Obituary of Bud Gillett

Gillett, Bud James R. – of Chatham, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Riverview Gardens on Friday June 1, 2018 at the age of 83.

Bud was born in Clachan Ontario and was the son of the late Henry and Hazel Pearl (nee Price) Gillett and brother of the late Don Gillett.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years Patricia Ann (nee Shepley) Gillett.

Loving father of Dan & Cindy (nee Calhoun) Gillett, Lonnie & Colleen (nee Dillon) Gillett, Cally Gillett, Lacy & Paul Medd, and Barry Gillett & David Martin.

Proud grandfather of Aimee & Rob Schaafsma, Jason & Brianne Gillett, Ryan Gillett & Jackelyn Beenackers, Scott Gillett, Melissa Gillett & Aaron Barry, Laura Gillett & Pam Tafferin, Morgan Medd & Marco Roduner, Dylan Medd & Jessica Buller, Madison Gillett & Ryan Nagle, Connor Gillett, and Drew Medd.

Great-grandfather of Cohen & Lucas Gillett; Lachlan Gillett; Jack & Carter Gillett; Ryker & Radek Schaafsma; and Baby Barry expected soon.

Brother-in-law to the late Bill & late Emily Shepley, Ron & Audrey Shepley, Judith & the late Gary Cummings, and Gerry Shepley.

Will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Bud worked for the Chatham Hydro from the age of 18 until his retirement in 1991. He has many interests including music, sports and spending time with his family. In his younger years, he played in a band called the Blue Notes and continued to have a passion for music his whole life. Bud was also an avid sportsman over the years, playing hockey, golf, boxing, bowling, watching Nascar, basketball and baseball to name a few. He loved spending time with family and friends at the golf course, arena, Imperial Club and in his loving home and yard. He was always there to lend a helping hand through his numerous volunteer work. You could find Bud with the biggest smile on his face while attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Personal Support Workers and Nursing Staff who took special care of bud at Riverview Gardens.

Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair. St. Chatham on Tuesday June 5, 2018 from 3-5pm & 7-9pm. The Funeral Service for Bud will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday June 6, at 11am. Cremation will follow with interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations in memory of Bud to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent, Friends of the New Animal Shelter or 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