http://www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com/

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

08/28/2026

Clarke: James Joseph -

A resident of Chatham, Joe Clarke passed away peacefully with family at his side at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on August 27, 2026 at the age of 83.

Born in Chatham, Joe was the son of the late James and Eva (née Tennant) Clarke.

Reunited with wife Sandra and leaving behind best friend Sherryl Pratt.

Father to Colleen (Nick) Cresta and Melinda (Sean) Slaney.

Grandfather to several.

Brother to Gerald (Cindy) Clarke, Vernon (Shari) Clarke, Owen (April) Clarke and Isabelle (Lorne) Hitchcock.

Predeacsed by sister Eva Marg (Vern) Toulouse.

Joe will be missed by many nieces , nephews and friends.

Joe loved to tell stories and enjoyed having company. He loved to go on car adventures with his partner Sherryl and his pastime passion was watching wrestling or putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Joe's wishes were to be buried with his late wife Sandra at St. Anthony Cemetery on September 3, 2026 at 2:00pm. All are welcome to attend.

Donations made in memory of Joe to a charity of your choice 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

08/28/2026

Speed: Terry Letson -

A resident of Chatham and formerly of Aylmer, Terry Speed passed away peacefully with family by his side at Riverview Gardens on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the age of 71.

Born in Chatham, Terry was the son of the late Billy and Mary Lou (née Holdaway) Speed.

Beloved husband of 45 years to the late Debra Speed (née Labadie) (2025).

Loving father of the late Andrew Billy Letson Speed (2017).

Dear brother to Alan Speed (Beth), Ann Burleigh (the late Don), Pat Rabideau (Dwight) and Amy Lupa.

Brother-in-law to Tim Labadie (Tracy) and Kelly Bolton (Derek).

Son-in-law to Jack Labadie (Louise) and Patricia Rose (nee Moore).

Treasured uncle to many nieces, nephews and their children.

Also missed by many friends and extended family.

Terry was a Pastor at Creekside Community Church in Aylmer for 25 years. Terry and Deb also worked as missionaries through Youth With A Mission, Turner Valley, Alberta. They carried the Word of God to Burma and Switzerland. Most recently, Terry attended Word of Life Church in Blenheim.

Terry will be remembered for his dedication to his faith and family as well as his memorable practical jokes.

Family will receive friend at the Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown on Monday, August 31, 2026 from 11:00am until the Funeral Service at 1:00pm. Interment to follow at Morpeth Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Terry to the Word of Life Soup Kitchen, Blenheim 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

08/27/2026

Grant: Doris Isabelle (née Stevens) -

A lifelong resident of Highgate, Doris Grant passed away at the Village on the Ridge, Ridgetown on Monday, August 24, 2026, the day before her 98th birthday.

Born in Orford Township, Doris was the daughter of the late Harry and Blanche (née Lewis) Stevens.

Beloved wife of the late Alvin Charles Grant (1983).

Dear mother of the late Elaine Grant (2018) and the late Gerald Grant (2021) (Pat).

Proud Grandma to Gary Grant (Dawn) and Gordie Grant.

Much loved Granny of Lauren, Garren; Brooke, Morgan and Darcy.

Predeceased by her brother Gordon Stevens (1964).

Also missed by friends and extended family.

Doris had been an active member of the former Highgate United Church and enjoyed her time volunteering with the Mary Webb Centre. Doris was never afraid to speak her mind, a trait she passed on to many generations of her family.

A Private family service will be held for Doris at Gosnell Cemetery, Highgate at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Doris to the Mary Webb Centre 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

08/26/2026

Jenkins: William "Bill" Richard -

It is with heavy hearts that the family of William “Bill” Richard Jenkins Sr. announces his peaceful passing at Blenheim Community Village on August 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Picton, the son of Wilbur and Eleanor Jenkins, Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the loving husband of Karlyn (née Lautamus) and a cherished father to Bill Jenkins Jr. and the late Jim Jenkins. He will be forever loved and remembered by his granddaughter Amanda and great-granddaughter Madison.

He will be dearly missed by his sister, Janet Heaven of Belleville

Bill proudly dedicated more than 30 years of his working life to the Ministry of Natural Resources before his retirement. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and many of his happiest memories were made outdoors, surrounded by family, friends, and the warmth of a guitar around the campfire.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Blenheim Community Village for the care, kindness, and compassion shown to Bill and his family.

Cremation has taken place, and Bill will be celebrated and remembered privately by his family.

Donations made in memory of Bill to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada 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

08/24/2026

Gamester: Frederick Robert

A resident of Chatham, Fred Gamester passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 at the age of 97.

Born in London, England, Fred was the son of the late Robert and Amy (née Roycroft) Gamester.

Beloved husband of the late Marian Elizabeth (née Keane) Gamester.

Survived by step-daughters Janet Osborne (Alex), and Jennifer McKeon. Predeceased by son Stephen Gamester, and step-son David McKeon.

Proud Grandfather to Katie McKeon (Ryan), Laurel Osborne, Lisa Deck (Tom), Kaela McKeon (John), and Rebecca Catchpole (Tim).

Papa to Great-Grandson Liam Deck.

He will be sadly missed by his sister Ure Bliss and her children Christine, Wendy and David (Janet), nephews Freddie, Robert, Richard, Jimmy and niece Sherri. Predeceased by sister Pat Torrance and nephew Maurice.

A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church, 80 Wellington Street West, Chatham, ON, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Burial to follow for both Fred and Marian at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

Donations made in memory of Fred to the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 465, Merlin, 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

08/17/2026

Rose: Douglas Loyd Ceville 'Doug' -

A resident of Blenheim and surrounding area, Doug Rose passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus with family at his side on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the age of 78.

Born in Chatham, Doug was the son of Ceville and Betty (née Clayton) Rose.

Lovingly shared 37 years with Lisa Rose (née Schoonjans).

Loving father of Darren Coll, William Rose, Ricky Rose, Doug Rose, Jr., Andy Rose, John Rose, the late Alex Wightman (2026) and Jessey Wightman.

Proud grandfather to many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Doug enjoyed working on cars, hunting, fishing and playing cards on Friday nights with family and friends.

Doug will be remembered for his sense of humour and his unfiltered truth.

As per Doug's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Graveside Service will be held for Doug at Trinity Anglican Cemetery, 13232 Talbot Trail Morpeth on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will continue at Jack's Restaurant, 27 Chatham St N., Blenheim from 2:00pm - 3:30pm.

Donations made in memory of Doug to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

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

08/17/2026

Obituary of Benny Spence

Benjamin Franklin Spence (Benny) passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the age of 84. Predeceased by his parents Garnet and Hilda (Bowman) Spence.

Beloved husband of Ruth Ann (Zimmer) for 61 years and father to Darrin (Susan) and Brendan (Janee), Jen (Brad) and Jordan (Michelle).

Survived by his loving grandchildren Devin (Hannah) and Holden Spence, Grant and Ashlynn Spence, Brady, Cooper and Spencer Heschuk, Cameron and Carson Spence. Predeceased by grandson Craig Spence in April 2024.

Also survived by his loving great-grandchildren Mason, Hattie, Hazel and Sutton and many nieces and nephews.

Ben will be missed by his brother Walter Spence (Helen predeceased) and sister Rosemary Larkin (Tim predeceased)

Benny farmed all his life. It was his passion- raising livestock, growing hay, and cultivating crops. He devoted his life to his land working hard to support his family. He ‘retired’ over a decade ago, but still enjoyed his favourite pastime, a daily crop tour around his farm checking his crops, listening to his favourite Polka music with a cold Lakeport in hand.

A devoted lifetime member of St Michael’s Catholic Church, Benny also proudly served on the St. Michael’s Cemetery Board for over 50 years.

Benny loved to spend time chatting with his neighbours and friends about current events, daily farm markets and gas prices. His humour and wisdom of the good old days will be greatly missed.

The Funeral Mass for Benny will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown on Friday, August 21, at 11am. Interment to follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Benny to the Craig Spence Foundation or 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

08/15/2026

Anderson: Ruby Ann (née Pihach) -

A resident of Chatham, Ruby Anderson passed away peacefully with family at her side and was called home to her Lord and Saviour on August 12, 2026 at the age of 97.

Born in Pelham Township, Ruby was the daughter of the late Michael and Annie (née Kurlia) Pihach.

Loving mother to Vince (Mary Lynn), Thomas (Charlene), Laura (Dale) and Maureen.

Grandma to Christopher (Melissa), Danielle (Jamey) and Mia.

Adored GiGi to 6.

Predeceased by her siblings Margaret, Jennie, Stephanie, George and Vada.

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

Ruby was loved by everyone who met her. She was a staple in her community, volunteering in the soup kitchen, the CWL, and many other organizations. Ruby was a phenomenal cook and baker, her ability to knit was unparalleled. She was a birder and loved to educate her children and grand children on the birds she saw. Everyone knew she was on do not disturb at 4:30 for her daily rum and coke and her favorite soap opera. Ruby loved her family more than anything and enjoyed every family function.

Ruby's wishes were to be cremated and buried with her sister.

Donations made in memory of Ruby to the Chatham Outreach For Hunger 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

08/15/2026

Douglas Donald Ross “Doug”

January 31, 1957 - August 12, 2026

Doug passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Chatham Kent Health Alliance, Chatham. He leaves behind his best friend and love of his life, Nancy (Kelly). He was the beloved father of daughter, Chelsea (Michael).

Doug was the son of the late J.D. and Jessie Ross. Dear son-in- law of the late Robert and Marjorie Kelly. Dear brother to Suzanne (Ray), Terry (Barb) and Fay (Alan). Brother-in-law of Robert (Beth), Thomas, Eugene (Louanne).

He will be missed by his nieces and nephews and many friends.

Doug was a kind, compassionate, humourous, and fiercely loyal man who worked hard his whole life. He loved his farming background growing up in Palmerston area, and never met a tractor he didn’t like. He spent many years hauling tomatoes during harvest season. His love of trains and aircraft were well known. He was a certified member of a search and rescue group (CASARA) and was trained as a military spotter, fueling his love for the C 130 Hercules. However, the most important thing to Doug was always his family and friends.

He would do anything to help people and enjoyed telling stories and jokes. Doug loved retirement and went on many trips around Canada and many cruises around the Caribbean.

Following Doug’s wishes, there will be a private family service. Cremation has taken place.

If anyone wishes to make a donation in Doug’s memory, please consider the Multi Transplant Unit at London Health Sciences Centre or PAWS. Funeral details entrusted to McKinlay Funeral
Home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham.

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

08/14/2026

Cecile Wortner

It is with great sadness the family of Cecilia 'Cecile' Wortner (nee Cernanec) announce her passing with her family by her side at Riverview Gardens Nursing Home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the age of 91.

She was the daughter of the late John & Maria (nee Harant) Cernanec.

Lovingly reunited with her husband of 64 years, George Wortner (2017) and daughter, Lynda Mae Raymond (2013).

Remembered always by her son, Peter Wortner (Linda).

Proud grandmother of Andrew Lucan (Nikki) and Jonathan Wortner, Timothy Wortner and Nathaniel Wortner.

Great-grandmother to Brett Lucan and Hunter Lucan.

Sister of Anne Manak, the late Stan Cernanec (Carole), Steve Cernanec (Pat), and Mary Lutzer (Cliff) and predeceased by infant brother Andrew.

Sister-in-law to Stanley Wortner (Clara).

Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Cecile was deeply involved with operating Wortner Gun Works alongside George. She was devote Parishioner of St. Ursula's Catholic Church, serving as an Eucharistic Minister during Communion and with the Catholic Women's League for many years. Cecile was a proud member of the Chatham Quilt Guild and in her younger years, she enjoyed Black Powder Target, and Trap Shooting. She loved caring for her family, cooking wonderful meals with love and baked goods to share. Her pies and tarts were favourite recipes amongst family and friends. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and church community.

Friends are to be received on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at St. Ursula's Parish, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave West, Chatham at 11:00 am. Burial to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

In memory of Cecile, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.

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

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

McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.

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