McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home Ltd.

10/13/2025

10/07/2025

Skinner, Margie

Margaret Rose Skinner (nee Kerr), of Durham, passed away at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Walkerton on Sunday, October 5th, 2025 in her 87th year. Loving mother of Jim Spencer, Sherilyn and her husband Guy Mason, and John Spencer. Cherished grandmother of Chad Mason and his partner Jessica Brandt, Travis Hiltz, Brianna Mason, Alicia and her husband Brandon Crilly, Chantal Mason, Breanna Spencer, and Nicole Spencer. Proud great-grandmother of 7 and she was excited and looking forward to one more on the way. Fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her daughters Lorna Jean Spencer (infant) and Susan Skinner, her daughter-in-law Patricia Johnstone, and by her siblings Albert Kerr, Helen Conner, Bernice Kilpatrick, Victor Kerr, and James Kerr.

Cremation will take place. A come and go celebration of life will be held at the Durham Legion on Sunday, October 26th from 1 – 4 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

Send a message to learn more

10/05/2025

Fischer, Dennis

Dennis Milton Fischer, of RR #3 Durham, passed away suddenly at the Hanover & District Hospital on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Denise (nee Tone). Loving father of Lori and her husband Steve Holley, Teri Fischer and her husband Scott Lawlor, Chris Fischer and his wife Amy, and Craig Fischer and his wife Pamela. Proud grandfather of Taylor (Jay), Dylan, Ryan, Macy, Hailey, Charlie, Lily, Sarah (Zach), Charlotte, and Ben. Dear brother of Sheila and Jim Meyer, Eunice Henning, and brother-in-law of Deborah Fischer, Barb Tone, Bryan and Jean Tone, Kevin and Val Tone, Deanna and Ray Lewis, and Mary Jo Tone. Predeceased by his parents Elmer and Violet Fischer, his infant son Mark, his grandson Austin Holley, his brother Bryan Fischer, and his brothers-in-law Jim Henning and Robert Tone.

Dennis was a man of the land. Farming wasn’t just his livelihood—it was his calling. He cherished his farm, the wildlife, and the changing of the seasons. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and was a family man through and through. He had a deep love for deer and coyote hunting and found quiet joy in spending countless hours watching wildlife on his trail cam—a peaceful ritual that connected him to the land he cherished.

He was known for his impressive Minneapolis Moline tractor collection, proudly showcasing it in parades, steam shows and social events held at the farm. He had a fondness for old cars and loved cruising in his ’56 Ford with Denise windows down, tunes up. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he found immense joy in teasing them, cheering them on at their sporting events, and watching them grow. He was well known for blowing his signature air horn at hockey games for over four decades in arenas all over Southwestern Ontario.

Dennis passed away suddenly while doing something he loved—cheering on his grandson at a hockey game. His presence, humour, and unwavering strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Wednesday, October 8th from 4 – 7 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Dennis’ life will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ayton on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Ayton.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grey Bruce Highlanders - U16AAA (if paying by cheque, please have cheque payable to "Grey Bruce Highlanders 2010 and in memo line have U16AAA), Stratford Aces Hockey – U18AA (if paying by cheque, please have cheque payable to "Stratford Aces Hockey" and in memo line U18AA), or Walkerton Minor Hockey would be appreciated by the family.

E-transer options are available for donations being made to the hockey teams. Please complete the donation form to the right of the death notice so that the Funeral Home can notify the family of all donations made in memory of Dennis.

Grey Bruce Highlanders e-transfer to trishachapin30@hotmail.com
Stratford Aces e-transfer to payments@aceshockey.com
Walkerton Minor Hockey e-transfer to wmhatreasurer@gmail.com

https://www.mccullochwatsonfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/1207/Dennis-Fischer

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2025

Vollett, Lorna

Lorna June Vollett (nee Brockelbank), of Durham, passed away at Rockwood Terrace on Saturday, September 27th, 2025 in her 98th year.

Beloved wife of the late Leonard Vollett. Loving mother of Wayne Vollett and his wife Jane, and Craig Vollet and his wife Suzanne. Cherished grandmother of Kyle and Reid Vollett. Fondly remembered by Linda Ballantyne, Larry Vollett, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Special thanks to Arelene McNaughton for her care to Lorna over the last number of years. Predeceased by her sister Norma Jean Page.

A graveside service will be held at the Durham Cemetery on Monday, October 6th at 11 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to Durham Hospital Foundation – X-Ray Campaign or the Durham Presbyterian Church would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

Send a message to learn more

09/26/2025

Bovingdon, Jean

Ida "Jean" Bovingdon (nee Morrison), of Durham, passed away at Rockwood Terrace, Durham on Thursday, September 25th, 2025 in her 91st year. Beloved wife of the late Tom Bovingdon (2019) and her first husband Herbert Lantz (1960). Loving mother of Don Lantz and his wife Cathy, Dean Lantz, Debbie and her husband Tracy Detzler, and Geoffrey Bovingdon. Cherished grandmother of Tyler and Heidi Lantz, Brady and Shannon Lantz, Jenna and John Linley, April Detzler, Cole Detzler, Evan Detzler and Lynn, Chloe Detzler and Scott, Kelsey and Justin Turner, Paige Bovingdon, and Jessica Bovingdon and David. Great-grandmother of 7. Dear sister-in law of Velma Morrison, Isobel Morrison. Predeceased by her parents George and Grace (Mountain) Morrison, an infant son, her siblings Inez Pratt (the late Newman), Olive Aitken (the late Walter), Royden Morrison, Vera Aitken (the late Murray), Lloyd Morrison, Hazel Northey (the late Walter), Roy Morrison, and Raymond Morrison (the late Karen).

Jean loved her flowers and enjoyed gardening, she had won numerous awards with the Durham and District Horticultural Society.

A private family funeral service will be held at McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Durham Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Durham Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Send a message to learn more

08/31/2025

Sweeney, Isabell

Isabell Kathleen Sweeney (nee Kieffer), of Durham, passed away with family by her side at McVean Lodge, Hanover on Sunday, August 31st, 2025 in her 97th year. Beloved wife of the late Austin Sweeney. Loving mother of Brenda and her late husband Allan Nixon, J.D. “Jake” Sweeney and his wife Janice, and Marianne Grubb. Loving grandmother of Amy and her husband David, Melissa and her husband Steve, Jamie and his wife Shelby, D’Arcey, Kristen, Lindsay and her wife Meghann, Devon and her husband Michael, and Sarah and her husband Frank. Cherished great-grandmother of 12. Isabell will be missed by dear family friend Dianne McEachnie and is fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her brothers Francis, Walter, and Dennis Kieffer and her sister Marie Browne.

Isabell was a nurse and was loved by many and was often referred to by patients as “their favourite nurse”. She was a member of the CWL for over 75 years.

Visitation will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Tuesday, September 2nd from 6 - 9 p.m., where a vigil prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Durham on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Durham.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Durham Hospital Foundation - X-Ray Campaign would be appreciated.

08/22/2025

**UPDATE - A celebration of Pat's life will be held at the Durham Legion on Saturday, September 13th from 1 - 4 p.m.**

Elvidge, Pat

Patricia Anne Elvidge (nee Doherty) born on June 22nd, 1941 passed away after a brief illness with Leukemia at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Walkerton on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Clare Elvidge. Loving mother of John Elvidge and his wife Melody, Dan Elvidge, and Sarah Doherty and her husband Charles Brindley. Cherished grandmother of Mitchell and his wife Hayley, Kaitlyn Boswell and her husband David, Cassidy, Keegan and Declan. Great-grandmother of Alivia and Bohan. Dear sister of Jim Doherty. Fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Elnor, her nephews R.J and Richard, and her dear friend Sue Irwin. Predeceased by her son Clare Jr, and her siblings John, Micheal and Joanne.

Cremation will take place. Private interment of cremated remains at Trinity Anglican Cemetery.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held at the Durham Legion on Saturday, September 13th from 1 - 4 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the SickKids Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

08/22/2025

Peart, Wayne

Wayne Douglas Peart (fondly referred to as “Badge(r)") passed away Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 in his 87th year at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Chesley. Husband of 60 years to the late Janet Peart (nee Luff). Beloved dad of Bev (and Marie Stimson) of Regina, Saskatchewan; Bonnie Gardiner (and Peter Reid) of Chatsworth; and Tim of Cambridge. Cherished Poppa of grandchildren Tiffany Gardiner of St. Catharines and Abby Gardiner (Matt Wylie) of Breslau; Mitchell (Julia) Peart of Port Elgin; and great grandchildren Ethan Gardiner, Addison and Emmett Otway, Sophia and Sierra Wylie; and Lily and Gibson Peart. Survived by his younger brother Ross of Durham; brothers-in-law Harvey Ellis, John Luff (Pauline); Peter Luff (Susan); and sister-in-law Lesley Luff. Predeceased by his parents Oren and Reta (nee Barbour); sister Lorna Ellis; brother-in-law Mike Luff; and sisters-in-law Brenda Peart and Pat Luff.

Born July 15, 1939 Wayne was raised on the farm on the 6th concession of Glenelg. He worked most of his life for the United Co-operatives of Ontario at the Durham, Markdale, Thornbury, Chesley and Elmwood branches and ended his career with UPI, proud of being part of getting ethanol into gasoline and establishing gas bars throughout southwestern Ontario. They say you can take the boy out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the boy and Wayne was no exception - he was not one to shy away from hard work and when he moved from the farm devoted his love of the land to his yard and gardens.

He loved sports and played on various hockey, baseball and curling teams over the years. In his younger days he coached minor hockey. He served in various capacities for the Zion Glenelg Community Cemetery Board and Knox United Church, Durham. He was loved fiercely by his family.

Visitation will be held at the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham on Monday, August 25th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Wayne's life will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 26th at 11 a.m., with visitation being held prior to the service from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Interment at Zion Glenelg Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Zion Glenelg Community Cemetery, the Durham Food Bank, Chesley Hospital Foundation or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

08/18/2025

UPDATE: Due to scent sensitivity, we kindly ask for no scents to be worn for visitation and service

Wain, Kevin

Donald Kevin Wain, of RR #1 Markdale, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 in his 64th year.

Beloved husband of Corina Wain. Dear brother of Brenda and her husband Phil DoAmaral, Sandra Phillips, Debra and her husband John Parkes, and Suzanne and her husband Dave Robinson. Beloved son-in-law of Rudolf and Elfriede Roehrl, and brother-in-law of Linda Roehrl. Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by his parents Don and Emily Wain, and his brother Derek Wain.

Kevin was a potter for over 30 years and operated Earthern Vessels Pottery in West Grey, and helped Corina on the farm when necessary. Kevin was a founding member of the Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op and had his pottery available there for over 20 years. Kevin was active with the Baptist Church, and served as a volunteer firefighter and chaplain with the Durham Firefighters for over 10 years.

A private graveside service will be held at Zion Glenelg Community Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating Kevin’s life will be held at Markdale Baptist Church, 144 Lorne Street, Markdale on Friday, August 22nd at 11 a.m., with visitation prior to the service from 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. (due to scent sensitivity, we kindly ask for no scents to be worn for visitation and service)

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Markdale Baptist Church, Creation Ministries International (Kitchener), Durham Firefighters Association, Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

08/18/2025

Denyer, Dr. Andrew G. “Bill”

Dr. Andrew G. “Bill” Denyer, of Durham, passed away on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at the age of 76. Loving father of Tobias Denyer, Abigail Denyer-Lalonde and her husband Brandon, Oliver Denyer and his wife Becki, and Ainsley Denyer-Shvili and her husband Dylan. Cherished grandfather of Penelope, Harrison, Ruby, and Lincoln. Dear brother of Janet and her husband Alan Joynes, and nephew of Rita Denyer. Also missed by his former wife, Adele James, and his partner, Paula Vadori. Predeceased by his parents Oliver and Olive Denyer, and his brother Roderick Denyer.

Bill was a beloved member of the Durham community, where he served as a doctor for over 30 years. He also practiced medicine in England, New Zealand and Saskatchewan. He was an avid runner and farmer who spent his final years doing what he loved best: traveling the world and digging potatoes.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Durham Legion, 271 Bruce Street North, Durham on Sunday, September 28th from 1 - 4 p.m., with memories being shared at 2 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Terry Fox Foundation would be appreciated, or his family ask that you plant a tree in his memory.

Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.

08/14/2025

Dion, Patrick

Patrick Eugene Jospeh Dion, of Durham and formerly of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 4th, 2025 at the age of 42. He was the beloved son of Réjean and Carole Dion of Smooth Rock Falls, dear brother to Chantal Dion of King City, Isabelle Dion of Smooth Rock Falls, Véronique Dion of Manitoulin Island and Mark Maltais of Thunder Bay. Cherished uncle to Émilie and Claire Côté, Tristan Johnson, Aidan and Logan Doré, Renée-Anne and Ethan Pelchat and Amanda Maltais. Not forgetting his best buddy, Shawn.

Patrick was an exemplary employee at Durham Furniture for the past 18+ years.

Patrick was loved by friends, family, and neighbours, and he will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched in a positive way. He made an impression even on those who met him only briefly. His neighbours called him the Gentle Giant, and even nine hours from home, he was still known as the Friendly Giant.

To many, he was a quiet, steady, and truly good man with a wonderfully understated sense of humour. He had a calming, almost Zen presence that brought peace to those lucky enough to know him.

He will be remembered for his kind and generous soul, always ready to help, with an inherent nature of putting others first. His thoughtfulness showed not just in words, but in actions. Patrick was a gift to all who knew him.

Rest well, Gentle Giant. Our love will follow you always.

Donations would be appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham

07/28/2025

Sims, Bev

Beverly Joan Sims, of Durham and formerly of Cambridge, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 26th, 2025 in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Mike Sims. Loving mother of Adam Sims and his partner Karie, Matthew Sims and his wife Angela, and Eric Sims and his wife Ashlie. Cherished grandmother of Ava, Isabella, Desiray, Kelsea, Lily, and Grace. Beloved daughter of Joan and the late Len LeGrand. Dear sister of Don LeGrand and his wife Ellie, and Brenda and Wayne Rowley.

Bev was a long-time employee with the Bluewater District School Board.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Durham Legion, 271 Bruce Street North, Durham on Saturday, August 9th from 1 – 4 p.m.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham