Donald Ross Giffin

The Giffin family are sad to announce the passing of Donald Ross Giffin, who passed away peacefully at home on the family farm in Blenheim, Ontario, on October 23, 2017.

He was born on May 28, 1950, in Chatham, Ontario, to the late Gerald and Marion (Jackson) Giffin. Beloved husband of Jean (Holland) Giffin for 44 years, loving father of Sheila Giffin and Jason Yee of Blenheim, Janice Giffin of London, Dr. Jennifer Giffin of Halifax, and Diane and Adrian Rivard of St. Adolphe d’Howard, Quebec. Predeceased by his infant daughter Michelle. Proud grandfather of Chesney and Jolyon Giffin Yee, and Nicolas Rivard. Brother to Ruth Anne and Burton McClelland of Peterborough, and uncle to their children David and Beth.

Don graduated from Ridgetown College in the class of 1970 with a diploma in Agricultural Technology. He farmed all his life in Harwich Township and was actively involved in the local community with agriculture, church, and heritage concerns. Don was a member of Blenheim United Church where he sang in the choir for many years. Don has won numerous awards and recognitions for his maple syrup products. He was a World Champion Maple Syrup Producer and judge at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He loved collecting antique cars and tractors, fishing in Port Loring, and travelling around rural Ontario.

Visitation will be at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, October 26 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Visitation will also be on Friday, October 27 from 9:30-10:30 at Glad Tidings Community Church. Funeral service to follow. Donations can be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice, the Canadian Diabetes Association, or Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.