It is with great sadness that the family of Don Renton announces his passing at the Wellington Terrace Nursing Home in Fergus, on May 25th, 2024. He was in his 90th year. His health had been declining for the past few years. He made Wellington Terrace his home in March 2023. He loved his new home and all the PSWs, recreational directors, nurses, kitchen staff, and cleaners. Thank you to all of you – you sang, danced, watched sports, and talked to Dad as if he was your own family. You made him laugh! He made many new friends among residents and staff. We will forever be grateful for the exceptional care. Also, thank you to Dr. Stickney for your compassionate care. This past year, Dad was able to attend a family reunion, celebrate Christmas and his birthday with his family. He enjoyed outings in the Wellington Terrace bus, as well as bowling, euchre, and church. He had an entourage of visitors this past year of family, friends, and old neighbours. He was very fond of the Mennonites and old trucker friends that visited, but he especially loved when grandchildren and three great grandchildren would visit and disassemble his room. He was very interested in what the kids were up to – their school, work, and travels. He was extremely proud of them all. Dad came to Dromore at age four, adopted by the Rentons. He was born in Toronto to Isabel Highlands, from Scotland. Finding and visiting his birth mother’s grave in Toronto was a memorable time for him a few years ago. He married Anne Ferguson in 1960, and they raised their three children in Dromore. He spent the next 55 years in Dromore, farming, and owning/operating a livestock trucking business. Later, he retired to Mount Forest, spending a few winters in Florida. Dad was a proud elder of Dromore Presbyterian Church. He was predeceased by his parents Art and Mary Renton, birth mother Isabel Highlands, spouse Anne Renton (2003), sister Adele Hayward, great granddaughter Rosie (2023), and his beloved dog Mr. Muggins. He is survived by his children Kathy (Merv McLeod), Jeff (Heather), Jackie (J.P. Jones); grandchildren Jake (Sarah), Kailey (Brogan), Isaac (Hailey), Annie (Brandon), Elijah, Ella, Georgina, Levi; three great grandchildren Reese and Adelyn Renton, and Roy McLeod; and special cousin, Bea Wilton. He is also survived by many cousins, brothers and sisters in laws, nieces and nephews. If you wish, donations to Ramoth House in Mount Forest (home for young mothers and babies) or Dromore Presbyterian Church would be appreciated. Dad had an incredibly compassionate and generous heart. He followed the news, and he had many concerns about the wars and the environmental crisis that we are in. We ask that you pay it forward and spread joy and love to somebody less fortunate in the next few weeks, whether it’s in your own community or globally – this would make him very happy. Cremation and a private graveside service were his wishes. Online condolences can be made at Passages Cremation in Guelph.
“As long as there are a few farmers out there, we’ll keep fighting for them” – Willie Nelson