News related to Our Sympathies

It is with great sympathy that we share the passing of Arthur “Art” of Winthrop, OAC Class of 1955 on September 25, 2025. He was 94.

After graduating from OAC in 1955, Art worked as Assistant Ag Rep in Huron County, before returning full time to the McKillop family farm. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a Select Seed Grower, growing, processing and selling Certified Seed to local farmers and as far away as PEI and Manitoba under the trade name R.T. Bolton and Son.

The Ontario Agricultural College community is saddened by the passing of Peter Hannam (OAC ’62), a visionary leader in Canadian agriculture who helped transform soybeans into a major crop in Ontario. He was 85.

The OAC community mourns the passing of James ‘Jim’ McIntosh, who passed away on April 12, 2025.

Jim grew up on a farm in Tuckersmith Township and was a proud graduate of the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, earning his BSc in 1959 and a master’s degree in Poultry Nutrition in 1961. After graduation, Jim and his wife Brenda returned to his family farm, where they built a life rooted in agriculture and community service.

The OAC community mourns the passing of Dr. Helen Fisher, who passed away on March 23rd, 2025.

The OAC community mourns the passing of Graham Charles McLean, who passed away on October 16th with his loving family by his side at the age of 59 after a brief battle with cancer.

Graham was born a farmer and throughout his life he was happiest while working on the farm. As President of the Canadian Angus Association, he travelled across the country sharing his passion, learning from other Angus breeders and making so many friends along the way.

The OAC community mourns the passing of Dr. Jim House, who passed away on September 10, 2024.

Jim was born on December 7th, 1966 in St. Thomas, ON and educated at the University of Guelph and the Ontario Agricultural College for both a BSc and PhD in Animal Science, before completing his post doctoral work at Memorial University of Newfoundland and finally accepting a tenured position at The University of Manitoba.

The OAC community mourns the passing of alumnus Jack Watson, who passed away on July 27, 2024.

From his obituary: "Jack served in WWII as a Telegraph Specialist Operator. He graduated in 1949 from Guelph Agricultural College with a BSc, when he was hired by Ontario Hydro. He was well respected throughout his Hydro career in Personnel and Labour Relations, which took the family from London to Toronto to North Bay and back to Toronto, where he retired in 1985. He and Mom returned to London to enjoy their retirement and travels."

The OAC community mourns the passing of alumnus Clay Switzer, OAC '51. Clay served as a dedicated faculty member, former Dean of OAC, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, setting a standard of leadership and selflessness.

Clay was a remarkable individual whose passion for OAC was evident in everything he did. His dedication to nurturing agricultural education and commitment to the community were unparalleled. He forged a successful career, impacting countless lives through his work and mentorship.

The OAC community mourns the passing of alumnus John Gerald Vanderspank, OAC '98A class president. 

The OAC community is mourning the passing of Dr. Jim Atkinson, U of G rugby coach and OAC professor emeritus.

The long-time rugby coach and Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) faculty member passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the age of 76.