It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of LALONDE, Joseph Richard "Bear". He died peacefully surrounded by his family on December 6, 2023 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 72.

Bear is survived by his loving wife Mary Margaret (nee Houston) of 41 years.

Proud father of Angela Lalonde, Matthew Alexander (Christine Lee) Lalonde, Kristy Lynne (Trever Cannon) Lalonde. Loving Grandpa and GG to Emerson Stratton Cannon, Ruthie Ray Cannon, Finley Marie Margaret Cannon, and Xander Lee Lalonde.

Bear was born in Cornwall, Ontario and was the son of the late Claude Joseph and Marjorie Helen (nee McMillian) Lalonde.

Dear brother of Paul, Gerald, Bob (Kathy) and Ron (Carole) Lalonde. Pre-deceased by his sister Lynne (Kent) Alguire. He was also survived by his step-sister Armande (William Sloan), and step-brother Roger (Claire).

Bear was the beloved son-in-law of Lawrence Alexander and the late Ruth Charity (nee Micks) Houston and brother-in-law to Linda (Gary Mayberry) Spence.

Proud God-Father to Darby Kraayenbrink and survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bear was both a Millwright and Welder by trade and worked at the North American Plastics and Waltec Forgings throughout his career. He was our Mr. Fix it and would build anything we could we imagined or needed. His family was the light of his life, and he was incredibly proud of his children and grand-children.

We want to thank the amazing nursing staff on the Medicine and PCU floors. Special thanks to the Doctors, RT's, and Bear's nurses in his last days, Amanda, Linda and Becky. Thank-you to our supportive care nurse Ashley for the crochet hearts and providing comfort to our family when it was needed the most.

In-lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

The late Joseph Lalonde rested at the Eric F. Nicholls Funeral Home Ltd. 639 Elgin St., Wallaceburg.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place.

At Bear's wishes, cremation and a private service was held at Holy Family Catholic Church with Deacon Richard Walter. A burial and celebration of life will take place at a later date in the Spring.

Online condolences may be left at www.ericfnichollsfuneralhome.com.