Obituary of Arthur Ladd

It is with broken hearts that our family announces the passing of Arthur Harvey Ladd “Art” on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at the age of 67. Art was born on January 21, 1953, son of the late Annette (Van Dusen) and Harvey (Jill) Ladd. Treasured grandson of the late Olie and Pearl (Travis) Van Dusen and Edward and Yvonne (Poole) Ladd.  Beloved husband and soulmate of Bonnie (Jones) Ladd who he shared his life with for over 45 years.  Proud and loving father of Michael and Tiffany (Takahashi) Ladd and Rebecca Ladd.  Cherished “Gampie” to Hennley and Ronin Ladd and furbaby Daisy “Booboo”.  Dear brother of Chrissy Ladd, Vanessa (Paul) Ladd-McGonigle, Tammy Gross, Anthony Ladd, Kevin (Kristin) Ladd, David (Deanna) Ladd, and Stephen (Kelly) Ladd.  Predeceased by his sister Judy Gross. He will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

    Born and raised in Chatham, Art attended and graduated from John McGregor High School in 1972.  He became well known in the community having worked for 40 years in the hardware and lumber business.  Art started his career at Cash & Carry Lumber in Chatham, later advancing to manager at Cashway (Rona) in Wallaceburg. In 2001, Art returned to Chatham as a co-owner at Chatham-Kent Home Hardware Building Centre until his well-earned retirement in 2014. He was well respected, loved, and valued by staff and customers alike, always going the extra mile to ensure each customer was happy.  There wasn’t a home building or hardware question he couldn’t answer nor a problem he couldn’t solve.  Art had a brilliant mind and a witty sense of humour.  He was a remarkable man.  He was patient, kind and honest and touched the hearts of so many people.

    Art didn’t need the adventure of travel, there was no place he’d rather be than in his own backyard or his favorite chair watching sports, Jeopardy, the news or politics.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life.  He loved feeding and attracting different bird species to his backyard.  No matter the weather, he was dedicated to feeding them.  He found joy in every season.  In the winter, he loved to be cozy by the fireplace watching his birds and the snow fall with a coffee and newspaper in hand.  In Spring, he eagerly watched for the migrating birds to return, the leaves to bud and began plotting out his vegetable garden. In Summer, he spent his days on the tennis court, tending to the vegetable garden or enjoying a leisurely bike ride to look at the crops while scouting for deer along the countryside.  Autumn, being his favourite time of the year, he looked forward to road trips to delight in the changing leaf colours or watching football in between leaf raking and leaning over his fence to chat with neighbours.

    A natural athlete, in his early years he enjoyed playing baseball and racquetball, later pursing his true passion, tennis.  He made so many lasting friendships throughout his life, it would be impossible to list them all here but he truly valued each one of them.

    Art has been a devoted, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Our family chain is forever broken but we take solace that Art is safe in the arms of our Lord and Saviour and that one day we’ll be together again.  As per Art’s request, a cremation has taken place. 

    A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

    Those who choose to give a gift to honour Art are asked to consider donations to World Vision Canada, The Salvation Army or TJ Stables.