Obituary of Chuck Skipper

SKIPPER: Charles William Roath Skipper, (Chuck) passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 at Chatham-Kent Hospice, at the age of 98.

Born in Chatham, son of the late Charles Skipper Sr. and Chloe Skipper (Thorn) of Surlingham Farm, Tilbury East Ontario.

Chuck was the beloved husband of 74 years to Beverly Elizabeth Skipper (Holmes), her "Mr. Wonderful".

Loving father of Terry Skipper (Janet) of Chatham, Lynn Novacco (Mario) of Fletcher, Peggy Skipper of Chatham, Danny Skipper (Cheryl) Nelles of Chatham, Erin Blackwell of Chatham, and Heather Wilcox (Tim) of Petrolia.

Cherished grandfather of Stephanie Hunter (Mike), Jessica Skipper (Julien) Samson, Derrick Novacco, Brandon Novacco, Jared Novacco (Jen) Assuncaio, Cassie McLeod (Andrew), Chris Bourne, Shae-Lynn Bourne-Turok (Bohdan), Calea Souter (Kevin), Sean Bourne (Vivian), Jodi Skipper (Rick) Mackenzie, Danny (DJ) Skipper (Erin) Wallace, Chelsea Horvath (Aaron), Paige Skipper (Isaac) Meriano, Whitney Hannaford (Andrew), Colby Calvert (Ken), Taylor Nguyen (Steve), Shana Wilcox (Ryan) Frostad, Ashley Bogaert (Tynan), great grandpa to 28 great grandchildren, with several nieces and nephews and many great friends.

Predeceased by his brother William Skipper (Joan), sister Enyd Forrest (Rod), brothers Robert Skipper (Barb), Jim Skipper (Dorothy), brother-in-law Dr. Robert Holmes (Isabel), and dear cousins Art and Arlene Shields.

Chuck enjoyed many years together with Bev "curling” and socializing with friends as members and past President of the Chatham Granite Club. He also enjoyed golfing with his golf buddies, bragging often about his “three holes in one", and was so very proud of his lifetime passion for farming. His greatest pride was his family with Bev and their 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. And driving his long line of over 45 cars!!!

Chuck, in recent years spent much of his time driving and socializing at the Merlin coffee shop, The Garage in Merlin, Rose’s Restaurant in Tilbury and of course his name's sake ‘Chucks’ in Chatham.

Chuck's family sends a warm thank you to Virginia Shoopman, Care Coordinator and the home care support services provided by the Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre, Bayshore, Care Partners and VON, the EMS services and care received at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. In Chuck's final days family is most grateful for the loving staff and compassionate care received at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Visitation will be held at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held at the Funeral Home at 11:00am on Friday, May 30, 2025. Burial Service to follow at the Stewart Cemetery, Merlin. A reception will follow for family and friends to celebrate Chuck's life at the Merlin Legion. The family wishes to extend their sincere thank you and appreciation for the well wishes, kindness and love shown to Chuck and his family over the past few difficult months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St, Clair Street Chatham

519-351-2040