Obituary of William 'Bill' McNear

McNEAR: William ‘Bill’ Frederick A resident of Riverview Gardens, Chatham, and formerly of Blenheim, Bill died on Friday, May 15, 2009, at the age of 87. Born in Tilbury East Township to the late Frederick & Lillian (Wilson) McNear. Beloved husband of 61 years to the late Elizabeth Marie (Ryan) McNear (2007). Dearly missed by his children Sandra Johnston, Dana & Bev Eastman, and Pamela & Bill Ross, all of Chatham. Loving grandfather of Tara & Don Lee, Ryan Johnston, BJ & Amy Johnston, Reid & Sarah Eastman, Natalie & Andrew Packer, Shane & Dan VanMoorsel, Bill Ross & Erin Corriveau, and great grandfather of Chloe and Ashley Eastman, Gabriel and Haydan VanMoorsel, Ephram Ross, and Bella Johnston. Bill is survived by sisters in law Marge and Helen McNear. Predeceased by his brothers John and Bob McNear, his sister in law Kathleen & Louis Baldwin, and brothers in law Sam & Mary Ryan, and Peter & Joanne Ryan. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Bill served overseas with the Royal Canadian Army from 1941 to 1945 and retired as a Lieutenant . He was a long standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 in Blenheim and was a Sergeant at Arms of the Blenheim Colour Party, as well as a Regimental Sergeant Major with the Essex Kent Armouries. Bill was the owner and operator of the Ryan & McNear Variety & Gas Station for many years and was known to many children as “The Candy Man”. He was also the past president of the Rod & Gun Club. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park St, Blenheim, on Sunday, May 17, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 7:00-9:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 2:00 p.m. A Legion Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. and all members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185 are asked to attend. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Greg Mulligan celebrant. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations made in memory of Bill to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are welcomed and appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario. 519-676-3451 “There are some things the heart never forgets, like how it feels to be loved.”