Obituary of Gerald Claire Oliver
OLIVER: Gerald Claire -
A lifelong resident of Tilbury East, Gerald Oliver passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at the age of 79.
Born and raised on the family farm, Gerald was the son of the late J. Harvey and Margaret (McMahon) Oliver.
Beloved husband of 56 years to Linda Mae Oliver (nee McKinlay).
Loving and devoted father to Kerry Lynn Buse (Paul), Debby Cronmiller (Robert), the late Stephany Oliver (1973) and Craig Oliver (Amy).
Very Proud Grandpa to Jimmy McLean (Kristen), Christopher Cronmiller (Jocalyne), Alexander Buse, Britnee Buse, Macy Oliver and Hayden Oliver.
Great-Grandpa to Harper McLean and Levy Cronmiller.
Predeceased by his brothers Thomas (2003) (late Wanda, 2005), Ronald (2002) (Theresa), Roy (1975) (Ruth) and Gary (2020) (Bernadette).
Brother-in-law to Ken McKinlay (Diane), Charlie McKinlay (Shirley), Ron McKinlay (Darlene) and Mary Jane Patrick (Rob Chapple). Also missed by several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Gerald retired in 2000 from the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant after 37 years of service. He was a proud member of the Local 444.
Gerald loved working on, painting and driving his classic cars and tractors. He passed on his mechanical traits to his children and grandchildren. In his spare time, Gerald operated Oliver's Trenching. He loved vacationing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed his 'straight lines' in his grass, cutting wood and cruising around on his Polaris side by side.
Gerald will be remembered for his gentle teasing, his sense of humour and always making a deal.
Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 2:00 - 5:00pm.
A Private Family Service will be held with a burial to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Tilbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Gerald to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice 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.