Don had visited me in my hospital room just weeks before his passing.  He looked good, his face ruddy and cherubial though bearded and his eyes aglow.  Our conversation was strained that day because I was scheduled for gall bladder surgery and sharing the room with another patient.  Don's hearing was failing and in order to hear we were both yelling.  Don told me of his own health troubles with his liver but ever-concerned for his fellow was more interested in me.  He always stuck up for the other guy and I think that's what always drove him professionally and later in retirement.  I will always remember his infectious laugh while expressing a favourite phrase 'not my job man'.  I miss him today and every day.  Get some rest for yourself Donny.

Don had a great eye as a photographer and CBC news camera operator. But he became much more in retirement, becoming the leading spokesperson for CBC pensioners. A really good guy!

I was so saddened to hear of Don's passing ...     Many fond memories of fun 'Dinners from Hell' - not that the food was devilish, but it was hellish to arrange to get four couples together at the same place and time!  Sincere condolences to Pat and Jennifer - cherish the memories.  RIP Don

Dear Pat and Jennifer
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Too many years have gone by since we last saw each other but we hold so many great memories - the kids' birthdays and our much loved "dinners from hell".  We will always remember the twinkle in Don's eye and his calm and unflappable nature.  We remember with fondness Don's passion and love of old clocks, collector plates and of course his wall of fabulous photos in the little house in East Vancouver.  Sincere condolences.


So shocked and saddened to hear of Don's passing.  We first met, several years ago at a CBC Pensioners' meeting in Nanaimo where he told me about the Oceanside Media Club.  We shared many pleasant conversations. He'll be missed by many.

Don and I first met as ENG partners camera/sound in 1980. We worked closely together for many years.  We formed a close friendship that has lasted to this day.  Many fond memories with Don.   Mt. St. Helens was only one highlight.  Last time to see Don was at a car Show in Parksville last year.  Rest in peace Don through all your work at the CBC you have made our Country a better place.

As an ex-CBC employee I knew Don, not well unfortunately, but certainly well enough to say "Hi, how are you doing?" and pass a few pleasant minutes chatting.  Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of such a lovely gentleman.

There are a lot of folks, many of whom Don never met, whose lives were improved by his advocacies. That's a worthwhile legacy.

Condolences to Don's family.

Dear Pat and Jen and the rest of Don's family.  
Don was a wonderful, gifted human.  He always fought for what was right, and helped thousands of CBC employees and retirees over the years. His photographs were amazing. I will miss him. He and Jim McColl are scowling down on us now.

To Pat and Don's children I extend my sincere condolances.  Don was a fine man, a true country gentleman, and a great friend.  I had the honour of serving with Don for a brief time when I served on the union's executive, and later we both served on the Regional Pensioner's Association executive.  Don was honest, forthright, and committed to serve the members of those organizations, and he did it all in good faith.  I, for one, shall miss that diamond-in-the-rough big-hearted guy.

My deepest condolences to Don's family.  I knew Don for many years at CBC and he was a dedicated and loyal individual, passionate about the causes he worked on.  You always knew where you stood with Don on an issue and I always greatly appreciated that.  Please know that my thoughts are with you all at this time.

To Don's family:  As a CBC employee in Vancouver, I admired his dedication to bettering the workplace of Canada's public broadcaster.  That is one very important job - often thankless because some employees only support the union when it suits them. But Don took everything in his stride. Frank, smart and funny I am so glad my brother Steve and I stopped by Parksville last year to say Hi.  We had a great visit. God speed you on your journey and so sorry to the family for your loss.

OBITUARY

Donald John WATERSTON

12 July, 1940 – 4 September, 2014

Yates Memorial Services

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