Obituary of Roger William Catchpole

CATCHPOLE - Roger William of St. Thomas, passed away quietly and peacefully, at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the age of 95. Roger is survived by his beloved wife Elaine Catchpole (nee Harrington); by his children Lon (Connie) Catchpole of Dutton, Tim (Susan) Catchpole of St. Thomas, and Jill Sheehy of St. Thomas. Loving Papa to Jennifer Catchpole, Christopher (Alexiz) Catchpole, Laura Sheehy (Marco Silva), Justin Sheehy (Tina Bracamonte), Tim Sheehy, Elizabeth (Ryan) David, Meghan (Christine) Denko, Dane (Kim) Elms, James Elms, and five great grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his step-children George Anderson (Shari Harper), Carol (Bill) Chesney, Deb Porter (Rob Wright), Cheryl (Don) Forshner, and Patti Dyment; by his 13 step-grandchildren and 17 step-great grandchildren; and by his nieces and nephews Fred (Barb) Catchpole, Janice (Gary) Beesley, and Margie (Ray) Bradbury. Predeceased by his parents Leonard and Annie Catchpole, sisters Mabel (Harry) Lefevre, Dorothy Catchpole, Lillian Catchpole, by his brother Leonard Catchpole (Jeanette Clements), and his sister Muriel (late Bill) Luton; and by his two spouses Mary Lou Lounsbury and Dorothy Anderson. Roger was born in St. Thomas and attended Arthur Voaden Secondary School. He started his career as a student with the New York Central Railroad and worked in Maintenance of Way activities for 2 years. He enlisted in the army in training as a Mortar Line Sergeant where he damaged his hearing. Roger served during World War II at the prisoner of war camp at Centre Lake in northern Ontario. He joined his father in the canvas and awning business in St. Thomas (Catchpole Canvas Products) and later joined Raymond Brothers in London, who also specialized in canvas products. Roger served on the Volunteer Fire Department of Yarmouth Centre for 15 years, was a member of the Elgin County Railway Museum and the Model Rail Group, a member of the St. Thomas Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he was an Elder, Deacon and long serving member of the Official Board, and a member of the Elgin Model Rail Club. He sat on the New Sarum Public School Board, and in his earlier years, was a member of the Homing Pigeons group and Flower City Riders. As per Roger’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the St. Thomas Christian Church, 451 Wellington St, St. Thomas on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation one hour prior to the service. For those attending the service, please consider registering on Roger’s tribute page on the funeral home website, or by calling the funeral home. Interment of ashes in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired, donations to the St. Thomas Christian Church or the Elgin County Railway Museum would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570). Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca