Each year, Tour de Guelph brings out hundreds of community members, all pedaling together in support of Guelph General Hospital and local Rotary projects through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
Among them are familiar faces, individuals who through riding year over year become synonymous with this community event. In October 2025, we were saddened by the passing of one of these community champions and long-time supporters: Ross McKinnell. His dedication to the ride inspired many, and five years ago he was inducted into our Hall of Fame. This year, Tour de Guelph’s 25-kilometre route – the one Ross pedalled each year – is named in memorial for him.
We sat down with his daughter, Joan, who shared more about his legacy and how the family continues to honour his memory through riding.
How did Ross and your family first get involved in Tour de Guelph?
My dad’s involvement in Tour de Guelph began in 2014 – the first year of this community cycling event. The McKinnell family had purchased many bikes over the years from Vetor’s bike shop, and Dad was a friend of the owner George Vetor. Through conversation, Dad learned that the Vetor family – alongside then Rotarian David Parr – had partnered with the Guelph General Hospital to create the Tour de Guelph. As a lifelong cyclist, Dad naturally wanted to take part.
Dad started road cycling competitively when in his teens. This took him to competitions across Ontario, Quebec, New York state and Europe. He was even a member of Team Canada in the 1958 British Empire Games.
My dad instilled this love of cycling into the family too. I grew up riding a bike for fun and to get around town when I was younger. It wasn’t until I turned 50 in 2015 that I bought my first road bike, allowing me to ride for fitness and enjoy the outdoors.
In 2016, my husband and I joined my dad pedaling in Tour de Guelph – and we’ve gone every year since then. It became a bit of a tradition, our way to celebrate Father’s Day. We would ride in Tour de Guelph with dad and then take him out for dinner.
Where did this belief in giving back come from?
My Dad belonged to the Kiwanis Club of Guelph for over 50 years. Through this service club they participated in many community events. My twin sister and I were in the Guiding movement from childhood to teenagers, participating in Brownies and Girl Guides. Here, we were exposure to the value of volunteering and community service. You could say it was just a part of our family values.
Over the years, my dad was a patient at Guelph General Hospital (GGH) and had many positive experiences. When Tour de Guelph was created, it was a natural fit: combining his love of cycling with raising money for GGH and local Rotary Clubs.
Dad worked in the farm equipment business for over 50 years. Through work and his deep involvement in many community organizations – including Kiwanis, Trinity United Church, the Guelph Curling Club, and more – he had developed quite the extensive network of friends. Thanks to the support of this network, Dad was able to raise over $60,000 for Tour de Guelph as of June 2025.
What does riding in Tour de Guelph mean to you today?
Dad retired from riding at age 85 but he did not stop participating in Tour de Guelph. He was Team McKinnell’s Captain, leading fundraising, and I became the Ride Captain for our team. When I started assisting him by reaching out to Team McKinnell’s supporters for donations, I saw just how extensive his social network was.
When Dad passed away in September 2025, I decided to take over as Captain of Team McKinnell and carry on his legacy. Team McKinnell supporters are very generous and loyal, wanting to also see the team continue with his legacy. I am so humbled and honoured by their generosity.
What would you want people to know about Ross?
Dad was an extremely caring, compassionate person. When they first met him, many people commented that he seemed quiet… but when you started talking with him and getting to know him, he had an extremely dry sense of humour. He had a calm, quiet demeanour and was a great sounding board (which I miss), imparting good advice without forcing it on you.
Lastly, one thing I would say to riders and donors is…
Tour de Guelph is a fun way to give back to the Guelph community. It does not matter which route you ride or how much experience you have; anyone can do it. Plus, every dollar raised goes to a good cause. It is amazing to see how the total grows in the end. In its twelve years, the event has raised over $1.4 million for our community!
