Image

Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Ron Schenk remembered as a family man

May 15, 2020

Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Ron Schenk has passed away.

His daughter, Olivia, announced his passing on social media Friday morning. He was 58.

Schenk had a stroke 2019 but returned to council in January to help with budget deliberations.

Plympton-Wyoming’s budget session in January marked the return of Councillor John Schenk. Schenk had a stroke in the fall and has missed several months of council meetings. He entered the council chamber just as the meeting was to begin, to a standing ovation from members of council and staff. The councillor, who always actively contributes to budget discussions, didn’t disappoint. He took issue with a number of statements, particularly about Mayor Lonny Napper’s suggestion to borrow money to improve more roads.

Schenk was in his fifth term on Plympton-Wyoming councillor serving in almost every capacity including on the fire board and parks and recreation committee.

He was known for voicing his opinion particularly on development issues and the budget.

His daughter, Olivia, in an online post added “Dad always said what he wanted to say and did what he wanted to do. He lived a life regret free, and died with no loose ends left to tie.

Olivia says her dad touched many people.

“It was hard to go anywhere with dad without him running into a million people he knew and needed to take a moment to catch up with. Even quick runs to the bakery or store turned into hour long social events whenever dad was there. His reach was global, with friends in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Whenever I tell people Ron Schenk is my dad it almost always leads to a connection. “

And while Schenk was known in political spheres, it was his family, Olivia says, that was most important to him.

“He had a great sense of humour and I have so many memories laughing together. Family was really important to dad, and I could not have asked for a better father to raise me and my brother.”

Share This

Image
Front Page

Warwick’s mayor seeks provincial assurance Twin Creek’s EA will continue

May 9, 2025

Heather Wright/The Independent Warwick Mayor Todd Case wants to be sure the Environmental Assessment of the Twin Creeks landfill expansion continues. He’s heading to Toronto today to speak with Environment Minister Todd McCarthy, amid concern the province is reducing the amount of environmental oversight of landfill projects. Three weeks ago, the province introduced the Unleashing the Economy Act. It removed

Read More

Image
Front Page

“We’re flying blind” say CK officials

May 8, 2025

Municipality, community tries to force Environmental Assessment of York1 Project Heather Wright/The Independent As Chatham-Kent prepares to mount a fight against the York1 Environmental project at the Dresden dump, at least one official admits the municipality is “flying blind” unsure of what the Mississauga company now plans for the derelict landfill. In February 2024, the company asked the Ministry of

Read More

Image
Front Page

Lambton wants province to keep full Environmental Assessment for York1 project

May 8, 2025

Lambton asks for full Environmental Assessment for York1 project Heather Wright/The Independent Lambton County says there should be an Environmental Assessment of the York1 project at the former Dresden dump. Dawn-Euphemia Mayor Al Broad brought the issue to council Wednesday. Dawn-Euphemia is borders on the property purchased by the Mississauga company and the municipality has been closely watching the most

Read More

Image
Front Page

Petrolia day care project growing to 73 spots

May 7, 2025

Heather Wright/The Independent The new licensed child care facility planned for Meadowview Villa is growing. Wednesday, Lambton County councillors approved a plan which would add 24 more spaces to the facility, serving 73 children in total. Kim Godin, manager of children’s services in Lambton writes in a report to council that the Ministry of Education recently reviewed the Canada Wide

Read More