Donald McQueen Shaver

On Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Innisfree House, Kitchener in his 98th year, beloved husband of the late Leila Maria (Oman); devoted father to Jill Searson (Robert), Catherine Wendy Shaver, Donald Shaver Jr. (Catherine) and Jonathan Shaver (Erica). Caring step-father to Anne Eklund, Bjorn Richard and Ylva Byars (Bill). A great joy in his life were his treasured grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom he shared many lively adventures and learning experiences within Canada and abroad. Predeceased by brother Marshall, sister Margaret (Douglas Rundle) and parents James Earle and Betty Duncan Shaver. Also pre-deceased by friend and former wife, Rena Graham Butler. Donald was founder of Shaver Poultry Breeding Farms Ltd and was its Chairman and C.E.O. for 35 years, establishing a worldwide system of distribution in more than 90 countries. After retiring and selling the business in 1985, he continued his lifelong advocacy for a sustainable agricultural industry, maintaining foundation stocks in both poultry and cattle until 2005. He also had a second career as a corporate director in insurance, energy, communications and manufacturing, retiring in 2008, aged 88 years, as Chairman of Canada Development Investment Corporation, where he served as a director for 25 years. Donald was a proud member of the Canadian Armoured Corps and saw active service in North Africa, Italy and Western Europe in World War II. He was a Past Honorary Colonel of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and was honoured to be an Officer in the Order of Canada. Donald gave generously of his time, energy and resources to church, community and educational endeavours and served several trade and agricultural organizations throughout his lifetime. He greatly prized his citizenship and regarded public service as both a privilege and a duty. Funeral arrangements entrusted to T. Little Funeral Home in Cambridge. A private family service and cremation have taken place. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at Central Presbyterian Church, 7 Queens Square, Cambridge, ON at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. Dad was a supporter of the local hospital throughout his adult life and most recently has contributed to a project termed “Accountable Care”, with emphasis on the burgeoning geriatric population’s special needs. As a gesture of sympathy and remembrance, the family would appreciate donations to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital or to Innisfree House, Kitchener.