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McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd., 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON (2026)

10/18/2026

A Little Snippet of a Day in Our Life — Setting Up at the Cemetery

We are often entrusted with the final arrangements for a loved one, whether that involves a graveside service following cremation or a cemetery service after a funeral where cremation has been chosen.

Today, we wanted to share a glimpse of a typical cemetery setup, demonstrated by Brian Carney. We offer families the comfort and flexibility to honour their loved one in a way that feels meaningful to them. Our setup can include a tent for shelter, chairs for family and friends, a lectern for those wishing to share a few words, and a Bluetooth speaker for special music or a microphone when a larger gathering is expected.

What you don’t see in this video is one of the most important parts of our commitment: remaining with your loved one until all arrangements at the cemetery have been completed.

Because our care doesn't end when the service concludes. The trust you place in us is a responsibility we honour until the very last moment.

10/17/2026

Robert William Fletcher

March 20, 1937 - October 15, 2026

Robert (Bob) Fletcher was born to George and Isabella Fletcher on March 20, 1937, the oldest of five siblings. He was raised on a farm in Valletta, Ontario and enjoyed plowing competitively in plowing matches as a young man. After high school at the age of 18 he began to work in the automotive parts industry with Donaldson Company in Chatham. He married Lenore Stevenson of Merlin in 1960 and they resided in Chatham for the rest of their lives. The company changed names several times during his time there: Canadian Filters, Canadian Fram, Bendix and Allied Signal. He started out doing time studies, industrial engineering and materials management and eventually advanced to be Director of Operations, responsible for over 1200 employees, many of which he had hired. When walking down the street with him it seemed like he had worked with half of Kent County at one time or another.

He ‘retired’ in 1987 and was hired by Fabco to start a greenfield automotive parts plant in Ridgetown and help hire and train the first 150 employees.

Bob was an early adopter of personal computers and in the early 1990’s switched careers and acted as a consultant to medical organizations, specializing in electronic medical records and voice recognition software for physicians. Seeing the need for more physicians and other health care workers in the communities of Chatham-Kent he was part of a small group which worked on getting a Family Health Team started locally. This came to fruition in 2006 with the creation of the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team and he served on the Board of Directors for its first twelve years.

He was a long-time member and elder at First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed singing in the choir and greeting newcomers. In 2001 he was instrumental in getting the Church’s Saturday breakfast program approved and off the ground. It continues to serve approximately 140 people weekly, helping to meet needs in the community.

Bob always valued his friends as well as his extended family. He always seemed to know who was related to who and how. In his leisure time Bob enjoyed camping, sing-songs, boxer dogs, the Maple Leafs and being with family and friends (especially if dessert was involved).

Following his dementia diagnosis in 2025 Bob needed some help with daily life. The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Denys, the staff at St Andrew’s Residence, the staff at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, Wanda Grison and other friends for caring for Bob with kindness and humour.

Bob was predeceased by Lenore (2012). Father of Keith (Margaret Penner) of Huntsville and Kathy Davidson (Mike) of Chatham. Grandpa to Elizabeth Fletcher (Rick Helgason) of Kingston and Sarah Belfry (Ben) of Huntsville, Jennifer Almeida of Kitchener and Corey Davidson of Toronto. Survived by sister Jeanne Butchart of North Bay and by sister-in-law Sandra Skipper of Chatham. Also survived by nieces and nephews Dale Skipper (Marcela Rebolledo ), Beverlee Griffith (Jeff), Shannon Mascioli (Matt), Susan Vlasschaert (Frank) and Steve Fletcher (Linda).

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 60 5th St, Chatham at 11:00am on Monday, October 26, 2026. A Reception will follow at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair Street, Chatham. Interment to follow the reception at Stewart Cemetery, Merlin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the First Presbyterian Church Breakfast Program, St Andrew’s Residence or the charity of your choice.

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040

10/17/2026

Louella Norene Fleming

Louella Fleming, formerly of Blenheim, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 11th, 2026, at Riverview Gardens, Chatham.

Born in Harwich Township on August 11, 1923, to the late Samuel Green and Mary Ethel Duddy. She lived a rich and wonderful 103 years.

Beloved wife of the late Peter Anderson Fleming (2017). Loving mother of Sandra (Ron), Peter (Monika), Karen (Michael), and Mary (Guy).

Dear grandmother of Angie, Connie, Helena (Andrew), Candace, and Rebecca; Sheri (Michael, 2018), Allison (Taner), Myla (Adrian); Kara (Luke), Kristopher (Marlo), Ryan, and Meaghan (Nathan), as well as step-grandchildren Darryl, Donna, and Debra.

Surviving her are eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and her dear sister-in-law Donna Miller.

Predeceased by her sister Mary McTavish and her brothers Tom and George (Dode) Green.

She will be dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews. A special mention to Dawn Ann, who faithfully kept in touch by phone with her Aunt every month.

Louella was a faithful worshipper of Jehovah since her baptism in July 1959 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She spent many hours preaching and teaching the Bible alongside her devoted husband. She set the finest example for her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother. After raising her family in Rodney for ten years, she moved to Cornwall and subsequently to Quebec, where she learned to speak French and taught her children to love Jehovah, helping many others to serve and love Jehovah along the way. Mom and Dad returned to Blenheim upon retirement in 1986. She leaves behind many cherished friends, including her best friend, Gloria.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the 4th West nursing staff of Riverview Gardens for looking after her so wonderfully for over ten years—especially Wendy, Giselle, Stacie, and Lally, who were there from the very beginning.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 9375 River Line, Chatham on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Details to the Memorial Service from the Kingdom Hall added below:

Zoom ID 937 702 386
Pass Code 455 036

Donations in memory of Louella may be made to the Watch Tower Society.

McKinlay Funeral Home
141 Park Street, Blenheim
519-676-3451

10/16/2026

Many people are surprised to find our fully licensed Reception Centre across the parking lot of our Chatham Funeral Home. This prompted us to post this little tour.

10/16/2026

Owen: Alfhild (Ally) (née Weishaupt) -

A resident of Chatham, Ally Owen passed away peacefully with family at her side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on October 9, 2026 at the age of 89.

Born in Germany, Ally was the daughter of the late Ewald and Johanna (née Weber) Weishaupt.

Beloved wife for 63 years to loving husband Richard.

Loving mother to David Owen (Olivia) and Sylvia Granville (Robert).

Adored nana to Samantha (Nathan) and Matthew Granville.

Great Gran to Aurora (Rory).

Predeceased by her three siblings.

She will be missed by her nephew Glyn Perrin, niece Ingrid Perrin and many friends.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at March of Dimes for their compassionate care towards Ally and her family.

Ally loved her job working in education. She started her career at WH Burgess in Wallaceburg and then found her calling at Indian Creek Road Public School, where she spent more than 25 years. She was a lover of books and strategy, spending many hours playing chess with her grandson. Ally enjoyed gardening and being with nature. She enjoyed having girl time with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter, having many talks about life and travel and even taking a trip together to England. Ally loved her family more than anything and she will be greatly missed.

Ally's wishes were to be cremated and to have a private family service.

Donations made in memory of Ally to Chatham Outreach For Hunger or The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040

10/15/2026

We highlight some of the equipment we have used in Funeral Service over the years.

10/14/2026

Coulter: Anita Leona (née Burton) -

A resident of Ridgetown, Anita Coulter passed away peacefully with family at her side at the Village on the Ridge on October 11, 2026 at the age of 86.

Born in Tilbury, Anita was the daughter of the late Harold and Anita (née Gutteridge) Burton.

Beloved wife of Verne for 63 years.

Loving mother to Cathy Tong, Sheila Breschetti and Kevin Coulter (Jo Ann).

Adored Grandma to 8 grandchildren.

Great Grandma to 1 with another one on the way.

Anita is predeceased by her two brothers, Jim and Philip.

She will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Anita was a phenomenal baker. She was known for her famous cheesecake and everyone was always asking for her pie crust recipe. She was a farm girl through and through. She knew what hard work and dedication was and made sure to pass on her work ethic and wisdom to her children and grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will take place at McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Gosnell Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Anita to the Turin United Church or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141

10/14/2026

Parkhouse, Scott

A resident of Chatham-Kent, Scott Parkhouse passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday, October 8th, 2026 at the age of 48.

Born in Chatham, Scott was the son of Don Parkhouse and Cathy Stranak (Martin).

Scott will forever be missed by his two daughters, Paige Wingrove (Alex) and Holly Parkhouse (Riley).

Grandpa Scott to Valera.

Dear brother of Jodi Clapp (Shawn), Anthony Stranak and Kyle Stranak.

Proud uncle of Zachary and Nicholas.

Nephew of Larry Clark (Betty Lou), the late Dan Clark, Kelly Parkhouse (Rene), Carol Prokop (Fred) and Pat Travis (Richard). Predeceased by uncle Randy Parkhouse.

Scott will be forever missed by his furry friends Luna and the late Bubba.

Scott was the proud owner and operator of Crystal Clear Watergardens for many years, providing his services throughout Southwestern Ontario. Outside of work, he cherished spending time with his beloved furry companion, Luna, and enjoying the company of his family. Scott found enjoyment in camping, watching the Trailer Park Boys, listening to music, and fishing. He was a simple man who appreciated life’s little pleasures and the time spent with those he loved.

Friends will be received at the funeral home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 1:00 pm until the Memorial Service time at 2:00 pm.

In memory of Scott, donations may be made to the Pet and Wildlife Rescue.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519 351 2040

10/14/2026

Neaves: Sharron Lynne (née Butler) -

A resident of London, Lynne Neaves passed away peacefully with family by her side at the London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital on October 8, 2026 at the age of 82.

Born in Chatham, Lynne was the daughter of the late Charles and Ilene (née Garlick) Butler.

Loving mother to Faith (Phil) Wellman, Scott (Marg) Neaves, Todd Neaves, and Aaron (Sandra) Neaves.

Cherished grandmother to Charity, Beau, Matt (Jen), Hope (Adam), Bailey (Cole), Mackenzie (Parker), and Sharon (Rashid).

Great-grandmother to Charissa, Brady, Hunter, Eddy, Samantha, Lyriq, Addalyn, Daeya, Brielle, Milla, Emee, Destiny, Desiree, Declan, Zoey, Janie, Zeke, Mila, and Max.

Great-great-grandmother to Timothy.

Sister to Sue Sparks (the late Ron), Chuck Butler (Linda), Gary Butler (Cathy), and Debora Gore.

Lynne is predeceased by her siblings, Jack Butler (the late Ruth Ann), Stanley Butler, Steve Butler (Janice), Barbara Strasburg (the late Mike), and Ruth Grant (Bob).

Deeply missed by her best friends, Diane Handsor (the late Marvin) and Shari Kinny.

She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

As per Lynne's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 12:00 pm, with visitation from 10:00 am until the service time. Interment to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

Donations made in memory of Lynne to Diabetes Canada or to the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent would be appreciated by the family.

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

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040

10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving, we hold space for those who are no longer with us, whose presence is missed and whose memories remain close to our hearts.

As we gather around the table, may we find comfort in remembering those we have lost and gratitude for those who sit beside us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, love and cherished memories.

McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.

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