Obituary of Jack Riddell

RIDDELL:  Peacefully, at Exeter Villa Nursing Home, Exeter, on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 John “Jack” Keith Riddell of Exeter, formerly of RR 1, Hay, age 92.  Beloved husband of the late Anita (Morta) Riddell (September 16, 2023).  Loved father and father-in-law of Deborah and Hiram Thompson of Lucan, Wayne and Deborah Riddell of Grand Bend, Donna and Daniel Overholt of Exeter, Heather Riddell of Exeter, Brenda Riddell of Seaforth.  Cherished grandpa of Scott and Stephanie, Terri and Scott, Jason and Sarah, Jaclene and Jeff, Craig and Amanda, Kevin and Amber, Amber and Jon, Kendra and Steve, Lea and Marty, Shayne and Janelle, Cody.  Treasured great-grandpa of Charlie, Rylie, Ryan, Logan, Wrenley, Romi, Paxton, Lacie, Kensi, Brantley, Brynnlee, Jack, Mason, Wyatt, Nathan, Hayley, Dax, Ada, Dutton, the late Hudson (2016), Sawyer and Axel.  Dear brother-in-law of Elizabeth Boezak of South Africa, Sylvia Flotman of New Zealand, Joan Morta, Rosie Morta, Vincent Morta all of South Africa.  Fondly remembered by his first wife Leone (Bryan) Riddell of Exeter and nieces, nephews and their families.  Predeceased by his parents William Keith and Dorothy Belle (Spong) Riddell, siblings and their spouses Douglas and Betty Riddell, Beth and Jerry King and Jean Riddell and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lois and Lorne Ford, Marguerite and Desmond Firth, Peter Morta, Maxwell Morta, Alwin Boezak and Leonard Flotman.  At Jack’s request, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service for Jack will be held at the Exeter United Church, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Pastor Paul Vollick and Mr. Bob Heywood Officiants. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.  Private family Interment St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys at a later date.  Jack received his B.Sc. in Agriculture for OAC in 1957.  He served as Assistant Agricultural Representative in Hastings and Essex Counties, then as Assistant Manager of the Ontario Stockyards.  Jack raised cattle and sheep on a farm near Dashwood, while he was working as a school teacher at the South Huron District High School.  He owned and operated the Hensall Livestock Sales Barn and worked as an auctioneer jointly with his brother Doug. In 1973, Jack ran for the Ontario Liberals in Huron County and was elected and became the Agricultural Critic.  In 1985, he became the Minister of Agriculture and Food.  During his tenure he introduced the Ontario Family Farm Interest Rate Reduction program and he formed an Agriculture Caucus Committee of rural MPPs.  Jack was inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame in June of 2017.  If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the South Huron Hospital, Exeter; Exeter Villa Nursing Home, Exeter or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.  Jack’s family are very appreciative and thankful to the management and staff of the Exeter Villa for their kind and compassionate care of Jack during his residence there. Our thanks also go to Dr. Jerome Jadd for his care of Jack over the last many years. 

For those that were unable to attend the service, it was recorded.  Due to a technical difficulty at the church, the sound cut out at the end of the service.  To view the service please click this link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiErdnovf1k