Glenn Alfred White
Posted Jul 4, 2023 | 3:16 PM
Glenn Alfred White passed away at the Meaford Hospital on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the age of 85.
Glenn was born in Meaford to George and Elsie (nee Parker) White on April 13th, 1938. Glenn followed in his father’s footsteps and became a full-time farmer in 1962, taking over the family farm when he married Norma Fawcett of Euphrasia Township.
He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Norma, his daughter Beverley and her husband Peter Badgley of Freelton, son Rodney and his wife Wendy of Pembroke and his cherished grandson Eric Badgley of Vancouver, BC. Glenn is also survived by his twin brother Allan and his wife Betty, brother Ivan and his wife Verla all of Meaford and his brother-in-law Dale Fawcett of Markdale. He is predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Ted and Betty Fawcett and sister-in-law Melody Fawcett.
Farming in 1962 was very different from what it is today. One hundred acres was considered a decent sized farm where one could make a profit and raise a family. Glenn started off by milking cows, selling cream and later operated a cow calf operation. He was a good farmer, taking pride in the crops he grew and the appearance of his property. He did some off-farming jobs which helped supplement their income when the family grew to four.
His children, Beverley and Rodney, were very special to him and he was always happy to tell anyone of their accomplishments in life. He was a wonderful father, very kind and caring. He was happy to see his children receive a good education and be happy in their chosen professions. While growing up, Beverley and Rodney admired their dad for his ability to fix anything. So the slogan goes, ‘My Dad can do anything and fix anything,’ was adopted. Glenn was pleased when Peter and Wendy joined our family. The birth of Eric Francis Parker Badgley brought great joy to Glenn making him a first time Poppa. He took much pleasure in sharing nature with him around the property and showing Eric the techniques of landing a fish. Being a nature lover, Glenn took great pleasure in all the wild life that abounded at ‘Little Algonquin’, one can only imagine his excitement when a large black bear ran past the house headed for the river! Glenn revived many birds over the years that had smashed into the windows leaving them laying on the deck as if dead. Glenn would pick them up, stroke them and quietly talk to them and then leave them on the deck so they could fly away when rested. Although Glenn was a nature lover, raccoons and skunks did tend to get him riled up when they dug up his manicured lawn!!
Glenn had many play toys in his lifetime – a motorcycle, skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, bicycles, canoes and kayaks. His love for the Bruce Trail was very evident as he not only enjoyed hiking but maintained a section of the Trail and led a chainsaw crew. He enjoyed outings with his guy friends where he could relax and enjoy all nature had to offer. He always came home from these adventures rejuvenated and on a real high!
When Glenn and Norma retired in 1998, they built a home designed by Glenn, on the Big Head River on Grey Road 12 in the Municipality of Meaford. Nestled amongst the evergreens and located above the river, it was soon nicknamed ‘Little Algonquin’. Once settled, they purchased a Roadtrek camping van and hit the road being away for weeks and months at a time. They joined the Roadtrek Camping Association which included camping excursions twice yearly. Here they met fellow campers who have become lifelong friends. Their travels took them all over the United States and Canada. The trip to Alaska was a very memorable one along with many vacations to Western Canada and the East Coast where they both fell in love with Prince Edward Island and with each trip Glenn fell more in love with his Roadtrek. A sign on the back of it said ‘Ask me about my Roadtrek’. Anyone who dared to ask, got the sales pitch!
Church life was very important in Glenn’s life as he walked the Christian life on a daily basis. As a young boy, the White Family attended Bethesda United Church. Glenn was the treasurer of the Sunday School for a number of years. More recently Glenn and Norma have been attending Olivet Baptist Church in Meaford. Besides Sunday worship, he was willing to do lawn maintenance, repairs around the church, barbecuing when needed and taking in social events at the church. He was a kind, gentle man who treated everyone equally, always willing to give a hand up to those in need. In recent months, due to declining health, he has missed being able to attend church.
In 2018, it was time to give up country living and move to Gates of Kent in Meaford. Glenn and Norma fit right in with the neighbours on MacIntosh Lane. Life was great until two years ago when Glenn developed a rare heart disease which slowly changed his way of life and robbed him of his mobility. It became very hard to move around so he was forced to use a rollator. During this ti me Glenn discovered the love of doing the daily crossword puzzle and putting together jigsaw puzzles as well as playing euchre with friends at the arena. His most recent and prized puzzle was one of his beloved Roadtrek. Thursdays were special for him as he gathered each week with his guy friends for lunch at McGinty’s. It was a great time for meaningful conversation and male bonding.
Glenn will certainly be missed by all his family, relatives and friends, but their lives will be much richer for having known this wonderful man who was such a pivotal part of their lives.
Glenn’s family thank all those who have helped us through the final journey of his life. The medical team of Dr. Hudson, Dr. Gross, Dr. Goode, Care Partners and the VON have been a wonderful support to all of the family.
Many thanks to our family members and caring neighbours on MacIntosh Lane who displayed so much support and concern during Glenn’s illness. You have been there for us when we needed a visit or an offer of caring for Glenn when Norma had to be out. Many, many thanks!
Visitation will take place at the Ferguson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 4 until 7 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at the Olivet Baptist Church in Meaford at 11 o’clock with interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Meaford.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Meaford Hospital Foundation, Care Partners or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.
- First Name : Glenn
- Last Name : White
- Funeral Home : Ferguson Funeral Home, Meaford
- URL : https://fergusonfuneralhomes.ca/obituary/glenn-alfred-white/
