Stuart McCallum is taking a few minutes to thank Renfrew and the surrounding community for being part of his many years in local agriculture.
McCallum, whose career in agriculture includes a long stretch with John Deere and Case IH before joining M&R Feeds on Raglan Street South for 31 years, is getting ready to retire at the end of the month.
In a letter thanking the community for their business and hospitality, McCallum notes that he can proudly say many of his customers have become friends over the years, adding that he’s grateful to those who have shared their wisdom, lessons, and friendship along the way.
He also thanks M&R Feed’s former and current store owners, Ron and Joe Leclaire, noting that the countless hours spent working together is something he truly cherishes.
“As I prepare for this next chapter in my life of retirement, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of your lives, and I will always carry those memories with me. I will truly miss seeing you all.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
Original letter from Stuart McCallum:
As I finish out my last few days here at M & R Feeds, I wanted to take a few moments to thank all of you who have been a part of my every day for over 30 years.
A heartfelt thank you is first on my list for all our amazing customers who have brought me many treats over the years, many laughs and always keeping me on my toes. You have made it the reason for me to come into work every day. Thank you for trusting me to help you find exactly what you needed whether it was the seed and fertilizer, steel for a new barn, feed and salt licks for your animals, chickens for the coop, treats and food for your furry friends and all the other supplies you have needed to keep your farms and homes running smoothly.
I can proudly say that over the years for many of our customers, you have become friends and the many stories shared about our kids and grandkids were always a special part of my day and will be missed as I head into retirement.
M & R Feeds has always been more than a feed store. I have had the privilege of working with many generations of farmer families and people in and around the community. I have the utmost respect for each of the men and women who I have met over the years and to the many that have passed on . You have helped sculpt and build this amazing community.
Farming teaches lessons that you don’t learn in textbooks – the hard work, patience, creativity and resilience is a skill and lifestyle that is hard to find now a days. I am grateful to each of you who have taught me and shared your wisdom with me over my 50 year career in the farming business. Agriculture and the people in it have always been a big part of my life and I am thankful for every friendship and lesson learned along the way.
To Ron, thanks for taking a chance on me, I think it worked out O.K. Your friendship and mentorship have been one that I have treasured the most over the years. Joe, I have watched you grow up, have a family and carry on your father’s legacy.
For all the bags we have lifted over the years, the countless hours spent together truly are something I will cherish, not only are you my boss, but I am also honoured to call you a friend. And to all the other co-workers … thank you for the teamwork, the laughter and the memories that made the busiest days that felt like they were never going to end – seem shorter.
As I prepare for this next chapter in my life of retirement, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of your lives and I will always carry those memories with me. I will truly miss seeing you all.
From me and my family, I want to wish each of you all the best in 2026.
Stuart McCallum
