Glenn Arthur Rice

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn Arthur Rice, aged 71, who left us peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Ontario.

A longtime resident of Blenheim, Glenn was born to the late Donald Rice and Helen Smith. Known to many as “Papa Rice,” and to his adoring grandchildren as simply “Papa,” he was a man who lived life at his own pace. While he was famously late for almost every event, however he was somehow always exactly where he needed to be whenever someone needed a hand. He was a natural fixer, builder and a keeper of odds and ends, operating under the firm belief that nothing should ever be thrown out because it might just fix something down the road. 

Glenn’s life was defined by adaptability. When a back injury took away his career as a mechanic, he didn’t slow down; he went to night school, conquered computer science, and built a successful career in IT with MPAC. Later in life, he traded keyboards for sawdust, picking up the carpentry tools of his father, and finding peace in working with his hands.

Glenn’s greatest joy was found in the company of his family. Whether traveling together or simply gathering at home, he was the steady presence and heart of the family. He was also a devoted member of Charing Cross United Church, where he generously volunteered his time and found great fulfillment in serving others. Each spring, without fail, Glenn could be found on the water, enjoying his passion for fishing alongside the same close-knit group of lifelong friends. 

Glenn leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his wife, Betsy Adair-Rice; his children, Laura (Darren) Murray and Grant (Karla) Rice; and his four grandchildren, Lincoln, Lillian, Elizabeth, and Matteo, who were the absolute lights of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Don, Doug, David, and Bruce and their families, his extended Adair and Chapple families, and countless friends. He goes to join his parents, Donald and Helen, and his brother-in-law Don Chapple, who went before him.

Family and friends are invited to honour Glenn at Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions to the Charing Cross United Church or Carpenter Hospice Burlington would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Glenn taught us how to fix what was broken, how to show up for the people we love, and how to hold onto what matters. We will miss him terribly, but we take comfort in his favorite parting words, knowing this isn’t a final goodbye, but simply: “Bye for now.”