James Harold Arthur Dunsmore, age 94, of Stratford passed away at PeopleCare Residence on August 13, 2014. Born in Stratford, he was the son of the late James Henry (Harry) Dunsmore and the former Margaret Jane Martha Magwood. In his earlier years, Art was a member of the Junior Farmers and coached a winning team in the County Livestock Judging Competition. He joined the Army in 1941 and served overseas in England and was a chief instructor at the Canadian Armoured Corps Reinforcement Unit. He also volunteered for the Canadian Far East Forces and was discharged in 1945. Upon his return from the Army he farmed on the home farm for 2 years and then purchased the Motherwell General Store and Post Office and Livestock Trucking Business and operated the business for 10 years. In 1958 he purchased the Dunsmore Homestead and raised registered Angus cattle and Yorkshire swine. In later years he was employed with Beaver Lumber until his retirement in 1982. Art was a member of the Orange Lodge, the Barber Shoppers Organization and the Kiwanis Club of Festival City. He was a member of Harmony United Church until it closed and then became a member of Parkview United Church, Stratford, sang in the church choir and received the designation of Honorary Elder. He was predeceased by his first wife Agnes Jean Garner. Beloved husband of the late Beryl Mary (Verner) Davidson, whom he married at Knox Presbyterian Church, Stratford on September 2, 1975. Dear father of the late Lynn Dunsmore of Kitchener (deceased Dec. 21, 2009). Dear father-in-law of Lynda Walters. Dear step-father of Dianne Kruger and husband Robert of Kennises Lake, Ontario, Sylvia de Boer and husband Art of Stratford and Carol Huston of Crystal Lake, R.R. 5, Stratford. Beloved grandfather of Terri Shay, Wendy Hopkins and husband Drew of Amherstburg and Paula Storey of Sarnia. Beloved great-grandfather of Brandon and Taryn Shay and Randy and Chance Storey. Beloved step-grandfather of Donald Kruger and wife Angela of Waubashene, Denise Kruger of Barrie, Pamela and husband Stewart Davis and James de Boer of Stratford, Eric Huston and wife Michele of Calgary, Alberta and Adam Huston and wife Aiko of Japan. Beloved step-great-grandfather of Logan and Kurt Kruger. Dear brother of the late Mary Hall of Toronto. Dear brother-in-law of George Garner and wife Jean of Fort Frances and Edith Aylesworth and husband Bill of Madoc. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. Besides his first wife and parents, he was predeceased by a son Paul Dunsmore, brothers-in-law Mac Hall and Gib and Bob Verner and sisters-in-law Leila Verner and Lou Verner. At the request of the deceased his remains have been bequeathed to the University of Western Ontario, London. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or PeopleCare Residence through the James A. Rutherford Funeral Home, 156 Albert Street, Stratford at 519-271-5062. www.jarfh.com
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