Obituary of John Pavlinak

PAVLINAK, Johann (John) Of Chatham, passed away at home on Sunday January 18th, 2015, age 93. Loving husband of Frances (nee Hammerschmid). Father of Ernest Gruberbauer (Leona) of Port Elgin, Johanna Ovecka (Edward) of Croton, Willy Pavlinak (Ruth Harper) of Port Dover, Carolyn Collins (William) of Temagami and Carmen (Susie) Eskritt (George) of St. Catherines. Grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 15 and great-great grandfather of 6. Father-in-law of Mary Pavlinak, Leona Pavlinak and Bruce Thompson. Brother-in-law of Mary Pavlinak of the Czech Republic and Helen Pavlinak of Brantford. Will be missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers Franticek and Vatzlav (Peter) and daughter-in-law Linda Pavlinak. John was born on February 4, 1921 in Radiov, Czechoslovakia to parents the late Jan and Katarina (nee Stanislav). John worked in Canada as a mechanic for International Harvester. He was an avid collector of historical memorabilia, notably creating the bayonets for the Chatham Centennial Reenactment. He was a significant contributor in the building of St. Anthony’s Church in Chatham. John was an avid hunter and fisherman (Caribou Johnny). Friends and family will be received at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Tuesday January 20, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Wednesday January 21 at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow a time of reception at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of John to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair St., Chatham 519-351-2040