Obituary of Desmond "Des" Herrick

With great sadness, the family announce that Desmond Joseph “Des” Herrick passed away at Groves Park Lodge, Renfrew on Tuesday evening, March 5, 2019 at the age of 85 years.  Lovingly remembered by his wife of  32 years, Doreen Anderson-Herrick; his children: Joanne McLaren (Mackie), Mary-Catherine Eva (Doug), Jeffrey Herrick (Sonia Gorassini), Donna Symington (Rod), Anita Schnurr (Don); his stepson, David Anderson (Shelley); stepdaughter: Julie Villamere (Raymond "Butch") and step-daughter-in-law Mona Anderson (late Andy); his siblings Tish Stanton (Allan), Vincent, Estelle Grenier (Ron), Phyllis Flegal (Doug), Mike (Lucy) and Kathy Ste Marie (Gerry); sisters-in-law Vi Kurkoski (Gerald) and Celina Petroski (Barry). Des will also be lovingly remembered by his 13 grandchildren: Sarah McLaren (Andy Caldwell), Julia Herrick, Richard Morin (Stephanie Gauthier), Brian McLaren, Kate Reid (Casey Koons), Margaret Reid (Matthew Lewis), Leah Symington, Danielle Ashley, Deanna Symington, Brent Villamere, Andrea Villamere, Christopher Anderson, Ryan Anderson (Tianna) and his 3 great-grandchildren Sebastian Herrick, Desmond Gauthier-Morin and Margaret (Maggie) Herrick. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years Doris (nee Chabot); his parents: Katie and Jim Herrick; brothers: Leonard “Len”, Patrick “Pat”, Dominic “Dom”, sister Lois Ryan (late Bill); step-sons  Robert “Chic” Anderson and Andy “Gump” Anderson; sister-in-law Mildred Clark (late Wib); brother-in-law Dalton Chabot (late Judy) and brother-in-law Rev. Howard Chabot. Des was born and raised on the family farm in Arnprior. His work ethic and dedication to family were an attestation to his upbringing and the moral values instilled into all members of this big family. He was a loyal employee of Pfizer for 37 years. Des resided in both Arnprior and Renfrew. His retirement was spent travelling with family and friends; honing his skills on his Gibson guitar, golf, fishing, hockey, curling, bowling and carpentry. Special Thanks to the third floor team at the Renfrew Victoria Hospital and the staff and volunteers at Groves Park Lodge. The family received friends during visitation at the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior on Friday, March 8^th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday morning, March 9^th from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. John Chrysostom Church, Arnprior on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment Malloch Road Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Nick Smith Centre. In memoriam donations to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.