Obituary for Robert "Tex" Van Riesen
VAN RIESEN
Robert (Tex) Van Riesen of Clinton passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 5th, 2023, in his 86th year. Robert, fondly known as Tex, was born on February 21, 1938, in Crossfield, Alberta. The family moved to Clinton when Tex was 13. Tex is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Sowerby) and three children, Bonnie (Dennis) Hirst, Brian and Valerie. He is also survived by his brother, Ken, sister-in-law Marlene, and sister Heather, as well as nieces Chris and Shelley. Tex was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Kurt Van Riesen. Tex was passionate about his chosen career as a firefighter. He started out at Canadian Forces Base Clinton, working as a firefighter before moving on to the Toronto Airport Fire Department and then spending his remaining career with the London Airport Fire Department. After retiring from London in 1995 he became the Chief of the Clinton Fire Department, where he cherished being able to serve his community. In his later years, Tex enjoyed watching baseball, relaxing on the deck observing the hummingbirds, and he became a regular fixture at the local Tim’s. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16 from 12:00pm-2:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm held at Falconer Funeral Home in Clinton. There will be refreshments served at the Clinton Legion following the service. Please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Huronview Home for the Aged.
Robert (Tex) Van Riesen of Clinton passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 5th, 2023, in his 86th year. Robert, fondly known as Tex, was born on February 21, 1938, in Crossfield, Alberta. The family moved to Clinton when Tex was 13. Tex is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Sowerby) and three children, Bonnie (Dennis) Hirst, Brian and Valerie. He is also survived by his brother, Ken, sister-in-law Marlene, and sister Heather, as well as nieces Chris and Shelley. Tex was predeceased by his parents, Elsie and Kurt Van Riesen. Tex was passionate about his chosen career as a firefighter. He started out at Canadian Forces Base Clinton, working as a firefighter before moving on to the Toronto Airport Fire Department and then spending his remaining career with the London Airport Fire Department. After retiring from London in 1995 he became the Chief of the Clinton Fire Department, where he cherished being able to serve his community. In his later years, Tex enjoyed watching baseball, relaxing on the deck observing the hummingbirds, and he became a regular fixture at the local Tim’s. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16 from 12:00pm-2:00pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm held at Falconer Funeral Home in Clinton. There will be refreshments served at the Clinton Legion following the service. Please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to Huronview Home for the Aged.