8 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Happy In Restaurant closing after 45 years
LEAMINGTON — In June of 1975, Howard and Anna John brought their four children from Philadelphia and arrived in Leamington. Shortly after arrival, they opened the Happy In on Talbot Street West, where Arby’s now sits today.
The family built the current restaurant at 139 Talbot Street West in 1985 and opened at that location in 1986, with an expanded capacity for dine-in customers. Some 45 years after it all began, the Happy In era is coming to an end.
The John family, from left Terrell, Jenith, Anna and Steve.
June 20 will be their last day serving the customers of Leamington and surrounding area. The building has been sold to a local restaurant chain, which will take over the property at the end of this month. For Steve John and his three siblings, the restaurant became their lives. Steve stayed in town while his siblings eventually moved away, but the family still gets together at the restaurant as much as possible. Howard John passed away in 2012. His wife Anna still works in the restaurant to this day. “It’s a true family business,” says Steve, whose wife and children still help out at the restaurant. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Happy In has learned to adjust to the times, offering takeout and delivery. Steve says
it’s steady. “We still have people from as far away as London call in takeout orders,” he says. Those loyal customers are usually Leamington natives who have moved to other cities, but still want that hometown taste. The Happy In’s original location had a loyal following as well. It was the place to go after the bars closed on the weekends. “We used to have a lot of fun with our customers late at night,” said Steve. “Those late-night customers just don’t happen anymore.” They’re grateful to the community for the support over the years and Steve points out that they’ve tried their best to give back to the community as well. “We’ve sponsored a lot of hockey, baseball and soccer teams over the 45 years,” he said. “Ours kids grew up here.” When June 20 rolls around, he expects to be inundated with takeout orders from people wanting to get one final taste of the Happy In cuisine. “Thanks to this community,” he said. “We are blessed.”
Sun photo
Announcements
Happy 100th Birthday Marion Thompson Born June 15, 1920 in High River Alberta
IN MEMORIAM
In Loving Memory of
Danny abDul-Massih June 9, 1980 – February 3, 2011
C-K Police asking for public help
Time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you are never gone. We think about you always, We talk about you too. We have so many memories, But we wish we still had you.
With Love from your Family and Friends
IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of
SHERRA HOWE
March 1984 - June 2005 • 15 Years Will spring’s cheerful flowers bring life anew And allow us to forget the agony of missing you? Will spring’s burst of new life bring fresh hope And teach our grieving souls how to cope? We look at our photos of your playful smiling face And for a moment we escape to a serene, happy place, Remembering the laughter and all you would do, Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you. For all the remaining seasons of our life on earth There’ll be days we miss your merriment and mirth. We’ll sadly long for all those yesterdays Missing your quirky sense of humour and your understanding ways. Although our life’s journeys have bid us to be apart We are with you and you are with us Always in our hearts. Love Mom, Dad and Adam
Steve John behind the bar at Happy In, in the late 1980s.
Happy Birthday Danny. We love you and miss you so much. Love your family. IN MEMORIAM In Loving Memory of
Keith W. Muldoon
WHEATLEY — Shortly after 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, an officer on general patrol was operating a marked cruiser through the intersection of Erie Street and Talbot Road in Wheatley, when a small grey Honda Civic turned in front of her causing a collision. Luckily, the officer was not injured. The driver fled the scene and the vehicle was located a short time later, abandoned, on Julien
Street. Police are looking for assistance in identifying the person driving at the time of the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Amy McClellan atamym@chatham-kent. ca or 519-436-6600 extension #87214. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
IN MEMORIAM
RACHEL NICOLE CORNIES In God’s loving care since June 12, 2000
June 13, 2015
May the winds of heaven blow softly, And whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here. Always loved and never forgotten
Barb, Tim and Lisa, Emma and Pet Lily
Love lives on forever In each memory and thought Of our special one who meant so much And the happiness she brought. Love lives on forever It will never fade away For in our hearts, dear Rachel, You are with us every day. Lovingly remembered by Daddy, Opa and Oma Cornies, uncles, aunts and cousins. “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart”. Isaiah 40:11
