Walter “Cecil” was born on Sunday, March 11, 1934, at home, on the family farm, on Bruce Road 1 in Greenock Township. He was the eldest child of Walter and Myrtle (Foreman) Lemont and in time was joined by younger siblings, Lloyd, Edwin, and Laureen. Cecil enjoyed his childhood on the farm and aspired to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and become a farmer. He, along with his siblings, attended S.S. #10 Greenock. However, being the eldest son and with lots of work at home, Cecil forwent high school and began working full-time at home.
In the late 1950’s Cecil was introduced to a young woman by the name of Doreen Grace Cockram. The two soon began dating and were later married on Saturday, May 28, 1960 at the Gospel Hall in Orillia. By this time, Cecil had taken over operating his grandfather’s farm, located on Bruce Rd. 1. The Lemont family soon began to grow with the arrivals of Helen (1961), Ron (1963), Karen (1964), Darlene (1968), and Sandra (1969).
In the 1970’s the family relocated to Glammis for a few months, before finally settling on the 14th of Greenock. Cecil began working for Ontario Hydro at Douglas Point, where he was a labourer. After working at the Point, he returned to his passion of farming and found work on the chicken farms at Bruce Rd. 20 and Concession 14 in Greenock Township.
Cecil’s faith played an important role in his life, and he was a life-long member of Eden Grove Gospel Hall. Through the years he was actively involved with a variety of church functions, services, and roles – truly, it was a second home for Cecil. He enjoyed socializing with others, and helping where he could. He was also a member of the Purdy Cemetery Board. In his limited free time, Cecil enjoyed tinkering and keeping busy around home. Many will recall seeing Cecil out mowing his lawn and Purdy Cemetery regularly – along with any other lawn or grass that needed to be attended to in the area! Back at home, Cecil enjoyed spending time reading his Bible and always enjoyed a nice bowl of soup, or maybe his favourite liver and onions.
After their own children left home, Cecil and Doreen opened their home to the Familyhome initiative, whereby they shared their home with individuals with developmental disabilities. Steven and Theresa soon joined them and quickly became an extension of their family. After Doreen’s passing, Theresa went to live with another family while Steven remained with Cecil. This continued for several more years until Cecil was physically no longer able to help care for him.
In the early 2000’s Cecil became a caregiver to Doreen as well, as she began to suffer from dementia. He looked after her every need for the next few years, before it became too much, whereby she moved to The Village in Hanover for more care. Sadly, Doreen passed away in 2011. Although a homebody, he enjoyed catching up with friends and neighbours. In recent years, Cecil began experiencing his own health challenges, and after a few months with Karen, called Parkview Manor in Chesley home in February of 2023. Here, he received the support he needed and lived out his remaining months supported by their great staff.
Cecil passed away at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in his 90th year.
Loving father of Helen (Randy) Miller of Jarvis, Ron of New Hamburg, Karen Lemont (Dave Plante) of Walkerton, Darlene Whitehead of Lucknow, and Sandra (Paul) Garand of Keswick. He will be missed by grandchildren, Stephanie, Steven, Nicole, Tracey (Philip), Jeff, Davie, Stacey (John), Steven, Danielle, and Jason, and great-grandchildren Katara “Kelp”, Ares, Orion, and Theo. Cecil will be fondly remembered by his siblings Edwin (Shirley) of Kitchener, and Laureen (John) Eby of Listowel. He was predeceased by his wife Doreen, grandson Michael Lemont, brother Lloyd Lemont and his parents Walter and Myrtle (Foreman) Lemont.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday from 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service honouring Cecil’s life will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. Spring interment in Purdy Cemetery, Greenock Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to MS Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
