Duncan McCallum

Obituary

L. Duncan McCallum

Following a short hospital stay, Dunc passed peacefully on 17 April 2024 at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound.

Dunc is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years Mary (nee Allin), and his three sons Jay (Leslie), Tim (Tracey) and Dave (Mel) and his adoptive British daughter Andrea.  Gramps is missed by grandchildren Cameron, Ian, Katie, Paige and joined in heaven with Tate and Everett.  Dunc remained extremely close with his younger sisters Julie (Ted) and Donna (Francesca) along with his many nephews and nieces.

Dunc was born in and raised in London, ON to Judge James Duncan and Doris McCallum.  He was a graduate of the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and remained an active alumnus throughout his life.  He spent his career as a marketing and advertising executive and built relationships that lasted well after his retirement.

In his retirement to Southampton ON, Dunc maintained an active schedule, determined to benefit his community at any opportunity.  Whether it was a fundraising appeal or a need for volunteers Dunc was the first to raise his hand to join a committee or deliver a speech.  He served on several boards including the Southampton Physician Recruitment Campaign, the Bruce County Museum Building Campaign, was elected to a term as a Saugeen Shores town councillor and was a founding member of the Saugeen Shores Community Watch.  Dunc was a participant and regular volunteer with the Southampton Cruiser Night, actively supported local Rotary chapters, and served as Board Chair of the Southampton United Church.

In 2001, as the winter ice retreated from the Southampton shoreline, Dunc discovered remnants of an old wooden ship protruding through the sand.  This led to the discovery and site excavation of the wreck of HMS General Hunter, an armed schooner and veteran of the war of 1812 that had lain hidden since 1816.

At the age of 15 through to the end of high school, Dunc ran the original Beach Booth in Southampton, which lives on today as Gerry’s Fries.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at Saugeen Memorial and Owen Sound Hospitals, as well as Chapman House Hospice.  From Doctors and Nurses to Physiotherapists, PSWs, and food service, you treated Dunc with care, respect, and dignity.

A Service to Celebrate the Life of Duncan McCallum will be held at the Southampton United Church, 18 Victoria St. S., Southampton on Saturday May 25, 2024 at 10:45 a.m. A time of refreshment and fellowship will follow at the Saugeen Golf Glub, 5278 Bruce County Rd 3, Port Elgin from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation are appreciated http://(https://smhfoundation.ca/).

“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die” – Thomas Campbell (1777 -1844)