Obituary of Desmond George Somers
SOMERS, Desmond – Des passed away peacefully surrounded by his children at North Lambton Lodge on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the age of 76. Dear father of Jason (Abby) and Jennifer Coughlan (Ryan). Loving grampa of Isaac, Jaxon, and Ava. Brother of Doreen Vanden Heuvel (Bert). Uncle of Greg, Lisa (Jim Stead), Bradley (Becky) Vanden Heuvel, Monica Johnston (Jeff), Greg Puzak (Kim), and David Puzak. Predeceased by parents Noel and Dorothy Somers, brother Campion, and sister Madeline.
Des was born in Seaford Town, Jamaica, and brought many traditions when his family moved to Canada in 1952, such as a strong work ethic and emphasis on family values. An avid sportsman and mingler, he was a member of the P&T Hunt Club and a small group who met regularly for coffee on Tuesday nights, along with his close friend Alex Kovacs. Des was also a talented carpenter and craftsman, building his home at Esser Cres. in Sarnia and leaving behind several pieces of wooden furniture and other unique creations. Though proud of his career at Polysar/Bayer/Lanxess, from which he retired in 2005, his truest passion was his family. Des cherished every moment with his kids and grandkids, whether gathering for the holidays, sharing a beer at a local pub, or talking on the phone for hours to share news both big and small. Many were the hours and miles spent with family travelling to baseball diamonds, Disney World, and out west and back again. An attentive listener who never interrupted, Des was a man of few words but many deeds and much wisdom. His favourite expressions included, “Love you more,” “The world’s full of all sorts of people,” and “The pixies must have cleaned up that mess.”
Friends will be received at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. A private family interment will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia Lambton, 420 N. East St., Sarnia, N7T 6Y5.
Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com
