A gregarious and kind man, Ellwood Falls died peacefully in his sleep at the Beechwood Manor in Waterloo surrounded by family.
Ellwood was predeceased by his wife and soul mate Gwen (Burnside). He was a loving father to Sharon Falls (late Bing), Rhonda Bott (Dale), and Jeannette Platt (Tom), and proud ‘Poppa’ to Justin Haines, Jenna Boss (Jon), and Lauren Bott (Jeremy). He will be sadly missed by sister Audrey Watson (late Dave) and was predeceased by sisters Mylrea Gilchrist (late Hugh) and Jeannette Foster (late Jim). Many nieces and nephews remember him fondly.
Ellwood was born at Rocklyn, the second child of Stuart and Aulda Falls, growing up with three sisters. He was a proud farmer, the third generation of Falls raising Hereford cattle. A proud moment came when he won the gold medal for judging beef cattle at the Royal Winter Fair in 1954.
Ellwood met Gwen at a dance in Markdale and impressed her with his waltzing, which he never did again. But that didn’t matter… they danced together most Saturday nights for almost 60 years. Theirs was a wonderful marriage of two kind and caring people, deeply committed to their family and community.
Ellwood and Gwen’s home was open to everyone. His sisters regularly visited and friends were always welcome. Ellwood loved nothing better than to gather around the piano singing the old standards with his sister Jeannette pounding the keys.
Ellwood believed in volunteering for his community and served on the Rocklyn Arena Board and Agriculture Society and joined the Meaford Rotary Club in retirement. He was an active member of the Temple Hill United Church and later the Meaford United Church.
Sports were also important to Ellwood and he played hockey and baseball in his younger years, always curled and golfed in his retirement. A shelf full of trophies attested to his skills. In addition, Ellwood and Gwen skated well into their 80s – and could be found tearing up the ice at the Meaford arena.
His social nature must have made working on his own difficult. But Ellwood made up for lost time given any opportunity. He could and would talk to anyone, make connections and invite them to visit Meaford.
When he was 62, Ellwood and Gwen built a new home in Meaford. He leapt into retirement life with typical enthusiasm, golfing and joining Rotary, getting involved in every event. He received the Paul Harris award for his volunteering. Retirement also meant time to travel more and they made several trips throughout Europe with a group of old and new friends.
When Gwen became ill, Ellwood never complained, never wavered in his commitment to her – just looked after her at home longer than he should have. When he eventually needed more help himself, he moved near family in Waterloo. True to his nature, he made new friends in his new home.
Ellwood spoke often of how lucky he was in his life. Those who knew him felt lucky to know such a kind, considerate and appreciative man, full of stories but someone who genuinely wanted to know about you.
The family wants to thank the caring staff at Beechwood Manor, Waterloo, but most especially his special friend Bob Feltrin, whose support, friendship and many road trips helped Ellwood stay in his home for so long.
A public funeral service will be conducted at the Meaford United Church Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11 o’clock with a reception following in the galleries at the Meaford Hall, all are welcome to come to share stories and refreshments. A private service of committal and interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or the Meaford United Church (cheques only please) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON, N4L 1B9, to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
