It all began New Year’s Eve 1979 in Windsor at a dance. Jean said because she was only 18 yrs old, she fell for his line of , “Where have you been all my life?” This New Years Eve 2023, their love story would have gone on for 44 years. I guess his line worked after all.
Grover Elgin Gall of Blenheim passed away on September 20, 2023 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with Jean by his side. Grover was born in Chatham in June of 1949. His parents were the late Joyce Elizabeth and Elgin Ray Gall. Grover was married to Jean Gall (nee Kane) in December of 1980. Grover and Jean had no children of their own, however, their nieces and nephews, “the Buckwheat’s”, were always in their life. Ashley (Mark), Katie (Fil), John (Sarah), Ian, Sean (Mila) and Leah (Curtis). Grover leaves behind his sister-in-law, Maggie Buckwheat of Erieau and brother-in-law, Bill Kane of Chatham. Predeceased by his in-laws Bill and Betty Kane who he loved as his second parents and in return was loved and respected by them.
Being housebound from the spring, Grover had some great visits whether on the phone or in person with his cousin Jack (Jane Ann) Tasker, as well as some great visits with Linda (Doug) Dyet when they moved to Blenheim.
Grover worked at Canadian Fram when he met Jean. After a few years in Chatham, they bought Jimmy J’s Drive In Restaurant (formerly known as Brockies). After running the drive-in for two seasons, they added a dining room and it became Grover’s Family Restaurant. They sold the restaurant and bought a home at Rondeau while Grover worked at the Southwestern Regional Center for a short time before becoming ill. Although it wasn’t required for his job, he wrote the government exam and received his chef’s papers. Jean and Grover sold their home at Rondeau and became Winter Texans for two winters. Home from Texas they settled in Ridgetown. From there, they lived in London and finally returned to Blenheim. Grover got sick in the spring but was thrilled to reconnect with old friends from AA, Brentwood, and his church friends. September was the month he passed away but it was also the anniversary of his 45th year of being sober. Our family doctor, Dr. Anna Pawelec is one in a million. At the Chatham hospital Jean would like to say thank you to Dr. Newell and Dr. Merotto. The palliative nurses at the hospital are angels in disguise. Karen and Ashley you have compassion beyond measure for your patients and their families. You both were everything that a hospice setting should be. Terry, Aleena, and LeeAnn, thank you for getting Grovers sense of humour. You showed such great kindness in caring for him. Marc and Mike from the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, thank you for your compassion and guidance. To Rev. Ken Powell for your visits and Godly counsel. Pat, Bev, and Nettie for your friendship and support. Grover was a humble man who loved God with all his heart. His animals at home were a comfort to him. Leaving behind Spice the cat, and Mabel his dog. As per Grover’s wishes there will be no funeral service at this time with a possibility of a Celebration of Life at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Grover’s name, you can give to the wonderful rescue that his dog Mabel came from: Barks and Meows Rescue, or the Chatham Kent Hospice would be appreciated.
Dear Grover: “Lovin’ you was easier than anything I’ll ever do Again” -Jeannie
A memorial video of Grover’s life can be viewed by clicking the following link:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/8CQPXX2C2MCDDSNT
