Obituary of D. Ross Huffman

HUFFMAN: Douglas (Ross) - A retired area farmer, passed away at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus part way through his 86th year after battling multiple diseases that challenged him in his last few years. Born on December 2, 1925, Ross left us on March 15, 2011. His wife Patt; daughters, Sandy, Sherry, Sue, Sally and Shelley, 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, son-in-laws and spouses of his grandchildren will greatly miss him. Predeceased by Ross’s parents, Harold and Marjorie Huffman, his brother Vern and his sister Marjorie Rance. Survived by Eleanor Story, his sister, who resides in Tillsonburg. Ross purchased the family farm on the Erieau Road at a very young age from his father after returning home from his two year enlistment with the Canadian Navy during WWII. He innovatively grew the farm operation over the 40 years that he actively farmed. In his lifetime Ross also became involved with agriculture associations and held positions with the Ontario Seed Corn Board, Ontario Soybean Association, along with sitting as a Director with Howard Mutual Insurance and the Chatham General Hospital. Ross was also a very active Rotarian through his younger years. Ross was known for his excellent farming practices and hard work. He was a dedicated husband, father and mentor of younger farmers. His love of the land, later turned to ‘viewing the crops’ or riding a smaller John Deere, but his heart was always in farming. His grandchildren still remember the days they went ‘to coffee’ and visited with the ever interesting group of guys who gathered and spoke of days gone by. Even in his last days he was dreaming of delivering the corn or loading the hay. In true ‘Huff’ spirit he always managed to grasp family member’s hands with strength and purpose and therefore reminded us why he had earned his family’s respect. If you wish to pay your respects to Ross, visitation will be at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on March 17, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9. A service to honour and celebrate his well-lived life will be held at the Funeral Home on March 18, 2011 at 11 AM. A private family interment will be held later in the day. Donations made in memory of Ross to the Fourth Line United Church or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street Blenheim, Ontario,519-676-3451.