Charles John Lupton passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, in University Hospital, London, in the presence of members of his family, on April 4, 2015.
He was born in 1934 on what was then the family farm on the Maplewood Sideroad, formerly West Zorra, Oxford County, to Charles and Allison (Elsie Snedden) Lupton. In 1941 he moved with his family to the “home” farm on the Embro Road south of Fairview where he resided until 1991 when he moved to his retirement home on the 41st Line Zorra Township.
In 1961 he married Margaret (Howick) in Woodbridge. He was a loving father to Christine (Derrick Brommersma), Allison, and Charlie (Joanne Wilker) and a devoted grandfather to Michael and Mathew Lupton, and Hannah and Seth Ritsma. He will be remembered by his sisters, Johann Dill (Roy), Etta Player (Jack Wilson), Audrey Rutherford (Bill). He was a treasured brother-in-law to John Howick (Donna), Betty Wise (Bev) and Kay Lupton (Robert). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins and their families.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his parents-in- law Rev. A. F. and Madeline Howick, his son-in-law Ralph Ritsma, brother-in-law Wilfred Player and nephew Bill Dill.
Charles was a proud, lifelong dairy farmer in Oxford County who cherished his family and friends, the land, Up-Ridge Farms, his Holstein herd, and his Farmall tractors. He felt blessed when chosen to be an Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church where he cared faithfully for members on his routes and worked in many ways over the years supporting the organizations and events in his community. He will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his love of dancing, and his enthusiastic but completely unsuccessful attempts to play music.
A service celebrating his life and faith will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ontario Street, Stratford on Sunday April 12 at 1 p.m. and will be conducted by his faithful pastor, Rev. Mark Gedcke. A reception in the Knox Banquet Hall will follow.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests you consider a donation in Charles’ memory to the ALS Society of Canada or Knox Presbyterian Church through the James A. Rutherford Funeral Home at 519-271-5062. www.jarfh.com
