Obituary of Donald Gordon Arner
Donald Gordon Arner
August 4, 1941-February 25, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Donald Gordon Arner, son of (Mabel) Muriel (née Goatbe) and Charles George Arner.
Born on August 4, 1941, in Chatham, Ontario, Don graduated from Ridgetown Agricultural College and was a life-long farmer. He was also a deep-rooted member of Fletcher United Church in Tilbury East. On December 2, 1961, Don married Joan Frances Handysides, RN, of Chatham.
Don is survived by three children: (1) Lori Baker of Dunnville, married to Darrell Baker, and mother of Justin of Trent Lakes, Josh of Dunnville, and Jesse of Calgary; (2) Lynn Arner of St. Catharines, married to Mark Lynn Anderson of Pittsburgh, PA; and (3) Steve Arner, married to Elaine, of Tilbury, father of Stephanie Pollock of Chatham, Shawna and Shaylynn Arner of Chatham, Sam Arner of Tilbury and Jay Hussar. Don is survived by his wife Joan and his siblings, Douglas Arner of Tilbury and twin sister Donna Taves of Millet, Alberta.
Visitation will be held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 11:00am until the funeral service at 1:00pm. Interment to follow at Stewart Cemetery in Merlin.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society in memory of Don would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
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Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
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Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
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