John Chatham

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In Memory of

John Chatham

May 3rd, 1948 - August 27th, 2025

Obituary
Condolences

Place of Death

Ripley, Ontario

Obituary

John Chatham, beloved husband of Pat Chatham, of Ripley, passed away suddenly on Wednesday August 27, 2025 at the age of 77. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, on May 3, 1948, son of the late Bill and Helen Chatham. Greatly missed by 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 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 fulltime lead mechanic position at H Kerr Construction in Wingham Ontario, where he stayed for over 35 years. John was most known for his dedication and on-going presence at Ripley Huron Branch 440 Legion where he was an outstanding member for 42 years joining June 15, 1983. During that time, he filled the role of bar steward, Sargent of 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, fall fair, wing nights and other Legion services only solidified the pride he felt representing his branch-always with a gentle demeanor 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 Legion on Saturday September 13, 2025 at 1pm, followed by a celebration of life from 2-5 PM with memories shared at 3 PM.

Donations

Please select one of the family's preferred charities:

Royal Canadian Legion Br. 440 (Ripley)

Ripley and District Fire Fighters Association

You can also select the charity of your choice below:

Click to send flowers Leave a Condolence

Message from Margaret Thompson and Dona Cove2025-09-14 15:40:49

Deepest sympathy Pat and family. Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories. Marg & Dona

Message from Al and Fran Edwards2025-09-08 19:27:18

Pat,Brent, Joanne and Jake, We are so very sorry for your loss. John will be missed by all. Hold your memories close during this sad time.

Message from Carol Fludder & Family2025-09-07 04:21:51

Pat & family - our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. so sorry the hear of John's passing - our thoughts & prayers are with you .

Message from Nikki & Kevin Taylor2025-09-06 16:20:24

We are thinking of you at this time. John was a kind man who gave so much to his community. His spirt will not be forgotten.

Message from Donald Lillian Pollard2025-09-06 08:33:07

Pat and Brent and family Condolence On Johns passing He will be missed Donald Lillian Pollard

Message from Jim and Mary Murr2025-09-04 08:49:02

Our deepest sympathy to Pat,Brent,Joanna and all of John's family.It is a great loss to the community.

Message from Janice Matchett2025-09-03 13:40:29

I have known John for many years. His dedication to the Legion was very obvious from day one. Always greeted with a smile ...such a tremendous person and a great loss to the community and family.

Message from The McLean Family, Mary Lynn, Debbie and Dennis Wylds, Brenda and Betty Jean.2025-09-03 11:06:23

Our deepest sympathy to all on the passing of John. He will be greatly missed by all.

Message from Jason Hulzebos2025-09-02 22:36:48

Dear the Chatham Family, Hi its Jason Hulzebos from Blyth,Ontario I'm sorry for your loss you guys.

Message from Bill and Luanne Kerr2025-09-02 22:16:05

Dear Pat and Brent and family I was quite surprised and saddened to hear of Johns passing. I worked with John during his long and faithful career at H Kerr Construction in Wingham. He was a great mechanic and could fix anything. I knew of his dedication to serving the Ripley legion and I’m sure he will be greatly missed by the members there as well as the community. Always considered him a good friend.

Message from Dianne Heinisch2025-09-02 17:34:24

Dear Pat and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May happier memories help ease the pain in the future.

Message from Sue Riley-President Hensall Branch 4682025-09-02 14:03:58

Deepest condolences are sent on behalf of Hensall Legion Branch 468 on the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Message from Eric Ross2025-09-02 13:17:57

Sorry to read of John's passing. I always enjoyed our legion time and banter about mechanical repairs. John passion for veterans needs and fellow comrades was second to none and his home branch 440 Ripley.

Message from Donna and Perry Elliott 2025-09-02 13:17:18

So very sorry to hear of Johns passing! He will truly be missed by many! Our community has lost a good one! Thinking of Pat and the entire family!

Message from Shelley Dawn Dinsmore2025-09-02 11:55:38

Dear Pat and Family I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Sorry Pat i can't attend in person as I am out of town but truly thinking of you. Hold the memories of John close to your hearts and he will be with you always ♥️ Shelley Dinsmore

Message from Diana, Cayle & Jack Budd2025-09-02 11:35:18

Aunty Pat, Brent, Joanna & Jake, you are all in our thoughts. John was the best, loved by anyone that knew him and liked by anyone that just knew his smile. He will be greatly missed. xoxo

Message from Andy Wellwood2025-09-02 09:27:30

Condolences to John's family. His leadership and knowledge will be missed. Enjoyed talking to John.

Message from Dennis Schmidt2025-09-02 09:17:45

Our sincerest condolences to the family. John was a great Legion individual and always had a welcoming smile when greeting us.

Message from george kerr2025-09-02 09:09:17

Sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was a valued employee of H Kerr construction for over 35 years and we missed him greatly when he retired.

Message from Mike and Laurie Gallant2025-09-02 09:05:13

Pat, Brent, Joanna Our sincerest sympathies on your loss.

Message from Jean & Ian MacDonald2025-09-02 07:51:52

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our sincere sympathy to Pat and his family.

Message from Sandra Benbow2025-09-01 22:41:06

Pat and family, John will be deeply missed. His gentle manner and warm smile that welcomed everyone that walked through the doors at Branch 440 Ripley will be missed. He was a mentor to many and, my life was blessed and enriched knowing him. My deepest and, heartfelt condolences to you all.

Message from Ria Middelkamp2025-09-01 22:13:37

Pat, My sincere condolences to you and your family with the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. i often saw him working at the legion on my walks through town, said hi or had a little chat. He will be missed by his family and by the community.

Message from Michelle Elliott2025-09-01 20:53:29

My deepest condolences are with you all. John was a great man

Message from Randi and Dave Charette 2025-09-01 20:23:24

Pat, Brent, Jo and Jake, Our most sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your husband/father and grandfather. Having just lost my dad 3 months ago, I completely understand your heartache. May all of your wonderful memories of John help you in the coming days, weeks and months. He will be missed.

Message from Roy Griffin2025-09-01 17:13:05

Pat and family, When I first moved to Ripley and joined the Legion, John was one of the first to step up and help me get involved. He showed immense respect for the Legion and its members. He will be deeply missed. Losing a life partner is never easy—lean on your loved ones for support during this time. Roy

Message from Jeff, Maryellen, Taylor & Ty Pollard2025-09-01 17:08:24

Pat, Brent, Jo and Jake, We're so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him terribly. The community will also miss him. His support at the Legion was so appreciated. We always knew who to call if we had a question about the Legion. I hope the many memories you have made as a family will help ease the burden of grief. I hope he and Tara are reunited and watching over your family together. With Sincere Condolence, The Pollards

Message from Dwight and Amy Irwin2025-09-01 17:00:30

Pat, Brent, Jo and Jake, we are so sorry for your loss. John was a pillar of our community and will be greatly missed by us all.

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