Co-founder of Lambton Concert Band retires
OBITUARY: Ralph Vokes
April 3, 2014
Vokes Ralph Thomas Vokes formerly of Petrolia, and Sombra died peacefully at Watford Quality Care, Watford, ON on April 2, 2014 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of Grace (nee Welch), his wife and soul mate of 59 years. He is survived by sisters, Margaret (Ron) Curts, Doris (Harry) Squire, Marion (Ritchie) Smith. Uncle Ralph will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Alma (Peacock), infant sister Kathleen, brothers, Maurice (Dorothea), Ross (Betty, Margaret), John (Dorothy, Laura), sister-in-law Verlie McAuslan (Harold). Friends and family will be received at Port Lambton United Church, 466 William Street Port Lambton United Church from 7-9 PM on Friday. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at Port Lambton United Church on Saturday April 5 at 11 AM with luncheon and fellowship to follow. Interment at Riverside Cemetery in Sombra. Memorial donations to Port Lambton United Church, the CEE Hospital Foundation in Petrolia or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg. 519.627.3231. Online tributes may be left at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca
NEXT
Prom dresses light up Sarnia-Lambton teens
PREVIOUS
HST cut on heat would help all homeowners says propane distributor
Front Page
Co-founder of Lambton Concert Band retires
June 9, 2026
Blake Ellis/The Independent For 82 years, Norm Sutherland has immersed himself in his passion of playing music and performing with various bands. May 24, the 92 year-old Petrolia man gave his last performance with the Bluewater Wind Ensemble, a group he has been playing with for the past two years. Sutherland joined Petrolia’s White Rose Junior Band at the age
Read More
Front Page
Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny hands out $25K
June 8, 2026
Blake Ellis/The Independent Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny handed out over $25,000 to groups supporting people with mental health issues. The organization held its annual Family Fun Day at the Brigden Fairgrounds last Saturday. Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny was launched in May 2023 by the family of Canadian Armed Forces veteran Sergeant John Little of Wyoming, 18 months after
Read More
Front Page
Killer Bees sign more home-grown talent
June 8, 2026
Barry Wright/The Independent Watford’s Kyle Brothers is the latest area talent to return home to play senior hockey for the Alvinston Killer Bees of the Northern Premier Hockey League. The 32-year-old has played professionally in Europe for the past eight seasons. He played junior hockey in Alvinston, Lambton Shores and Chatham before skating for four seasons of NCAA hockey at
Read More
Front Page
Deputy chief, civilian also suspended in workplace harassment investigation at Sarnia Police
June 8, 2026
Board chair says “multiple people” have come forward Heather Wright/The Independent The chair of Sarnia’s Police Services Board says “multiple people” have come forward in the workplace harassment investigation. That’s has led to more suspensions of the department’s top administrators. The board released a statement announcing Deputy Chief Ron Hansen and an unnamed civilian employee had been suspended Monday morning.
Read More