Obituary of Wilbert Joseph Blain

Peacefully surrounded by family on April 29, 2024, at Riverview Gardens, Wilbert Joseph Blain passed away at the age of 97. Wilbert joined his beloved wife Eleanor just 15 days after her passing. They were married for 70 cherished years. He was the proud father of Peter, Diane (Serge), the late Karen (2012) (the late Joe (2021)), Tim (Mona), and Rob (Karen). Wilbert was the beloved grandpa of Tammy (Vatche), the late Joe (2022) (Laura), the late Trevor (2008), Brandie (Jamie), Nicole (Frank), Julia (Keelan), Natalie (Nick), Amanda, Taylor (Brad), Camille, and Ayden. Great-grandchildren Amelia, Joey, Lucas, Adrian, Sevan, Tarro, Taavi, Ethan, Ainsley, Adalyn, Anderson, Evangeline, Gracie, James, Thomas, Oliver, and Nolan. Predeceased by siblings Gladys (Bill Simpson, Walter Bales), Walt (Mary), Finn (Katherine), Wes and Fred (Jean, Isobel). Fondly remembered by Sister-in-Law Ann Gould, wife of Wes. Wilbert is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Wilbert was born to Fred and Edith Gould on January 23^rd, 1927, in Ford City (Windsor). Wilbert lost his mother at the age of 3 and was adopted by Roy and Florence Blain of Wardsville in 1930 and spent the rest of his life on the farm. Wilbert was proud to call Roy and Florence his parents and was raised in a loving home – as he often shared stories with his children. His oldest sibling, Gladys, retained communication with Roy and Wilbert knew his biological family. After his father retired from farming Wilbert and Eleanor would make their home on Roy’s farm on Beattie Line from 1954 until they moved together to Riverview Gardens in Chatham in 2021.  As a child Wilbert worked on the farm and developed a skill for craftsmanship and built hip-roof barns across Ontario, often pointing them out to whomever was with him in the vehicle. Wilbert was employed by the Elgin County Board of Education for 22 years where he worked in the maintenance department and as head custodian at West Elgin Secondary School (WESS). For a time, he taught technical trades at WESS after completing his teaching certificate at Queens University in the mid 1970s.

After retiring from the WESS he and Eleanor travelled to Florida and joined a camping group where they made many new friends. Wilbert volunteered his time, energy and skills in his community. Wilbert was a devoted person of faith at Wardsville United Church. He was always willing to offer his time to support the various activities and functions of the church. Wilbert was always willing to assist his friends and family in any construction project they had. He had a flair for making things work and often said “that’ll do” to signify a job well done. Wilbert could fix anything. Wilbert taught all his children the importance of working hard and enjoying life. He loved and cherished his family and was devoted to the health of his barn cats. In 2009 Wilbert and Eleanor entrusted a significant portion of their land to the Thames Talbot Land Trust forever conserving it as natural habitat known as the “Blain Farm”.

Visitation will be held at DENNING’S OF RODNEY on Saturday May 4, 2024, from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. An IOOF service will take place at 12:45 before Saturday's visitation. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Sunday May 5, 2024, from 1:00pm-2:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm. Interment to follow in Rodney Cemetery.

In memory of Wilbert, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.  Share a memory at westelginfuneralhome.com