Stephen Klachan

KLACHAN, Stephen – Peacefully at Chelsey Park on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, Stephen James Klachan of London and formerly of Dorchester passed away, one day after his 89th birthday. Beloved husband for 64 years of Mary Ellen Klachan. Loving father of Jim (Mary Anne) of Kanata and Doug (Genevieve Papineau) of London. Dear grandfather of Cooper, Jaimie, Mackenzie and Stephen. Brother of Helen Kelly (the late Cy), Margaret Moylan (John), Jean Coyne, and the late Stanley (Joyce). Fondly remembered by Mackenzie S., Camryn S., many nieces and nephews. Steve graduated from the University of Guelph (OAC) in 1954 and worked in the tobacco industry in and around Aylmer. Having met his future wife Mary Ellen Beal at the Stork Club in Port Stanley they were wed in 1955. Steve operated Glendale Gardens Nursery and Apple Orchard for nearly a decade until he joined the London Board of Education as a Secondary School Teacher at Westminster, Thames and Saunders. He was an engaging teacher of Horticulture and Biology for 26 years and President of the Horticulture Teachers of Ontario for 2 years. During this time Steve operated Dorchester Tree Farm for 26 years, landscaping London and area.  Steve was especially proud of being an active member of the Rotary Club of London West for over 46 years. During this time, he was President of the club for 2 years and received 2 Paul Harris Fellowships, one of the highest honours Rotary International can bestow on a Rotarian for recognition of their outstanding contributions exemplifying the highest ideal of Rotary, “Service Above Self”. Steve loved his time teaching and would often share memories of past students he would run into as adults around London. He remembers you all. He loved to share his memories and entertained us all with his recollections and his quick wit.  Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Monday, September 30 at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, London. Mass to be announced.  Cremation and private interment South Park Cemetery, St. Thomas. Memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.