Obituary of John Edward LaChance

 John Edward (JACK) LaChance
                11 Nov 1931 - 09 September 2018

A soldier's experiences in war
Never ends in victory or defeat.
They continue deep inside them
Until someday their God they meet.
            © Jack LaChance

With every hope of meeting Jesus, Jack died serenely on 9 September 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospice.
    Jack was a well-known retired Sarnia businessman born and educated in Windsor, Ontario.  He resided in Sarnia from 1971 to his death and called Sarnia his home since then.
    A veteran of two tours of duty in the Korean War Jack was in action from June 1951 to June 1952 serving proudly with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.   
    Jack was born John Edward Croucher on November 11, 1931 to Lorraine Reaume (1987) and Reginald Croucher (1982), and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Alex LaChance (1987).  He married his wife, Frances (nee Deschamps), on June 25, 1955 at St. Clare Church in Windsor. 
    Besides Fran he leaves his five cherished children of whom he was so proud: Wendy Swanson (Gus); Patti LaChance; Jack II (Heather, nee Kindred); Thomas; James (Susan, nee Storey).  After his children his next greatest blessings were his thirteen grandchildren: Lori Thomas (Mark); Lisa Swanson (bff Tim Bennett); Katie Thornhill (Brad), Joshua Carver, Maggie Bazdarick; Stacey O’Lila-LaChance (Brent Long); Michael LaChance, Christopher LaChance; Nicole LaChance, (Corey VanLeeuwen)  Krystyna and Kayla LaChance; Jessica and Jayme Mae LaChance.  In his later years his ten great-grandchildren brought him joy, laughter and lots of love, hugs and kisses!
    Jack was an accomplished writer and poet who published poems and articles in many venues and his work is now all over the world. His most distinguished honour was having his poem: “The Korea Veterans Wall”, engraved in granite at the centre section of the Korea Veterans National Wall of Remembrance in Brampton, Ontario in 1997.
    In 1998, Jack was named to the Sarnia Mayor’s Honour Roll and in 1999 was in the CBC TV documentary: “Korea - The Forgotten War”.  He also contributed to and is quoted in the Norflicks documentary: “Test of Wills - Canadians in Korea” shown on the History Channel.  As long as he was able, Jack participated in the “Dominion Institute’s Memory Project” by speaking in schools on behalf of Veterans of all wars.
    Besides his wife and family is survived by his brother, Thomas LaChance (Betty Ann, nee Sims) ; sister, Diane Lucier (Gary), both of Essex, and several well loved nieces and nephews, mostly in the Windsor area.  Also survived by his loving in-laws: Betty Assef (Ron); Dennis Deschamps (Anne, nee McDonald), Christina Balyo (Joe, 2018) and Donna Maria Deschamps and their families.
          He is predeceased by his parents and siblings: Marilyn Wylupek (1979), Janet Dalpe (1993), Ray (1999), Helen Chene, (1987), and Geraldine Evans (2011).        
    The family would like to thank Shaun, his V.O.N. PSW, LHIN staff, the wonderful nurses, staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice during his stay there.
         Friends and family will be received at McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the McKenzie & Blundy Chapel on Wednesday 11:00 am, burial to follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.      
           As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice. 475 N. Christina St. N., Sarnia, N7T 5W3; Inn of the Good Shepherd, 115 John St, Sarnia, N7T 2Z1 and Parkwood Veteran’s Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 268 Grosvenor St, London, N6A 4V2. Cheques only at the funeral home. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com