Obituary of Thomas Rathwell

On Thursday, January 30, 2014 in his 98th year, at Maitland Manor Nursing Home, Goderich, with his loving wife of 72 years, Willa (Potter) and family by his side. He will be greatly missed by his daughters and sons-in-law Lois Johnson of Mildmay, Joan (Don) Gower of Clinton and Beth (Paul) Rathwell-Kelly of Fergus; his grandchildren Paul (Jennifer) Johnson, Bryan (Lori) Johnson, Angela Merner, Ellen (Chris) Johnson, Colleen (Ian) Siertsema and Emma Kelly along with his great grandchildren Reese, Rowan, Gavin, Blake, Curtis, Tanner, Brett, Taryn and Clay. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Edgar and Arnold Rathwell and Frank (Eileen) Potter. Fondly remembered by Ruth Talbot and Jean Moore. Predeceased by son-in-law Don Johnson (2006), parents Ben & Mary (Ackersviller) Rathwell, siblings and in-laws Muriel (John) Grigg, Dorothy (John) Ostrom, Gordon (Helen) Rathwell, Helen Rathwell, Darcy (Madeleine) Rathwell, Eleanor (Bill) McAsh, Marjorie (Bob) Stirling, Verna Rathwell, Bob (Mary) Rathwell, Ray (Jean) Potter, Joe (June) Potter, Betty (Tom) Moore and Ferne (Ron) Carter. Tom was born, raised and made a life, on land by the Bayfield River in Goderich Township, that his ancestors had settled and farmed. Along with helping his family and nurturing the land, he produced a top line Jersey Herd, Elmline Jerseys, volunteered his time as a 4-H leader, was an active member of the Huron-Perth Jersey Club, was a member of the Bayfield Cemetery Board and also a member of the Radar Circle Car Club. Visitation will be held at the Falconer Funeral Home-Clinton Chapel, 153 High St. Clinton on Sunday, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. where the funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Mr. Colin Snyder officiating. Spring interment, Bayfield Cemetery. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.