Obituary of Robert John Vanek

Robert John Vanek, of Dresden, passed away surrounded by family at Riverview Gardens Nursing Home on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the age of 78. Robert was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Joch) Vanek. Loving Husband to Alice (nee Van De Wynckel) for 57 years. Dear Father of John (Cindy) Vanek of Michigan, Shirley (Marc) Gelinas of London, Jerry (Cathie) Vanek of Dresden and Stephen (Susan) Vanek of Dresden. Beloved Grandfather to Luke and Ali Gelinas, Matthew Vanek, Michael and Jonathan Vanek. Loving Brother to the late Stanley and Anthony (1929) Vanek. Robert will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Robert began farming at the young age of 17, taking over the family farm after his father’s passing. He was a Director on the Ontario Vegetable Board, a member of the Chatham-Kent Vegetable Board and President of the Canadian Czechoslovakian Friendship Club in Dresden. As well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Family to receive friends at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, on Sunday, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., with Vigil Prayers to take place at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass of Robert’s life will take place at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 52 Croydon Street, Chatham on Monday, July 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Burial to take place in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Donations in Memory of Robert to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/175157405" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/175157405">Robert Vanek</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user27484248">McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>