(September 7, 1941 – January 14, 2026)
With deep sadness, the family of Delmer Lyle Fields announces his peaceful passing on January 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of those dearest to him. Delmer was born on September 7, 1941, in Manitowaning to Roy and Nellie Fields.
Delmer was the devoted husband of Leslie Fields (née Gammage) for 59 cherished years. He was a proud father to Bill (Paula), Bob (Tracy), and Chris (Anna), and a beloved grandfather to Brett, Garret, Ava, Emily, Paige, Clara, and Maclean. He was also a delighted great‑grandfather to Clark and Georgia, and a special friend to his loyal companion, Moose.
Predeceased by his sister Norma Moggy, Delmer will be lovingly remembered by many brothers‑in‑law, sisters‑in‑law, nieces, nephews, and extended family who held him in high regard.
A licensed mechanic, Delmer graduated from the Provincial Institute of Automotive and Allied Trades in Toronto in 1965. He went on to open and operate his own garage, Fields Marine, along with an Arctic Cat dealership. Known affectionately as “DOC” in the community, he possessed a remarkable ability to fix or build just about anything. Over the years, he employed many local youth, mentoring them with patience and treating them as family.
Delmer was deeply committed to his community. A dedicated member of Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, he also became actively involved with Manitoulin Streams in 2008. He contributed significantly to the restoration of Norton’s Creek and the annual re‑establishment of the brook trout population. Delmer served as a board member until last year, proudly supporting local environmental stewardship.
Above all, Delmer devoted his life to his family and his community. He lived simply, humbly, and with an unwavering belief in the good within everyone he met. His passing marks the loss of not only a skilled craftsman and respected community member, but a cherished local historian and a truly good man.
Dad was the kind of father and grandfather we all strive to be. Some of our best memories come from the times he took us boys into the outdoors that he loved so much as a younger man. Hunting in the crisp Manitoulin mornings, fishing on quiet waters on Lake manitou, or heading out on long family trips together, these moments are what shaped us. They were life lessons. On those early hunting trips, Dad taught patience, respect for nature, and the value of simply being together. When fishing, he showed us that sometimes the best part wasn’t catching anything at all, it was the peace, the laughter, and the stories told between casts. And those family trips, no matter how big or small, became treasured pieces of our childhood. Dad made every road, every trail, every shoreline an adventure.
He was most at peace when he was working around the shop, or spending time at “the Farm.” The farm was a special place for all of us. We grew up there, cutting wood, picking morel mushrooms, smelt fishing, hunting, four‑wheeling, and experiencing nature at its absolute finest. Those were the days that shaped us, and they were possible because Dad gave us that world to grow up in.
Even at 84, Dad’s mind stayed sharp, clever, and quick. Although years of hard work took a toll on his body, he never complained. He faced every challenge with the same determination he carried throughout his life. Bruised, battered, and unsteady at times, he insisted on living life his way and that meant staying in the home he and Mom built with their own hands, right until his final days.
That house was more than a home. It was a place where we all felt safe, welcomed, and loved. Dad could not have remained there without Mom’s strength, love, and unwavering support. She walked beside him through every setback, every change, every difficult moment. There is no stronger woman we know, and she was his rock in every way that mattered.
In these last years, Dad fought a quiet battle, the loss of physical independence while his mind remained crystal clear. It’s hard to witness someone you love struggle with what once came effortlessly. Yet even in that hardship, there was grace. There was dignity. And there was the reminder that sometimes strength means letting others help you stand. Mom, Bill, Paula, Ava, Brett and Garrett and so many friends and family members were there for him, just as he had been there for countless others throughout his life.
Mom and Dad built a life and a home full of love, support, encouragement, resilience, and the simple belief that family comes first. They raised strong children who grew into strong, independent adults, who in turn built families of their own. This is their legacy. One rooted deeply in Manitoulin Island.
No matter where life takes us, Manitoulin will always be home. And Dad will always be our connection to this beautiful place. The land that shaped him, the land he loved, and the love of the land he passed on to all of us.
Rest easy, Dad. We will carry your stories, your lessons, and your love with us always. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Donations in Delmer’s memory may be made to the Manitoulin Health Centre at www.mhc.on.ca.
Cremation services provided by Simple Wishes of the North, Sudbury and Crystal Crematorium.