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

62-year-old facing assault charge after Brigden confrontation

October 27, 2026

The Independent A 62-year-old St Clair Township man is facing a charge of assault with a weapon after a confrontation in Brigden. Lambton OPP were called to Brigden Road near Jane Street in the community Friday around 1:30 pm. Police found there had been a fight and one person was assaulted with a weapon. Police say the injuries were minor,

Read More

Image
Front Page

One dead, another person arrested on Walpole Island

October 27, 2026

The Independent One person is dead and another is in police custody on Walpole Island. Lambton OPP were called to River Road around 1:30 am Monday for a disturbance. They found one person who was injured and pronounced dead at the scene. Officers arrested one person at the scene without incident. “Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident with

Read More

Image
Front Page

Agar returns as mayor of St. Clair Township

October 27, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent Jeff Agar will return as St Clair Township Mayor. He defeated newcomer Bruce Gibson with a margin of 3,625 to 1,114 votes. “It’s mind-boggling,” Agar said of the wait to find out if he won. “Even if you think you’re gonna win, it’s still is because you never know.” Agar says it was a very long campaign,

Read More

Image
Front Page

Entire Plympton-Wyoming council returns to office

October 27, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent The entire council in Plympton-Wyoming has been returned to office.  Mayor elect Gary Atkinson defeated Tim Wilkins 2,061 to 1,633 in the polls Monday. Deputy mayor elect Netty McEwen got more than double the votes of challenger Brad Zantingh.  Alex Boughen topped the polls for councillors with 2,446 votes; John Van Klaveren had 2,164 votes; Mike Vasey collected

Read More