Obituary

Donald William McArthur, formerly of Fordwich, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in his 96th year. Beloved husband of the late Ruth (Mahnke) McArthur. Stepfather of Louise Douglas of Guelph, Janice & Bob Howitt of Fordwich, and Marie & Richard Dodd of Wasaga Beach. He will be remembered by his grandchildren Dawn Douglas, Christine & Keith Kitchener, Lisa Sage, Jessica Dodd & Chad Lehman, Jennifer & Mike Pryzmant, and Kevin Meyer, by his great-grandchildren Riley, Reese, Tyson, Brooklin, Matthew, Melissa, Cole, and Kayla, and by his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his granddaughters Darlene Douglas and Angela Meyer, brothers Keith McArthur and Albert McArthur, and by his sister Wilda Best and husband Ken. Don was born in Brampton on October 22, 1930 and grew up on the family farm. In the early 70’s he met Ruth on a blind date and they were married on September 1, 1972. While Don had no formal training in the trades, he could work at any of them – mechanics, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, etc. When Don & Ruth moved to Waterloo, they started Don’s Trailer Service and ran a successful business for 18 years. They enjoyed several trips through work, camping with the Wandering Canadians, and finally enjoyed a permanent trailer site at Maple Leaf Acres near Fergus. In their 80’s, Don and Ruth, with their cat, Lucky, took their camper to Alberta, the Grand Canyon, and back home. Don and Ruth retired to Fordwich in 1999, and enjoyed many years of large remodeling projects, designing, landscaping, and even taking time to ‘camp at the river’. During the winter, Don found a new hobby. Woodworking. As many as 200 toys a year were donated to various charities at Christmastime. As his health declined, Don moved to Caressant Care, Listowel, and life was not the same. He greatly missed sitting at the scroll saw among so many other things. Don never wanted to be dependent, and now he is free – sitting somewhere at his scroll saw, making toys and enjoying the love and company of Ruth and the other friends and relatives that have gone on before. A family funeral service will be held at the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 with Gail Clarkson officiating. Interment in Fordwich Cemetery. Memorial donations to Caressant Care Listowel Residents’ Council, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com