McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.
459 St. Clair Street N7L 3K6 Chatham, ON, Canada

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at McKinlay's.

Woodlot preservation is a divisive topic these days. Chatham-Kent Council approved a motion last Monday evening, enacting a bylaw aimed at preventing clear cutting - for the next 120 days at the very least. An axe falls, and the rural-urban divide rises again. Agriculture is without doubt the bedrock of our local economy. When people ask about the changes within our own profession, I often draw the comparison to family farms. Hundred-acre farms have given way to thousands, i...n much the same manner as Funeral Homes in small communities have come together under one umbrella; to ensure the future of these gathering places. Often, one family has become the torchbearer for several. We are both involved in planting too a cheeky observation shared in the Funeral Home lobby a few too many times. Chatham-Kent has one of the lowest percentages of tree cover in all of Ontario. It is concerning. Stewardship is challenging and as local headlines reaffirm, a charged issue. Our encouragement to all is to support the reforestation efforts undertaken by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Seven Memorial Forests have been established under their purview. With little cluttering our calendars these days, consider exploring one of the forests below or make a donation to further their growth: Big Bend Memorial Forest at Big Bend Conservation Area, near Wardsville Badder & Robinson Memorial Forest at the Mosa Forest, near Bothwell Sharon Creek Memorial Forest at Sharon Creek Conservation, near Delaware McKinlay Woodlands ... A Living Memorial at the C. M. Wilson Conservation, near Chatham Rowsom’s Tilbury West Memorial Forest at Rowsom’s Tilbury West Conservation Area, near Tilbury Tilbury Northside Memorial Forest at Tilbury Northside Park, near Tilbury McKinlay Woodlands ... A Living Memorial at Merlin Conservation Area, in Merlin Alternatively, donations may be made to T.R.E.E.S. A Living Memorial through our firm. This initiative, located on Marsh Street in Ridgetown, was developed in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.

There Is A Season... In the summer of 2005, on a Sunday morning, my grandfather passed away. As we were making arrangements for a Wednesday funeral, that Tuesday afternoon, my grandmother, on my Mom’s side, died too. Her funeral was planned for the following Saturday morning. After a whirlwind week, I remembered mentioning to my wife that the funeral process moves very fast from the time someone is in our life, until we say goodbye, and they are gone. It has been said countle...ss times this year, we are in unprecedented times. Death marches on, grief sets into our hearts; that has not changed. With new protocols, restrictions and requirements, we help families navigate this new season of funeral service. From mandatory masks, x’s littering the carpet to mark out social distancing and the lack of hugs and kisses going around, we strive to bring a sense of normalcy to the families we serve. In the 1960’s, the band The Byrds recorded their hit single Turn, Turn, Turn. I am sure just mentioning the title, many of you are now humming the tune. The vast majority of the lyrics are taken from selected verses in the book of Ecclesiastes, from the Bible. Some include, For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; This is yet another season we are living through. Support for each other in our families and communities is vital; especially at a time of loss. When gathering for support of one another is now limited, take the time to reach out be email or a handwritten note. Take the time to register and come in person to the funeral home. Take the time to make an old-fashioned voice call and let them know you care. This is a season like no other, but with some creativity and intentionality, the love and support we all need will carry on. See more

I worked in Healthcare for 8 years, before making the decision to pursue a career as a Funeral Director. While serving in a Nursing Home setting, I witnessed firsthand the therapeutic effect furry friends can have on our most vulnerable. Animals never failed to cheer people up and lift their spirts. Some of the residents, who did not verbalize much, would suddenly talk all about their visit with the animals and share stories of the pets they had growing up. Not many cats cam...e to visit - now, one of our residents at the time loved cats more than I did. I brought my own cat, Misfit, in to visit with her. I do not think I ever saw her smile so much. My dog Molly loved going to visit as well. Staff and residents would always sneak her treats, Molly would simply sit there and let them pet her to their heart’s content. Transitioning from work in a Nursing Home to the Funeral Home, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the therapeutic effect of animals. Funeral homes have started to incorporate therapeutic pets into their teams, in order to help grieving families wade through tough times. Animals can bring comfort and provide a calming presence during moments of decision making, helping to stave off feelings of loneliness. I know when I have a had a tough or emotional day the first thing I want to do is curl up with my cats! Pets are the perfect ice breaker and allow us to connect with others on common ground. They open doors to new friendships, and lead to impromptu conversations with someone while out for a stroll. Animals allow us to trust and love them openly. They may well be the confidant we need, while we are the companion they require. Take time to snuggle you own pets, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or reach out to a local pet therapy group. Enrich your life with a new furry friend.

There is so much need in our community. Please help when you can with donations of time, a few dollars or cheers for those taking up the cause.

Earlier today our Team participated in a webinar conducted by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario. One point of significant change due to COVID 19 is Attendance Limits. Whether a Service is held at our Facility, a Community Hall or Place of Worship, the safe and sensible attendance limit is now set at 50 PEOPLE, excluding our staff. Visitations, as more fluid events, continue to have flexible attendance limits. We will continue to screen and log guests, offer receptions fo...r the time being (as permitted by public health), and maintain high standards of cleanliness. Gathering together is healing and important. We recognize this. Our team is committed to working with families within the confines of the law. You, our community will remain informed.

Pizza for Polio!!! Consider supporting our Chatham Rotary Clubs in their fight to eradicate Polio. Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise Rotary Club of Chatham

The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do. This quote by artist Andy Warhol depicts both the simplicity and complexity of photographs in our lives as well as what they represent. In a world where many have left us before their time, photographs allow us to relive past memories, and reminisce on times we long to remember. In a world of Snapchat filters and Facebook stories, as Funeral Directors, we are entrusted with families' mos...t precious and tangible memories. From a school photo - circa 1960 or original Polaroid, to a fifty year old Wedding album filled with pictures that have never left their scrapbook fasteners, these photos tell our past. Oftentimes better than words. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my career is being trusted with photographs that have been in our families' lives for many years. We then incorporate them into a personalized Photo Register Book or Video Keepsake that will be shared with family members for years to come. The laughter that is shared in the foyer of the Funeral Home when a classic photo of Uncle Jim flashes across the TV screen, sparking memories of a beloved classic car or a particularly manicured garden, brings smiles to many faces. We have had occasion to create works for a Wedding Anniversary, and help retell precious memories of a childhood too. In living out these last few months with our families at home, the idea of taking photos may well have slipped your mind. As we work through the hustle and bustle of balancing our home offices and classrooms, sort through meal times and enjoy one another's company (when we can) come out from behind the camera to take a goofy selfie with family or pets. Snap a photo of a home-cooked meal or raking leaves in the backyard. As time goes on and slowly, life transitions back, you’ll be able to reminisce on the memorable times when the world was at a standstill.

Very inspiring!

A neat piece of Chatham Black History, with global reach today.

Many Public Remembrance Day Services have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Our hope is that this Veterans Tribute may help to fill a void, and cause our community pause. Togther we MUST Remember them! View on Facebook or by visiting www.remembrancedayck.com. Branch 18 at the Forks... The Chatham Legion - branch 642 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 See more

Halloween is the time of year that conjures up all sorts of imagery. From ghastly ghosts and ghouls, rubber masks, carved pumpkins perched on porches, a lot of candy and even more cavities. Without a doubt, the days approaching Halloween is favorite time of year for many in our community. It gives a chance to cloak the normal and routine, in spooky spider webs and outrageous costumes. Door frames and windowsills in the homes of Chatham-Kent play host to lighthearted fun and... eerie accessories. Many of us may not know the origins of this commercialized creation, so here is a little snippet: Halloween or Hallows’ Eve marks the beginning of the liturgical season dedicated to remembering the dead and confronting the power of death with humor and fun. It is fitting, that we take a few moments to reflect on those we have lost. Like an assortment of candy gathered on a cool autumn night, memories of our loved ones come in different shapes and sizes, flavours and wrappings. Yet, at the bottom of the bag, the root of it all, is a gift. You and I are charged with holding the gift of our grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends in our hearts; a legacy that will flicker in the darkness like a tea-light in a pumpkin. Trick or' treaters, please be safe this season.

Another fine example of volunteerism in our community. Thank you for your part in preserving Chatham-Kent’s past.

We are so proud to take part in this project.

Today's announcement from the Provincial Government has brought with it new guidelines for Social Gatherings. However, the rules surrounding Funerals, Memorials, and Celebrations of Life conducted with the assistance and supervision of Licensed Funeral Directors remain unchanged at this time. Our team is committed to keeping you informed. You, our community, will be the first to know. Please consider liking or following our page for future updates.

https://chatham.mckinlayfuneralhome.com//Je/obituary.html

Please consider tuning in one week from today to this worthwhile benefit broadcast!

Are you a member of a Church Congregation or Community Group hoping to connect with the greater community online? Our team can help! Covid-19 has charged us to adapt. We'd be happy to share what we've learned along the way, and demonstrate a livestreaming camera that could be your solution. Reach out by email, messenger, or phone (519-351-2040) to learn more. ... Thank you to Emmanuel Congregational Church, Ridgetown, for opening your doors to us!

We invite you to join us for this Moment of Remembrance. Together we can take a pause from the busyness of our days to connect and reflect as a community.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a dear friend and former Northside Dental family member. For those who had the pleasure of knowing Jim over the years know that he will be deeply missed.

Every year, we hold tree planting ceremonies for our each of our three tree parks: T.R.E.E.S. Park, Ridgetown, McKinlay Woodlands at CM Wilson Conservation Area and the McKinlay Memorial Forest at Merlin Conservation Area. We look forward to this opportunity to reconnect with families and the life-affirming honour of planting a tree in their loved one’s memory. This year, of course, will look a little bit different. While we will not be able to connect with all of you physic...ally, we invite you all to reconnect in spirit. At 2:00pm on Sunday, September 13, 2020 we will be hosting the annual tree service on our website and on Facebook. For the first time ever, we will be bringing families from all three tree parks together on one date, at one time. So while we are all distant, we can still be together. We invite you to join us for this Moment of Remembrance. Together we can take a pause from the busyness of our days to connect and reflect as a community. See more

The family of Barbara Moir lost their wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend in late March. As a family, they decided to refrain from gathering until circumstances allowed more people to acknowledge Barb's life together. A Memorial Service was held last weekend. Time afforded her family an opportunity to add some unique elements to Barb's tribute. These touches included her wedding dress, many family photos, and Twizzlers! Thank you for sharing so much of Barb's story with us and entrusting our Reception Centre team to help.

The Municipality of Chatham-Kent operates and oversees cemeteries in Chatham, Blenheim, Dresden, and Wallaceburg. Many families are now choosing to inter cremated remains alongside loved ones in a family plot. However, proving the ownership of a grave or securing interment rights can be difficult. We are here to help. Several of our Funeral Directors are also Commissioners of Oaths. If you need assistance in completing an affidavit or other Municipal documents, call, email o...r message us anytime. We will help you navigate family trees and provide the certainty our Municipality needs.

Cole John Mills, a resident of Waterloo, passed away on Friday, August 21st, 2020 at the age of 25. Cole was born in Chatham, Ontario on October 31st, 1994, son of Peter Mills and the late Cheryl Mills (nee Beck). Survived by his brother Connor Mills. He is fondly remembered by his Aunt Janet, Cousins Jessica & Ashley, Aunt Ann & Uncle Morgan, Aunt Catherine & Uncle Frank. Cole will be deeply missed by his best friends Daryn Trainor, Dane Appleton, Hudson Cattoor, Andrew Won...g, Kira LeBlanc, and many more. Cole was a charismatic young man, with innate musical ability. He made friends with ease both in his youth, and throughout his time in Waterloo. Visitation will be held a McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street Chatham, on Saturday, August 29th, 2020 from 3 to 5 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 5:30pm. Rev. Paul McPhail officiating. Due to present COVID-19 restrictions, those planning to attend the Visitation or Funeral Service must register online at: https://signup.com/go/gPrmRCq or by phone (519-351-2040). Those in attendance must wear a mask. Donations in Cole’s memory made be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

We recently welcomed Brooke Dubuque to our team! She is presently a student at Humber College. Having grown up in Ridgetown, Brooke has relocated to Chatham-Kent to serve a year long internship with us, under Alyssa Jerrett's guidance. Thank you ladies for all you do! #baCKtochathamkent

Pets How do we cope with the loss of a pet? As Funeral Directors, we are often asked to give presentations to students and volunteer organizations about many topics, most of them connected to death and dying. Grief is often a focus within any presentation. One of the more engaging parts of the presentation often revolves around cases of ‘complicated grief’- in particular, Disenfranchised Grief. Disenfranchised grief is where the griever is often overlooked by society, as so...ciety tends to value certain types of grief over others. Disenfranchised grief can compound the griever’s experience, as they tend to grieve without the full public support of society. Sadly, the loss of a pet often falls into this category. I’ll often begin this example by asking any pet owners in the room for a show of hands. From there I would typically ask them how many of them consider their pets to be members of their family? I would then see the same show of hands. I would then ask them how many of their workplaces would give them a bereavement day if their pet were to die? This is often met with laughter, then somber reflection. A loss is a loss. When we lose something significant in our lives, we tend to grieve that loss. As many of us know, the grieving process, while natural, tends to be a painful upset to our ‘normal’. It can be especially painful when your grief is minimized by others with claims that it was just a dog or just a cat. To put things further into perspective, there are many people who live alone and whose dog or cat may be their primary companion. Losing that pet that unconditional love- can be devastating. So more than anything, be kind. It is true that society tends to place more value on certain types of grief and minimize the experience of others. Fortunately, as citizens, we are able to do our part to make society a kinder place. See more