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Peacefully at Bluewater Health Palliative Care on September 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness, at 97 years of age, Eldon James Kinart was finally reunited with his beloved wife Ivy. He leaves behind his daughter Patrice and his son Dwayne (Diane Foster) and his sister Kay (late Garnet) Burley. Predeceased by his parents Horatio and Ida, his brothers Rae and Grant, his sisters Verna, Blanche, Ileen, Edith, Phyllis and Sheila, and their spouses. Survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and more; all of whom affectionately called him Uncle Shorty.
Eldon spent most of his working life as a proud City of Sarnia firefighter retiring at age 60 in 1988. At the time of his passing, he was the longest surviving retiree of the Sarnia Fire Department.
Eldon loved spending time at his trailers in Stokes Bay and then Bayfield. He enjoyed fishing, campfires, Sunday morning breakfasts and golfing with Dwayne, long car rides and just spending time with friends and family. He and Ivy would often travel across the country, visiting relatives along the way.
After his retirement, Eldon and Ivy spent many winters in Florida where they made friends from across Canada and the US; and where Eldon became a shuffleboard champion.
After being cared for by Patrice during COVID, Eldon moved to Twin Lakes retirement home where he spent several happy years.
The family would like to thank the staff at Twin Lakes for their incredible care and kindness, especially Pat who was able to charm and cajole Eldon into doing things he needed to do when no one else could. You are magic.
The family would also like to thank the amazing, hardworking and compassionate doctors, nurses, PSWs, and other staff on the 4th floor medical unit of Bluewater Health. They could not have done more for him, especially Jenn and Denna who cared for Eldon like he was family. We will never forget you.
Thank you as well to Dr Bhargava and her staff. Because of you Eldon was able to live a long and full life.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Eldon’s life at the Smith Family Centre (across from the Smith Funeral Home) 1576 London Line, Sarnia on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Eldon was an easy going, kind hearted soul and not much for suits and ties so please feel free to wear something casual and comfortable.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Bluewater Health Foundation or the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (cheques only at the funeral home please).
