Local man who once lived in Chatham remembered for work ethic and faith
Rodney Casmire “Orville” Baillargeon, who was described in his published notice as of Goderich, formerly of Chatham, died on July 3, 2026, at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich. He was born Sept. 21, 1935, in Dover Township, Kent County.
Those who prepared his notice emphasised a life shaped by labour on the family farm and a readiness to take on physically demanding work. Over the years he held a variety of jobs, including factory work and later employment in truck tire service. A serious workplace accident in 1994 left him with long-term disabilities, a fact noted in the announcement as an important chapter of his later life.
“Don’t let them go to bed hungry.”
The notice also records that Baillargeon cared for family members and household pets, and that his Christian faith was a central element of his life in later years. It says he found comfort in listening to Scripture and held to the hope of resurrection.
Family and survivors
The obituary lists his wife, Zhu Kong, among the survivors. He is also survived by four children:
- Baby Baillargeon (born 1965)
- Leanna Jacques
- Brady Baillargeon
- Cory Baillargeon
The notice states he was predeceased by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.
| Born | Died | Place of death |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 21, 1935 (Dover Township, Kent County) | July 3, 2026 | Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich |
The published notice reflects on personal imperfections and reconciliations in later life, and includes a line expressing a long-held personal wish: that one day he would be able to hold his three children in his arms again.
Local readers who remember Baillargeon from his time in Chatham may find details of his life and family of interest; the announcement does not list funeral arrangements.
