It is with heavy hearts, but with great love and gratitude, that we announce the peaceful passing of Egbert Calder at the remarkable age of 101, surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Egbert will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Hortense, with whom he shared over 50 wonderful years.
Dearest father to Rocky (Shaida), Carol (Chiagoziem), Nahumy, Joshua, and the late Winsome. Loving granddad to Anita, Danielle, Merricka, Kyana, Kailyn, and Hudson. Great-granddad to Kiellah and Jeremiah. Egbert will also be missed by his many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
Egbert immigrated to Canada in 1975, quickly assimilated, and began working at Franklin Electric as a security guard to provide for his family until he retired at the age of 65. It was then that he honed his passions for gardening and playing the harmonica and guitar. He also had a deep love for reading and writing poetry.
He was an incredible human being who taught us kindness, perseverance, and humanity. In his presence, you felt love, calmness, and peace. He was a man of great integrity, compassion, and quiet strength—a beacon of light for all who had the pleasure of meeting him. To know him was to experience a gentle soul full of positivity, honesty, and resilience. He taught many lessons, such as true love, devotion, and forgiveness. Dad truly loved his family, both near and far.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, VON Middlesex Elgin, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
A special thank you to Dr. Suffoletta, the palliative and nursing team from St. Elizabeth, as well as all the PSWs and respite staff from VON who tirelessly cared for Dad, and to Parkwood Institute Rehabilitation Centre for their amazing care.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Denning’s of Strathroy, where flowers are gratefully accepted. The service will be livestreamed on the tribute page, which is available to view at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com. Interment to follow at Strathroy Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join us for a reception afterward.
