DENNIS W. RUTHVEN

September 25, 2026

Dennis W. Ruthven of Bruce Township died peacefully at home, Sept. 25, 2026, at the age of 74. He left this world on his own terms, doing exactly what he loved on his own land. Dearly-loved husband of Heather (née Crawford). Devoted father of Adam and his wife, Annie (Ann-Marie), Mark, and Rachael and her husband, Will. Proud and cherished grandfather of Mason, Hudson, Dawson, Bria, and Jase. Predeceased by his beloved parents, Don and Norma Ruthven. Born and raised in Kincardine, Dennis never strayed far from home. He attended Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School (KTTPS) and went on to graduate from Kincardine High School. Driven by a life-long passion for agriculture, he bought his first farm in 1979. Over the decades, he successfully built his property up to 500 acres, taking great pride in raising beef cattle. In later years, the cattle were sold and the fields transitioned into cash crop, but the land remained his sanctuary. Dennis's absolute favourite place to be was out in the bush, and he spoke often and fondly of his massive cherry tree. In addition to farming, Dennis built a distinguished 50-year legacy as a skilled boilermaker. After attending college for his trade, he began his boiler-making career in 1973 and went to work for Ontario Hydro (now Ontario Power Generation) in 1975. Over his many years of dedicated service, his work took him to Point Lepreau and to Darlington for a couple of years, eventually retiring as a highly respected boilermaker foreman. Dennis was a man of immense strength and resilience. He survived a heart attack in 2003, and later faced a life-altering stroke in 2021 with quiet determination. Despite these health challenges, his spirit and love for his land never wavered. He will be deeply missed by his family, neighbours, and his fellow trade brothers. In keeping with Dennis' and Heather’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service or visitation. Instead, the family warmly invites friends, neighbours, past co-workers, and anyone else whose life Dennis touched, to join them for a casual gathering to share stories, remember good times, and celebrate his life. The gathering will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 1-4 p.m., at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre, Tiverton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family and can be made through the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine.