John “Jack” McCrae

Of Blenheim passed away on Saturday July 15, 2017 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 82 years. Son of the late Nelson Daniel and Florence (Redman) McCrae. Beloved husband of Catherine (Niefer) McCrae. Loving father of Cathy and Jeff Whittington and their children Spencer and Adam of Thornhill; Marie and Tom Abbott and their daughter Amanda of Mississauga and late daughter Rosemary (1986). Dear brother of Garold and Rose McCrae of Chatham, Pat Forrest of Port Dover; brother-in law of Mary Lou and Peter Machina of Windsor, Joanne Niefer of Windsor, Richard and Mary Niefer of St. John’s Newfoundland and Bernadette Niefer of Ottawa. Jack will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brothers Len, Alick, Percy and Hugh and sisters Sis (Lillian), Vi, Mary and Joyce.

There’s a poem by Linda Ellis called, “The Dash”. It explains that the most important thing on your tombstone is the dash – the space between your year of birth and your year of death. Jack filled his dash well, especially during his 30+ years in Blenheim.

Every one of his daughters and grandchildren was the apple of his eye, each being cherished for unique reasons. He always looked forward to their visits and was proud of their accomplishments.

Jack did a lot of volunteer work when he was able. He was a life member of the Rondeau Rod and Gun Club who had been involved in many work parties and dinners including pig roasts. To work the bar there, he got his SIP certification from St. Clair College.

In the winter, he enjoyed doing snow removal for the neighbours for many years. He did what he could at the “old” Sr. Centre and was quick to help when a replacement driver was needed for Meals on Wheels. He was a good sport and “costumed”, most often outrageously, for the Happy Gang.

When his mother-in-law was alive, he spent many hours keeping her company, taking her to reunions, to visit relatives, and even travelling as her companion when she would visit Houston, Texas. (Everyone was amazed when they came home still talking to one another.) She was his “mother” and she loved him like a son.

When he would have a bout of pneumonia, Dr. Clendenning knew he was definitely “on the mend” when he would ask her when he could again ride the mower to cut the grass. The last few years limited his social interaction, but he looked forward to weekly outings when a group of friends would get together to play cards.

Jack was very valued, respected and well loved by his in-laws and he reciprocated in kind.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at which time a Funeral Service will be held. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Due to allergies, no live flowers or plants, please. Instead, the family invites you to make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.