared many special memories with myself and my parents, Carl and Jean Mills. I remember “Mr. Riddell” as my Science teacher, and assistant to my Dad with the “Outer’s Club” at SHDHS. Together, with my parents, Jack and Leone co-owned property and shared many social functions. Maple syrup making in the woodlot on “your” farm is a fond memory of mine. Jack achieved many rewarding accomplishments and lived a full life. May your pride and love for your Father and Grandfather stay with you forever.
Deb, Wayne, Donna, Heather, Brenda & families; Steve & Sandra and families;
Our sincere condolences in the passing of your dear Father, Grandfather, Uncle, etc. I had many good talks with Jack over the years. Several when he and Anita were lunching at the Malibu Restaurant in their later years. Jack contributed greatly to our community and served our province well. May he rest in peace. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, wishes to express her sympathy at this time also.
Mark & Julie Heimrich.
Sincere sympathy to all the Riddell Family, our deepest sympathy.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
To all of Jack’a family, and especially my long-time friend Heather,
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve lost your dad/grandpa. He was a great man, with a real zest for life. The stories from time spent with Denny and Roseanne and my parents were always entertaining – they sure had fun!
Sending love and my deepest sympathy, Pam
Sincere condolences to all Jacks family. Jack enjoyed a long and well lived life.
I enjoyed watching and listening to Jack sing his favourite auctioneer rendition.
Sincere sympathy to all the Riddell family.
Mr. Riddell was my junior football coach in grade 9.
I was impressed that Jack called me by name at an agriculture event in Guelph in 2015. He must have known a lot of names from his various careers.
To the Riddell Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda Reynolds
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Our condolences to the Riddell families.
Jack was a man of vision.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Brian & Debra Johnston
Thinking of all of the Riddell family at this time! Hugs to all of you!
Love Ginger and Bill. Xo
To Jack’s Family & Leone
My Condolences At this Time of Sadness
Lois and I wish to express our condolences to Jack’s family. We and the whole community lost a good one when we lost Jack. Our office and his assumed the top floor of the Devon building many years ago. I remember i looked forward to welcoming Jack back to Exeter most Friday afternoons. He had a big smile and a bigger voice.
Debbie and the entire Riddell family , we are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing . I fisrt met Jack while taking his agriculture class at South Huron High . A truly wonderful and caring person . Hold on to the all the many family memories . Bob & Grace Clarke .
To the Riddell Family
Please accept our condolence in the passing of Jack.
Jack did a lot of good things for agriculture in this province that benfit us even today.
The Borland’s
To All Riddell Family
Such a highly respected man, he will be missed by many, Our Sincere Condolences
Ron and Glenda Lindenfield
To Hiram, Deb & the Riddell family we are sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our sympathy to everyone.
George & Elaine Ducharme
To Riddell Family: We are so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. May the wonderful memories help in the days to come. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Sending love and hugs to all
To the Riddell families and Leone:
Thinking of all as you mourn Jack’s loss. He lived a long life and a life well lived. His accomplishments are something to be proud of! He leaves a legacy with so many great memories to treasure in your hearts forever. Deepest Sympathy.
All the family of Jack you are in my thoughts and prayersJack was always so friendly and involved in the community,keep all your fun loving memories close to your heart
My sympathy to Jack’s family.
As his Deputy Minister I enjoyed working with him when he was Minister
of Agriculture for Ontario. He made many important contributions to the
Ag and Food system while in that position.
To the Riddell family. Sorry for your loss. My condolences to all of you.
Joan Finkbeiner
Deepest condolences to Jack’s family. May your memories of happier times help you all through this difficult one.
Sending our greatest condolences to all of the Riddell family. Jack’s accomplishments were many, and he has left an amazing legacy for his family to treasure.
Ben and Barb Dietrich
To the Riddell family
So sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. He has done so much for the community and in the agriculture field. I always remember Jack being a judge at the exeter and seaforth fairs when I was in 4-H. He will be greatly missed but cherish your memories
Deb, HI and all the Riddle family,
Our sincere condolences in loss of a husband, father and grandfather. May your many memories bring you joy!
Hazel & Wayne MacLeod
Our condolences to the Riddell family at this very sad time.
Deepest sympathy to the Riddell family may the memories be a blessing
To all of the Riddell family I send my sincere condolences.
Having worked with Jack during his political career there are so many memories- travelling Huron County during campaigns, seeing the respect he had earned from his constituents and the hard work he put in to those campaigns. The high regard he had for his position as an MPP but also never forgetting the people who helped him to get there. Queens Park staff never believed that the Ontario Minister of Agricultures home address was “ RR#1” Hay !!
A force to be reckoned with Jack and a great legacy, you have earned your rest. Thank you for the memories.
To the Riddell Family
Our sincere condolences to all of you! We have gotten to know your father throughout the years and what an amazing man he was. His wisdom and kindness is something that stood out to all of us and we will forever cherish the many conversations, laughter and fun times shared with Jack, Anita and Leone. Jack always had a question or two for each of us and showed us what a true gentle and caring man he was by always being interested in our lives. The Skinners were blessed to have known your father.
He will be greatly missed by so many.
Sincerely, Steve, Audrey, Lucas, Laura, Brianne and Zach
The Riddle family
So sorry for your loss
Always remember the good times
Hugs
The smith family
Our sincere condolences to the entire Riddell family. Being long time friends of the family and also being a fellow member of the same hunt camp with Jack for over 20 years, gives me oportunity to write a book about Jack. He ranged from intense to whimsical. The hunt camp was never the same when Jack retired from hunting. He taught our girls a poem when they were little and they both remember it today. “The world is an echo, it all comes back, the good the false and the true, so give to the world the best that you have and the best will come back to you.” He also taught us fellow hunters a few dandies. Being neighbours and living between Denny & Rose Overholt and Don & Donna O’Brien often meant Laurie and I were involved with a number of “social hours” when Jack and Anita came to visit. This could be the best chapter in the book.
Rest in “Liberal Peace” Jack
Phil & Laurie
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Chuck & Pam
Deborah, Donna, Heather, Brenda and Families;
Leone;
My sincere sympathy to all of you !!
The last period of time was not pleasant for Jack and his family !!
He more than left his mark in the community and for the Country !! Our birthdays were 1 month apart – I’m
older so he was always playing catch up !!
To The Entire Riddell Family our sincere sympathy at this sad time
Our thoughts are with the entire extended family and friends.
A true gentleman who represented Huron County and our farming community so proudly, eloquently, and passionately.
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Jack .He was a wonderful man and an important part of the agricultural community of Huron County. I have many fond memories from years past that I will cherish . You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ron O’Brien & family
To the Riddlell Family, sorry for the loss of Jack, you all must be so proud of the man he was to so many in the community, may your joyous memories help you through this difficult time! Sending our sincere condolences!
Roy & Mary Jane van Kasteren
To All Members of Jack’s Family – We have many pleasant memories of times spent with Jack and Anita in past years. They were wonderful hosts when in their company – and the wonderful BBQ’s at the farm. Jack will be a man that will not be forgotten here in Huron County – he always had our best at his heart. Bless the name of Jack Riddell. Our most sincere respects.
Condolences to the family.
Jack was not just the minister of agriculture, he was a stalwart champion of things that matter to agriculture.
I have just attended the annual meeting of the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario, of which Jack was an honorary life member and, though sad to hear of his passing, was pleased to hear acknowledgment of his huge contribution to the farm drainage industry from the current minister, Lisa Thompson.
Thanks Jack!
Peter Darbishire
My condolence’s to Jack’s family on his passing. His passion for life and challenging events in the public domain is a tribute to his dedication to the wider community. My time as a student at South Huron high school was greatly influenced by Jack. Thank you for the guidance given.
Danny “Shoe” Shoebottom
To the Riddell family,
Jack was a man who left an indelible mark on those who met and got to know him. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad. He will not be forgotten.
Our condolences to all at this sad time.
A fine gentleman indeed! When I graduated an Ontario Scholar from SHDHS in 1976, he personally sent me a note of congratulations.
Condolences to the family from Georgia and Susanne Lewis. We have many fond memories of the Riddell Reunions. Many hours were spent reminiscing about the highjinx of the younger Jack and Doug and the other cousins. To coin the phrase from the minutes of the Reunions… a good time was had by all.
To the Riddell family.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Don and Ruth Ann Cunningham
Condolences to the Riddell family. Jack was well respected in the McClure house and inspired much election campaigning. My mom wrote a “Jack was every inch a Liberal” song for his campaign once and we kids went door to door for him too. He was a good rep for agricultural Ontario.
Susan McClure
To the Riddell Family, My condolence to the whole family. Diane Hodgert Ellis
A life well lived and a family well loved , you will miss this gentleman. Your Dad was and will remain a character. Lots of laughs and great memories will keep him in your hearts. Our condolences and prayers.
From childhood, I have quite a few memories of Jack. Some that stand out are….
Many evenings of hearing him at our family kitchen table involved in a intense game of solo, a resounding “thump” of a card played, followed shortly by his very distinctive laugh. All while we were supposed to be tucked upstairs in bed.
Jack as the MC at my wedding, where he had the whole room engaged in laughter and memories.
Jack at the Dashwood Diner and other Ford family functions….always loved to chat with all us he hadn’t seen in a while and find out what we had been up to.
He is gone now, but not forgotten. My condolences to all of you in this time of sorrow but also cherish your many memories of Jack.
Tracy (Ford) Stire
I fondly remember “Uncle” Jack’s visits to both my parents Bob and Marlene Spong of Walkerton and grandparents Walter and Merle Spong of Paisley. I can still hear his booming voice and huge laugh. Our condolences to the family.
Jeff & Tricia Spong and family, Ivy Ont
To Debbie and Hiram and all their family, we send our sincerest condolences.
From Gerald and Bonnie Wright
Our sincere condolences for your family’s great loss. Jack was a remarkable human being and he will be remembered fondly by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.
Sheila Davenport and Stacey Rooney
Heather and Family
My condolences to all the Riddell Family.
Thinking of you at the difficult time.
Kathy Coolman
Dan and Donna, and all the Riddell family.
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your father.
Ken and I have good memories of fun times with Jack. Our games of “Spoons” will be one memory not to be forgotten. Not certain how we survived the game without injuries. Your dad loved a good time.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve.
To the Riddell family,
We were so saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He left such a positive in your family and in our community. Thinking of you all!
So Sorry to hear the sad news of your dad passing Our Deepest Sympathy
To all of the Riddell family
Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your dad, grandpa and great grandpa Jack. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Deb Down
Sincere condolences to all the Riddell family in the passing of Jack. An exceptional man that we have many fond memories of.
Howard and Yvonne Hendrick
Deepest sympathies to the Riddell families far and wide. God bless Jack. Rudy
Dear Heather and all of the Riddell family, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. Jack will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Karn Durdin and Don Thornton
The Family of Jack Riddell have so much t be proud of!We send our condolences to each one of you,but just bear in mind how many wonderful years you have had with him.Im sure you have many memories that make you smile….those are the ones to dwell on ,he lived a good long life.May he rest in piece!
From Jerry and Alice MacLean
All Jack’s family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of your Dad. Jack was well known and totally dedicated in his beliefs. He will be missed in the Exeter area. I remember him as a teacher at SHDHS. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna, Danny and the entire Riddell family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. May all the good memories of your dad bring you and your family comfort during this difficult time
Catherine Heimpel
Sending condolences to the entire Riddell family…keep your memories close to your heart.
Don & Helen Thomson
Our deepest sympathy to the Riddell family on the loss of a wonderful Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He was a special man and he certainly shared his kindness wherever he went. May you all find comfort in your memories!
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
To the Riddell family – we were sorry to miss Jacks celebration of life – have been thinking you all and extend our deepest sympathy. Ivan and Brenda Hern
To the entire Family of Jack Riddell, you have lived with many memories that filled your lives with many positive legacies that your Dad and family left in our area, in our community . You can’t say the same today. Our community was lucky to have your family share the best of Jack Riddell that left our community in a much better way than it is today. Sending sincere condolences.
My most sincere condolences to the family of Jack Riddell. I had the pleasure with working along side with Jack when we both worked for the Ontario Stock Yards at the age of 18 years old i am now 75 we also went on a hunting adventure near Edgar Ontario for Snow Shoe rabbits one Saturday and then visited i believe a family member or friend at Base Borden where i had a beer with him i never forgot that adventure after all these past years.
May Jack rest in the Peace of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ and may his good deeds and virtues follow after him to console his family and friends until we all meet Jack in the final Happy Resurrection.
Edward (Ted) Merrimen.
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Dear Deb, Hiram, Scott, Terri and the whole Riddell family… We were saddened to hear of Jack’s passing and want to extend our sincerest condolences. We know he was first and foremost a farmer and then became a school teacher, Provincial politician and Agricultural Minister/Advocate and was a friend to everyone he met near and far. He never seemed to forget a face and always enjoyed a good gab. He was a larger than life guy and will be missed by so many. Larry has enjoyed many fond memories of being in his Agriculture class at South Huron… Thinking of you all at this time … Most Sincerely, Larry & Donna Shapton