Obituary of Glenn Allen DeGraw
**A celebration of Glenn's life will be held at Southcott Pines Clubhouse, 10246 Lakeview Ave., Grand Bend, Ontario, N0M 1T0 (it may be called Southcott Pines Park Association Office in GPS apps), on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from Noon - 3 p.m.. There will be snacks and a cash bar. The clubhouse is licensed, so please note that no external alcohol is permitted.**
Peacefully, at his home in Rodney, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, Glenn Allen DeGraw passed away at the age of 76. Loving father of Lori DeGraw (Roz) of Toronto and Derek DeGraw of St. Thomas. Dear brother of the late Bob (Maureen), Yvonne (Dennis) Paine, Lana (Wayne) Patterson, Brian (Karen), Kevin (Kathy), Donna (Allan) Fordyce, and Jeff (Janice). Survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He also felt a close connection to his uncle, Private Leonard DeGraw, who fought bravely for the Royal Canadian Regiment, alongside the Allies in WW2 and was laid to rest in 1944 at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery in Italy.
Glenn was born on September 8, 1947, to the late Gerald and Marjorie (née Tunks). He loved sharing childhood memories on Ridout Street as simpler times, with lots of play, fresh air, the “original organic foods” (straight from the garden), and a close-knit family and community in 1950s Rodney. He described the excitement when he pitched for the “dream team” Rodney Bantams, to win the Ontario baseball championship in 1962, which included a town parade and celebration on their return from shutting out the Hagersville team 10-0 in the final game of the playoffs.
He always worked as a young man, first on his grandfather Tunks’ farm, as well as in the tobacco fields, as so many in the area. His first job “out of the fields”, as he described it, was as a loans officer at the Household Finance Company (HBC) in Sarnia, Ontario in 1967. He recalls his first day as a baptism by fire, learning about office culture and processes for the first time. But he was a quick study and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Regional Manager for the Bank of Montreal based in London and later, as Administrator of Beattie Haven in Wardsville.
Glenn loved music and told epic stories about spending time in Detroit clubs in the early days of 1960s Motown. He loved Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis and saw both in concert, along with years of the “Jeans and Classics” series at the London Orchestra, and other greats such as Sting, Stéphane Grappelli, and Billy Joel. He also enjoyed golfing, watching baseball (especially for Detroit Tigers championships), cheering on the great 1970s Habs, a fine glass of wine, cooking, reading, gardening, and exploring in Italy, France, England, Thailand, the Caribbean, and throughout the US and Canada. But he always looked forward to returning for big family meals during the holidays (where his sweet potatoes side dish was always a hit!) and to enjoy “a cold one” with friends among the farm fields and bluebirds in his hometown of Rodney.
A private Graveside Service will be held at Rodney Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Southcott Pines Clubhouse, 10246 Lakeview Ave., Grand Bend, Ontario, N0M 1T0 (it may be called Southcott Pines Park Association Office in GPS apps), on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from Noon - 3 p.m.. There will be snacks and a cash bar. The clubhouse is licensed, so please note that no external alcohol is permitted. Friends and family are welcome to join for music, food, and to share some laughs, good stories, and memories about times with Glenn.
If desired, memorial contributions to Carolinian Canada (SUPPORT CAROLINIAN CANADA | Carolinian Canada), or the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 221, West Lorne (Home - The Royal Canadian Legion), would be appreciated by his family.
Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF RODNEY (519-785-0810).
www.westelginfuneralhome.com
