HART, Vernon Douglas “Butch,”

Passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, Ontario, surrounded by his family. Vern is survived by his children, Laurie Rogers (George), Marion Tilemans (Dan), and his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Bauer (Joe); his brother, Lloyd (Pat); and his brother-in law, Gord Tucker (Nancy). He found endless joy in being a grandfather to Ryan, Emily (Sean), Stephanie, Nicole (Kyle), James (Gabby), and Chelsey (Sean), and a great grandfather to Hadley, Landon, Ayla, and Eden. Vern will be deeply missed by his many nephews, nieces, extended family, and grand-puppies. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Linda, of 62 years; his parents, Douglas and Mary; his sisters, Muriel, Myrna, and Dorothy; and his son, David. Vern was born on May 31, 1939, in Kearns, Ontario. He married Linda on August 29, 1959, in Virginiatown, Ontario. Throughout their 62-year marriage, they lived in Monteith and Guelph, and after winning the lottery, they built their dream home in Elora. Vern worked for Kerr-Addison Mines, Monteith Correctional Centre, Homewood, and the University of Guelph as a stationary engineer. He retired at the age of 64. Throughout his retirement, he spent time going on tours around town, listening to Elvis and always taking the scenic route. He liked to frequent Reliable Ford (looking for his next vehicle), Dairy Queen (for his strawberry sundae), Walmart (to stock up on water, even though he had 25 cases in the fruit cellar), the Elora TD bank (to visit the employees) and Tim Hortons (for his apple fritter and coffee). Wherever he went, he was known for his wit, generosity, great sense of humour and natural curiosity. Vern was a foodie and a loyal customer, enjoying meals at the Gorge Country Kitchen, the Right Spot, Golf’s Steak House and takeout from Black and White. He loved sharing the best local places to eat during his travels. He also reminded his family of the importance of travelling while they were young because, as he would say, “The only place you’re going when you’re older is the doctor’s office.” Vern spent much of his free time maintaining an immaculate property, tracking gas prices, updating his bank book, collecting pens (always with one tucked neatly into his front pocket) and spending time with his grandchildren. He was always in the stands cheering them on at their sporting events. An avid Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Blue Jays fan, Vern enjoyed nothing more than attending games with his family. He also enjoyed watching CP24, Two and a Half Men, The Price Is Right, and Blue Bloods. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Elora Legion on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. For your convenience, a Red Car shuttle will be available between the Jefferson Elora Community Centre and the Elora Legion from 12:30pm to 4:00pm for anyone experiencing difficulty finding parking in downtown Elora. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus for their exceptional care over the past few days. A special thank you to Dr. Easterbrook, Dr. Hobson, and Dr. Jayram for their care and support over the years. The family also extends their sincere thanks to Rachel at Remedy Rx for always going above and beyond, as well as to his home care PSWs and nurses for their kindness and compassion. In addition, they would like to thank John and the staff at the Gorge Country Kitchen for treating Vern like family. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Groves Memorial Hospital or Aboyne Rural Hospice in Vern’s memory. Arrangements entrusted to Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home (280 St. David St. S., 519-843-3100). Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Vern’s online memorial.