“It isn’t the farm that makes the farmer – it’s the love, hard work, and character.”
Unknown
Dennis Willard Calhoun was born in Chesley, Ontario, on March 10, 1950, to proud parents Willard and Helen (McGregor) Calhoun. As the eldest of five children, he was later joined by his siblings Rod (1953), Doug (1955), Cheryl (1957), and Marlene (1959). The family resided on the Calhoun homestead on the 10th of Elderslie, where they embraced the full spectrum of farm life. In the early years, their livestock included pigs, chickens, and dual-purpose short horns. With many hands to help, the children all contributed to the farm work. These formative years instilled in Dennis many lifelong lessons and values, sparking a passion for farm life that remained steadfast. As a teenager, Dennis also worked for Emke’s funeral home, helping Vern with driving and cleaning the hearses, but knew that the farm was where he’d rather be.
Dennis attended S.S. #11 Elderslie, a one room schoolhouse located on the 10th, just west of their farm. He continued his education at Chesley District High School, and in Grade 9, he met Rosemary Louise Ankenmann, a young woman one year his senior. The two began dating and their romance blossomed. They were eventually married at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Southampton on June 13, 1970, with a wedding party consisting of bridesmaids Wendy McCurdy, Cathy Eastwood and sister Laurel Ankenmann, and groomsmen Dale Brown, Bob Crawford and brother Rod. That same year, Dennis purchased his home farm on Concession 2 of Elderslie, a 200-acre property (Lot 14 & 15). The young couple quickly settled in, and Dennis started his own farming operation. Dennis loved and had a passion for the cattle business. Every barn was typically full and when empty, the next turn of cattle was never far away. At one time, Dennis had a 150 Angus cross cow herd and 50 sows farrow to finish. Growing crops was also something he loved to do. Dennis, with his son Greg and the help of his hired hands, was cropping 1,300 hundred acres and a large portion of that crop production went towards feed for finishing his livestock.
Dennis and Rose’s family began with the birth of Cyndie in 1971, followed by Greg in 1973, Melanie in 1974 and Carrie in 1976. With a newfound passion for family, Dennis remained a dedicated farmer at heart. He was meticulous, a man of routine, and steadfast in his ways. Dennis worked tirelessly, upheld high standards, and expected the same level of commitment from those around him. During these early years, he imparted many life lessons to his children, particularly about hard work and perseverance. He also took immense pride in his farm, property, equipment, livestock and crops. He valued appearance and worked tirelessly to ensure everything was immaculate.
He remained eternally optimistic, even during the high interest rates of the 80s and the ever-fluctuating cattle and crop prices. These setbacks only fueled Dennis’ determination. His extensive farming knowledge and years of experience were highly regarded by his peers, who often visited or called to seek out his advice. His deep care for land and nature led him to become a dedicated steward of farm management, animal husbandry and woodlot management. Dennis earned great respect within both his local community and the broader farming industry.
In his younger years, Dennis enjoyed playing sports, especially hockey. He proudly played on the 1960/61 Paisley Brick & Tile Pee Wee All Ontario hockey team. They went on to become the first Paisley All Ontario Championship team. He stayed active in hockey until a severe knee injury. Together with Rosemary, they found a new passion in curling and became devoted members of the Chesley Curling Club, enjoying the camaraderie and drinks after the games, often with the kids in tow. Dennis was also an avid Leafs fan, enjoying the broadcasts on TV whenever his schedule would allow.
Dennis was also an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for hunting and fishing. In his early years, he enjoyed his hunting trips up the Bruce Peninsula to Vick Dudgeon’s hunt camp at Willow Creek. Whitetail hunting with Harvey and Larry Kreutzkamp, Leonard Calhoun and Vern Emke’s family. Colonel Clark’s was their watering hole of choice after a day’s hunting. Larry, Leonard and Dennis were known to liven the place up from time to time. Deer hunting in the fall with the Gateman gang was also an important time of fellowship. On several occasions, Dennis travelled north with friends to Northern Ontario and Quebec on many fishing and hunting trips. He particularly enjoyed the social aspect of these outings, as he loved a captive audience and was known to be a great storyteller. Back at home, he and Rosemary loved to entertain which in addition to Dennis’ stories, usually involved a few drinks and a lively game of cards.
Dennis always had an affinity for his International Harvester tractors and combines, and in recent years took great pride in restoring his 7230 Case IH ‘boxcar’ Magnum. In the early 2000s, he also restored a W6 TA International, which he proudly used to haul the Calhoun float in Chesley’s 125th Homecoming parade.
It wasn’t uncommon for friends and family to lend a hand during the busy season, though their help sometimes came with its own set of challenges. For instance, Walter Brown, a loyal friend, rarely said “no” when asked for assistance, but his time on the farm often resulted in a repair job afterward—much to everyone’s amusement! All joking aside, Dennis always appreciated the help and was generous in return. Rosemary made sure everyone was well fed and watered, one of the big perks of coming to help for the day. The harvest was his favourite time of the year. He took great satisfaction running the harvester and combine. He supported various charities through this work, including the Dobbinton United Church Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the Chesley Kinsmen Crop Projects.
In 2003 Dennis and Rosemary became Grandparents welcoming their first 2 grandchildren. In 2008 life forever changed for Dennis and his children in June of that year when Rosemary passed away suddenly. With the support of friends and family, Dennis slowly transitioned to life on his own, holding dear the many memories made with Rosemary. His relationships with his children further blossomed, and he formed deeper, more meaningful connections with his 12 grandchildren who filled Dennis’ life with immense joy. He embraced his role wholeheartedly, becoming a much more present and loving grandfather. Dennis cherished every opportunity to gather with his family, including holidays, family events, and life milestones. He loved catching up with his grandchildren whenever he could and enjoyed attending their sporting and school events.
As is common with farming life, there were several incidents over the years that could have proved fatal for Dennis, including a dead elm tree, run-ins with cattle, slips and falls and equipment repairs gone awry. Every time, Dennis escaped with his life but not without a few more scars, thus developing a reputation as a man with ‘nine lives’.
In April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Dennis’s life was profoundly changed when he needed his lower leg amputated. Nonetheless, he was determined to move forward and maintain as much independence as possible. He went on to regain his driver’s license after a series of trips to Barrie to learn how to drive a modified vehicle. He also remained engaged in management of the farm, continuing his research into new ways to innovate and improve his operations, as well as weekly tours to each of the properties with Greg to ensure everything was in order.
Dennis spent his final years at Gateway Haven in Wiarton, where he was content, well cared for and frequently visited by family and friends. The staff appreciated his presence, having recognized his good nature and talent for storytelling whenever they interacted with him. Even as his health continued to decline, Dennis’ mind centred around farming, often imagining he was in the middle of various farm-related tasks and occasionally resulting in a random phone call to family or a local business seeking help or needing a ride. Greg received most of these phone calls and was usually able to diffuse whatever predicament Dennis found himself in!
Dennis was reunited with Rosemary on Monday, January 20, 2025, when he passed away surrounded by family, in his 75th year.
Loving father of Cyndie (Kevin) Rands of Allenford, Greg (Jessica) Calhoun of Tara, Melanie Calhoun (David McCallum) of Port Perry, and Carrie Calhoun (Alex Smith) of Caledon East. Beloved grandfather of Chloe, Claire, Carylie, Meghan, Ewan, Paige, Harper, Edelle, Cora and Quinn. Dennis will be dearly missed by his siblings Rod (Carol) of Swalwell, Alberta, Doug (Brenda) of McCullough Lake, Cheryl VandeGraft of Calgary, Alberta, and Marlene Bosse of Meaford, as well as the entire Ankenmann family. He was predeceased by his wife Rosemary (Ankenmann), twin grandsons Everett and Tate McCallum, parents, Willard and Helen (McGregor) Calhoun and his brother-in-law Ed VandeGraft.
Visitation will be held at the Chesley Community Centre on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m. Words of Remembrance will be shared at the Chesley Community Centre on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. with a celebration of Dennis’ life to follow until 4 p.m. Spring interment in Chesley Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
To everyone in Dennis’ family, we are sorry to hear of his passing. Sending our sincere condolences.
Lots of great memories of Dennis coming into the garage at Scone, especially the Friday night get togethers. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Bill, Georgina, Jo-Anne, Suzette Fortney and families.
Our deepest sympathy to Greg and the entire Calhoun family
Cyndie and family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to you all.
So sorry for your loss.
Joleen and Tom
Condolences to the family. Dennis was a good man, and a good friend.
My Deepest Sympathy in your loss of your dear Dad. Thinking of you all.
Our sincere condolences to the Calhoun family
Cyndie and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Our sympathies to Dennis’ family on losing a father and brother. Thinking of everyone.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Calhoun family. Treasure all the stories and memories that you made together.
Dennis was a great man who always made you laugh but also feel at ease in his presence. He was a loyal friend to so many, especially to my Dad Dale. He will be missed.
We were saddened to hear about Dennis’ passing. Our sincerest condolences to all of the family. Take reassurance in knowing he is now back with the love of his life.
Our condolances to the Calhoun family. We both have good memories of Dennis and Rosemary and their happiness together..
My sincerest sympathy to the Calhoun families, Dennis will be greatly missed!
Our sincerest sympathy to the Calhoun families. May he rest in peace now.
Dennis was a valued friend to my mom and dad. As a teenager I was always happy to receive a phone call from him asking for help with haymaking or firewood stacking or stock shifting or whatever other jobs needed doing. A day at Dennis’ place meant hours of gutbusting laughter and stories and antics from whatever team he had been able to assemble, and an excellent feed at the end of it all, which is a testament to Dennis’ wisdom, kindness and generosity. Sympathy and love to the whole family!
Dennis invited me in when I was doorknocking and I ended up staying for some time hacing a nice visit and talking farming. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Calhoun family. We have many fond memories of Dennis and Rosemary throughout the years. And most recently delivering groceries to him through the pandemic. We had many conversations each of those days and was happy to have a short visit with him weekly.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Calhoun family. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to all the Calhoun family. I have so many fond memories of Dennis, he was always very kind to me and my sisters. He loved to joke and kid around with my Dad. He was a wonderful cousin.
Our condolences to the entire Calhoun family’s.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Sending our deepest sympathy.
We are sorry for your loss, thinking of the Calhoun family during this difficult time.
Your deepest sympathies to the Calhoun family! Dennis will be truly missed.
Ernie and I are very sorry for your loss. The obituary was a joy to read – so well done – about Dennis and his family. We are friends of Cheryl’s and met Dennis after Ed’s passing. We are fortunate to have met him.
Our sincere sympathy Greg and family and all.
Cyndie, Kevin and all the Calhoun family. Sending sympathy at this difficult time. Hold your memories close
So very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the Calhoun family
May he rest in peace with Rosemary at his side
Sincerest condolences to the Calhoun and Ankenmann Families
Thinking of you
Our deepest condolences to the families. May he rest in peace with his beloved.
Greg, Jess, Meghan, Ewan, sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. Please know that we are thinking of you at this very sad time.
Sincerest sympathies on Dennis’ passing.
Sincere Condolences! May the memories live on in your heart!
Bob & Dale Kelly
To Ewan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather/father. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Kind regards,
Hannah Greer’s Family
Greg and Jessica and the Calhoun family..we were saddened to hear of your dads passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with you at this difficult time .
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis.
Dennis and Rosemary were in Chesley High School at the same time as my sister Janet and myself.
Dennis and Rosemary’s love story of life and history far exceeds any comment that could be expressed here. Both were very strong people and devoted.
They have a beautiful family.
May they rest in peace.
Sincerely Anne
So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences.
Cyndie and Greg and families, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Hugs from Wray and Leone.
So sorry to hear of Dennis passing and our deepest sympathy to the entire family at your loss. May God heal your broken hearts. RIP Dennis
Cyndie, Greg, Melanie & Carrie…thinking of you all during this sad time.💕
I offer you my thoughts, prayers, and wishes during this dark time in your life.He will be missed.
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father, grandpa, brother and uncle. My deepest sympathy is extended to all. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences to the entire Calhoun Family. Dennis will be pain free now and missed by so many.
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Calhoun family.
Sorry for your loss
Thinking of you all. Dennis will be missed by many.💕