Wilfred Chard

Chard, Wilfred “Wilf” Thomas

April 15, 1933 – April 22, 2024

Passed away peacefully at Hospice Vaughan surrounded by family on April 22 at the age of 91. 

Beloved husband of Ines (née Martini) for 68 years. Loving father of Karen (John Judge) and Richard. Cherished grandfather “Coke” of Owen Reeves (Margaret Bennett), Jaimie Reeves, and Taylor Chard (Celine Potter). Dear brother of Bob and brother-in-law of Alice, Gail, Pete Pipher, Santo and Ann Martini and Noreen and Bruce Lee. Cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. Affectionately known as “Pop” by family and friends, he was one of 7 children, and was predeceased by his parents Jack and Alma, siblings Margaret, Gus, Don, Al, and Muriel, brother-in-law Walt and sisters-in-law Pearl and June.

Wilf enjoyed a career as a teacher in North York and Toronto until his retirement. He was also well-known for his various sports exploits and was inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a member of the Mimico Mountaineers. He continued to enjoy watching Lacrosse and cheering on the Toronto Rock. At Weston Collegiate he played hockey and football and was celebrated for his athletic talent and sportsmanship. He enjoyed fishing and took many fishing trips with family and friends throughout Ontario and Quebec. A long-time resident of Woodbridge, Ontario, Wilf was part of the group that started neighbourhood recycling and volunteered for many years at the Vaughan Food Bank. 

Wilf loved a good conversation and would strike up a chat with anyone whose path he crossed whether they be a total stranger or an adored loved one. He was a true gentleman who will be remembered for his kindness, easy smile, wry sense of humour, and generosity by all whose lives he touched.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Amica Peel Village for the care they provided to Wilf over the last year, and to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Vaughan for their kindness and compassion in his final days. We are also grateful to the staff of Alzheimer's Society of York Region for their advice and support in the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Wilf’s honour to Hospice Vaughan or the Alzheimer’s Society of York Region.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3 starting at 10:30 a.m. at Ward Funeral Home, Woodbridge Chapel 4671 Highway #7 immediately followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m..