At the Exeter Villa on Friday, July 5, 2024, Irvine Ross Armstrong, of Exeter passed away in his 100th year with family by his side. Beloved husband of the late Lois (Sweitzer) (2016) Armstrong, Irvine and Lois were married for 67 years. Cherished father of Paul and Linda of London, Peter and Eleanor, and Bill and Linda all of Exeter. Fondly remembered by his five grandsons, Ben and Lindsey, Ryan, Brent and Alicia, Chris, and Scott and six great grandchildren, Lauren, Jayden, Madison, Anthony, Brynlee, Ila, and Cora. Dear brother-in-law of Jim and Fran Sweitzer of London. Predeceased by his parents William and Valeria Armstrong and Lois’ parents Jake and Viola Sweitzer, sisters Lorraine Webber (Orval) and Catherine Southcott (Robert) and Lois’ brother Ralph Sweitzer (Claudette).
Irv held his Funeral Directors License for 50 years (1947 – 1997). He was in business with Bob Fletcher for 28 years at the Hopper Hockey Funeral Home. Irv, Bob, and Gord Ross also operated Hopper Hockey Furniture.
Over the years Irv held many positions of leadership and contributions to his profession and to his community. He was President of the Western Ontario Funeral Director’s Association, President of the Exeter Kinsmen Club, and AOTS (As One That Serves) men’s club at James Street United Church. Exeter Businessmen’s Association, and a Charter President of the Order of Trade. Irv was the Charter President of the Ausable River Nomads Campers, Vice Chairman of South Huron District High School Board, Chairman of the organizing committee to build a nursing home for the Exeter District that is now the Exeter Villa. In 1986, Irv and Lois were honoured to be the first couple to receive the Citizen Of The Year award for the Town of Exeter.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Tuesday, July 9th from 6 – 8 PM.
A private family funeral service will be held with interment of cremated remains at Exeter Cemetery.
In Irv’s honour, donations to Jessica‘s House Hospice or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Chad & Michelle Brown
To the Armstrong Family,
Sending our sincere condolences as you navigate the loss of such a special man. Memories from the neighbourhood, especially those made at Hopper Hockey, will remain with me always. May the many memories that you have created over the years bring you some peace during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Chad & Michelle Brown
Leroy and Cheryl Edwards
So sorry to hear of Irv’s passing! He was a great man! He did a great deal for the community and was a kind and a gentle sole when at funeral home!! Leroy and Cheryl
Lori Sims
To the Armstrong Family,
The Sims family is so sorry to learn that Irv is gone. Irv and Evan had great childhood adventures together on 1920’s Ann St. We know that Irv had many nick names, and he was always “Spike” to us. He and Dad had a lifelong friendship, and it was always good to see Irv and Lois at the Villa in the later years, when we visited Mom there. He was a fine man who loved his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as this sad time.
Lori Sims
Dave Underwood
The Underwood families, Jack and Flo, Nancy and Mark, Dave and Pina, and Deanna and Tim, would like to express our condolences on the passing of Irv. Lois and Irv were good friends of Jack and Flo while in Exeter.
When we moved to Exeter, the old Armstrong home became the new Underwood home because Lois and Irv had built and moved into their new home across the street from our house on Pryde Blvd. We have many childhood memories from that corner lot.
Jack, Flo, Lois, and Irv took a couple’s trip to Hawaii in the late 1970s. Many street parties were held on Pryde Blvd, a happening place in that era.
We hope you cherish the memories of Lois and Irv at this difficult time.
Mark Tuckey
Our condolences to Paul, Peter, Bill and families.
Mark & Karen Tuckey
Steve & Audrey Skinner
Pete, Eleanor and Family
Our sincere condolences to all of you. May the many memories you have of your father, father-in-law and grandpa keep him forever in your hearts. Thinking of the Armstrong family.
Brenda Hern
To all of the Armstrong family – sending our condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. He was a pleasure to serve.
Irv shared his love of Exeter’s history with me as well as some family history. He will be missed. – Brenda and Ivan Hern
Karen House
Eleanor ,Pete, Ben, Ryan , and families,
Sounds like your dad/grandpa was an amazing man, who did a lot for this community. May you celebrate his memory for all his accomplishments.
Thinking of you all . Karen House
Rick Hundey
I’m so sorry to learn of Irv’s passing. Your Dad and Grandpa was a kind and considerate man and a wonderful Rivers Blvd neighbour. His life was one to be celebrated and admired.
Rick Hundey
Earl and Marilyn Miller
To Peter and Eleanor, and the Armstrong family, and Jim and Fran,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the passing of Irv. He has left a huge impact on the Exeter community, with so many having benefitted from his many accomplishments. It was a joy to see him as he rode and waved in Exeter’s 150th parade last summer! May you hold the memories of him and Lois close to your hearts!
Sharon Campbell
Sorry to hear the lost of Dad he was a great man. My heart is with yous
Paul Storey
Irv’s family:
Our sincere condolences to all of you. It was always a pleasure to chat with Irv at the Villa. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Paul and Barb Storey
Dan Heywood
My condolences to the Armstrong family. Irv was a huge part of the community always. Dan
Kathy Hayter
I am so sorry for the passing of Irv he was a gentle man with always a kind word he will be missed
George and Lois Godbolt
Our condolences go out to all of Irv’s family. Over the past few years, when I was visiting the Villa, it was such a treat to get a big smile and wave from Irv. In his late 90s, he still called me by name and recalled and remembered a few shared moments over many years. Lois’s sister Jackie who lives across the hall will miss his wit and positive outlook. She often mentioned the back and forth joking between the two of them.
He was an inspiration to us all.
Janet Pfaff
So sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences go out to the entire family.
Kay Tripp
My sincere condolences to the Armstrong Families…A well known resident of Exeter..he will be remembered…Kay Tripp
Aldeen Skinner
My sincere sympathy to all of the Armstrong family.We alwaysenjoyed our camping trips and card games and also visits with Lois & Irv. Memories are so Precious.
Cathy Batten
To Irv’s Family
My condolences to you all at this sad time. Cherish the Memories as you have many. He always took the time to say hello & chat in the halls at the Villa, a great respected man. Thinking of you all.
Cathy
Howard and Yvonne Hendrick
Sincere condolences to all Irv’s family in his passing. A true gentleman.
Howard and Yvonne Hendrick
Nancy Haskell (Webber)
Condolences to my cousins and their families. Will remember the family gatherings and celebrations. Uncle Irvine lived a long and fruitful life. You have had a father to be proud of.
Larry Skinner
To Irv’s family:
Our sympathy to all family members over the death of Irv. He had a long life with lots of accomplishments in his past. He will be missed by your family and the community at large. Cherish the memories.
Larry and Faye Skinner
John & Linda Wuerth
Irv’s family
So sorry to hear about Irv. Always remember him for his great laugh. Remember Irv and Lois playing cards with Ray and Willa many years ago. Irv had many accomplishments in his years. John and I send our deepest sympathies to the families. Cherish the many years you had with your Dad
Maurice and Ruth Ann Haist
Our sincere condolence to the family. As past members of the Ausable River Nomads we have many memories of the good times of camping with the club. He will be missed by many. Maurice and Ruth Ann
Darren Boyle
Our most kind condolences to Pete & Eleanor, Bill & Linda, & family. Itwas an absolute pleasure every time you got to talk to Irv over the years. He will be fondly missed and remembered by so many. You are along with Irv are in our thoughts.
With warm regards,
Darren, Denise, Kayleigh & Sean Boyle
Dalton Ford
To The Armstrong Family, sorry for your loss. An anchor of the Exeter Community, and a definite example of small town business sense, conduct, and its personality. I remember as a kid my folks dealing with Irv, Bob, and Gord, many times. Always enjoyed talking to Irv, a witty and genuine man. Sincere condolences, Dalt
Tom and Bev Prout
To the Armstrong Family
Our sincerest condolences!
I always enjoyed chatting with Irv, positive guy who knew what he wanted.
Frank Kints
My condolences to Irv’s family. I will surely miss the regular visits with Irv, talking about everything under the sun and getting history lessons on Usborne township and Exeter. He was a great story teller and great person. A life well lived and will be missed by many.
Frank Kints
Yule Willemtje
To Armstrong Family:
I marvelled at the clear mind Irv had. He recalled the names of many people passing in the hall at the villa while we visited with him. Lois & Irv helped us with an anniversary campout for the NOMADS in Blyth. He lived a long productive life may he rest in peace.
Willie Yule
Jim & Verla Russell
Armstrong Family:
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Irv. he lived a very good life and accomplished a lot for the community.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mouse and Dianne Masse
Our deepest sympathies to Pete and Eleanor and families.
I always enjoyed chatting and getting my hugs from Irv. He holds a special spot in my heart. He was a great man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Insley Windsor and family
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Erika King
A sincere note of gratitude goes to Irv Armstrong for his special part in the inception of the Exeter Villa over 38 years ago. Irv’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community and of the Exeter Villa is very much appreciated. Irv was a genuine force and a wonderful soul who will be greatly missed.
On behalf of all at Exeter Villa
Thomas K, Jordan K and Erika
Jason Bourne
Armstrong Family,
So sorry to hear of Irv’s passing. It was a joy to have conversations with him of how things “use to be”. He was a wealth of knowledge and a true gentleman. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Margaret Prout
My sympathy to Irv’s family. It is such an honor to know someone who has accomplished
so many achievements in his lifetime. I shall miss seeing Irv when I am visiting in the
Villa. Many thanks to Irv for all his dedications to better our community.
Joyce Black
Peter, Eleanor and family – Sending sincere sympathy to you and the Armstrong families in the passing of Irv. He had a good life and will be missed by many especially his family and Villa friends. Take care and remember the fun times in the days and months ahead. Joyce B.
Margaret Brintnell
We send our condolences to all of Irvine’s family. Great man & certainly left a real legacy for everyone.
Lots of Memories for all of you to share now & in days to come.
Margaret Brintnell & Marion Armstrong.
Donna Perry
To Irv’s family
So very sorry for your loss. I have lot’s of great memories from time spent together with the Nomads.
Irv was a great man and lived a good life.
With Deepest sympathy. Donna Perry and Jim Perry
Bill & Joanne Hodge
Deepest sympathies to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you.
Wendy Heimrich
To All the Armstrong Family,
My very sincere sympathies. Irv loved to joke with us and even talk about the family. I use to joke and call him the Mayor of the Villa. He will truly be missed and he’ll always be remembered as part of the Villa Family. Huge hugs to all.
Wendy Heimrich
Jerry and Alice MacLean
To all of Irvine’s Family,
We send warm thoughts and sympathy to each of you.
Irvine was good man and had a wonderful life!
We have all had a great privilege to know him.
Paul, Peter and Bill, you have big shoes to fill to keep up to Dads accomplishments
Do your best.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Donna Perry
To Irv’s family
So many great memories of time spent camping and things associated with it the Blood Donor clinic for example. He had a great long life. Enjoy all your wonderful memories.
With Deepest Sympathy – Donna Perry and Jim Perry
Joan Cleave
My condolences to all of the Armstrong Family. Irv lived a good life
karen fooks
Peter and Eleanor Thinking of you at this time Cherish your memories Karen Fooks
Jackson (Bieman) Janmaat
Sending a big hug to his family and friends. I got to spend time with him during my employment at the Villa. He shared many stories, one in particular about him growing up and his parents purchasing two albino squirrels as pets. I still have a piece of fabric he sewed my name into, that was sewed into my wedding gown. He was a very kind man and I will always remember him.
Joyce Morgan
Thoughts and prayers are with all of Irv’s family. A great man. Hugs
Jim and Marilyn Skinner
Bill & Linda and family
So sorry to hear of your loss of Dad and Grandparent. Our thoughts and
prayers are with you at this sad time.
George and Sue (Insley) Wilson
Paul, Peter and Bill and families, heartfelt condolences on your Dad’s passing. He was well recognized in the Exeter area, a very friendly man. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bryan Denomme
Always enjoyed spending time with Irv, he was a great man and incredibly smart and had many interesting stories, condolences to all his family, the community will miss him
George Finch
Irv was very much an honest man above all else and saw the good in everyone and we always enjoyed our conversations with “the Armstrongs”. He has left a lasting positive impact on the community and for that, we should all be thankful. Rest in peace my friend.
George and Nancy Finch and family.
Jean Mills
My Sincere Condolences to Paul & Linda, Pete & Eleanor, Bill & Linda & your families. Also to Jim ‘& Fran.
We had many happy times traveling, dinner& card parties with Irv & Lois.
He was a community man & held many honourable positions.
Colleen
So sorry for you loss, Irv was a wonderful man and a joy to talk to, he will be greatly missed
Peter mcFalls
Paul, Peter and Bill and families, please accept my condolences and have fond memories of your father. I had many fond memories of living next to both businesses and many visits with Irv over the years.
Sherrie Broderick
To Irv’s Family,
Such a wonderful gentleman. A sense of humor, a friendly face, and showing compassion when working at the Funeral home. I shall miss seeing him at the Villa when I visit my Sister of the same birth year, as she frequently reminded me.
My sympathy to all his family.
Marjie Westerveld
Peter, Eleanor and families…my sincere condolences on Irv’s passing
Karen Brown
Bill. Peter and families,
My condolences to all of you. His name will be remembered as a blessing not only to your family, but also to the community.
Hugs, Karen Brown
Mark Heimrich
Paul, Peter, Bill & Families;
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Father. I have many good memories of interacting with him on many occasions over the years. Irv was always up for a chat and curious about what people were doing and things going on in his community, We were very fortunate to have Irv as a dedicated, important member and true pillar of our community. He served very, very well. I was especially impressed, knowing his age, seeing his messages of condolence to so many families even up to the recent past! Still serving, the best way he could. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich wishes to extend her condolences at this time as well.
Thank you Irv, Rest in peace.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
Joan Heywood
Paul, Peter, Bill and families:
So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing but he certainly lived a full life. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Cherish the wonderful memories. Sincerely Joan
Tanya
Irv was a great man. We will remember him fondly.
Our deepest condolences to his family.
Tanya Fisher, Brayden Mero and Brynlee Armstrong
Dianne GerstenkornWeber
To Peter and Eleanor Armstrong and Jim and Frances Sweitzer my thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a great man. Dianne
Wendi and John Schwindt
Dear Eleanor, Peter and family…he was a pretty special guy…cherish your memories. Our sympathy to you…
Rob & Tara Russell
Bill & Linda and the entire Armstrong family
Very sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather…., truly a pillar and pioneer of the Exeter community….. first off thank you Irv for the tribute to my father on his passing in January
It’s hard to lose a loved one but at 99 a life well lived be proud of your dad I certainly am…. These are the people that build this community from the ground up and we should all give thanks 🙏 rest in peace my good man
Brad Gregus
Every once in a while, one who stands amongst us, steps forward and takes his/her purposed position in life, recognizing what needs to be pushed ahead, and thus, articulates a vision that we can adopt,
…..and organizes us …..and encourages us to get involved , and then sees projects through to completion. In Exeter we were favoured to have had Irv and Lois lead the way in so many endeavors over such a long time……They stood up….They stepped up….and they stood out, in their level of service to our little town. Their efforts made Exeter a better place to live, to work, and to play!
Bobbi V
Please know I’m thinking of you all.
Mike & Deb Hunter
Our thoughts are with you all as you reflect on and celebrate this life well lived.
Tom and Carol Arthur
To Irv’s Family – our sincere sympathy to all of you. Irv lived a long productive life and we will miss our interaction through e-mails and jokes.
Rest in peace Irv.
Margaret Hern
Our interactions with Irv and Lois go back many years. I recall conversations as we considered a furniture purchase. I can hear his voice and laughter as we chatted. Irv always expressed interest in, and would inquire about, our farm happenings. He once reflected that when the farmers in the Exeter area had a good business year, Main Street had a good year. He knew the community. His contributions to community were a source of humble pride. Just doing what needed to be done. Our family has been blessed to call both Lois and Irv friend for many years . Treasure ninety-nine years of memories. All have been well earned from a life well lived.
With Love. Margaret
Alma Dayman
Sincere condolences to the Armstrong family. Such a kind gentleman.
Maureen Wood
My Condolences In the Loss of your Dad .
Knew him from the Store & Funeral home,
Always so Friendly & a Time to visit.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Paul, Peter, Bill and families
Our condolences on the loss of your father. He was in business for a long time and active in many community groups. He keep busy in the Villa and commented on Facebook.
Linda Dietrich
Pete, Eleanor and all the Family,
So sorry for your loss, our sincere sympathy.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Carolyn and Gerald Johns
Such an impressive list of accomplishments to be proud of and celebrate. Thinking of the Armstrong family.
Mike Higgins
My heart goes out to all the family! I have so many memories of growing up with Paul ,Peter & Bill. Irv lived an amazing life, when I would gyro visit him at the Villa his memory was amazing. RIP cousin Irv! It is a great legacy you have created. I will miss you! Mike
Doug Fletcher
Paul, Peter, Bill and families
Many a fond memory of Irv at both the furniture store and funeral home. Every time I fold chairs and vacuum the carpet he’s top of mind. Life lived well.
Doug Fletcher
Wanda Reynolds
To Irv’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda Reynolds
Bruce Shaw
Our sympathies go out to you three boys and your families. Between your Dad and Bob Heywood, they knew more about 20th century Exeter than all the rest of us put together. There was never a lack of anecdotes (many of them full of humour) that regaled their listeners. Your Dad, as you know, was instrumental in securing the Exeter Villa (and his final home) for South Huron. He contributed much, and I know he received a great deal from his interaction with friends and the entire community. Enjoy your memories of both your Mom and Dad. Bruce and Darlene Shaw