Duane Schofield Rennie
November 9, 1944 – February 18, 2026
Duane Schofield Rennie born in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, passed in Dryden, Ontario.
Duane was the youngest of 3 children to James Messer Rennie and Alice (Schofield) Rennie of Port Dalhousie, Ontario. Brother to David (Elaine) Rennie, Diane (Vance) Millar. Father to Darton Rennie and Nora (Jerome) Delorme. Grandfather to Ian and Katherine Queau. Uncle to Tanya and Todd Jarvis, and many other nieces and nephews.
He was a true child of Port, playing all summer in the sunshine along Lake Ontario beaches and the Welland canal. Like so many from Port he rowing was his life starting as coxswain and progressing to oarsman at the Henley Island Rowing Club. Late in high school and his early years at Ontario Art College (OAC) he was part of a dynamic men’s 8 lightweight team that went international and won the big 3 in one year. It was one of his favourite rowing memories.
At OAC he met the love of his life Dorothy Lynne (Fleet) Rennie (deceased, April 6, 2016). They married in 1965 and had two children (Darton Nathaniel and Nora Alicia). Many years were spent happily in Oakville. Dad and mom’s generosity led them to open their home to Eleanor Fleet after the passing of dad’s father-in-law, Tanya, Todd and Gail Jarvis and Matt Fleet over the many years in Oakville.
The Rennie house welcomed all friends of their kids over the years with Christmas Eve becoming especially a place to visit. Even after Darton and Nora had moved away.
In the mid 60’s Duane started a career as a graphic designer. After a few years learning the business, he started his own firm (Riley, Rennie, Campbell). Modest beginnings led to a solid work life. When the world of computers took over, he shifted gears and became the part of the packaging department of Purina Canada, becoming the contact with which he used to deal with in his own business.
For many years he described his job title as the “Purveyor of trinkets, trash and shiny shit”. He grew into a job that made him happy.
He was lucky enough to retire at age 61 to the Northwestern Ontario town of Dryden to be with his grandchildren. He and Lynne found a place on the lake Wabigoon and had the view of a lifetime. His retirement kept him busy with his grandchildren, joining the Dryden Horticultural Society. He played in his yard and garden, making himself and Lynne happy.
Dad lived a good full life taking a path he never could have predicted.
He will be missed by many, with numerous condolences talking about his big smile and joyful nature.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made out to the Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1
Condolences may be posted to www.drydencommunityfuneralhome.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
