Obituary of Andy Velle
Please click here for the live-stream link
Velle, Andrew Oscar “Andy”
1951–2026
A resident of Chatham, Andy Velle passed away unexpectedly while vacationing in Florida on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the age of 75.
Born in Chatham, Andy was the son of the late Maurice and Rose (née Lozon) Velle.
Beloved husband of 54 years to Anne (née Mistele).
Loving father of Maurice Velle (Pam), Mark Velle (Kelly), and Aimee Gavin (Greg).
Proud papa/grandpa to Andrew, Hannah, Ethan, Julian, Adam, Wesley, and Ramona.
Beloved brother of Frank (Claire).
Beloved brother-in-law of Mary, Ruth, and Carol. Predeceased by brothers-in-law Harvey, Tom, and Paul.
Andy was a loving husband and a proud father and grandfather. He was a hard-working and dedicated farmer and entrepreneur for more than 50 years. He loved nothing more than to take his grandkids for a combine or tractor ride, and to follow that up with a game of cribbage. He was well-known for his sense of humour and for the occasional practical joke. Andy was always willing to lend a hand to those who needed it. He will be missed.
The family will receive friends at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:00am – 1:00pm. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Kim Cooper officiating. Cremation has taken place with an interment to follow at Arnold Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Andy to the London Health Sciences Foundation (Vascular Surgery and Cardiology) or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
Grief Support
The death of someone we care about can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. These articles are meant to describe different types of grief; their intent is to help you understand your own, or to help you empathize with another person's grief.
LEARN MORE >
Our Locations
McKinlay Funeral Homes is pleased to offer services from locations in Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Chatham. We have a wide range of services available in these communities. Please click on the link below for more information about these facilities.
LEARN MORE >
Send Flowers
Our local florists are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, and are backed by their professionalism and prompt service. Allow us to take care of your expression of sympathy by connecting with our local florists through our website.
LEARN MORE >
Let Us Help You
Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that we have to offer. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at anytime, we are available by phone or e-mail, or drop by the office in person. We are always here to help.
Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
Click HERE for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario's Consumer Information Guide.