Obituary of Ernest Wills
WILLS: Ernest "Ernie" Richard -
A resident of Tilbury Manor and formerly of Glenwood, Ernie Wills passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus with family at his side on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the age of 83.
Born in Chatham, Ernie was the son of the late John and Inez (Pumfrey) Wills.
Beloved husband of 60 years to Ruth Wills (nee Tasker).
Loving father of Charles Richard Wills (Debbie) of Merlin, Barbara Ellen Osmon (late Chris) of Chatham and Judith Anne Sokolowski (John) of Chatham.
Proud Grandpa to Justin Wills (fiancee Meredith Guilbeault), Brandon Wills, Bill Osmon (Bahareh), Samantha Sokolowski and Rebecca Osmon.
Great-Grandpa to Jahan Osmon.
Brother to Morley Wills (late Winnie) of Kentville, NS and Gerald Wills (Lorraine) of Bayswater, NS. Predeceased by his sister Rose Marie Engle.
Brother-in-law to Anna Allen (late Harry) of Glenwood.
Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Ernie served in the Army Corps of Engineers before starting his career at Monarch Propane where he worked for over 30 years. He enjoyed camping with his family as well as fishing and gardening.
A Private Family Service will be Live-Streamed at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 16, 2021 and will be available by clicking HERE. Private family interment to follow at Victoria Cemetery, Merlin.
Donations made in memory of Ernie to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 465 Merlin Poppy Fund would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040
Grief Support
The death of someone we care about can be one of the most difficult experiences in life. These articles are meant to describe different types of grief; their intent is to help you understand your own, or to help you empathize with another person's grief.
LEARN MORE >
Our Locations
McKinlay Funeral Homes is pleased to offer services from locations in Ridgetown, Blenheim, and Chatham. We have a wide range of services available in these communities. Please click on the link below for more information about these facilities.
LEARN MORE >
Send Flowers
Our local florists are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, and are backed by their professionalism and prompt service. Allow us to take care of your expression of sympathy by connecting with our local florists through our website.
LEARN MORE >
Let Us Help You
Please feel free to browse our pages to learn more about pre-planning a funeral and grief support, as well as the traditional funeral and cremation services that we have to offer. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at anytime, we are available by phone or e-mail, or drop by the office in person. We are always here to help.
Ridgetown: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-397
Blenheim: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-41
Chatham: Class 1 Funeral Establishment FE-174
Nathan McKinlay is in charge of day-to-day operations in Chatham.
Jeff Mardling is in charge of day-to-day operations in Blenheim & Ridgetown.
Click HERE for the Bereavement Authority of Ontario's Consumer Information Guide.