Obituary of Les McCracken

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Leslie (Les) McCracken share the news of his recent passing on Sunday, January 17^th, 2021 at the age of 94. He passed away peacefully as a result of heart failure at Riverview Gardens with family at his bedside.

Les is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jean, and three of his four children, Lynda Webb (Wade), David and Martin. He is predeceased by his son Jeffrey (2016), his brother David (2018) and two daughters-in-law Karen (2010) and Kathy (2018). Les was a wonderful grandfather and will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Steven Paterack (Helen), Ryan McCracken (Jessica), Greg Paterack (Melanie), Kelly White (Troy), Jennifer Webb (Paul), Jeffrey Webb, Lindsay Brecka (Derrick), Laura McCracken, Meghan McCracken and Brendan McCracken. He was the proud great-grandfather of Annabella, Reegan, Sofia, Jacob, Gavin, Phaedra, Olivia, Wesley and Lexxie.

Les was born on August 2^nd, 1926 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1957 he and Jean immigrated to Canada with their 3 children. He always said he had the luck of the Irish to find work at Union Gas headquartered in Chatham and spent the following 34 years there until his retirement in 1991. He was an avid, award-winning photographer and long-time member of the Chatham Camera Club. He was a dedicated member and elder at the former St. James Presbyterian Church. He loved cars, motorcycles, formula one racing, trailering, his Irish heritage and working endlessly on his photography at his computer. He has left a legacy of photos and videos of his family, travel and a multitude of other events. We are forever grateful to him for that and for his love and support.

Cremation has taken place. Due to the present COVID-19 restrictions, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Les' memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

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