It is with profound sadness, but also with tremendous gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Dennis Harvard Calnan, who left us peacefully at Prince Edward Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, on August 23, 2026, at the age of 81.
How do we capture with words what Dennis meant to us? A devoted husband, Dad, Poppa, and Old-Poppa; a brother and friend; a farmer; a storyteller; a familiar voice in the community; and a true County boy who loved his family and his hometown deeply.
Dennis was loved beyond measure and will be missed more than words can express by the love of his life, Sheila; their children Jackie (Paul), Lori (Shawn), and Dawn (Brad); his grandchildren Stacey (Marshall), Sydney (Mac), Alec (Darcy), Travis (Chantelle), Danielle, Bree (Kyle), Amanda (Brandon), Allison (Ian), and the late Jason; and his 13 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.
Dennis was also predeceased by his parents, Harvard and Mary. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Lynda (the late Floyd), Larry (Bev), Dale (Betty), and Wendy (Dan); his in-laws the late Bert and Joey, the late Randy (Barb), and Sharen (the late Joe); along with extended family and countless friends whose lives he touched.
Dennis’ love for his family guaranteed that, somehow, we all knew we were his favourite.
Dennis’ roots in Prince Edward County ran deep. As a young boy, Dennis worked on the family dairy farm and later delivered milk door to door. He loved his years as the milkman – not simply for the work, but for the people. Long after those days were behind him, Dennis could still tell you every stop, the names of the people on his route, and more often than not, a story about them too. Dennis had an incredible memory for names and details and genuinely loved the people he met along the way.
When the family business was sold, Dennis went on to work for Borden before beginning his career at the cement plant, first as a crane operator and later as a millwright, where he remained until his retirement. But no matter where he worked, you could never take the farmer out of Dennis. He was a farmer through and through, and there were few things Dennis enjoyed more than getting behind the wheel of his truck for a drive around the County, with a story to tell and someone to visit along the way.
If you spent much time around Prince Edward County, there was a good chance you knew Dennis by his voice. Dennis loved to volunteer and announce for his community. His unmistakable voice could be heard at Horse and Pony Club shows, the Picton Fair, and on Thursday nights at Picton Pirates games up until just last year. Dennis loved his hometown and was proud to be a part of the place he called home.
But of all the things Dennis loved, nothing mattered more than his family – and at the centre of it all was Sheila.
Their love story began when they were just kids and grew into the story of a lifetime. Through all of life’s seasons, they chose one another and built a life together rooted in love, loyalty, family, and home.
And what a life they built.
Dennis’ legacy isn’t something we have to search for. We can see it every time his family gathers. It is in crowded rooms and full tables, in Christmases and celebrations, in familiar stories told for the hundredth time, and in the laughter of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is in his three girls and in all the little pieces of Dennis that will continue to show themselves for generations to come.
Those who attended Picton Pirates games will remember Dennis’ weekly send-off:
“Have a safe journey home.”
It is now our turn to say those words to him.
Have a safe journey home, Dennis.
You were, and always will be, loved beyond measure.
As was Dennis’ wish, cremation has taken place and a Private Family Burial will follow. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations in memory of Dennis to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450). For online condolences, please visit: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com