On October 15, 2021, Nicholas Ernest Hans Dalton, passed away suddenly on his farm near Rockwood, Ontario, at the age of 67. Nick was a talented man who was a custom home builder, passionate farmer, and influential contributor to Hillside Festival. He was steadfast in what he believed and cared deeply about sharing his philosophies. His company, Braden Homes, was the pioneering builder of double wall air-tight energy efficient houses. He mentored many young employees for their futures in the construction industry. Although home building was his day job, his true passion was his farm, Magda Farm, which enabled him to bring ethically raised products – pasture-raised pigs, chickens, cattle and eggs – to market while being a responsible steward of the land. He believed very much in building a strong community around the farm. During his 34 years there, he planted thousands of trees to support the symbiotic relationship between man and nature. His environmentalism and community spirit were also evidenced in his involvement with Hillside Festival. During his six years on the Hillside board, he focused on environmental initiatives, bringing in a water tanker to replace the thousands of plastic water bottles that were being used at the time, while also promoting recycling and composting initiatives and implementing a solar hot water heating system. He was always pushing for more environmental alternatives. Most importantly, Nick dearly loved his three sons, Christopher, Cody and Collin, and was always up for engaging in shenanigans with them. His good humour and spirit of adventure will live on in them. A celebration of his life will be held at his farm in Rockwood on November 6, 2021, at 12pm. Please contact nickdalton1954@gmail.com for more details or directions. Arrangements entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.
