News related to Our Sympathies

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is saddened to share the passing of David Morris, a proud OAC alumnus and longtime supporter of the College, who died on June 24, 2026, at the age of 74.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) mourns the passing of Donald Pestell (RCAT ’62), a visionary entrepreneur and generous supporter of U of G and its Ridgetown Campus, whose legacy will continue to shape the campus for generations to come.

Born and raised on a small farm in Ethel, Ontario, Don’s life reflected the values of hard work, determination and curiosity. From his rural beginnings, he built an extraordinary career as an entrepreneur, achieving global business success while remaining deeply connected to his agricultural roots and committed to giving back.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph is saddened to share the passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. John FitzGibbon on April 12, 2026, at the age of 78.

Dr. FitzGibbon was a dedicated member of the University community for more than 40 years, serving as both a professor and the founding Director of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD). In this role, he played a key part in establishing the school’s vision and strengthening its focus on environmental design and rural development.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) community mourns the passing of Christopher Magor (OAC '84 - BSAg, Animal & Poultry Science) who passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026.

Born in Darlington, England, he later made his home in Essex, where he became a familiar and friendly face in the community as the proud owner of Stationery and Stuff. Chris dedicated many years to the store before retiring in 2019.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) community mourns the passing of Dr. Tom Funk, a respected educator and leader in agricultural marketing, who passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 82.

Funk dedicated more than 35 years to the University of Guelph, teaching agricultural marketing at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Known for his commitment to experiential learning, he helped bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, shaping the careers of students across the agri-food sector.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) community mourns the passing of Earle Muir, a proud member of the OAC Class of 1956 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - BSA (major Horticultural Science), who passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at his home in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in his 93rd year.

A fourth-generation fruit farmer in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Earle devoted his life to farming and was known for his strong work ethic, fairness, and kindness. After many years farming alongside his daughter, he proudly passed the farm on to her. 

The OAC community mourns the passing of Philip Gosling, a long-time supporter of environmental conservation, who passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 97.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) community mourns the passing of Helmut Loewen, a proud member of the OAC Class of 1960 (Crop Science), who passed away peacefully after a short illness.

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.