Calvin McConnell

Calvin Grant McConnell of Kincardine Township passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Kincardine, at the age of 92.  Cherished husband for sixty-six years of Norma McConnell (nee Hedley).  Loving father of Mark (Rosanne) McConnell of Kincardine Township and Geoffrey (Jeanette) McConnell of Moosomin, Saskatchewan.  Beloved grandfather of Bailey and Ashley; Chayse, Lauren, Reaghan and Julia.  Greatly missed by siblings Phyllis, Glen, Audrey, Wray (Janet), Mel (Elaine), Kathy (Bob), Annetta (Ted), Sharon (Harold) and Norval (Isabell). Also missed by sister-in-law Helen Hedley (Donnie), brothers-in-law Glenn and Kevin (Jo Ann) Hedley, Ross Baptist, and son-in-law Dennis Kidd.  Calvin will be forever cherished and greatly missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours.  Predeceased by parents, Russell and Mary (Kerr) McConnell; brothers  Eric, Orland, Karl and Elwyn, and sister Margaret; brothers-in-law Havey Robinson, Willard Metcalfe and Joe Bandura; sisters-in-law Isabel, Dorothy, Eleanor and Janet.  Calvin was also predeceased by his only daughter Shannon Marie on June 19, 2013.  We have no doubt that Shannon was there to greet her dad, and is already touring him through her beautiful gardens above.  Calvin was a true gentleman with his peaceful and calming demeanor – he never had a bad day and always seen the glass as half full.  Calvin always said to Mark that after his back injury he laid for so long not able to do anything, he would never complain about being able to do something.   He took a true interest in anyone that came into his life.  He was an inspiration to many and provided encouragement and advice to those that needed it.  It is amazing how many lives he touched with all of the roads he travelled in life.  Calvin was born in Kincardine Township and made this his life long home farming on Sideroad 15.  Calvin has farmed with his family as Dun-Rovin Acres for 67 years.  He first began by raising police dogs which were sold to areas throughout Canada, and then he developed a love for Brown Swiss dairy cattle.  Calvin was one of the oldest Brown Swiss breeders in Canada, and promoted the breed for many years.  He shared his love for “The Big Brown Cows” by exhibiting them at shows throughout the country, and was even more proud when his cattle genetics went on to be successful for other breeders.  He was extremely humbled and honoured to be awarded the first Master Breeder for the breed in 2017.  Calvin loved being outdoors working around the farm with his animals (of all shapes and sizes !), and working in his gardens with his dog by his side.  Calvin was a leader and a mentor to many throughout his years – he enjoyed remaining in touch with many of these young people and learning of the accomplishments in their lives.  Calvin was very involved in his community, his church and the Kincardine Agricultural Society – he loved attending social functions with family, friends and neighbours.  Calvin loved music and he loved to dance – whether it was at a nieces or nephews wedding, or just in the barn, when a song came on – his toe was tapping.   No matter how busy he was, he always made time to have a good visit when someone would stop in at the farm.  As a tribute to Calvin please, “Live your life as he did with kindness, caring and respect for those around you”.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services.  A Private Family Service to be held at the Anglican Church of the Messiah, Kincardine on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Rob Hiscox officiating. In Calvin’s memory donations may be made to the Kincardine Church of the Messiah or Kincardine Agricultural Society.  Online condolences at www.greybrucecremation.com.