Obituary of Jacques Belanger

Jacques " Jake " Belanger Jake Belanger passed away with his family by his side on Tuesday February 4, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Hospice at the age of 75. Jake was born in Chatham and resided most of his life in Dover. Son of the late Norman and Glorianna (nee Gagner) Belanger. Jake married the love of his life and best friend Patricia (nee Martin) in 1964, and together they raised 3 beautiful daughters, Nicole Charron (Dan), Mary Lou Schaefer (Mark) and Monique Martin (Dan). He was the very proud grandfather of Aidan and Claire Martin. Dear brother of Jean Maurice Belanger (Pat), Vince Belanger, Marguerite Schinkelshoek (Martin), René Belanger (Elaine), Lucille Barylewicz (Henry), Yvette Caron (Norm) and Luc Belanger (Amy). Also missed by many nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Predeceased by a sister Laura, brother David and sister-in-law Jeanne. Jake's working career took many paths beginning in 1964 as a general labourer at Ontario Steel and then foreman in the machine shop. Moving up the ranks, he became plant engineer for Rockwell International. In 1990, Jake embarked on another journey and accepted a position as General Manager of Chatham Hydro. When amalgamation came to Chatham in 1998, Jake accepted a position with Merritor Suspensions Systems Company as Manager of Manufacturing Engineering. Another challenge presented itself and in 1999, Jake became CEO of the Chatham YMCA. He retired in 2003 but not for long. When Home Depot came to Chatham, he was hired as their first kitchen designer, a position he held until very recently. Jake always had a project on the go. He loved gardening and landscaping. He could fix anything whether it was woodworking, plumbing or electrical. He was an awesome cook and loved to be creative in the kitchen. He really enjoyed going fishing with his brother René and most recently fishing with his grandson Aidan. He loved watching Family Feud with his granddaughter Claire. Jake and Pat moved to Chatham in 2017 and he very quickly embraced city life. His favorite saying was now I am only 3 minutes from work, 4 minutes if the traffic light is red. Family will receive friends at McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair St., Chatham on FRIDAY, February 7, 2020 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Celebration of Jake's life will be held at the Funeral Home at 11:00 am on SUNDAY, February 9, 2020. Special thanks to Dr. Don Hastings and the staff and volunteers of the Chatham-Kent Hospice for their care and compassion. Instead of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Jake to the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham 519 351 2040