Lennan, Ronald “Butch”
September 13, 1932 ~ March 28, 2021
LENNAN, Ronald Russell Keith – With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we sadly announce the passing of Ronald “Butch” Lennan, who ventured on to greener fairways March 28, 2021 at the age of 88, shortly after watching his Toronto Maple Leafs pull off an OT win. Butch was the beloved husband of Shirley (Chapman) for 67 years. Proud dad to Lori & Ron Lebel and Lynn & Brad Kemp. Cherished Grandpa and best friend to Katie Lebel (James), Kelly Lebel (Tom), Olivia Kemp (Simon) and Aidan Kemp, and the greatest-grandpa to Palmer Jane, all of whom he adored. A hard oiler, Butch was born in Petrolia, but spent most of his life in Mooretown, watching the world go by along the beautiful St. Clair river. He worked as a millwright at Dow Chemical for over 37 years, forging many lifelong friendships. Well known throughout the sport community, Butch was an accomplished athlete. He played on several championship hockey and baseball teams and was an avid golfer, notching five hole in ones over the course of his career. He’s been a fixture at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course since its inception, playing daily during the season. Over the winter months, he bowled weekly and played hockey with his Huff & Puffers.
Butch was a keen advocate for community sport. He was among the original supporters that worked to establish both the Moore Sports Complex and the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Mooretown Flags Junior Hockey organization and was proud to be one of their longest-standing fans. A devoted Sarnia Sting fan, he’s held season tickets since their inaugural season nearly 30 years ago. His encyclopedic sport knowledge is unparalleled and his love for both the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Maple Leafs is rivaled only by Shirley. Butch was a two-time inductee to the Sarnia Sports Hall of Fame, but most grateful for the lifetime of treasured friends he gathered throughout his various sporting endeavors. He was the consummate gentleman and the ultimate combination of classy and cool. His humour and wit will be sorely missed, but we will play on, forever grateful for having had the opportunity to bask in his glow.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to St. Joseph’s Hospice (www.stjosephshospice.ca), St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Mooretown or the Moore Flags Community Group. (Mail cheques to the funeral home)
A private family funeral service will streamed online on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 11:00am by joining https://zoom.us/j/97278697403.
A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to do so.
“We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”
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Condolences (52)
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I am very saddened to hear of Butch’s passing. My deepest sympathy to Shirley and family.
Dear Shirley, Lynn, Lori and Family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Shirley and Family – Sharon and I were sorry to hear of Butch’s passing our sincere condolences
A true gentleman. The best dry wit there was. He could tell a story. Then dangle the carrot. The sports world misses one of it’s best. It was my privilege to know him. So sorry to Shirley and family . And yes l do believe we will meet again.
Lori and Lynn….Lynnie….I don”t think I ever heard Butch call you Lynn. I share your grief in losing your Dad but I know that you have had a long lovely time with him and you will carry that joy forward in your life. He was such a wonderful Dad and super Grandfather to your kids. They are lucky to have had such a close connection with their Grandpa and Grandma Lennon. We will keep you in our prayers. The Bill Gilhuly family.
Shirley, Kelly, Katie and families, We have fond memories of the fun times Butch shared with Dad, Bill, and Uncle Bob. They kept us all laughing with their wit and pranks.Because of the closeness of Dad and Uncle Bob and Butch over so many years I felt like part of the Lennon family. When Butch saw me he would always acknowledge our connection and ask about my children and family. He was sincerely interested in the people he knew and worked actively to maintain his connections by speaking and inviting conversation. I always admired the respect he showed Shirley as his wife and friend and the dedication he showed to Katie and Kelly in their golf endeavours. We will keep you all in our hearts as you release Butch to his new life. He will be missed by many old friends and all the people and groups he served in our community. His humour and kindness will live on in your lives and you will see him in each other. I write on behalf of the members of our family….Donna, Bo, Kathy, Jeff, Hal and myself, Kelly.
Our sincere condolences to the Family . Great Uncle Butch’s memories will always be in your hearts.
Loved his obituary , he was such an accomplished man , he will be greatly missed in all his organizations that
he helped out in. I can see that he will be missed among his numerous friends
My deepest condolences to Shirley and the Family.
I always enjoyed chatting with Butch when we would come over
to get his watches and clocks fixed.
So sorry to hear about Butch. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Wayne and Marie (Lennan) Erickson
Sincerest condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Shirley and Family,
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Butch was a very special friend and will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and one liners on and off the golf course.
Sincerely
Des & Gerri Hamill
My sincere condolences to Mrs Lennan, Lynn, Lori and the entire family. I have such fond memories of my time at the Lennan household growing up. Mr. Lennan was always there to ensure fun was had by all.
I hope that wonderful memories bring you peace at this difficult time.
Don and I send our condolences to Butch’s family. Don played hockey with Butch for many years with the Huff and Puff hockey team. Don sat beside Butch in the dressing room and they shared many good times together.
Butch will be missed by many people. It was a pleasure knowing him.
Don and Linda Gordon
Dear Shirley, Lori and Lynn,
We were so saddened to hear of Butch’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of “the boys.”
Dad, Jim, Butch and all the guys had so much fun together. Their sense of humour was priceless and we will carry with us those memories forever. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Susan, Pete and family.
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. A true gentleman. Thinking of all the family.
Lynsey and the rest of The Hair Professional girls.
Dear Shirley and Family…we wish to extend our condolences to you all. Butch was a wonderful guy. It was a pleasure to have played with and against him. He was a Gentleman athlete and a cool dude.
Shirley and family. We are sincerely sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Fondly remember him at the Lennan luncheons and other family gatherings over the years. John enjoyed visits with him in the hospital a couple years ago. You will always have your memories, and please know you are in thoughts and prayers. John and Marion Lennan
It has been several years since our paths have crossed but I will always remember our working days at Dow. He always had time for a chat which always left you smiling – truly a classy and cool man who is gone but will never be forgotten. My condolences to Shirley and family.
Shirley and family. I have many great memories of golfing with Butch over the years at St. Clair parkway. There was never a bad day on the golf course when you were golfing with Butch. He had such a great sense of humour and was always a pleasure to be around. May he rest in peace.
Aunt Shirley, Lynn and Lori, so sad to hear of Uncle Butch’s passing.He was truly a great guy and loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. Hugs to all
It’s with great sadness to hear about his passing. I send my deepest condolences to the family. Butch was great embassidor for our St. Clair parkway golf course he always had a great smile and sense of humor and took the time to stop and talk. I had the privilege to play golf with him and his long time friends. He will be missed .
Shirley, Lynn, and Lori we are so sorry that Butch is not with us anymore. We will all miss him greatly as he was so special.to everyone.
To Shirley and Family our most sincere condolences . You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carey and Donna Chappelle
I have many happy memories of Butch during my days as a junior golfer at St. Clair Parkway GC. I’ll always fondly remember his loud and jovial voice asking “how ya doin kid?!?!?” and yelling “he broke the ball” after I ripped a driver off the tee. Rest easy Butch! You’re one of a kind and will be dearly missed by many! Condolences to Shirley and all his family and friends from all the Hamills.
So very sorry to hear this news. We will miss hanging out with Butch at Sting games and anywhere else we run in to this great guy.
Jason, Kate, Cormac and everyone at the Eye Opener
Sincerest condolences to Shirley and the Lennan family in your loss! Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Shirley and family. We were saddened to hear of Butch’s passing. It just won’t be the same not seeing his smiling face at the golf course. He will always be remembered fondly and with a smile. RIP Butch!
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley and Family
We are sorry to hear of your loss.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time.
Bob, Jane McLean and family
Shirley and Family
Sincere condolences on your loss.
Sharon and Pat Murphy
Shirley ,Lori and family.. Our heartfelt condolences . From the staff of the Sarnia sting box office
Sorry, to hear of “Butch” passing. I remember the good old days at Dow. Working at Styron with Butch and John Philbin. And Friday afternoon hockey when Butch and Smitty would come out! He had lots of friends, and wil be missed.
Sorry, Shirley and Family
Shirley and family. My sincerest condolences to your family. I will keep in my memory our many conversations on the ride to work or as of late when we were at Sting hockey games. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Our deep condolences to the Lennon family. I’m honoured to have known Butch, he was such a gentleman. An Angel watching over you all.
Rest in Peace.
Deb, Tim, Jason, Jodilyn Brown & family
Our deepest condolences in your loss. Butch was a prominent Mooretown icon. He will be missed by all. Cherish his memory
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Lennan family on the loss of Butch. He was always so friendly.
Shirley and family
We offer you our heart felt sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
God bless you all ❤️🙏🏻
Sincerely Ollie and Janet Smith
Shirley and family
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing, many great times to remember over the years. It has been our privilege to have known Butch . Our thoughts are with you at this time . The Fraser family
There are no words that can help fill the void in your hearts and in your lives. He was a truly lovely, loving person and I will forever be grateful to be able to call him a friend. I will cherish my memories of my time with him, Shirley and the family. Love and laughter forever in my heart when I will think of those times together. The Lennon and Lebel families will be in my prayers & in my heart. Peace to you all, hugs and kisses till I can hug you all in person. Dianne Lowe
So sorry to hear this news…our thoughts go out to Shirley and the children and family.
Dearest Aunt Lori, Uncle Ron & Family
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss ~ I know how close you guys were and how difficult it is to say goodbye. Please know that we’re thinking of you and wish we could be there! May your memories bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart XO
With love,
Andrea & Vinny Hayes (Windsor)
What a beautiful obituary for a wonderful man. I think “the ultimate combination of classy and cool” describes him best. I have many memories of him saying something that was ridiculously funny, and Shirley rolling her eyes with her beautiful smile. His love for his “girls” was obvious to all. He was one of a kind, may he Rest In Peace.
My condolences to the Lennan family. Butch was my first hockey coach in Mooretown and I never forgot him. I always loved talking to him at the golf course or a hockey game. He was a wonderful person!
So sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. He certainly was a great, fun loving man. He was a leader in our Community and left many legacies to be enjoyed by all. He will certainly be missed.
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to the Lennan family. We have many priceless memories.
From all your family in Windsor, our since condolences to Ron & Lori and family. We are sending you hugs during this difficult time and we love you lots. ❤️
Dusty, Laura, McCallum & Declan
Xoxo
What a great guy who will be sorely missed by his communities!
My sincere condolences on Butch’s passing. At all the Sarnia Sting games, at the end of each period, people would gather around Butch so he could coach from the stands. A great guy who lived a great life who always had time to chat.
Dear Shirley Lori Lynn and family Please except my deepest sympathy in your loss of Butch I am sure he is in heaven having a good chat with dad filling him in on all the news RIP Butch
Chum and Connie Howlett send our heartfelt sympathy to Shirley and the family . He will be missed.
Dear Shirley, Lori. Lynn and familyies We extend our deepest sympathy to you at the passing of your dear husband and father.Our hearts are full of wonderful memories,many of them are of the Petrolia bill team We pray your memories comfort you.Melvin and Lorraine Hayward.
My Condolences