A Leamington man is being remembered for his community service and his kindness to the less fortunate.
Werner (Vern) Toews, a long-time board member and fundraiser for the Southwestern Ontario (SWO) Gleaners, died in hospice care Thursday, June 1, following a short illness. He was 86.
"Just a few short weeks ago, he was gardening with his wife Elizabeth and carrying on with daily life tasks, unaware of the cancer that had taken over his body," read the obituary from Reid Funeral Home. "What began as a journey for answers and treatment options became a short path to hospice and an amazing gathering of family and friends."
Toews' passing was publicly announced by the SWO Gleaners Tuesday.
"Vern was instrumental in procuring funds for not only the start-up of the SWO Gleaners 10 years ago, but he continued to fundraise throughout all these years," read a media release from the Gleaners. "Vern had a passion for helping others. His contributions to the SWO Gleaners are immeasurable and will be greatly missed."
Toews first became active in the community as a young man, according to the obituary, as a long-time member of the Leamington United Mennonite Church [LUMC]. He became a youth leader and worked with the General Conference of Youth. He also taught Sunday school for 30 years in Canada and the U.S.
He was probably best known in the community for his work with farmers and the SWO Gleaners. Toews founded what would become the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and helped get the Gleaners off the ground in 2013. He served on its board three times and was a past chairman.
Toews was also instrumental in creating the Leamington Food Hub in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Food Hub supplies 25,000 servings per day to hungry people, and is the only charity supplying fresh produce to First Nations," read the obituary. "The Food Hub was the most meaningful project of Vern’s life and one that he hopes will continue to thrive and impact the lives of those in need."
Toews is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth; four children, 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister Elma Warkentin. and brother John Toews. He is predeceased by one son, Brian, and siblings Margaret Koop and William Toews. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., then from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the LUMC on 78 Oak Street East in Leamington. Funeral services are Friday at 11 a.m., with a private burial to follow.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the SWO Gleaners or a tree be planted in Toews' memory.