Daryl Alton Blizzard

BLIZZARD, DARYL - The family of Daryl Alton Blizzard is heartbroken to announce his death after a courageous and valiant fight with cancer.  He is predeceased by his mother, Ellen Mary; Father, Donald; brother, Clinton; sister, Donna, and his beloved wife, Beverley Ann (Walker). He died at home surrounded by his loving and supportive children, Mary Ellen (Roger) Warren, Len (Birgit) Blizzard, and Laurie (Adrian) Graham. He is survived by his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Blizzard, Kara Blizzard, Martin (Leah) Blizzard, Morgan Blizzard (Chris), Alexa Blizzard, Kayla Graham (Connor), and Emma Graham. He delighted in his first great grandchild Seth, followed by two more great grandchildren, Arianna, and Alex Braulik.          

Dad was born in Newcastle Bridge, New Brunswick on April 12, 1933. Dad was 10 when his mother died and was then sent to live with an aunt and uncle, who moved to Forest, Ontario in 1945. Unhappy in his adopted home, at age 15, Dad found a job and left to rent a room in a boarding house in Sarnia. At 17, he met the love of his life, Bev. They enjoyed many happy years together, bowling, volunteering, camping with their children, and going to the cottage until her untimely death in 1999. 

When he was 18, he began work at Polymer where he stayed for 40 years. He studied and achieved the level of Class 2 Stationary Engineer. He never wanted to be a boss and turned down many opportunities to advance.

He spent over 60 years attending and volunteering at St. Luke’s United Church, serving as Trustee, Council member, visiting Elder, Breakfast Program manager, Property Committee, and was the chief grass cutter until he was 86 years of age. He was a joyful supporter of Rebound and the Dow Centre for Youth. He was often found cutting the grass or snow blowing his neighbours’ yards as well.

He loved every single grand and great grandchild very much. He delighted in playing with each of them.  He was a gentle, kind man, generous to anyone who needed a helping hand. He will be missed.

Our deepest thanks to Beth for her visits and her prayers. We thank Dad’s previous workmates for stopping and chatting when he was on the porch during his illness and for church friends who drove by with a wave.  O.D.B. so enjoyed those quick yet meaningful visits. It helped him to know that he was not alone with this terrible disease.

We would also like to thank Heather, Lisa, and Lucie of the VON for their amazing care during his illness and for their support to his three caretakers, his children.

We cannot imagine life without our fun-loving, quick witted dear old Dad. We will always love you and hold you in our hearts forever. Now you and mum can be together again. Donations can be made to Dad’s two favourite charities, Rebound and St. Luke’s United Church. 

Cremation has taken place and a memorial celebration of Daryl’s life will be held at the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St, Sarnia, ON, N7T 5W9) on Monday, September 21st, 2020 at 11:00 am.

Given the circumstances of COVID, we ask that only people who have been practicing social distancing and mask-wearing attend the service which is by invitation only; masks will be mandatory.  Unfortunately, due to COVID, there will not be a reception afterwards. Memories and messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca