Obituary of Thomas "Harry" Ellis

ELLIS: Thomas "Harry" -

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa and brother-in-law. Harry Ellis, who passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus, with family at his side on Monday, May 31, 2021 at the age of 70.

A lifelong resident of Chatham, Harry was the devoted son of Dorothy (nee Trumble) and the late Thomas Oscar Ellis. A day never went by without sharing a visit or a call.

High school sweetheart, best friend and beloved husband of 45 years to Karen (nee Richie).

Loving father, coach, advisor and friend of Megan Woodward (TJ) of Bright's Grove, Tom Ellis (Sue) of London and Robert Ellis (Suzanne) of Windsor.

Proud Grandpa of Ben, Elliott, Allison, Cooper and Declan.

Brother-in-law to Michael Richie (Elsa) and Jane Kovar (Randy), both of Chatham and Marsha Richie (late David) of Victoria, BC. Predeceased by his sister-in-law Elaine Wyatt (Mark) of Yukon Territory.

After attending St. Clair College, Harry worked as an industrial engineer, beginning his career at Siemens, later working at Navistar before lending his expertise to a number of companies in the automotive industry.

He loved his family. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, his willingness to help those in need and his love of the outdoors.

Memories of shared adventures in Algonquin park for yearly camping trips where he spent days fishing, paddling and waiting for the first stars to appear in the night sky around the campfire will be cherished.

Harry looked forward to hunting season and spending time with his uncle, cousins and friends each fall in the Bancroft area. He often recounted his fondness for walking the fields and forests.

No one who met Harry would forget his love for classic cars and his ability to identify passing cars by model and year. Restoring his own 1970 ‘Cuda was one of his most recent passion projects.

Over the years, Harry had many interests. Friends will remember good times golfing, bowling, boating, listening to records and late nights playing cards.

Harry’s spirit is now free to curl the waves of the lake, rustle the leaves of the forest and to run with the deer. We will find you in the first star of the night sky.

A Private Family Service will be held at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Harry to the SickKids Foundation or Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

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