Obituary of Charles Peter Tomecek

TOMECEK: Charles Peter - Passed away after a long illness at the age of 82 on April 25, 2019. He was blessed to have a large family, wonderful friends, and music that he loved with a passion. He was born on the family farm in Chatham Township on October 11, 1936, to Peter Tomecek and Anna Konecny, and he farmed there until retirement. He was very proud of his Czechoslovakian heritage.

His wife and best friend, Mary Lou Downs, who was also his partner in business and music ventures, survives him. Also surviving are his children and their families: Cheryl McNicol (Ted: dtr Misty Barry, son Mathew Bracken) of Gibsons B.C.; Debra Stacey (Bob) of Vancouver B.C.; Kevin Tomecek (Sylvia; dtr Jenelle, son Justin (Haley; son Max) of Surrey, B.C.; and Todd Tomecek (Janet; dtrs Chelsea and Rachel) of Edmonton AB. Also surviving are his stepchildren and their families: John Cernanec (Bonita; dtr Brianna) of Chatham; Scott Cernanec (Debbie; son Jordan, dtr Chloe) of St. Thomas and Grand Bend; David Cernanec (Kelly Pritchard) of North Bay; and Melanie Richer (Dan; dtr Edie, son Darko) of Norval. Survived by sister, Lillian Uhlik (late Jerry) of Chatham, brother-in-law John Cibulka of Chatham, and sisters-in-law Carol Caron (Ron) of Port Lambton, and Linda Cartwright (Mike) of Chatham. Predeceased by sister Mary Cibulka (John) of Dresden, brother-in-law Jerry Uhlik, and brother-in-law Murray (Butch) Downs of Ridgetown.

Charlie graduated from Ridgetown Agricultural College in 1956. He was fortunate to have been in one of the earliest graduating classes, and to have known and loved “Mom and Pop” Wilson who started the college and mentored the young men at the school. He was proud to be an “Aggie” and proud to be a farmer. Charlie was also a successful businessman, being a founding partner in several companies: Kent Cash and Carry Lumber, Agri-Urban General Contractors (AUBI), Basement Boss, and Building Boss General Contractors. Active as a volunteer on many committees and clubs in the past, he was most involved in the Knights of Columbus and was Past President of the former Council 1412.

During the last years of his life and in retirement Charlie played button accordion, and together with Mary Lou, organized polka music events in Ontario, Ohio, and Florida, and arranged motorcoach trips to polka festivals in the US. They played with several bands including the Blue Waves, the Florida Snowbird Polka Band, and The Polka Play Mates which produced two CD’s. Music brought wonderful friends into his life not only in Ontario, but also in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Charlie and Mary Lou spent many wonderful winters in Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral Florida.

There will be visitation at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm on Friday, April 26, 2019. Funeral will take place at the funeral home at 10:30AM on Saturday, April 27th with Rev. Susan Jolley officiating. Interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

The family would like to thank the many people who helped with Charlie’s care during the last several years of his life: family doctor Dr. Allison Morand, cardiologist Dr. H. Van, angel-of-mercy palliative care nurse Diane Maguire, and the many nurses and homecare workers who assisted over the years. If interested in making a memorial donation please consider the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Agri-Food Foundation, which will go towards education financial assistance.

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