FLESHERTON — A respected Grey County dairy farmer lost his life Aug. 25 in a farm accident outside Flesherton.
Brian Betts, 58, was pronounced dead at a local hospital, where he was transported after the incident involving a tractor and wagon. Paramedics and other first responders were called to the 4th Concession B address around 10:30 a.m.
Betts was a Holstein master breeder at the Bristal Acres family farm operation. He also sat on the board of EastGen and acted as a delegate for Gay Lea Foods.
The obituary from his devastated family highlights Betts’ passion for farming and his life’s dedication to “producing milk and taking care of the land and the animals that he loved.”
He was described as a man of “dogged persistance and unwavering commitment. “ He leaves behind his wife, Crystal, and their three children.
He “worked tremendously hard on his own farm but always found time to volunteer in his community or help a neighbour in need,” the obituary said. “Recently, Brian found time to enjoy life beyond the barn with his eldest son, Mitchell, taking on a larger role in the daily operations.”
Betts was known for supporting numerous humanitarian causes and it has been said that nothing made him happier than a house filled with people.
A Facebook post from Dandyland Holsteins, of Schomberg, lauded Betts for having “such a kind and friendly way about him. Such a terrible tragedy.”
Betts was the 9th farm fatality in Ontario this year.
His life was remembered Sept. 3 with a gathering at the Osprey Arena in Feversham.
