Rochon, Jules

Jules Rochon, our beloved dad, passed away peacefully on Jan 16th. 2025 at Chartwell Meadowbrook Retirement Community in Lively, Ontario at the age of 91.

He was born in Hagar, Ontario to Xyste Rochon and Alma Ouellette, both predeceased, and had 14 siblings, most of whom are predeceased. He is survived by four siblings Claudette Brassard, Bibianne Robitialle Rachel Affleck, and Eloi Rochon. Jules is predeceased by his wife Joanne Rochon (nee Coe) (1997). He is survived by his children Thérèse Hayes (Henry), Pauline Rochon (Henri Ruest), Rhéal Rochon (Pauline), Christine Hann (Rick), Claude Rochon (Mona), Martin Johnston (Jeanne), and Guy Rochon (Kathleen). He had 13 grandchildren (1 predeceased) and was very proud of their accomplishments. In addition, he had 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

He met Joanne, sometime in the 60s, at what would eventually become Cambrian Ford where he worked for over 30 years until his retirement. His interest in the industry never waned and on his last Sunday with us, which was his birthday, he even asked his son about car sales and indicated that January is always a slow month. Forever a Ford man! After retirement Jules became the caregiver for his ailing wife and perfected his cooking and cleaning skills. After his wife’s death he continued to live in their home for many years until his own health began to decline. Throughout those years he hosted many of his children when they visited from other cities as well as many family gatherings.

Jules and Joanne lived in Sudbury most of their lives. They enjoyed many summers at their cottage on Manitoulin Island when their children were teenagers and young adults. Jules’ frugal mind was able to capitalize on our teenage energy and gained free labour in tasking us to assist with road and cabin building. This also made us too tired to get into trouble which may have also been part of his plan (sorry Dad, we still managed to find some trouble). He was an avid boater and spent many hours aboard the Julianne cruising Ontario’s spectacular lakes with friends and family. The times we spent on Manitoulin and on the boat were filled with many wonderful memories that his children will always treasure.

Jules loved to stay active with golfing, biking, and walking which he did for as long as his body allowed. When his mobility began to decline, he found other ways to keep active with the stationary bike and working with the physiotherapist on various exercises. He truly enjoyed movement and keeping fit.

His love for his family was the centre of his life. He was by his children’s sides through the challenges they faced in their own lives and also shared in all of the joys. From weddings to births, to graduations, new careers, divorce, travel adventures, illness, retirements, and all the other experiences on this journey he was always there for us. He truly enjoyed time with family and was always thrilled when we’d have family group chats that allowed him to see most of his children interacting at the same time. Of course, he was always up for one-on-one visits with any of his children or grandchildren!

His family would like to thank all the caregivers at Chartwell Meadowbrook Retirement Community particularly Brenda who went above and beyond in making him comfortable in his final years. We know how much he respected you and it gave us great comfort to know you were there for him. Your care of our father is appreciated more than we can express. We’d also like to thank the two caregivers who were with him at the end, rubbing his back and helping him though his final journey.

We hope you are having fun with all who went before you. We will miss you forever! Cheers, Dad!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If friends and family desire, Memorial donations can be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or to the Canadian Cancer Society at https://cancer.ca/. Arrangements entrusted to Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services, Ltd.