Obituary for Lee James Kerton
Lee James Kerton, (Leebob to many) passed unexpectedly on Thursday, November 24, 2022 A devoted father, he leaves behind his two beautiful children, Oscar and Ruby, who were the loves of his life. His greatest honour and accomplishment was being their father. He was born to Richard (Bud) and Missy (Wilgosh) Kerton on January 30, 1980. He was a bright and shining light to both his parents. A year after Lee came into the world, he became a big brother to his little sister Aris (Kerton) Finnson. They were not only close in age but Aris would become his lifelong best friend, partner in fun, and closest confidante. Lee was a family man who by nature put others first, and never hesitated to help those he cared for. He shared a very special bond with his cousin Kate Carson who he always considered to be a second sister. Though he never had a brother, Lee considered his brother-in-law Andrew to be just that. Over the years he and Andrew shared many great memories together and Lee never missed an opportunity to remind Aris that although she was great, she was a solid ‘second place’ to Andrew. In addition to his immediate family, Lee will also be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his nephew Judd, his niece Stella, and his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Lee’s childhood was filled with hockey arenas, baseball fields and football fields. There was nothing greater than watching Lee at Fenway Park cheering for his favourite team, the Boston Red Sox. Knowing that part of his spirit remains at that great field brings us all comfort. For many years Lee and his father could often be found at the Brockville Men’s Club billiard tables trading stories. Lee will always be remembered for his blind knock playing 31, his love of all card games and any competitive bar room sport. Another of Lee’s great loves was the river. From spring thaw until the marina closed in the fall, Lee could always be found along the St. Lawrence River. His summer days were often spent barefoot, dockside, singing ‘Yacht Rock’. He took great pride in working alongside his friends at the hydroplane races as well as helping to plan the annual Brockville Hydroplane Regatta. Lee was honoured to be a member of the hydroplane community and was crew and family to the Team Toban H519. His seat was always the cooler in the motorhome heading to the next race. This community was a very big part of his life, and he truly valued the friendships and memories he made throughout the years.
Lee attended college in London, Ontario followed by many years working the oil sands in Alberta. He worked as an electrician and was known to leave junction boxes in every home he visited. He eventually made his way back to Brockville to continue his work, reunite with many close friends and family and start his own family with Tammy Herbison.
You could always hear Lee coming from a mile away. His foghorn loud voice, followed by the weight of his heavy arm around your neck (anyone who knew him well, knew he had no respect for personal space) was how he greeted those he loved. His other greetings of choice were either “hey kid” or “hey guy”, and he took every opportunity to remind you that, “if you’re not in, you’re in the way”. He loved a good chat, to share a story (they often grew bigger each time he told them) and to raise a glass to almost anything. He packed a lot of living into his 42 years. Lee’s life will be measured by the large number of lives he touched.
Family will be gathering for a private graveside service and luncheon. Keeping in line with what Lee would want, friends and family will be asked to attend an open community celebration of life at Brockville’s Keystorm Pub (2 Court House Avenue) on December 10, 2022 from 3 to 6 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to the Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St. E., Brockville. Donations in Lee's memory may be made to the GoFundMe (linked below) for Oscar and Ruby’s education and activities or directly to Aris Finnson, 2 Bluemeadow Way, Kanata, Ontario, K2M1P8 to be placed in trust. https://www.gofundme.com/f/oscar-and-ruby-donation-fund?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2Bbeneficiary_invitation
As an additional option, Lee was always in favour of supporting CHEO in memory of Carsyn Riley.
Send a message of condolence or share a special thought of Lee on the Memory Wall above.
Lee’s childhood was filled with hockey arenas, baseball fields and football fields. There was nothing greater than watching Lee at Fenway Park cheering for his favourite team, the Boston Red Sox. Knowing that part of his spirit remains at that great field brings us all comfort. For many years Lee and his father could often be found at the Brockville Men’s Club billiard tables trading stories. Lee will always be remembered for his blind knock playing 31, his love of all card games and any competitive bar room sport. Another of Lee’s great loves was the river. From spring thaw until the marina closed in the fall, Lee could always be found along the St. Lawrence River. His summer days were often spent barefoot, dockside, singing ‘Yacht Rock’. He took great pride in working alongside his friends at the hydroplane races as well as helping to plan the annual Brockville Hydroplane Regatta. Lee was honoured to be a member of the hydroplane community and was crew and family to the Team Toban H519. His seat was always the cooler in the motorhome heading to the next race. This community was a very big part of his life, and he truly valued the friendships and memories he made throughout the years.
Lee attended college in London, Ontario followed by many years working the oil sands in Alberta. He worked as an electrician and was known to leave junction boxes in every home he visited. He eventually made his way back to Brockville to continue his work, reunite with many close friends and family and start his own family with Tammy Herbison.
You could always hear Lee coming from a mile away. His foghorn loud voice, followed by the weight of his heavy arm around your neck (anyone who knew him well, knew he had no respect for personal space) was how he greeted those he loved. His other greetings of choice were either “hey kid” or “hey guy”, and he took every opportunity to remind you that, “if you’re not in, you’re in the way”. He loved a good chat, to share a story (they often grew bigger each time he told them) and to raise a glass to almost anything. He packed a lot of living into his 42 years. Lee’s life will be measured by the large number of lives he touched.
Family will be gathering for a private graveside service and luncheon. Keeping in line with what Lee would want, friends and family will be asked to attend an open community celebration of life at Brockville’s Keystorm Pub (2 Court House Avenue) on December 10, 2022 from 3 to 6 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to the Irvine Funeral Home, 4 James St. E., Brockville. Donations in Lee's memory may be made to the GoFundMe (linked below) for Oscar and Ruby’s education and activities or directly to Aris Finnson, 2 Bluemeadow Way, Kanata, Ontario, K2M1P8 to be placed in trust. https://www.gofundme.com/f/oscar-and-ruby-donation-fund?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2Bbeneficiary_invitation
As an additional option, Lee was always in favour of supporting CHEO in memory of Carsyn Riley.
Send a message of condolence or share a special thought of Lee on the Memory Wall above.