We lost one of the good ones!
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joe McLay of Wiarton, Ont., on August 22, 2026 at St. Mary’s hospital, Kitchener. He was in his 87th year.
Joe, loving husband of Sharron for almost 65 years.
Beloved father of Joel (Gail) of Berford Lake, Ont., Denise (Art) of London, Ont., and Rod (Erica) of Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia.
A cherished Grandfather of 4 grandchildren – Kate (Andrew Harvey) of Edinburgh, Scotland., Rachel, London, Ont., Megan (Tyler Cunningham) of Sauble Beach, and Keiran (Sara Rizzo) of Owen Sound. Great Grandfather of Noah, Jaxson, and Emilee. Beloved brother of Doug (Lois McLay) of Stokes Bay, Ont., and Jim of Ross River, NWT.
Brother-in-Law of Dorothy & Vic Tyndall, of Wiarton, Ont. and Wes Rydall of Lions Head, Ont. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews, and his good friend Dick Flarity.
Predeceased by his parents George and Wilma; his sister Lois Rydall; sister-in-law, Lorraine Blacklock; and brothers-in-law, Harvey and Lloyd Holmes.
Joe was an engineer on many of the Great Lakes freighters, worked on oil rigs in the North West Territories, and concluded his career as the ship keeper for the MS Chi-Cheemaun.
Joe loved to watch curling and baseball and was a huge Blue jays fan. He also enjoyed harness racing from time to time…….A LOT of the time!
The family will be holding a graveside service at Stokes Bay Cemetery on Friday August 28th at 1:00 pm. A gathering and refreshments to follow at Tamarac Island Inn. (235 Tamarac Road).
In lieu of flowers, Joe would have requested that you waste your money on something he loved just as much as his family; a hopeless three-year-old racehorse with bad ankles. If the horse actually wins…..take the winnings and have a drink or two, and fondly remember a man named Joe McLay.
Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041.
19 Condolences for Joe McLay
Condolences(19)
Wendy Hewton says
August 24, 2026 at 7:13 pmMy deepest sympathy to Sharron and the entire family.
Bart and Brenda Barham says
August 24, 2026 at 7:55 pmJoel, Gail and family sorry for you loss
Marg Tambling says
August 24, 2026 at 8:04 pmTo the Family of Joe McLay.
WE are so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great guy. Always had a smile and a good remark or 2. Please accept our sincere sympathy at this sad time. You are all in our thoughts.
Gary, Marg, Deb and John Tambling
Carol Williamson says
August 24, 2026 at 8:34 pmA great guy with a beautiful smile. He will be missed. Our thoughts are going out to Sharon and the family. You have some great memories Sharon. RIP Joe ❤ Dave & Carol Williamson
Raymond mclay says
August 24, 2026 at 8:52 pmVery sorry to hear of Jo’s passing, he was a very good friend.
And will be missed. Ray Mclay and family.,
Joan and paul says
August 24, 2026 at 10:32 pmThinking of you all. A reconnection of family to replay good times
Milt McIver says
August 25, 2026 at 9:24 amSharron and Family,
Very sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. Sending our sincere sympathy to you during this difficult time. Take Care.
Bonnie & Milt
Ron& Diane Contois says
August 25, 2026 at 9:28 amOur deepest sympathy at this sad time …
Tom & Barb McDougall says
August 25, 2026 at 1:58 pmSo sorry for your loss.
Sue Burley says
August 25, 2026 at 7:29 pmTo the McLay family, Terry & I send our sympathies to all of you. A sad time.
Patricia Hepburn says
August 25, 2026 at 9:40 pmDear Sharron and Family
What a shock! So sorry to hear of Joe passing away.
My heart goes out to you Sharron, I know how close
the two of you were. It certainly doesn’t seem like 65 years
since we were young and you met Joe!. Thinking of you!
Your friend Pat Hepburn
Jason Dowling says
August 26, 2026 at 12:20 pmOur condolences and thoughts to Joel, Gail, Megan and Kieran! Xoxo
Laura&Gord Coulter says
August 26, 2026 at 1:27 pmTo Sharron and Families
So very sorry to hear of Joe.
Please know we are thinking of you all. With Heartfelt Sympathy
Ken Heppenstall says
August 27, 2026 at 1:21 pmSharron and Family, we are saddened to hear of Joes passing. Our thoughts are with you.Joe always had that smile
Trish and Bill Thompson says
August 28, 2026 at 7:49 amSharron and family. Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Trish and Bill Thompson
Rose and Paul Bye says
August 28, 2026 at 8:15 amSo sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with everyone, cherrish the memories.
Allan Bartley says
August 28, 2026 at 8:18 pmYes, one of the good ones.
Joe is missed.
Condolences to family and friends.
Bill and Karen Ann Johnson says
August 29, 2026 at 5:50 amOur hearts reach out to you in your time of sorrow. May your many happy memories provide comfort in this time of loss
Keith Brown says
August 29, 2026 at 4:01 pmMy condolences to the McClay families
Worked with him on Chi Chee Maun
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Kemble
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