Darrell Wade Shelswell

He was born on May 11, 1955, to Harold Shelswell and Betty Shelswell in Orillia, Ontario and was the second oldest son within a large farming family of seven siblings.

Darrell was the first in his family to attend University, graduating from University of Ottawa in 1978 and became a Professional Engineer of Ontario shortly thereafter. He spent the majority of his career working in the pulp and paper industry in various Northern Ontario communities including Smooth Rock Falls, Kapuskasing and at St. Mary’s Paper in Sault Ste. Marie.

He married Elsa Smith in 1977 and they had two children, Ian and Tamara.

Darrell was a loving and loyal husband, a devoted father and a great friend to many. There was nothing he would not do to support his family and friends over the years. He had a kind heart and was a jokester from start to finish. He was also a continuously aspiring golfer and angler, made a post-retirement return to farming and remained a staunch supporter (and consumer) of Rum and Raisin ice cream throughout his life.

As a mechanical engineer by trade, Darrell loved to spend extended periods of time at home attempting to fix things which he may or may not have broken himself for the purposes of having things to fix…we will give him the benefit of the doubt in that regard and will always appreciate and look back fondly on his efforts. He will be dearly missed.

Darrell is survived by his wife Elsa of 49 years; his son and daughter; his three grandchildren, Scarlett, Emerson and Addy; his five siblings, Carol (John), Donna (Pete), Jeff (Maria), Joanne (Wayne) and Sandra (Barry); and his six siblings-in-law, Elizabeth, Penny (late Mel), Sally (Gerald), Malcolm (Maribeth), John (Surb) and Pat (Randy). Darrell also loved and was loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother Brad (Ruth), his younger sister Janice (Dave) and his brother-in-law Peter (Anita).

We would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Haapala and staff at Huron Shores Family Health Team in Bruce Mines who took such great care of Darrell over the years.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (40 Lake Huron Dr.) in Desbarats, Ontario on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by service and light refreshments. A private celebration of life will be held thereafter with close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations (payable by cheque or online) to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Diabetes Canada and/or Calvary Baptist Church in Desbarats, Ontario. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.