Obituary of Allan Bumstead

At Huronview Home for the Aged in Clinton on Sunday, October 15, 2023, Allan Bumstead of Wingham passed away in his 100^th year.  The day was filled with family memories and joyful reminiscing. 

Devoted husband of Gladys (Shiell) Bumstead, married and by each other’s side since October 6, 1951.  Cherished dad of Jeff & Mary Bumstead of Kingston and Gary Bumstead of Wingham. Loving grandpa of Melissa (Ian Valliere) and Chris Bumstead (Courtney King). Allan will be lovingly remembered by his niece Heidi Moore. He is predeceased by his parents John & Ellen (Patterson) Bumstead, brother Peter Bumstead and sister-in-law Anne Moore.

Knowing the man, he was self-taught, rose to every challenge, and inspired others through his quiet determination and kindness.  Allan loved the outdoors from trapping jackrabbits and snowshoeing as a teenager, from being first out the door for early morning fishing adventures, to sharing the joys of Algonquin Park with his family. 

Allan's working life spanned over six decades from working in a logging camp in his teens to helping on the family farm. Never afraid of learning new things or hard work he opened a feed mill alongside his father. Utilizing the knowledge he gained operating the feed mill and his innate mechanical ability he invented an innovative seed mixing and bagging machine for which he was awarded a patent in 1962.

After his father's retirement he went on to open a successful welding and machine shop in Wingham. Here he was able to express both his love for building and repairing machinery as well as his artistic flair in the many beautiful wrought-iron railings he designed and built for customers.

Always willing to take on new challenges he branched into RV sales and service in the early 1980's. This evolved into a mobile RV service business with him traveling to camp grounds around Southern Ontario providing on site service.

Dad was somehow able to accomplish this while being always devoted to his family. Regardless of how busy he was he never failed to be there for us when we needed him. The love and compassion with which he cared for Mom as her health declined was inspirational. He acted as her primary caregiver for 10 years until she moved to Huronview. Ultimately he joined Mom in Huronview where they continued to share many special moments together until the very end.

We will forever remember you.  Your unwavering support and encouragement in whatever challenge we undertook will never be forgotten. The love and devotion you showed us is a gift we will cherish forever.  We stand stronger and taller knowing you are watching over us.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at Huronview. The way the staff came together to help us shoulder the burden in a difficult time was truly remarkable. Our appreciation for the genuine kindness and compassion shown to us and Dad during his stay at Huronview and especially during his final hours is too great to be expressed in words.

A private family service will be held with interment in Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Huronview Residents’ Council or the Wingham & District Hospital Foundation or the would be appreciated.