Obituary of Keith Lenover

LENOVER: Keith Leroy - Died peacefully on January 26, 2017 in Chatham, Ontario. Predeceased in 2014 by his loving wife, Leota. Keith will be deeply mourned by his beloved children, Linda Lahey (Larry), Chatham; Michael Lenover (Sherry), Chatham and Janet Lenover (Anne Campbell), Waterdown; and his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher Lahey (Nikki Petyanszki and their daughter Ella), Phuket; Shae Lahey, London; Alexandra Snyder (Duncan and their daughter Isla), Kitchener and Jacqueline Lenover (Guelph) and his brother John Lenover (Maxine), Chatham. Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are many extended family and life-long friends. Keith was born in Chatham on April 18, 1923. He was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and James Lenover and his siblings Eva Greiner, Charlie, Gerald and Walter Lenover. Lenover Brothers Meat Market was founded in 1938 by Charlie and Gerald. With the beginnings of World War II Charlie and Gerald enlisted and handed the keys to the business to Keith who was just 17 years of age at the time. Walter and John enlisted soon afterwards and Keith was left running the family business and caring for their mother, Mabel. Sadly Charlie was killed in action over Belgium in 1942 but the remaining brothers returned and they built a successful family business together. Keith was highly regarded by a wide circle of friends, farmers and business associates. In his quiet way, Keith was always generous in giving those in need a hand. He was keenly interested in people and always had a smile for others. He enjoyed lively discussions and taking the 'pulse' of the community during his frequent outings to the many coffee shops in Chatham. Keith was truly loved by all who knew him. He was a man with a kind and gentle soul. A man of deep faith, he was a loyal member of the Chatham Baptist Church for many years and deeply missed its fellowship when it closed. He was an active member of the Chatham-Kent YMCA and served on their board of directors. Keith lived to almost 94 years and seemed to be one of those solid people who would go on forever. The silver lining for all of us who grieve his passing is that he was alert, inquisitive and interested in the world around him and always fiercely independent up until his death. Family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home on Thursday, February 2, 2017 with Rev. Alex Moir officiating. Cremation has already taken place. A Private Family Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Donations made in memory of Keith to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlay funeral home.com