Dave Riach May 27, 2026

Dave Riach passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his Stokes Bay home on Wednesday May 27, 2026. David George Riach at the age of 79 years. Devoted husband and best friend of Tamara for over 37 years. Proud father of Edward Riach, and Jeremy Riach, both of Woodstock, James Hyland (Lily Cheng), of Barrie, and Kris Hyland (Janet Brown), of Woodstock. Cherished grandfather of 8, and great-grandfather of 2. Dear brother of Bill Riach, of Manitoulin Island, Grace (Mark Evans), of Guelph, and Susan Riach, of Burford; and brother-in-law of Vicki (Jim Davey), of Simcoe. Dave will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews and friends, especially those from the Ferndale Lion’s Head & District Lions Club. Dave’s early years in farming paved the way for a significant career in the swine and bovine agricultural industries. After retiring, he contributed to his community by serving on county and municipal councils, while also running a pottery and stained-glass studio. For over 40 years he was an active member of various Lions Clubs, dedicating his time to community service. His diverse interests included gardening and woodworking, and he was well known for always keeping himself BUSY. He found immense joy in spending time with family and friends, and indulging in activities like, hunting, fishing, boating, and walking his springer spaniel Ruby. A gifted storyteller, he also had a passion for fine scotch. Family wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Megan Grigg and staff, the VON, and local Paramedics for the wonderful care given to Dave. Private family arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (www.dogguides.com), Ferndale & District Lions Club (Box 312, Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0), or to Brightshores Health System Foundation (www.brightshores.ca). Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Private family arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041.

13 Condolences for Dave Riach

Condolences(13)

  1. REPLY
    Ken and Bonnie Kelky says

    Our Condolences and Sympathy to the Riach Family in the passing of Dave. In our Thoughts and Prayers.

  2. REPLY
    Rick & Trish Witherspoon says

    Our deepest condolences to you Tamara and your family. Dave was a wonderful person and he always had a great story to tell. We enjoyed listening to him. Both you and Dave will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️

  3. REPLY
    Shirley and Dale Thompson says

    Dear Tamara and family. Dale and I wish to express our sympathies to all of you. Dave was a community minded person who will sadly be missed by many.
    Shirley and Dale Thompson

  4. REPLY
    Gloria & Ron Scott says

    Dave-Hope you find some good scotch where you are going🥰 Sorry .. not ready to deliver some to you🤣💕
    Tamara you are a “sister” I have known since you were about 10 .
    Happy to have known you both as extended family for so many years. Lots of great memories made over that time.

  5. REPLY
    Elwin & Linda Vince says

    Linda and I are sorry to hear of Dave passing. His smile will be forever etched in my memory . It was always a joy to talk to him. He will definitely be missed at our WOAS reunion. I will inform our classmates of Dave’s obituary .

  6. REPLY
    Lions Tom and Katie says

    So sorry to hear of your loss of Lion Dave. Our sincere sympathy is with his family and your Lions Club. Treasure his memories.

  7. REPLY
    Diane and Lawrence Clark says

    Our hearts and deepest sympathy goes out to you Tamara and your family. We
    knew Dave to be a very loyal and hardworking Lion’s Club member. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
    Diane and Lawrence

  8. REPLY
    Kingsley and Arlene Hansford says

    Sadrned to hear of David’s passing his humor was always appreciated.

  9. REPLY
    Marianne Ferris says

    My sincerest condolences to all of the family for your loss. Lots of happy memories when we all grew up on the 3rd! Met Dave many times over the years, by chance.Even met some former neighbours of his who were thrilled when we figured out the connection. They had lots of fun stories to share.
    Marianne (Riach) Ferris

  10. REPLY
    Charlene Lafrance says

    So sorry to hear of Daves passing. He always seemed to be such a happy person. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.
    Bob & Charlene Lafrance

  11. REPLY
    Nancy Jane and Rick White says

    Tamara we are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Many good memories of you and Dave while working at the swine. Condolences to you and your family.

  12. REPLY
    Rob Wilson says

    Edward and Jeremy,

    My sincerest of condolences on the passing of your dad. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. From your childhood friend growing up down the road at RR#4 Ingersoll – Rob, Ryan and Bill Wilson.

  13. REPLY
    Ruth Rieder says

    Just learning of this… so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My condolenses to Tamara and family. Many good memories working with him at OS. He always managed to make me laugh even during those very early mornings at the lab. He always seemed happy and supportive… an all around good guy… I’m sure he will be missed by many.

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