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16
December

Floyd Dudgeon

Rhody Family Funeral Home

“Agriculture is the most healthful,

most useful and most noble employment of a man.”

George Washington

Floyd Elroy was born at home on the farm in Williscroft on Saturday, March 20, 1926 to Victor James and Jessie Arnold (Floyd) Dudgeon. He was soon joined by a younger sister, Isobel Francis, who was born August 17, 1929. 

Floyd’s father was born before the turn of the last century in 1899 (in Elderslie Township) as was his mother (who was born in Sullivan Township). They were married on September 26, 1923 in Sullivan Township and their witnesses were Clifford Dudgeon (of Dobbinton) and A. Mary Floyd (of Toronto). The Rev. Archibald Graham B.A., the Presbyterian pastor from Chesley married them.

The Dudgeon family farmed near Williscroft, just west of Dobbinton. Isobel and Floyd attended S.S. #8 in Elderslie. It was located on what is now known as Bruce County Road #40 at Lot 6, Concession 13. The original building was opened in 1858 and the present day yellow brick building was built in 1907. The school was closed in June of 1958. In fact, in 1870 one hundred children attended the school and those numbers had dwindled down to 8 at its closing. 

In 2013 at a school reunion Floyd was in attendance along with Fred Patterson, Mary (Walpole) Patterson, Jack Sparrow and Sid Patterson, all students from the 1930’s. “Children walked, rode their ponies, and even skied to school; there were no buses then. This provided for lots of adventures coming and going to school. Farm Forum, parties and other meetings were held at the school.  At Hallowe’en time, costume parties were enjoyed by young and old alike. There was the usual apple bobbing and the younger generation learning to dance.  John Wolfe would play the fiddle and Mrs. Victor Dudgeon (Floyd’s Mom) on the piano.” (Compiled by Judy MacKinnon) Floyd attended school until grade nine and then followed his passion of farming. In the late 1940’s Floyd even travelled out west, for one summer with a thrashing crew.

The Dudgeon family attended Salem Presbyterian Church, and Floyd attended youth group, until it disbanded in 1969. The building was dismantled in 1996 and the quotation on the cairn reads, “Not merely bricks and mortar, but people who worshipped and worked together in this community.” Seemingly that is the strength of the people living in the Dobbinton area. Once Salem had closed down the Dudgeon family worshipped at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Tara. Few would know that Floyd also completed a weekly task at the Williscroft Baptist Church. Floyd was a practical man, and it only made sense that as a neighbour, he started the fire at the church every Sunday morning.

While on the Peninsula in 1968, working on a fencing project, Floyd met Eva May McEachern. The couple soon began dating and were married on May 26, 1973 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Tara. The Rev. Don Archibald presided over this most auspicious celebration. Their family soon expanded as Brian was born in 1974, Wanda in 1975 and Lyle in 1979.

Floyd was a farmer, through and through. In fact, his family joked that he spent the majority of his life between the 5th and 10th Sideroads! 🙂 He was so dedicated to his animals that he was even known to ski down to the barn! However, Floyd did find time, on occasion, to go deer hunting and fishing, usually on their property near Tobermory or at the hunt camp he was involved with near Killarney. Floyd also enjoyed curling and hockey in his younger years.

Once Floyd slowed down a bit he enjoyed bus trips to The States and B.C. This however did not mean he thought about farming less but instead he received daily updates from the kids about their day, their family and the happening on their farms. He also loved reading history and farm magazines and enjoyed listening to older country music. In addition to his cattle he also enjoyed spending time with his many dogs and cats over the years. Despite being a diabetic, desserts were Floyd’s favourite, especially pie and Chapman’s Ice Cream, with Maple Walnut and Black Cherry.

To be a farmer, it is speculated one has to be both stubborn and determined. And so Floyd was. However, he was also quiet, thoughtful, witty (liking a good practical joke) and a deep thinker. He never threw anything out and why would you when you could always sew a patch on or put in a new zipper!  It wasn’t just clothes though that Floyd never threw out. He was a collector in the best sense of the word. To this day he still had, and used, his ’35 Massey and his “Old Blue” truck. Likewise, if you were lucky enough to know Floyd you would understand and respect that when he made his mind up there was no changing it. He also had a few favourite sayings that included, “Everything can be fixed” or if he was heading out for a drive it would always be “I am not going far,” no matter what his destination! 🙂

Sadly yet peacefully with his family by his side, Floyd passed away after a brief illness at South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Chesley on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in his 92nd year.

Beloved husband of Eva (McEachern). Loving father of Brian (Kim) of Dobbinton, Wanda (Sam) Snobelen of Ripley and Lyle (Heidi) of Dobbinton. Floyd will be missed by his grandchildren Owen, Grace, Sadie, Emma and Max as well as his sister Isobel (Bob) Francis of Nanaimo, B.C. He was predeceased by his parents Victor and Jessie (Floyd) Dudgeon.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service honouring Floyd’s life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 2 p.m. Spring interment in Chesley Cemetery. 

Memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation, Paisley Agricultural Society or Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Tara would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. 

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41 Condolences
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Stephen & Lara Dow
December 22, 2017

Our Sincere sympathies on your loss

Linda and David Mason
December 21, 2017

Thinking this day of Eva, Brian, Wanda, Lyle and their families in your loss. We will always remember the many conversations with Floyd ….of apples…welding…and his wisdom of the land.

sharon roach
December 21, 2017

my thoughts and deepest sympathy to Eva, Brian and family’s in your time of loss of such a wonderful guy.

Barb & Dave Ortelli
December 21, 2017

Lyle, Heidi & family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. So many memories to cherish. Be reassured that he will be forever near you in all the little everyday things you see and hear around you. Those may sometimes bring tears but always bring smiles, simply at the thought of him.

Bob and Lisa Blackwell
December 20, 2017

Our deepest sympathy and thoughts to you and your families.

Ron and Marlene Calhoun.
December 20, 2017

Eva and Family.
Deepest sympathy in the loss of
your husband, father, and grandfather.
Our thoughts are with you.

Tim and Mary Lou Smailes
December 20, 2017

Eva and family
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Carol and Jim Grieve
December 20, 2017

Eva and family, so sorry to hear about Floyd. Sympathy to all.

Tara Phillips
December 20, 2017

Dear Eva, Brian, Wanda and family. I am very sorry for your loss. I remember fondly driving to and from church in Tara with Floyd and am thinking of him and of your family. Wishing you peace at this sad time.

Robin Keith-Hoffman
December 20, 2017

Our thoughts are with your family at this time. Sorry for your loss.

Robin & Paul Hoffman

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Mike, Dawn Gateman & Family
December 19, 2017

Saddened to hear the news of Floyd’s passing. I so enjoyed our chats when he was about town.
Heart felt sympathy to all.

Doug Gowanlock
December 19, 2017

Eva and family. Floyd was one of my favourite people to visit when I worked for O F A. My condolences on your loss

Hope & Dale MacCrostie
December 19, 2017

Our thoughts and sympathy to all of you in the loss of a wonderful husband and mentor to his children in the cattle business. You will surely miss him but remember all the good times together.

Ben and Linda Beishuizen
December 19, 2017

Our sincere sympathy!!

Margaret Sharpe
December 19, 2017

Eva, Brian, Wanda and Lyle (and spouses). My deepest sympathy on the passing of Floyd. He was a good neighbour – always watching out for me after John died.

John and Bessie Robinson
December 19, 2017

So sorry for your loss. John and Bessie Robinson

Jim Beech
December 19, 2017

So sorry to hear of Floyd’s passing. Just said hi to him the other day in Port Elgin. He and my dad used to take me fishing in an old wooden boat on Chesley Lake when I was just a little geezer! That will always stick out in my mind, and of course the saw mill. Spent several days there too. And the old yellow brick house where my grandma Robb was born. Rest in Peace old friend

Brent and Margie Wathke
December 19, 2017

Sending strength and warm memories as this difficult time. Take care.

Gail Wolfe
December 19, 2017

Dear Eva and family.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Lloyd. You will miss him!
Please accept my sincere sympathy.

Gail Wolfe

Jill & Brian McDougald
December 19, 2017

Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Cherish your memories.

Lorne Faust
December 19, 2017

My thoughts are with all of you at this time. Remember the good times.

Crystal Thomson
December 19, 2017

Our thoughts go out to you all at this time. I’m sure you will be sharing lots of memories as you gather together.
Crystal Thomson and family

Larry & Betty McLeod
December 19, 2017

Our sincere sympathy.

Sarah & Felix Geisser
December 19, 2017

Dear Heidi, Lyle and family. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love.

Barb (Patterson) and Paul Sinclair
December 19, 2017

Eva, Brian & Kim, Wanda & Sam, Lyle & Heidi and dear grandchildren. Please accept Our deepest sympathies on Floyd’s passing. I shall always remember Floyd as a quiet man with a twinkle in his eye…a very good friend and neighbour. May sharing your many memories and holding each other a little closer give you comfort at this most difficult time. Hugs Barb and Paul.

Beth Wolfe
December 19, 2017

Dear Eva.
So sorry to hear of Floyd’s passing. It is a long time since Ron & I visited with you & Floyd , but I have good memories of those times. .
My deepest sympathy to you & your family.

Merv and Brenda Misch
December 19, 2017

Dear Eva and Family,
Sincerest Sympathies on the the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. We will be thinking of you at this difficult time.

Roger & Sherry and Tiffany Caldwell
December 19, 2017

Dear Eva and Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your lovely husband,Dad and Grandpa. May all your wonderful memories help you through the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Roger and Sherry and Tiffany Caldwell

Mike and Charlene Stinson
December 19, 2017

Sorry to hear about your loss. To the whole family our thoughts are with you at this time.

Mary-Jo McGillivray
December 19, 2017

Sending condolences to the entire Dudgeon family.
Thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.
Mary-Jo & Glen McGillivray

Dennis & Donna Bridge
December 19, 2017

Our thoughts are with all of you at this time. Take time to remember the good times.

Keith and Elaine Alexander
December 19, 2017

Dear.Eva, Brian and Kim, Wanda and Sam, Lyle and Heidi and families, we are so very sorry to hear the passing of Floyd. We are certainly thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Carman & Barbara Fullerton
December 19, 2017

Eva, Brian,Wanda, Lyle and family : May the comfort of family and friends give you comfort for to-dayand the days to come.
Please know that our sympathy and warm thoughts are with you now.

Amanda and Leo Weerdenburg
December 19, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories of him give you some comfort….

Brent and Cheryl Leifso
December 19, 2017

We are so sorry to hear the news. Our sympathy to the entire family during this difficult time.

Elden Lynn Grist
December 19, 2017

We are very saddened to hear the loss of a wonderful man. So many childhood memories will always remain in my heart. Hugs.

Brian Newman
December 19, 2017

My condolences to all dudgeon families so hard this time of year

Murray & Diane McLaggan
December 18, 2017

Sending our deepest sympathies. You are all in our thoughts.

Bill & Marlene Price
December 18, 2017

Eva, Brian, Wanda, Lyle and family
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all.

Bryan & Yvonne Pinch
December 18, 2017

Our thoughts and our deepest sympathy, to you and your family’s

Karen and Jim Siegrist
December 18, 2017

At peace at last. You are all in our thoughts. Will be there for you this week.


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