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Claire Thuell
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Dennis Thuell on October 25, 2024, just one week shy of his 87th birthday. Claire is also affectionately known as “Coon” to friends and family from Ripley. He passed away from a short battle with cancer at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.
He leaves a huge space in the hearts of many friends and family as he was loved for his stories and great sense of humour.
Claire is survived by his son Brent and his wife Lisa, his daughter Patricia (Patti) and her husband Bill. His brother Ken Thuell and his wife Diane, his sister Barbara Krieger and her husband George. His sister-in-law Phyllis Thuell, his brother in law Eugene Walden and sister in law Evylene MacTavish. He is predeceased by his wife Margaret (Peg) Thuell, his parents Cloyne and Gwen Thuell , and his brother Keith Thuell.
Claire and Peg met when they were in high school. They got married in 1959 but had dated for about five years before that. During that time they have only been separated for one week when Peg flew out west to visit Patti and for a few weeks when Peg had surgery and rehab after her fall. In less than a year of Peg’s passing, Claire decided that it is time to join in heaven the love of his life.
Claire was born in Palmerston, Ontario and moved to Ripley at a very young age. One day, he decided to keep a raccoon for a pet and this earned him his childhood nickname “Coon”. To this day, some friends and family from Ripley still call him Coon or Uncle Coon. No matter how long he had been away, to him Ripley was always home. He got his wish......he has returned home.
Claire spent his life working as a mechanic. The last 25 years before retirement were dedicated to Bell Canada. He loved many outdoor activities especially hunting and fishing. This spring, he harvested his 25th turkey that was his biggest ever.
During summertime he kept busy with keeping the yard and gardens looking good. He always seemed to be taken with the different roses in the garden. Every after dinner, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were on his schedule. He liked Mandarin restaurant and always had a game plan on how to tackle his favourite dishes.
“Always tell the truth and be good to each other.” .......as Claire would often say.
The Thuell family extends its sincere thanks and appreciation for the care provided to Claire by the hospital staff at RVH, especially the Respiratory Inpatient Unit.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
A funeral service will be held at MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley on Monday, November 4th at 1 PM with visitation 2 hours prior (from 11 AM - 1 PM). Final resting place will be at Ripley Cemetery.
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So sorry for your loss , Worked as a driver for Bell Canada for 20 years and have fond memories of Claire.
An excellent mechanic for sure , but it was his prowess as an angler that we loved and admired.
A number of us were fortunate to be able to get out on a charter with Claire and his son over the years and we always had a successful and bountiful day.
A wonderfully cheerful and considerate man , it was an honor to know him.
Again our heartfelt condolences to Claire's family and friends, he will live on forever in my memory.
Message from Pat Parcels2024-10-29 12:18:23
Sorry for your loss Brent! Your dad was a special one, always with a great spirit and something funny to relay! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
A true gentleman and friend who will forever remain vivid in our minds. Our sincere condolences to the Thuell Family.
Message from April Torrefranca 2024-10-28 18:19:07
Brent and Lisa, words cannot express the sadness felt from hearing the news of your father's passing. Condolences to you and your extended family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love April