PULLEN: Donald “Don” of Clinton
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On May 20, 2025 @ 11:42 AM In Obituary,Seaforth | 81 Comments
August 7, 1937 – March 20, 2025
It is with great sadness, yet with a profound feeling of love, appreciation and pride for a life well-lived that the family of Donald (Don) Stewart Pullen announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, March 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don is predeceased by his parents, Milne Pullen and Hazel (Earl) Pullen. Passing in infancy, Don is also predeceased by his sister Shirley Pullen. Don is survived by his best friend and soulmate, Florence (McCully) Pullen. Don was a very proud father to two sons, David (Darlene), Michael (Lori), and his four grandchildren, Leah Adams (Jacob), Olivia Bowyer (Andrew), Justin Pullen and Connor Pullen (Tamara). Don was adored by his five great grandchildren, Elijah, Judah, Silas, Caroline and Lochlan. Don was also brother-in-law to Dr. Margaret McCully (Dr. Martin Canny, pre-deceased) and Dr. Kathy McCully (Dr. Khadry Galil).
Born on August 7, 1937, Don grew up on a beef, hog and sheep farm in Blanshard Township, Perth County near Whalen Corners and attended SS No. 12 Usborne School and St. Marys District Collegiate High School. Don credited his parents for providing him encouragement and support to pursue his education and the many interests and hobbies that remained with him for life. Growing up, Don was active in 4-H and Junior Farmers as a young man. He was a Royal Agricultural Winter Fair winner of the Queen’s Guineas in 1956 and a National 4-H Conference Delegate in 1957.
On June 3, 1961, Don married the love of his life, Florence and they celebrated over 64 years of marriage together. Don and Florence welcomed their son David in 1967 and Michael in 1970. David and Michael were influenced and mentored throughout their childhood by Don’s gentle guidance and support that they carried into their adulthood with their own families. Don was always present to help with school projects, coach sports and provide encouragement for David and Michael’s interests and post-secondary education and careers.
Don graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph in 1958 with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture and worked as a summer Assistant Ag Rep for Perth, Wellington and Dufferin Counties until 1962 while continuing his education. In 1963 Don was named the President of College Royal and graduated from the University of Toronto with his B.Sc. Agr. Degree, majoring in animal husbandry.
After graduation, Don joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and served the Huron County agricultural community for 32 years, having been promoted to Ag Rep for the County in 1968. Donald was known throughout the County for his expertise in farm management, livestock and crops. In 1982, Don was the first recipient of the Distinguished Extension Worker Award, awarded by the Canadian Society of Extension. Don served as the Secretary for the 1978 International Plowing Match held in Huron County and was instrumental in recruiting Neil Armstrong (first man on the moon and an Ohio farm boy) to officially open the match. Don was the recipient of an award from the Huron County Federation of Agriculture in 1984 for his outstanding contributions to agriculture, an Agricultural Leader Award from the Huron County Junior Farmers Association, and in 1991, the recipient of awards from both the Huron County Soil & Crop Improvement Association and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Conservation. In addition to his dedication to assisting countless farmers throughout Huron County, Don also continued his work with 4-H and Junior Farmers throughout his career with OMAF, and after retirement, began donating an annual 4-H Award in his name for the Highest Overall Score in the County.
As a testament to how beloved and respected Don was to the local agricultural community, over 500 people attended his retirement party from OMAF in 1990. Don’s love and career of helping farmers with his expertise of crops and livestock didn’t end with OMAF. Following his retirement, he became a District Sales Manager for Pickseed and served the company for 23 years, also winning a National Pickseed Sales Award.
Throughout his two careers, Don and Florence also kept a flock of purebred Suffolk Sheep that is considered today as one of the oldest and top Suffolk flocks in Canada. They also enjoyed raising Irish Setters dogs together, with many of them becoming national champions. Always a farmer at heart, Don loved being surrounded by many other animals on the farm, including horses, cattle, pigs, chickens and rabbits.
Don enjoyed many interests, including Huron County and Perth County history, collecting unique antiques, rare books and antique farm machinery…just to name a few! Don was renowned for his love of poetry, particularly Robert Frost and Robert Service and could recite numerous poems from memory to celebrate many occasions such as family marriages and birth announcements. In Don’s final days, his mind remained sharp, and he was still reciting his favourite poems from his hospital bed to the delight of his family. Don will always be remembered by his family and friends for his wisdom, quiet leadership style, easy going way, friendly smile, intelligent wit, and for being a kind and gentle soul.
Cremation has taken place, and Don will be scattered on Don and Florence’s beloved farm at a later date. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Don’s Life at the Clinton Legion, Branch 140, 95 Kirk Street, CLINTON on Saturday, May 24th from 1 – 4 PM with words of remembrance at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Huron County 4-H Leaders Association or the Clinton Public Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Don’s family would like to thank the many wonderful staff at Clinton Public Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion.
Condolences for the family of “PULLEN: Donald “Don” of Clinton”
I’m so sorry for your loss Mike, Lori, Justin and Connor.
Dear Florence and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Our condolences to Florence, David, Michael and their families. I have many fond memories of Don and my OMAF career. He was a wonderful leader, fair and respectful, and treated us all like family. RIP Don.
My sympathy to Florence, Michael and David on the loss of a husband and father. I was privileged to teach both Michael and David at Clinton P.S. The boys are truly a reflection of their parents as they were polite and hard working students. Helen Crocker
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Don was a great guy a very quiet and friendly man.
To Don’s family,
Our hearts are heavy as we read the beautiful tribute to your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. What an incredible life! What a legacy!
We send our sincere sympathy at this time. Don was always held as the epitome of excellence in agriculture and rural communities.
Diane and Mike O’Shea
Our Sincere Sympathy to Florence, David and Darlene, Michael and Lori and families on the loss of Don. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sending our condolences.
Dear Family,
My last telephone conversation with Don is a treasured memory. We covered several topics of interest on our family connections, health and aging, farming , 4-H sheep shows, and community. Your beautiful tribute to Don’s life and the picture gallery you have shared reflect his dedication to each of these topics. A conversation with Don required the listener to slow down and take some time from the task at hand. ” Gentle guidance ” and “wisdom of Solomon ” are accurate descriptions for the leadership skills and life lessons shared with others by Don Pullen.
Our “Earl” roots run deep, and are strong. Once upon a time, teenage cousin Marjorie Earl was helping with housework in the Pullen home, including care of her younger cousin Don. Mom’s story tells of Don’s ringworm and whatever nasty cure was required to be administered in the early 1940’s. She spoke of those days with laughter, good memories, and the strong bond of family. Their friendship lasted a life time. Don’s legacy is a gift we share.
Sincere Sympathy
Margaret Hern
To Flo and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of Don. I have many fond memories of Don, both as a 4H member and later as our paths crossed through my time living and working in the community. A life well lived and he made a great positive impact on many individuals and communities.
Dave, Darlene, Leah, Olivia and families
Sending my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dave’s dad. Many found memories of Don from my “farm days”. The pictures you have shared are wonderful memories! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jen (McLeod)Howley
Craig and I share ages with David and Michael, and cherish the many explorations and play sessions on the Pullen Farm, with Don always being the wise man of calm demeanor ready to engage us in thoughtful conversation.
Our condolences to the Pullen family.
When Don was appointed Ag Rep, he managed to do the almost impossible – replace an icon who, in this case was Doug Miles, our long-time Ag Rep. Don was quiet and reticent, Miles was the exact opposite, yet Don quickly won us all over to his style and his way of doing things. I was a 4-H member in the 1960’s and Don probably was as instrumental as anyone in my choosing to study agriculture at the University of Guelph thereby making him a very-important mentor to me. Goodbye, Don. What you did and how you did it will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. We bought seed from Don for many years – he was such a low pressure salesman, but managed to tell you why his seed was superior to any other. He enjoyed funny stories, and would quietly poke fun at himself or someone else, in an understated way. Sometimes he would give us a “very good deal”, and if we asked would he get into trouble for it, he always said “they haven’t fired me yet!” with a grin on his face. Leo, who passed away in 2014, always enjoyed his “visits”.
Dear Florence and families, offering each of you our heartfelt condolences at this sorrowful time in your lives. We hope to attend Don’s celebration of life, because what a beautiful way to pay tribute to an extraordinary soul! Take care as you continue to embrace your fondest memories of a life well lived.
He was a wonderful farmer and person. We are sure he will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Always helpful with farming questions. Condolences to the entire family.
Florence and family. We were sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was so well thought of in the agricultural community and made the world a better place in his quiet manner. We are grateful for his life.
Ken & Gwen Johnston
Our condolences to Florence, David and Michael and family. Stew and I are sad to hear about the passing of your kind husband and father.
I first met Don in 2001. As a young Biologist, I had some ideas on how we might rehabilitate the creek running through his property. He was slow and measured with his response and thought it would be ok for me to come around again. Only after repeated visits, did I begin to understand that he had way more to offer me in terms of land and water management than I might hope to provide to him and Flo. His knowledge about agriculture in Huron and Perth Counties is second to none. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work for and learn from him.
Mari Veliz and Stew Slater
It was always a pleasure to meet Don around and about at agricultural events . He was a neighbour in my youth and it was always lovely to reminisce about old friends and neighbours when we met. Sending my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Rest in peace Don. You were an amazing OAC classmate and Huron County Ag Rep.
My condolences to Florence and all the Pullen family.
Kind regards, Bruce Christie, OAC 58A
Florence and family; My sincerest condolences on Don’s passing. He will be greatly missed. He was such a joy to work with; always pleasant, polite, and humble. At each farm visit, I made sure to take at least one word of wisdom from Don back home with me. Don had a true passion for the land and animals he cared for. And if the land and animals could talk, they would thank him for his tremendous stewardship over the years!
Don was always such a quiet gentle man, always asking how you and the family were doing.
Don would bring his old pieces of equipment to be repaired and was always so greatful when they were finished.
My condolences to the Pullen Family at this sad time
Florence, David, Michael and Families, so sorry for your loss. As I read of his careers, his many organizations he belonged to, and the Family fun, it prompted us to wonder how he had the time to share words and his friendship with us when we met randomly, but that is exactly what Don did. He had time and consideration for us all, and for that we are thankful. RIP Don.
Fred & Kathy Lobb
We send our sincere sympathy to Don’s family and friends,
Florence, David, Michael and families – hugs to you as you mourn a special guy!
Don always had agriculture in his thoughts and his actions as he conducted his
job in Huron County and beyond. He will be missed!
Neil and Marie
A sad time for a great family. I knew Don for several decades and I think I learned something from him every time we spoke
Jim Ginn
Lots of great memories of Don on the farm!
Thinking of the whole family during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to Florence, David & Michael at this difficult time. I have many great memories of Don and our OMAF family. Don was a very dedicated and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Colleen Faulds Walden & Peter Walden
Our sincere condolences to Florence, David, Michael and family at this difficult time. I have many great memories of Don and our OMAF family. Don was a very dedicated and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Colleen Faulds Walden & Peter Walden
Dear Florence and family;
I was new to Huron County in 1992, but within weeks of moving into our Exeter farm we met Don. My father also sold Pickseed in his retirement, so Don looked us up due to that tidbit. But we soon learned Don & Florence were the “matriarchs of Huron Ag”!! “Star” our Jersey was their chosen milk cow that Florence milked by hand for almost 20 years!!
A quiet spoken gentleman who will be missed.
I have a lot of fond memories of working with Don on the farm with his dry sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
Our sympathy to Florence & Family, our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. Ron had a visit with Don a few times last year.Ron & Sharon Douglas
My thoughts are with all the Pullen family at this time of a great loss of a super husband, father, grand father. With his great leadership moved the agriculture industry in Huron to the highest level.
From Daryl Ball and the Ball Family
My sincere condolences to the Pullen family.
I was fortunate to work with Don for many years in different roles. I knew Don loved his family and community. He always represented his clients interests.
Don was looked up to by his colleagues and will be remembered for his recitations of poetry and story- telling.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Deepest sympathy to the whole family and to Florence, my grade 9 home room teacher at SDHS on the passing of Don, who was for many years, our AgRep for our family farm Dalevista in Huron County. Fond memories for everyone who knew him.
Don will be remembered for leaving his mark on people and organizations he worked with. Don was a true leader who always put people first and with his soft-spoken voice had the unique ability to bring out the best in people.
It was an honor to have worked with Don at the Clinton OMAF office for many years. He was a remarkable kind man and will be missed.
Sending our sincere condolences to Florence, David, Michael and Families
Dennis and Kathy Martin
Sincere Condolences Florence, David and Michael and family. We always enjoyed Don’s visits and patronage over the years. It was a privilege to have known Don. Mark and Joyce
Florence, David & Darlene. Michael & Lori & Their families & extremely fortunate great grand children.
Florence’s superb husband Don was the most special, kindest person who just passed away. Don would always take valued time to come visit my mom Maxine Aiken, Assistant Secretary as she had worked for Don Pullen, Agricultural Specialist as many other Farm situations.
Don & Florence have the supreme love for many different types of Sheeps & numbers as dogs, cats, horses, etc……
All the best to “Don May he Rest in Peace” Marilyn A
Florence and family: Don had a good full life on and off the farm. He was the good neighbour to us and very pleasant man to be around. A life well spent. Our condolences to all.
Pat and Bill
Florence, David, Michael and Don’s family: I’m so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. The last few years have not been easy but he’s free of pain and suffering now. He was my OAC ‘63 classmate in the Animal Husbandry major and we were members of the livestock judging team at the International Intercollegiate Competition in Chicago. Following graduation we both joined OMAF and worked together on continuing education programs for area farmers while I was at Centralia College of Ag. Tech. Best of all, for over 60 years he was a good friend and confidant and I will miss him. Your tribute to Don exemplifies his many talents, gentle nature, wisdom and love for his family.
Our deepest sympathy to alll the family, Florence and sons David & Darlene and Michael & Lori and your children.
Don was a very special cousin to us and we will really miss him.
May all your wonderful memories through the years help you face each tomorrow.
Dear Florence and Family,
We had the pleasure of having Don be our Seed Dealer for many years while we farmed. He was always very kind and always had some good stories and laughs would be shared.
Our sympathies to your family.
Hans & Annie Roduner
Dear Florence and family, Accept my condolences at this difficult time.
Phyllis Edwards
My sincere sympathy to all of Don’s family. He was our Ag rep when our family was in the 4H swine club. Many good memories from his visits. Then years later my sons were employed to sell sweet corn at their farm gate. His quiet manner and smile were his trademarks. RIP Don
Our Sincere thoughts are with your family. I knew Don very well in the 4 H program in Huron County. R I P Don
Florence, David, Michael, and family,
Our sincere sympathy to you in the passing of Don. It was always a pleasure to have a chat with Don when we would see him at various events, to talk about agriculture or reminisce about our common Earl family roots. Don has made an outstanding contribution to many facets of agriculture in Huron County and beyond. He lived life well!
My condolences to Don’s family. He was a lovely gentleman.
sorry for the Loss of Don . HE WAS A GREAT GUY who loved been AgRep and was a real supporter of 4H.
To the Pullen family please accept my condolences to a very brilliant man that made so much leadership to all farmers in
Huron County. Besides.being a wealth of knowledge he also had the best sweet corn that was so enjoyable . RIP Don
Florence, David, Michael, and family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our sympathies and condolences to you and your families.
To the Pullen Family. I always enjoyed working with Don! A great guy. My sincere condolences!
Our sincere condolences to Florence, David, Micheal and families. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. So many accomplishments Don had, in a life well lived!
Sincere condolences. May his memory be a blessing for your family.
Dear Florence and family, We offer our sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Don. Gerda & Cor VandenHoven
To the Pullen Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and please accept our sincere condolences. We will miss Don and thank you for sharing a wonderful gentleman.
Carol and Larry Mitchell
Dear Florence, Dave, Mike and families,
Please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss of Don. What a quiet involved gentleman. Surely passed on to his two boys.
I just heard of Don’s passing today and regret missing his celebration of life.
Dear Florence. & Family
Don was so dedicated to agriculture and the 4-H programs in Huron County. and we appreciate all his hard work .
Don helped us after our barn burned down and we lost our swine operation in 1984 by coming to the farm , design our new barns and helped with the layout and help us kids with our 4-H projects which we had lost in the fire..
Dad and Don would talk for hours ( if you let them ) on the phone about everything they were passionate about agriculture, 4-H, politics and their families and what their kids were up to.
Our thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
From Mrs Carol Shelley and children Steven, Diane and Sandra Shelley ( and Ron who passed away in Oct 2022)
Dear Florence and family, we’re so sorry to hear of your loss of Don. Our sincere sympathy to you all.
John Rika and Dennis
I was very sad to learn of Don’s passing.
I was very fortunate to work with Don in the Clinton OMAF office. Don was a kind and considerate leader. He created a loyal and dedicated work force in the Clinton office where everyone worked towards providing the best service to Huron County farmers. Don and I became very good friends and shared many adventures together. One such adventure found us dismantling a barn and stone house in the Hullet swamp before it was flooded. We transported the stones to Don and Florence’s place on flat rack’s pulled by Don’s D Case tractor and my Massey. Don used the stones to build an addition onto their house. Don also rebuilt the barn on their farm. Don and Florence had something special, and this love carried on to their two sons David and Michael. Don was a wonderful fellow
Don was one of the best men I ever knew. I worked with him for 16 years at the OMAF office and counted he and Florence as dear friends during my time there. His genuine appreciation of life and love for his family was always present. Sad day for everyone that knew him. My sincerest sympathies to his family.
To the Pullen family:
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It was always nice to have a little chat when we would meet.
We send our condolences.
Ross and Donna Pullen
Cousins from Oxford county.
Florence and family sincerest condolences to you all. Don’s contributions to agriculture and to his community are significant. A life well lived and fond memories for so many. May you find comfort in your own cherished memories. Blessings and peace to you all.
Don was a great role model and will especially be remembered with his special relationship with “Flo”He was a gentle man in every sense of the word.And well deserving of the comments of a ‘Life well lived”
PS ! He’s cohorts at OMAF described his management style as”An Iron fist in a velvet glove”
Personal friend to us!
Sincere Sympathy to Florence, David, Michael and families. Don was a gentle and accomplished person who took time to chat with everyone. A good presence in Huron County. Life Well Lived. Helen Craig and family
We send our deepest sympathy to Don’s family. He was a great guy who will be missed. Proud to have been a recipient of his vast knowledge and to know him as a friend.
Dear Florence & family, Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time .Don was a kind gentleman. I knew of the Suffolk sheep you raised from years ago when I was a child, but got to know Don on a more personal level with his time with Pickseed. Regards, Gary Reynolds
Our condolences to Florence, David, and their families. I remember Don through my years in 4-H and listening to his stories when he delivered pickseed to the farm. Don was always involved in a lot of things and always willing to help somebody out, he will be missed.
Sincere condolences to the Pullen family. I certainly enjoyed Don’s stories about coming upto St.Helens to pick out Angus 4H calves for himself as a youngster. Florence & Don positiviely influenced so many young people in 4H and agriculture. Don always a true gentlemen, always took time to ask how you were. Many fond memories!
Our condolences to the Pullen family , I will miss our post office chats. As i read Don’s obituary it helped me understand what a busy ,successful life he had in both family and career. Kent and Jan Alton
My sincere sympathy, Florence and family. Don was such a wonderful and respected person. He will be sadly missed by family and community.
Huron County 4H member from the early fifties, our condolences to all families .
My condolences to all the Pullen family. I got to know Don first when he came to high school in St. Marys, a year behind me, but just another farm kid trying to fit in in the big town. He was a trustworthy friend to so many people. Don, you are going to be missed but never forgotten.
Don worked with my father, John Anderson, at OMAF for many years and later on I also had the pleasure of working with Don at Pickseed. I enjoyed chatting with him at sales meetings and he was always sure to ask how our family and my Dad were keeping. He will be missed.
The Anderson Family
FLORENCE & Family
We are sad to hear of Don’s passing. We enjoyed his visits over the years. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time.
Bev & Isa Rabbets
Don’s professional background always was contributory to the growth and agronomic reputation which was basic at Pickseed.
When Otto Pick started his seed enterprise in 1948 he called the firm, Otto Pick,Agriculture Service. Don carried on that principle,adding service. Visiting the field to be planted,taking soil samples,advising best seeding techniques.
Thank you Don for the good years, the good work.
Martin Pick
Dear Florence and family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
Hugs to you all.
Huron County farmers, youth and neighbours have been so blessed to have had Don as part of the fabric of our community.
❤️
Dear Florence, Dave, Mike, and their families
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Don, a man whose presence brought warmth, laughter, and wisdom to all who knew him. Don was a person of remarkable character, known for his sharp intellect, humility, and unwavering kindness. He had a unique ability to make others feel valued with his thoughtful words and quiet strength, often leading by example rather than through assertion.
His quick wit and gentle humour lightened every room, while his compassionate nature and generosity of spirit were felt by family, friends, and community alike. Don’s contributions, both big and small, will remain etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with Florence, Dave, Mike, and their families during this difficult time.
Don’s kindness, wisdom, and genuine spirit will live on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy continue to inspire, and may he find eternal peace and comfort.
Drs.KhadryGali,Kathy Mccully Galil,Ramzy Galil
I have fond memories of knowing Don in the early days of my career, and I was fortunate to later work with both Mike and Dave. Don was a considerate gentleman in all that he did and was deeply respected by Huron County farmers. His legacy truly lives on in the farms and fields of Huron County.
Our heartfelt sympathies to Florence, and to Mike, Dave, and their families.
To Florence, David and Michael, We are so sorry that Don has died. I worked in the OMAF office in Clinton in the early 1970’s. I was the Home Economist for Huron County. Although Don was not my boss, he always took an interest in the 4-H homemaking Club programme, and was very supportive of everything I did. When John and I were married in September 1973, Don graciously agreed to be our Master of Ceremonies. His dry sense of humour gave our guests a good laugh, and added so much to our day. He was a great guy, and I know you are missing him terribly. We are thinking about you.
Florence, and family.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He will be greatly missed. Your family has a special place in my heart as not only great Neighbours but my first employer(s) as well.
With Deepest Sympathies.
Te-Anna (Cressman) VanDyke
To Florence and family
Sorry for your sad loss
Don well be missed by all
Our sincere sympathies
Irene Cantelon and family
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I was lucky enough to work in the Clinton office from 1976 to 1989 and greatly valued Don’s leadership of the Clinton team. He was always kind and considerate, had a special “dry” sense of humour and led the office with the wisdom of Solomon. I still tell people the story of how I traded my old 22 calibre rifle for fiddle that Don had – I think I may have got the better end of that deal but I also think we were both happy with the outcome (he was a gun collector at the time). I have fond memories of office Christmas parties hosted by Don and Florence. What a wonderful family and a special guy.