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The Miserable Curmudgeon

The Miserable Curmudgeon offers sage advice, opinions and worldly observations from a meagre garret somewhere within the GTHBA.

03/10/2026

Farewell brother.

Farewell, Willie. 🕊 "It is with great sadness that the Town of South Bruce Peninsula announces that our beloved weather prognosticator, Wiarton Willie, has passed away peacefully in sleep.

Willie was a curious and charismatic groundhog who delighted both residents and visitors. Willie enjoyed basking in the summer sun, taking long winter naps, and indulging in favourite foods.

As one of only a handful of groundhog meteorologists around the world, Willie proudly carried on the cherished tradition of predicting the arrival of spring this year during Groundhog Day celebrations in Wiarton. Through this role, Willie shared unique “weather wisdom” with thousands of human friends who traveled from near and far to see them.

“The Wiarton Willie Festival has been a cherished part of our community for 70 years. It is a symbol of joy for residents and visitors alike,” said Jay Kirkland. “Willie brought people together in the heart of winter to celebrate a tradition that put Wiarton on the map. While we are saddened by the passing, we are grateful for the memories created and the pride brought to our town. Willie will always hold a special place in the story of South Bruce Peninsula.”

The Town will begin the search for a new weather prognosticator in the coming days to continue the legacy Willie helped build."

Read the full media release online: https://www.southbrucepeninsula.com/Modules/news/en