JOHN CHATHAM

August 27, 2025

John Chatham, beloved husband of Pat Chatham of Ripley, died suddenly, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at the age of 77. Born May 3, 1948, in Montreal, Quebec, he was the son of the late Bill and Helen Chatham. Greatly missed by his son, Brent (Joanna) of Ripley; and grandson, Jake. Brother of Elizabeth Vezina (Gary King) of Montreal, Louise (Larry Reeves) of Kincardine, Daniel Chatham (Michelle Lagasse) of Winnipeg, and Andrew Chatham (Catherine Kilcoyne) of Cambridge. Brother-in-law of Virginia (Bob) Brown of Calgary, Charlene Einarson of Pickering and Laura Einarson of Uxbridge. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his daughter, Tara; and brother-in-law, Ken Einarson. John started his career as a mechanic, travelling throughout Quebec, Scarborough, Oshawa and British Columbia before he landed a full-time lead mechanic position at H. Kerr Construction in Wingham, where he stayed for more than 35 years. He was well-known for his dedication and ongoing presence at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 440, Ripley-Huron, where he was an outstanding member for 42 years, joining June 15, 1983. During that time, he filled the role of bar steward, Sergeant-at-Arms, and several presidencies until his passing. His commitment and loyalty to his Legion branch was know by everyone. His constant appearance at Remembrance Day ceremonies, bar shifts, the fall fair, wing nights and other Legion services, only solidified the pride he felt representing his branch - always with a gentle demeanour and welcoming smile. When John was not serving his community, he was home with his loving wife, Pat, cutting the grass, watching the birds from his porch, reading a book or having a cozy fire on a cold night. A Legion service will be held at the Ripley-Huron Legion, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life from 2-5 p.m., with memories shared at 3 p.m. Donations to the Ripley-Huron Legion or Ripley-Huron Firefighters Association, would be greatly appreciated as expressions of sympathy; arrangements entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley. Condolences on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.