- In a red shirt, with his puppy in his arms, Dad died as he wished, at home and with dignity, on Friday, May 7, 2021, listening to Danny Gaither singing "Because He Lives". His kids were able to be there with him, and to thank him: for the values he and Mom instilled in us, the unconditional encouragement they always provided, and the good example he set for us by thirsting for the "big" answers through reading and questioning everything. "Well now, how are you? Are you a figment of my imagination, or am I a figment of yours? Let's have a drink and discuss." That was pretty much Dad's opening line upon meeting someone ... anyone, any time. Darcy was born breach at home in 1932 to Lincoln and Edna (nee Snider) Witmer. He was big brother to Elmer (Monica), Ross (Evelyn), Lynne (Frank Hoffman), and Joe (Liz). With the love of his life, Donna (nee Armitage), he was parent and guide to Cyd, Mike, Cathie, Becky, and Steve (and their past and present partners). He is also remembered with incredible fondness by his grandkids and innumerable others, including his newest special friend, Liz. His wit and the twinkle in his eye will be missed by all. He helped provide for the family from the age of 12, as together they carved a life around the simplest of pleasures: family gatherings, country drives in old cars, swimming at Conestogo and Kiwanis Flats. They didn't have much, but he lovingly recalled with wonder how his Dad somehow got them a pony. After having started work at a pop-bottling plant for ten cents an hour, he moved onward and upward in construction, through jobs at Anthes-Baetz, Krug, Voisin, Con-Dign, and Newscott. He rounded out his career as "Maintain-ence Man" at Thornbury Royal Harbour Resort, having applied with a hand-written resume at age 75. A man who could do anything, and did so much, for so many. A master carpenter and a jack of all trades. A man with the most tools. A man with the most stories (some of which were true). A man who said that if you had a full tank of gas you can never be lost. He loved nothing more than to crank the old country tunes and wash his truck. He took special care in being kind. Cremation has taken place. Plans for his interment will be communicated at a later date, when he will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford, to join his beloved Donna and his dear son, Steven Darcy. Condolences may be sent to Ferguson Funeral Home Inc., 48 Boucher Street East, Meaford, ON N4L 1B9, or posted directly to their website at fergusonfuneralhomes.ca In lieu of donations, take a moment to marvel at the sunshine and the water, as he did. Dad often said "Watch Mother Nature. She does it very, very well." ... and keep an eye out for him, since he intended to come back as a bird next time.
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