James Thomas Seney

1935 – 2024

James Thomas Seney, a lifetime resident of Merlin, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the Blenheim Community Village – Retirement Residence at the age of 89.

Beloved husband of 65 years to the love of his life, the late Nancy Jean Seney. Dear father of the late Michael Seney (2024), Janice Presley (Tom), Carolyn Fenton (Paul), and Judy Fisher (Don). Cherished grandfather of Colin, Jeremy, Ryan (Tabitha), Jonathan (Morgan), Shana (Jason), Emilee (Jordan), Blake (Whitney), Reid (Bryar), Jeffery (Kendra), Bradley (Danielle), and predeceased by grandson Jason. Adored great-grandfather of Bianca, Kayden, Ryder, Jona, Clare, Nolan, Axel, Ozzy, Olivia, and Owen.

James retired after over 30 years of service as a Supervisor at the Southwestern Regional Centre. He was an active member of the Merlin Legion and a devoted member of the Merlin United Church. His dedication to the community included serving on the Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers, working as a Township Councillor for Raleigh Township, and supporting the Kinsmen’s K40 Club.

James enjoyed many passions, including cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Maple Leafs, golfing, bowling, darts, playing cards, and spending time at Wildwood by the Lake. He had a love for dancing, singing at special occasions, and making cherished memories with his family, which he treasured deeply.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Merlin Cemetery. Donations in James’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or Merlin United Church are greatly appreciated.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Howard Ivan Ramsdale

1933 - December 26, 2024

Howard Ivan Ramsdale, a resident of Charing Cross, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Raleigh Township, Howard was the son of Boyd and Eileen (née Sykes) Ramsdale.

Beloved husband of 68 years to Henriette ‘Rita’ (née Israels). Father of Wayne Howard Ramsdale (Catherine Lee) and Michael William Ramsdale (Maggie Sanford). Predeceased by his infant son, Thomas Daniel Ramsdale (1970). Cherished Papa to Derick, Jesse, and predeceased by his granddaughter Krystal. Great Grandfather to Adrianne, Morgan, and great-grandson Lucas, and predeceased by Willow.

Survived by his sister Mary Konowich and predeceased by her husband John Konowich, as well as siblings Charlotte and Charlie Day, Eva and Lloyd Coatsworth, and George and Marion Ramsdale.

Howard had a long career as a general machinist for over 40 years in Chatham-Kent. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trapper, proud to be one with the land that gave so much to him. His stewardship and commitment to the environment will live on forever.

Arrangements for Howard’s Celebration of Life will be announced shortly by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Howard's memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home, Blenheim.

Gordon Kenneth Maschke

1944 – 2024

Gordon Kenneth Maschke, a resident of Chatham, passed away at Riverview Gardens on December 23, 2024, at the age of 80. Born in Maynooth, Ontario, Gordon was the son of the late Charles and Anna Maschke. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret Maschke (nee Munger).

Gordon is survived by his son Karl Maschke and Karl’s fiancée Georgina, along with their children Gustave and Payton. He is also survived by his sister Leona and brother-in-law Bill, as well as many nieces and nephews. Gordon will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gordon enjoyed riding his motorcycle, building model planes, playing the accordion, and cheering for the Montreal Canadiens. A celebration of his life will be held in Maynooth, Ontario, at a later date.

Donations made in Gordon's memory to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to McKinlay Funeral Home, Chatham.

Marion Irene Brisley

1923 – December 20, 2024

A lifelong resident of Harwich Township, Irene Brisley (née Gammage) passed away peacefully at Copper Terrace Nursing Home on December 20, 2024, at the remarkable age of 101. Born in Middleville, Michigan, Irene was the daughter of the late William and Mary (née Want) Gammage.

Beloved wife of the late Harvey Brisley (1998). Loving mother of Norma Ryan (late William) and William Brisley (Joan). Proud grandmother to David, Lisa, Crystal, Cindy, Amie, Paul, and Sorin, and a proud and loving great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother to many.

Irene was predeceased by her sister Edith Gillier and her brothers Tom, Clarence, Earl, and Roy, as well as many members of the Wills family, her extended stepfamily. Irene will be forever remembered for her love of making quilts, growing flowers, and playing games of all kinds. She especially enjoyed euchre, bingo, and spending time with family.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Prins, Dr. Tomen, and the staff at Copper Terrace for the exceptional care provided to Irene.

Family and friends are invited to gather at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service to celebrate Irene’s life at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Chatham.

Donations made in memory of Irene to the Gathering Place Community Church in Ridgetown would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Jackie Crow (née Belanger)

1955 – December 2024

Jacqueline Marie Crow (née Belanger) passed away peacefully in her 68th year after a brief battle with cancer. Surrounded by her family, Jackie left this world as she had lived it—surrounded by love.

Born in 1955 to Roland and Yvonne (née Trudell), Jackie grew up on the family farm, fostering a lifelong love for gardening, cooking, and the joys of rural life. At just 15, she met the love of her life, Brian, and their inseparable bond lasted over 50 years until his passing in 2023. Together, they built a life centered on family and love.

Jackie was a devoted mother to her sons Jeff (Lyne) and Jason (Anna) and a cherished grandmother to Jules, Gabriella, and Charlie. She shared her joy of family with her siblings, the late Chuck Bélanger (Elaine), Claire Vickery (Dan), Denise Desrochers (Denis), Louise Aitken (Dan), Marie Cadotte, and the late Diane Bélanger (Jim Britnell). Jackie will also be missed by her nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Jackie enjoyed a successful career at Union Gas in Chatham, rising to managerial roles and earning respect for her dedication and leadership. Despite her professional success, her true joy came from time spent with family, whether preparing home-cooked meals or attending her sons’ hockey games, where she formed lifelong friendships.

As a caregiver, Jackie devoted herself to supporting her loved ones during their illnesses, including her husband Brian during his health struggles. Her legacy of love, generosity, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair Street, Chatham.

A private family interment will take place at Immaculée Conception Cemetery at a later date.

Donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. Online condolences can be shared at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements entrusted to McKinlay Funeral Home, Chatham.

Clifford Jackson

1936 – 2024

Clifford Isaac Jackson, a resident of Chatham, passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 88.

Born in Howard Township, Clifford was the son of the late Orlo “Pete” and Neva (née Merritt) Jackson. He was the beloved husband of 60 years to the late Audrey Jackson (née German) (2017) and cherished father to Brian Jackson (Rose) of Wheatley and Darlene Breschetti (Claudio) of Chatham. Proud Grandpa of Derek Breschetti (Tiffany), Julie Jackson (fiancé Jason), and Duane Breschetti (Jessica). Great-Grandpa to Cohen McTavish and Nora Breschetti, and Step-Grandpa to Debbie, Rochelle, and Tammy, along with many great-grandchildren.

Clifford is survived by siblings Lloyd Jackson (Joanne), Jean Burk, Doris Tengelis (late John), and sister-in-law Lillian Jackson. He was predeceased by siblings Leo Jackson, Herb Jackson (late Frances), Gloria Ripley (late Melvin), Velma Miklos, and Glen Jackson. Clifford will also be missed by nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

After over 30 years of service with Siemens, Clifford retired and pursued his love for carpentry, a skill he inherited from his father. Clifford was happiest in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and listening to country music with family and friends.

Special thanks to the staff of the 3rd floor Continuing Care at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their excellent care and compassion. Cremation has taken place, with a private family interment to be held at Christ Church at a later date.

Donations in memory of Clifford may be made to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or Christ Church. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.

Tom Ellis

1948 – 2024

Tom Ellis of Chatham passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, in his 77th year, with his beloved wife of 55 years, Deanna (née Turner), by his side. Loving father and father-in-law of Patti Ellis and Cedar Lewisohn of London, England; Colette and Jonathan Lienhard of Warrenton, Virginia; and Trevor and Susan Ellis of Pain Court, Ontario.

Tom was incredibly proud of his grandsons: Aidan and Everett Ellis; Charlie, Michael, and James Lienhard; and his favorite granddaughter, Grace Ellis. They were the lights of his life, and he took immense pride in watching each of them grow and mature.

Tom was one of seven children born to the late Irene (née McNiff) and Pat Ellis. He is survived by his siblings Mike and Carol Ellis; Jill Ellis and Diane Delage; Karen and Mike Pepper; Colleen and Rob Furneaux; and Kelly and Dave Peardon. He is predeceased by his brother, Danny Ellis (late Rose). Fondly remembered by Deanna’s family: Roy Turner (late Marie Lou Langlois); Iain and Irene Turner; Karen (late Bill Heathcote); Sheila and Ken Embury. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Edwin and Georgina Turner.

Growing up in Dover Centre, Tom often reflected fondly on the joys of his childhood, a place where he later raised his family before moving to Chatham. He found joy on the golf course with friends, cherished hunting and motorcycle trips, and loved the camaraderie of playing cards. The smell of his famous spaghetti and meatballs will remain a warm memory for many, as will his readiness to lend a hand with construction projects, showcasing his skills and generosity. Proud of his trucking career, he often joked about having backed up further than most people have driven forward.

In retirement, Tom’s spirit shone through in his countless acts of kindness, unwavering support for his grandchildren’s sports events, and the delight he found in special trips to Chick-fil-A with his grandsons in Virginia. His mornings were brightened by laughter and friendship with his cherished coffee group, where he shared hearty jokes and good conversations. He looked forward to his weekly outings at the Legion, always ensuring his friends arrived home safely.

In tribute to his wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date, allowing those who loved him to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Donations made in memory of Tom to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McKinlay Funeral Home.