Obituary of Gregg Kenneth Blackler

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Gregg Kenneth Blackler, resident of the St. Marys area, who passed away on Friday May 24, 2024, at the age of 49 after a long and determined battle against treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. Cherished son of Joanne Blackler and the late Kenneth Blackler (2013). Beloved brother of Maureen Blackler & Stephen Hill of Toronto and Andrea Blackler & Tim Marshall, also of Toronto. Adored uncle of Adam Hill and Zoe Marshall. He will be greatly missed by his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Special thanks to friends and family members who spent countless hours supporting Gregg in his fight against this disease.

Gregg attended St. Marys D.C.V.I., the University of Guelph (B.Sc.), and Lakehead University where he obtained his Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). He spent most of his career working for local schools both as a teacher and an educational assistant. He also helped to run the family farm after his father passed away. He was a skilled landscaper and enjoyed working on the land and especially planting and tending to trees.

Gregg made a positive contribution to the lives of many students through his dedicated work as a teacher, coach, tutor, volunteer, and mentor within the St. Marys and Stratford communities. One of his proudest achievements was co-founding St. Marys Minor Basketball in 2005. His unwavering commitment to the house league program made players feel valued and supported. He will be remembered for his kindness, wit, sense of humour, patience, sportsmanship, endless curiosity, and perceptive insights.

A public open house in memory of Gregg will be held in the Community Hall at the ST. MARYS PYRAMID RECREATION CENTRE, 317 James Street South, St. Marys, on Saturday June 22 from 2pm to 4pm with words of remembrance at 3pm.

Click here to view a map of the St. Marys Pyramid Recreation Centre for the location the community hall and the entrance doors. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to

Jumpstart Canadian Tire St.Marys (in the instructions field, please include a note asking to “Direct to Canadian Tire St. Marys” to support local families) https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate

St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation 
https://stmaryshealthcare.foundation/donate/in-memory/

St.Marys Minor Basketball.
To make a donation and receive a tax receipt,
please send an e-transfer to basketballstmarys@gmail.com

or a charity of one's choice