Josh Klages

It causes us great sadness to announce the passing of Joshua Edwin Klages on November 2, 2024.  Joshua was born in Chatham on October 15, 1986.  He will be greatly missed by his mother Brenda (Caron) Klages, his sister Stacey Klages, his stepsisters Becky and Deb and his grandfather Maurice Caron.  Josh was predeceased by his father Dave Klages on May 8, 2024, his best friend Lily Anne, his Aunt Deb Foster, grandparents Beth & Alvin Klages, grandmother Irene Caron and his Aunt Dianne Jenkins.  He is survived by many aunts, uncles, nephews, niece and cousins.

Josh had a heart of gold and would do anything to help his friends out.  He was generous to a fault and would give away his last two dollars; a good-hearted act that was often taken advantage of.  In his lifetime he struggled with addiction, but through it all he remained kind and humble.  We were never embarrassed by his struggle, and we were proud of his fight and determination to recover and make a better life for himself.  Unfortunately, relapse is recognized as part of recovery and on November 2, Josh died of an unintentional overdose.  Once again, the damn drugs won.

There will be no visitation or funeral for Josh because that’s not what he would have wanted.  Instead, we will remember him privately and celebrate the things that made him Josh.  If you would like to remember him, please consider donating to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Mental Health and Addictions program.

If you are struggling, reach out to someone and if you know someone who is struggling, walk beside them without judgement.  Do that for Josh.

Lily Anne