We are heart-broken to announce the passing of Jeff Bateman, age 66, on June 5, 2022 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Growing up in Red Rock, ON, Jeff attended public school and Nip-Rock High School, where he was a proud member of the Reach for the Top team that was successful in winning the provincial championship. He began work with Ontario Hydro in Kingston, ON and later transferred to Thunder Bay Generating Station where he earned his journeyman’s license as an Electrician and obtained his license as an Instrumentation Technician. His career progressed through the years and he retired from Electrical Safety Authority as the Senior Electrical Inspector for the Thunder Bay area. After retirement, Jeff enjoyed teaching the Electrical Certificate of Qualification Exam Prep course at Confederation College for several years. He also loved and grew his fishing tackle business many know as Jigs ‘n Joes Custom Hand-crafted Tackle.
Jeff’s family was his pride and joy. He’s been married to the love of his life, Louann, for 38 years, and together they raised their children Stephanie and Jason. He loved nothing more than hanging out with his family, including all of the grandpups. He loved participating in local craft shows with Stephanie, who gave him the confidence to sell his tackle. He loved talking fishing, home projects and anything electrical with Jason. Jeff was always happiest when hosting amazing dinners for family and friends. Every meal from family birthday dinners, summer barbeques, football party snacks or meals for Louann’s crafting sessions, was excellent and will be remembered with love. He also enjoyed many fabulous tropical vacations with Louann and their best friends.
Jeff will be deeply missed by wife Louann, children Stephanie Paxton (Tim) and Jason (Erica Brayshaw). He will also be missed by brothers Andre (Monique) and Wesley (Caroline), sisters Janice Yeske (Murray) and Jude Hautala (Bill), in-laws Debbie and Frank Bil and Barry and Cheryl Henry, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Wesley and Rita Bateman, father-in-law and mother in-law, Reg and Betty Henry and brother-in-law John.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 27, 2022, 11 am, at Sargent & Son Funeral Home. If family and friends desire, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund or the Northern Cardiac Fund at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
