Obituary of Lionel Sedgman

Sedgman, Lionel Lionel, who was a long time resident of Chatham, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at the age of 95. Born in Cornwall, England, he was the son of the late Thomas & Florence (nee Mansell) Sedgman, who courageously emigrated to Canada with four little children in 1926. Beloved partner, friend and husband of Dorothy (nee Millns) Sedgman for 74 beautiful years. Proud father of Dennis Sedgman (Wendy) of Orangeville and Bonnie Gwilliams (Dave) of Paudash Lake. Lionel has 4 grandchildren (Sarah, Ryan, Daryl, and Lindsay) and 5 great grandchildren living in Ontario and British Columbia Predeceased by sisters Joan Fewkes and Violet Ross and brothers Fred Sedgman and Don Sedgman. Lionel was a Flying Officer (Navigator) in the Royal Canadian Air Force for Canada and Britain during World War Two. Lionel's employment started on the Truck Assembly Line at International Harvester in 1941 and after a number of years in various plants and office assignments, he managed their Truck Plants in Chatham, Hamilton and Springfield, Ohio. He retired in 1982 after 41 years of Service. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and a graduate of the University of Windsor Business Management Program. Lionel was proud to be a founding member (1951) of the Chatham Minor Hockey Association. He served on numerous Boards & Clubs including Health, Church, Airport, Hospital, United Way and Service Clubs in the several communities in which they lived. He was Chairman of the Chatham Board of Education and Charter Chairman of the Kent County Board of Education. Lionel was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was also forever grateful to his International Harvester Worker Associates. "They always made it happen" and they were always considered friends. In keeping with Lionel's wishes, cremation has taken place. A special thanks goes out to each of the staff at Riverview Gardens (2 EAST) and The Grand Retirement Village, who provided amazing care for Lionel. In memory of Lionel, online condolences may be left for the family and donations may be made to the VON - Chatham -Kent, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or to a charity of ones choice through the Funeral Home website (www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com). McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham 519 351 2040