Obituary of Sir Alphonse “Al” DeWitte

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our devoted husband and much loved father and grandfather Sir Alphonse DeWitte (KHSOJ) at the Chatham-Kent Hospice, Chatham, on Saturday February 11, 2017. Born in Blenheim October 18, 1925 to Leopold DeWitte and Martha (Pattyn). Married in 1953 to Margaret Mortier, they settled in Chatham a year later and raised 4 children; Mary (Pat) Weldon, Cathy (Rob) Bellefleur, Chris (Monica) and predeceased by a son Doug (2013). Proud grandfather of Rick (Sueji) Weldon, Lisa (Ryan) Boyd, Matthew Bellefleur, Luke Bellefleur, Nathan DeWitte and Keifer DeWitte. Predeceased by a brother Archie DeWitte and sisters, Dolores Hoy and Anne Westelaken. Survived by a sister-in-law Denise DeWitte and brother-in-law Ed Westelaken. Al was inducted into the Kent Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognition of innovative fertilizer bulk blending process which has now become the industry norm. Co-founder of Kent County Fertilizers, and subsequently Southwest Ag Partners Inc. Past Presidents of Fertilizer Institute of Ontario and Ontario Plant Food Council. Above all, a man of deep faith serving St. Mary’s Catholic Church as organist and choir director for over 55 years. An Affiliate of Capuchin Order, past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 1412, Fourth Degree Father James Assembly and a lifetime member elected to the K of C Ontario State Board, rising to State Deputy and a member of the Supreme Board. A Sir Knight of the Equestrian Order of Jerusalem. A life well lived. Al sponsored many sports teams during his time at Kent County Fertilizer and was a diehard Detroit Tigers Fan. Friends and relatives may visit at the Funeral Home, 156 William St. S. Chatham (519-352-5120) on February 16, 2017 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm where parish prayers will be at 3 pm. Members of the Knights of Columbus and Fr. James Assembly Fourth Degree are asked to gather at the funeral home on Thursday evening for a colour guard between 7-9 pm, prayers will then be offered for Sir Knight Alphonse DeWitte at 7:30 followed by presentation of the Chalice. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday February 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.