Obituary of Joseph Verhoog

VERHOOG: Joseph (Joe) -

Sunrise: December 3, 1939

Sunset: October 23, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Verhoog on October 23, 2025 at the Chatham Kent Hospice. Joe passed surrounded by the love of his family, following a short, valiant battle against glioblastoma. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Harry (Hank) Verhoog (1975) and Anne Verhoog (Baker) (1998) and his sister Joanne Verhoog (2023). He is survived by several cousins.

Joe will be profoundly missed by his wife, Violet, as they were best friends and constant companions. Joe loved being a father to Violet’s daughters, Maryanne Pearce (Austin); Janette Pearce (Ross); and Barbi Heathcote (Joey). But what he loved the most was being a grandfather. He will be sorely missed by Kadri Pearce-Lawrence (Dani), Joven Lawrence (Megan), Jack Heathcote, Seth Heathcote and Finn Bolton. He was looking forward to being a great-grandfather to Joven and Megan’s first child.

Joe was an independent contractor for many years before joining the maintenance department at the former St. Joseph's Hospital.

Joe attended First Presbyterian Church his entire life and was a boy scout leader there for many years. His biggest love was watching car racing, hockey and baseball. Violet and Joe spent many years bird watching, hiking and biking at Rondeau Provincial Park. Joe would spot the birds so Violet could photograph them. They were a team in everything they did. The family would like to thank VON nurse Mary Beth, the PSW workers from Bayshore, and the caring nurses and doctors at Windsor Cancer Clinic and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the Chatham Kent Hospice.

As per Joe’s wishes, he has been cremated and his funeral is to be a celebration of his life with casual attire, no suits and ties required. Friends and family are welcome to attend McKinlay Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 28 starting at 11:00 am to visit with Joe’s loved ones before the Memorial Service at 12:00pm. A reception luncheon will be held directly following the service at the McKinlay Reception Centre. A Graveside Service will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery following the reception for those who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to Chatham Kent Hospice Foundation, ChildCan at Sick Kids, London, Friends of Rondeau or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040