Donald Charles Sewell

August 6, 1942 - February 17, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother and Friend, Don Sewell. Dad passed away with loving family by his side at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, Ontario on the evening of February 17, 2026.

Predeceased by Parents Eric & Muriel (nee O’Conner) Sewell, Wife Vera Ellen (nee Green) Sewell, Mother-in-law Ella Green, Sister Darlene Sewell Houghton, Aunt Helen Bond, nephew Jeff Hunter Sr., Sisters in law Doreen Hunter & Rose Marie Greene and Brothers in law Jim Green, Alfred Sinclair & Larry Holmstrom and finally his fur-friends over the years Taffy, Prince & Matches.

Survived by Daughter Marilyn Sewell (Ross), Grandsons & the lights of his life Derek (Ashley) & Shane (Keaira). Niece Lisa Houghton Siddall (Jon) & great nephew Eldon. Nephew Bob Houghton (Sandy & girls). Cousins Bob & Ellie Bond & children. Brothers in law Dan Hunter, Fraser Greene, Warren Greene & Sisters in law Stella Sinclair, Patricia Green, Jennie Greene & Sharon Packo (Victor). Uncle to Dennis Hunter (Katelynn), Tamara Hunter, Kyler Greene, Carolyn & Ashley Sinclair, Jan Green, Marion Green, Heather Gardner, Spencer & Bianca Packo, Bertha Holmstrom & family, and dear family friend Rosella Fisher. As well as many friends, relatives, great-nieces & nephews (too many to mention) whom he loved unconditionally & dearly.

Dad was born and raised in Kenora, Ontario. He grew up in Lakeside and spent his early years at their family camp on Coney Island with Mom & Dad and Sister. He spoke fondly of the memories he made while growing up on beautiful Lake of the Woods. Thus, began his love for boating & fishing. Later in life, Dad would share this love with his Daughter & Grandsons creating many more precious memories.

Dad received his education at Lakewood School and later attended school in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. He began his career in 1966 with the Ontario Minnesota Pulp & Paper, Boise Cascade, AbitibiBowater and later retiring in 1999 as a Stationary Engineer.

Dad also was an avid golfer & curler. He enjoyed his time with both the Kenora and Keewatin Sr. Men’s Golf & Curling leagues. Once again, Dad would pass on these skills to his Grandsons. However, Dad’s favourite sports included the Beaver Brae Broncos hockey academy, curling, football & wrestling teams. He was affectionately known as Grandpa to his Grandson’s friends & teammates, often offering rides to & from games and practices. He referred to all the boys as family by choice. Dad never missed a game or practice. He was also a true fan of the Jets, Blue Bombers, Blue Jays & Green Bay Packers.

In his personal time, Dad enjoyed BBQs with family on the back deck, family dinners, tea & bannock in Shoal Lake with family, fishing & hunting, meticulously mowing his lawn, music, dancing, cribbage, cards, board games, telling us Dad jokes, coffee time with the guys, and anything sweet including the ladies!

Dad was a kind & gentle soul. He loved us all deeply. He had the wonderful opportunity to witness his family’s accomplishments over the years, which included award ceremonies, graduation ceremonies & to participate in celebratory milestones. He was most proud of his Grandsons. He would often share his pride & joy with anyone who would listen. The special bond he had with Derek & Shane was immeasurable. Your support, words of encouragement & wisdom over the years will forever carry on in our hearts.

A special mention to the wonderful friends Dad had in his life; Al Perron, Joe Phelan, Keith Scott, all of his Coffee Buddies & the late Basil Kennedy. You truly made a positive impact on his life, especially after Mom’s untimely passing. Thank you for being there for him.

Thank you to the Kenora Northwest EMS First Responders & Paramedic Community Program, Meals on Wheels staff & volunteers, Lake of the Woods District Hospital staff, and Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre for caring for Dad in his time of need.

Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at the same location on February 23, 2026, at 11:00 am with Pastor Cathy Giroux officiating, interment will follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Grandsons, Derek & Shane, Dennis Hunter, Fraser Greene, Ross Fenelon and Jon Siddall.

You are at peace now Dad and as you wished, will be laid to rest beside your one & only true love. May you rest easily & know that your loved ones will be alright. Miigwech for your light, love, guidance, and unwavering support over the years. We were truly blessed to call you Dad, Gramps, Uncle, Brother, & Friend. Until we meet again, may you rejoice in the loving arms that await your arrival. And always remember, “We will always love you More”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts and/or It’s a Dog’s Life Kenora.