Obituary of Richard Wayne Manders

Manders, Richard “Rich”

The family of Richard “Rich” Wayne Manders of Watford is saddened to announce his passing on Sunday morning, March 28^th, 2021 in his 71^st year, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia after a lengthy battle with small cell lung cancer. 

Beloved husband of Christina (nee Prevett). Cherished brother of Robert (Susan), Keith (Mary), Wendy (Joe) Koolen, all of Watford, and sister-in-law Marlene Manders.  Much loved son-in-law of Connie (late Tom) Prevett of Chatham, and brother-in-law of Kevin (Joan) Prevett of Kingsville, Allan (Terri) Prevett of Tecumseh and their families. Also survived by his nieces and nephews both here and in the US. Cherished nephew of Norma Westgate and Beryl Cole and many cousins.  Predeceased by his loving parents John and Mary Jean (nee Westgate), cherished sister Gloria Ball, brother Raymond, nephews Tony Koolen, Jeff Manders and many aunts, uncles and his precious canine companion Princess.  Rich will be sadly missed also by his feline nurses who took turns at his bedside.  He will especially be missed by his lifelong friends Gerry Brown Jr. of Watford and Rick (Sandra) Hollingsworth of Cornwall who have been so supportive through this journey.

A lifelong resident of Confederation Line on the family farm until very recently when he and Chris moved into a new house in town. Richard was heavily involved in the Standardbred racing industry as a breeder, owner, trainer, and even driver at one point. He was issued a lifelong membership in OHHA last August.  The farm has now been passed down to the 4^th generation of Manders through its purchase by nephew Scott, something Rich was very happy about.  He also worked in construction for many years, as well as at Glendale Trailer and KML Windows, Strathroy until his retirement 3 years ago. He went to the barn daily right up until the night before he went to Hospice, just 4 days before his passing, waiting anxiously for the birth of a foal, who was born the night he went to Hospice. 

Rich also had a career in hockey in his younger years, being a member of the 1968 Watford Juveniles Championship team and being recognized by the Premier of Ontario at the time John Robards.

Very special thank you to the Hospice staff, the Palliative team of Dr. Kim, Erie LIHN and VON, especially Godsent nurse Danica Wilson, as well as the London Regional Cancer Program, Dr. Blanchette and Dr. Rodriguez for your excellent advice and care throughout the last few months.  Thanks to treatment he was able to have a few extra months of life, to see the transition of the farm to his nephew as well as enjoy the new house for a while with its’ amenities that made it so much easier for him. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.  Please consider St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, VON Sarnia, Trinity Anglican Church, Watford, Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, Cat Chance shelter (talk to Chris about it), LRCP, and Canadian Cancer Society as possible options.

A Visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF WATFORD on April 3^rd, 2021 with a Graveside Service to follow at Watford Cemetery. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.watfordfuneralhome.com  A livestream of the service may be viewed here.

Please register for visitation by clicking the link below.

https://signup.com/go/XPgyZno