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(5)-
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Angie Berrey says
March 10, 2026 at 5:18 pmoh Nora – I am so sorry for your loss – your Dad was a wonderful, kind man. Hugs to all of you. Sincerely, Angie
Debbie Robinson says
March 11, 2026 at 9:49 amSo sorry for your loss
Roger Elmes says
March 14, 2026 at 4:34 pmI grew up around the corner from Duane and his brother and sister in Port Dalhousie . I have a photo from 1948 or 49 from the group shot of St. Andrews United Church production of Down Among the Fairies, in which we both were elves. Duane’s dad Jim was very active in the church serving as an elder and superintendent of the Sunday School, as well as many other contributions to Port.
Although I was closer in age to his older brother Dave, we were all connected through the church where both our fathers were elders. One Sunday, the church had a real fire and brimstone minister from another United Church, probably a guy in the Baptist tradition. His sermon was so much more animated than our own minister, that Dave and Duane and me and my two brothers sitting together on the same pew, slowly cracked up after one of us started to giggle thus setting off our whole pew. We struggled to sit still and keep from bursting out in nervous laughter. We were shaking and so was the bench: we were certainly spoken to by our fathers afterwards.
Duane was a really nice kid, a gentle soul. The picture captures him nicely at that age.
Kenneth Wakulich says
March 16, 2026 at 2:15 pmI was a neighbour to Duane at 8 Johnston and he always gave me great advice on my little garden behind the old garage that is no longer there ! Bless You Sir ! You were truly a gentleman and a scholar and a fine oarsperson to boot ! R.I.P.
Mark Fleet says
March 22, 2026 at 12:28 pmI remember the good times growing up when the family would all get together for events and reunions either in Sarnia or the GTA. I will forever be greatful for my drop in visits to the house in Oakville, to talk to my official dog consultant. Goodspeed Uncle Duane.