Warren Vincent

A name synonymous with the village of Ayr and the surrounding rural district for over three quarters of a century is that of Warren Vincent. Raised on a farm just south of Ayr, Vincent first entered the public eye as a youngster with his brother Marlen as they offered up their musical talents at many social events.

Vincent began his career serving the farming community while still a teenager during 1930s, riding a bicycle along concession roads selling grain lifters and electric fences. In 1943 he joined his father who operated an International Harvester farm equipment dealership in Ayr.

In 1955 Vincent and his brother Marlen formed Vincent Farm Equipment Ltd. to run the family business. In the 1950s they assisted the quickly modernizing dairy industry by taking on a line of bulk milk coolers and supplying them to customers across the province. Over the next two decades Vincent Farm Equipment went through a series of expansions: a new facility was built in Ayr, and branches were established in Cambridge, Seaforth and Woodstock. Another branch dealership was added in 2001 in Exeter, Ontario. Over time, lawn and garden and recreational equipment have been added to the mix of products offered.

Since the beginning, Vincent has been active in the farm equipment industry, having served as president of both Ontario and Canadian Implement Dealer Associations, and also as director for Eastern Canada on the North American Equipment Dealers Association.

Despite his busy schedule, Vincent has always been able to find time to volunteer with community groups and support local organizations. He served as a village councillor, participated on local sports and church committees, co-chaired the Ayr Sesquicentennial Committee in 1974 with his wife Laura, and over the years often acted as master of ceremonies at various public events. Vincent’s contributions were acknowledged in 1974 when he was one of 100 recipients awarded the Centennial medal by the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph for service to Agriculture and in 1978, when he was selected Ayr Citizen of the Year.

Today, Vincent and Laura enjoy visits with friends and family at their Ayr residence.

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