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Jerry passed away peacefully after living a long and enjoyable life in his hometown of Cobourg, Ontario. He will be missed by the entire community as well as the staff and residents who would greet him in the hallways at the Legion Village where he spent his twilight years. He was predeceased by his wife of sixty years, Reta (nee Samons). He was the youngest of a family of three predeceased sisters (Dorothy, Evelyn, Audrey) and a predeceased brother (Harold), born to Sheldon and Lillian (nee McQuilkin).
He spent his entire working career as a Class III Stationary Engineer and Caretaker for the Northumberland Board of Education at Gummow Public School and later at the Cobourg District Institute East - known by many principals, teachers and students alike as a kind, caring and respectful individual.
His impish laugh, off-handed jokes and gentle mannerisms will be remembered fondly by his entire family - his sons and their wives, Glenn and Cathy, Jay and Wendy and his loving grandchildren & their partners; Cassie and Scott, Jasmine and Arek, Victoria and Cory, Erin and Matt, Bryan and Melissa, and his great grandson, Liam. He will also be lovingly remembered by his niece, Yvonne of Trenton who he was like a brother to, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
In his younger years he was a Cub Scout leader enjoying camping with his troupe in the Shelter Valley area. He was passionate for fishing for rainbow trout at the base of the old Pratt's Pond dam and off the railway bed at Rice Lake for his favorite catch, Pickerel. He also enjoyed a round of golf once a week and for many years spent winters with our Mom at their second home in Zephyr Hills, Florida.
In retirement years, his unique patience and skill lead him to enjoy wood carving and woodworking - creating canes, birds, toy planes, trucks, and trains, and even rocking-horses for his grandchildren.
Even though we are sad in his passing, we are confident in our belief that he is finally back home and at peace with our Mom. Our memories of him will carry us with smiles and joy throughout our own remaining years.
Due to Covid19, a celebration of life will occur at a future date to be determined by the family.
In memory of our Dad, donations to the Northumberland Hills Hospital through the MacCoubrey Funeral Home will be gratefully accepted.
Glen, Jay and Family so sorry to see this. He was a great guy. Terrific neighbor. Seems so long ago you were neighbors. Take care all, my thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times Jayne
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad . We have many memories of your dad, from working as a caretaker at the schools we attended to your mom and dad coming to the farm for a game of cards with Earl and Marie where there was always more jokes being told and more laughing going on then then I think card playing . Deepest sympathy the Linton Family
Marvin knew Jerry as a mason also we live in Legion Village and knew Jerry there Very nice man please accept our condolences
My Mum has asked that I extend her sympathy to Gerry's family. They were neighbours at the Legion Village and she shared a meal table with both your parents in the dining room. He very kindly carved a wooden plaque for her walker, which hangs there to this day. She was very sorry to hear this news.
I have memories of Jerry from CR Gummow and CDCI East. Our birthday was the same day - each year we would exchange a 'happy birthday' greeting in the hall. My condolences to your families.
The Ward family want to extend our sympathy for your loss of your father. We all remember him from our years at Gummow. He was so kind and obviously loved children. I also had the opportunity to speak to him at Legion Village when our mom Nancy Greenwood was there. A sweet man.
Our condolences on the passing of Jerry. Dave, Reta Jane, and Jackie remember him from their C.R. Gummow school days and him cleaning the blackboard board brushes among his many other duties around the school. Memories of family reunions of past years. Love, Ross & Betty Calberry, Reta and family, Jackie & Glenn Manson and family, and Karen (David) Calberry and family.
To the family, I am a PSW at Legion Village. It was such a pleasure having the opportunity to care for Jerry. He was such a happy cheerful man, always sharing in the memories of his wife and his 2 sons. I will cherish the memories I have and will miss him dearly. Carolyn
Sorry to hear of this lovely man's death... although I really only knew him on a superficial level, he was kind and open, and clearly a great father to help raise those sons ... and put up with all of the antics of the rest of us!
Jay and Glenn Sorry to read about your dad’s death. I think of him with a twinkle in his eye and an impish grin. He had a good sense of humour and enjoyed people. I bet you’ve got lots of stories that will keep memories of your dad alive in your hearts. My condolences.
I send my condolences to the Chatten family....I was a P.S.W at Legion Village and I also did his foot care....Gerry was a very kind man....he held a very special spot in my heart...he would always tell me about his wood working and what he was making or should make....I will surely miss him very much.... Debbie....
Glen and Jay I am very sad to hear that your dad has passed on. I have many fond memories of your father and I also have a plake that your dad made me when I was 17 and I will think of him every time I see it hanging on my wall. Mom and dad send their thought to you and your family at this time. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Judy
Glenn, Jay and families. Very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a kind person. I always enjoyed chatting with him about times at C.R. Gummow and C.D.C.I East. It was so nice he was able to join us at our 40th high school reunion. A life well lived! Please know I am thinking of you at this time.
I have known “ Mr. Chatten” since kindergarten at CR Gummow school . And then as an adult I was blessed to meet him and your Mom having coffee with the group at the mall! A sweet , sweet man I will miss him 😔❤️
Remember Mr. Chatten as a great neighbour on Meredith Street. Will be missed and condolences to the Family
We were sorry to learn of Gerry passing on. Don enjoyed his visits with Gerry and viewing his carvings at Woodcarving groups, we also enjoyed the many social groups that Gerry attended that the club had, always a super person to chat with.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
So very sorry Glenn to hear of your dad's passing. We always enjoyed visiting and chatting with Gerry. He had a quiet sense of humour, loved to talk about wood working - which had become one of his favourite hobbies. He leaves good memories behind..... which should warm your heart, as well as Jay's and the entire Chatten family. Treasure these memories. He leaves a good legacy behind for all of you. Sincere condolences to all. Claudette
Bill was one of the cubs Jerry led and was very much respected. More recently Jerry attended the carving club along with Bill. Helen was a close friend of Reta his second wife who also predeceased Jerry. To the family, for sure Jerry will be missed. Bill also was on dialysis and along with Jerry had the kidney problems in common. Bill and Helen Glenn
Very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was so personable...always ready for a chat and such a lovely smile. My condolences to all over your loss. May your memories sustain you during this time.
My heartfelt prayers for comfort, peace and grace at this time for Glenn, Jay, Wendy & their families. I am so very sad at Gerry's leave-taking, and have always thought of him as "Dad Chatten", such a dear and wonderful soul! I first had the honor to meet Gerald and Reta Chatten at McMaster University (about '81) when they visited Glenn & attended a performance I was also in. ...Lots of great memories flood in, of both Gerald and Reta since then. I am so proud of Gerry Chatten's career as Class III Stationary Engineer & Caretaker for the Northumberland Bd. of Education. What a key, inspiring position for him in mentoring youth as well as staff. He and Glenn & Jay's mom, Reta, also donated many volunteer work hours to the hospital in Cobourg. There is comfort in knowing that they are re-united in a peaceful place.
Knew your father since my days at Gummow school and then the East. He was always there to assist anyone, young or old. I always liked running into your dad over the years. He always remembered who I was, even when I last ran in to him this passed year at the Legion. A very wonderful, kind soul with a great smile. Rest in peace.
Being a former student at Gummow school from 1955 to 1963, I certainly remember Mr. Chatten. Wonderful man, glad to see he had a long and happy life. I'm sure it was important to have a sense of humour if your immediate boss was Principal Wilbur Christie.
Gerry was a caring thoughtful man ..... I worked with both Gerry & Reta at the N&N board of ed for many years.. where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories that families can share
Was so proud to have worked for and with you. You will be missed by many. God speed Gerry thank you .Don Johnson.
Glenn, Jay and family, we are very sorry to hear of you Dad's death. Your Dad was well liked by everyone. He was always ready with a smile. While it is sad he is gone, we know he had a fulfilling life. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.