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 Lion’s 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 held a graveside service at Stokes Bay Cemetery on Friday August 28th at 1:00 pm. A gathering and refreshments followed 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.
