Dan Edward Lupton
June 23rd, 1936 – October 26th, 2025
“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
— Clarence Budington Kelland
Dan Lupton, 89, of Huntsville, wrapped up a full and adventurous life on October 26th, 2025, right at home, exactly where he wanted to be. Born in Huntsville on June 23rd, 1936, Dan was the third son of George Fredrick (“Bob”) and Rose Helena Lupton.
Dan was never one to sit still for long. He started driving a truck for Fowler’s in Northern Ontario and later worked for the MTO on the Sanders in Huntsville before launching his own construction business (building roads, septic systems, foundations), a venture that perfectly matched his hard-working attitude and independence. In 1961, he married his lifelong partner and best friend, Mary Anne Andrews, at the Locks United Church, and together they built a family and a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
He leaves behind a crew that adored him and are left heartbroken; his four children: Neil (Irene), Eric (Fran), Tracy (Phil), and Angela (Darwin); and his three grandchildren, Gavin (Madi), Lauren, and Aaron, who lit up his world. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he loved nothing more than sharing stories about his childhood, passing on advice, showing them how to fix something, and sharing a good laugh with them.
Dan will be remembered for his quick wit, his perfectly timed one-liners, and his habit of bursting into song whenever the mood struck. He had a zest for life that couldn’t be contained - always on the move, always curious, and always game for a road trip. Whether he was exploring backroads in search of Crown Land camping spots, dropping in on relatives, or towing home yet another treasure, he was happiest with a bit of adventure ahead of him. Dan enjoyed camping and ATVing in Northern Ontario, a passion that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. There are many epic stories of the escapades the ATV gang would get up to in the trips they made to River Valley, Cochrane, Wawa, Matheson, and once a trip that took them ninety kilometres from James Bay.
Even after hanging up his work boots at 80, Dan didn’t slow down much. When he was forced to give up his driver’s license, he simply traded in his truck keys for motorized vehicles and kept right on “keeping his wings.” His love of motion and the outdoors stayed with him, from rides around the farm to trips up to the Hunting Cabin or spontaneous drives with his children and grandchildren.
Dan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anne; his children and grandchildren; and his sister, Bernice Lovegrove (Dennis) and brother-in-law, Graham Mowforth. He was predeceased by his siblings George, Mary, Harold, Hilda, Barbara, and Lloyd, and no doubt has already joined them in swapping stories.
Dan lived life on his own terms - fully, joyfully, and with an optimistic outlook. He will be missed deeply and remembered often by all his family and friends, especially every time we take the scenic route or hum along to his favourite tunes on the radio.
Please join us in celebrating Dan’s life at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Ontario, on November 15th, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Instead of flowers, please donate to Huntsville Hospital, Fairvern Nursing Home or Huntsville Hospice.