Famed Waterloo-area agri-retailer and Hall of Fame inductee passes away

May 06, 2022

After a long life and distinguished career serving the ag retail sector and community, Warren Vincent passes away at the age of 98.

By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image via www.legacy.com

Within the Ayr, Waterloo, Ontario and Canadian agri-retail sector, the name Warren Lesley Vincent stood out for nearly a century.

Vincent passed away peacefully on May 1, 2022, at the age of 98, in Ayr where he lived his life.

Born on September 25, 1923, his obituary stated that Vincent was an Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee—he was not. He was, however, a member of the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.

Raised on a farm south of Ayr, Vincent got his start in the agri-retail sector as a teenager riding his bicycle along the concession roads selling grain lifters and electric fences.

In 1943, he joined International Harvester, a farm equipment dealer in Ayr where his father also worked.

Joined by his brother Marlen, in 1955 the Vincent boys started Vincent Farm Equipment Ltd., and quickly helped modernizing the Ontario dairy industry after taking on a line of bulk milk coolers and supplying them to customers.

Along the years, Vincent Farm Equipment expanded, with a new facility in Ayr, and branches established Cambridge, Seaforth, and Woodstock, Ontario. Lawn and garden and recreational equipment were also added to its product lineup.

Vincent served as President of the Canadian Implement Dealer Association, President of the Ontario Implement Dealer Association, and director of Eastern Canada for the North American Equipment Dealers Association.

He volunteered his time with numerous community groups, and supported many local organizations. He served as a village councillor, participated on local sports and church committees, co-chaired the Ayr Sesquicentennial Committee in 1974 with his wife Laura, and over the years often acted as master of ceremonies at various public events.

In 1974, he was one of 100 recipients awarded the Centennial medal by the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph for service to Agriculture. In 1978 he was also selected as the Ayr Citizen of the Year.

Funeral services were held on May 6, 2022, at Knox United Church, in Ayr.

NOTE: Special thanks to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame for their help with this article.

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