Obituary of Delmar Lorne Brown

Delmar Lorne Brown (1943-2026)

A resident of Chatham, Delmar Lorne Brown passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on April 1, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born in Chatham, Delmar was the son of the late Delmer Arlington Brown and Evelyn Muriel Brown (nee Brooks), and brother to the late William Brown.

Beloved husband to Mirtha Brown for 29 years. Loving father to Kim, Todd (Gabriela), Gus (Claudia), and Matt (Nicole). Proud Grandpa to Ashley, Silvy Anne, Nicholas, Katelyn, Emilia, Luka, Bernardo, Jose-Ramon, and Alexis. Cherished great-grandpa to Ty, Kyrie, Piper, and Leo. He will be deeply missed by his wife, his family, and his beloved pet Rusty.

Delmar was a man of humour, grit, faith, and heart. He loved playful banter and was always ready with a quick-witted reply. He was always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, and never left the house without making sure he was dressed properly just in case he happened to run into the president. He had a love for flat caps, a passion for cars, especially the long ones, and a deep appreciation for life’s adventures.

He began his working career at the Southwest Regional Centre, later worked at International Harvester (Navistar), and eventually at Crown Cork & Seal, where he retired in 2006 after 27 years. Outside of work, Delmar loved construction, a trade he learned from his father. He was a home builder in every sense of the word, both literally and as the centre of a family he cherished beyond belief.

An avid traveller, Delmar loved setting out in search of the great unknown. He enjoyed many trips throughout South America and the Caribbean. Though he did not speak Spanish, he always found a way to connect with people, share a laugh, and learn about their culture. He was a fighter who did not know what giving up looked like, and he lived with the belief that if life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. In many ways, he was the most imperfect perfect man.

Above all, Delmar was a lover of Christ, a devoted Christian, and a God-fearing man whose faith carried him through life and now welcomes him home. He was the centre of many universes, and his presence will be felt forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Chatham-Kent Hospice for their care, compassion, and kindness during Delmar’s time there. Donations made in memory of Delmar to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.

Visitation will be held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St., Chatham, on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040