Donald Douglas Phinney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Douglas Phinney (82) who left us on the 24th of April 2026. Don died peacefully with his son after a courageous 20 year battle against Parkinson’s at the Glace Bay General Hospital.

Don grew up in the Annapolis Valley, he called Lawrencetown, Bridgetown and Port George his old stomping grounds. Until his death he was still telling tales of how he and his brother Bill would get into trouble on the shore or how they would spent their allowances on scallops and cheese. He was protective of his little sister Liz and loved her dearly. Family has always been an important part of Don’s life.

Born and raised in the Salvation Army Don continued to follow his faith throughout his life. He was a bandsman and played the bass drum for many years and served on the Corps Council. He sang in the Songsters (senior choir) and was the YPSM (Young People’s Sergeant Major) 30 years and had what he called the privilege of shaping young lives.

During his lifetime he was employed with the Metropolitan Department Stores of Canada, London Life Insurance Company and retired from the Cape Breton Development Corporation. His work life allowed him to meet many people from diverse backgrounds. He always had a great story about the wonderful people he’d meet.

He was known to be gentleman and possess a great sense of humour. Even in his final days he was making the nursing staff smile.

Don was predecessor by both his parents Annie Phinney (MacKenzie) and Lawrence Douglas Phinney formerly of the Annapolis Valley. He is survived by his devoted wife Eleanor Avis (Marshall) of almost 60 years, his children Michelle Dianne Keddy (Joe Goetz), Scott David and Kimberley Anne. He was dearly loved by his grand daughters Jessalyn Priadka (Dan) and Kelsey Corkum (Wes) and his four great grandchildren Emma, Alex, Owen and Mila. His brother Williams (Lauren) and sister Elizabeth England (Ronald). He was blessed to have several nieces and nephews.

Don had a lifelong passion for his faith which he lived daily and his gardening that he would talk to anyone about for hours. His friends were important to him and even though he was not always able to see them they were never far from his thoughts.

A special thank you to Dale Turner of Medical Hall and his carers of New Waterford Homecare, especially Billy Gracie, for the amazing care you provided him over the years.

His family is grateful for the support and comfort of their pastors Captain Charlene and Captain Keith Barrett of the Glace Bay Salvation Army.

A wake will be held Saturday, 02 May at Patten’s Funeral Home from 3-5 pm and 6-8 pm on Union St in Glace Bay NS with the funeral taking place 2 pm, Sunday, at the Salvation Army in Glace Bay NS.