James Bertram Fennell

James Bertram Fennell of Erieau passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday August 6, 2019.  Jim was born in New Toronto 72 years ago to his late parents Haviland & Jean (Elliott) Fennell.  He was avid admirer of any outdoor activity and so it would come as no surprise that he was camping in Algonquin Park when he met the love of his life Lauraine Vidler who was from Erieau.  On October 10, 1970 Jim and Lauraine married, making Bramalea their home.  Their amazing adventures over the next 48 years included raising two daughters Michelle Fennell (Brent) and Leigh Fennell (Jeremy) and becoming grandarents to Nathaniel and Carissa.  Four years ago in his declining health, Jim and Lauraine moved back to Erieau to be closer to the support of family.

Jim will be remembered fondly by his brother Edward (Lore) Fennell, by Lauraine’s mother Jeannette Vidler (late George) and siblings Joanne Adams (late Gerry), Scott Vidler (Patti) and Brian Vidler (Heidi), by his nieces and nephews and by many casual acquaintances he met just by being the friendly, outgoing person that he was.

Cremation has taken place.  Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday August 17, 2019 where visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Jim’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Rev. David Fuller.

Friends wishing to remember Jim are encouraged to allow flowers to make the world beautiful and instead consider making a memorial donation to either St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Erieau or the Chatham-Kent Hospice in recognition of the care and compassion that was shown to him in his final days.