One year has gone by and I think about you every minute of every day.

So many times I think back about the nine weeks you were in the hospital. They were the worst weeks of our life together. The doctors would tell me "be patient, he will get better. It will take time." I prayed everyday that they were right. 

When it came time for us to make that decision to let you go, I will never forget the pain in my heart. I know that you are in a better place and the decision we made was one you would have preferred. unfortunately we all wanted to be selfish and keep you with us forever but we knew that you had suffered enough.  

Our kids are all wonderful and have helped me get through everything. Our granddaughters miss you and talk about you all the time. You would be so proud of each and everyone of them. 

We have some great friends that have been very supportive this past year. Sometimes I don't know what I would have done without them. 

We were together 37 years. At times it is very hard to do things without you but I seem to manage somehow. 

They say it will get better but I still don't know how it will. You will forever be in my heart and my life. 

-all my love

There are people who come into your life but don't manage to stay there. Then there are people who come into your life, who come… then go… then come back again just as the Canham family did with me. I was able to have a second chance at an amazing friendship. That opportunity doesn't happen all the time. Being able to come back into this family has been amazing. Donald was a second father to me… sometimes I hated him like I did my own dad, other times he consoled me when things weren't going well. No matter what he was there for me. Family dinners, Family events, family outings and even family vacations to Florida. Donald you are so very special to me and you will forever be in my heart as Dad. I will never forget the way you would tease me. At times I would get so annoyed…. But it's true what they say… You miss it when it's gone. I miss seeing you, I miss your laugh, I miss your hugs, and I miss your smile. I still look for you on the Buses. I did it just today. A city bus turned a corner and I had to make sure I seen the driver. I knew it wasn't going to be you, but I just had to make sure. Sometimes it's not real, today however, was pretty real. :( Every time I see your grandkids, I see a little bit of you in each and every one of them. They are very beautiful little girls! Apples of your eye I'm sure. You would be very proud of them. And I know one day when RJ and I are ready for kids of our own, you will meet them before we do. Giving them a pep talk about their new mom and dad. :) Donald, I know you will take good care of your family even from where you are now. We all miss you immensely. XOXO Till we meet again! Gone but never ever forgotten.  Loving you always, BobbieJo Tytko

I'm sure Donald is the minds of a lot of people to-day.
Joe and I have fond memories of "The Donald".
It seems every time we go out shopping, and it doesn't matter
where" there is Donald. Some man will pass by or be in the 
line at Walmarts or Canadian Tire a few times. A man with
white whiskers and a round belly and looks like the dear man.
Sometimes its scary, but he is really never far from our minds.
We have good memories. Of our time to-gether at Sherkston
and on some of the out of town trips that we had to-gether.
You could always count on Donald to help out if you had a problem
with your Golf Cart, your trailer, or your car, he had a knowledge of
what the problem might be.
I'm not telling you this to make you sad, just that I couldn't let the
day go by and not say something.


I KNOW THERE ARE NEVER ENOUGH WAYS TO SAY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! HOWEVER THERE ARE MANY WORDS TO SAY WHAT A KIND, SINCERE, LOVING PERSON DONALD WAS AND ALTHOUGH HE WAS TAKEN FROM YOU FAR TOO SOON ALL THAT KNOW HIM WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.

THANK YOU FOR EXPLAINING TO ME HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO TALK ABOUT OUR FAVOURITE ANGELS TO HELP US MOVE ON LIVING BUT NEVER FORGETTING ANY MEMORIES THAT WE HOLD SO SPECIAL IN OUR HEARTS.

Donald it has just been over a year that all your family and friends lost you. We all miss you very much.  You and Judy were great true friends to Rick and I.  Since our kids were babies we always had good times,never any disagreements or hard feelings.  We knew when it was a night out with you and Judy, we would have a night of laughs.  Thank you friend for all the great memories, you are always in our hearts and on our minds
                                                       Love Barb & Rick Belzil,

Donald, it has been one year today that we lost you.  That may not be a bad thing knowing you are now with dad, but you are very much missed, especially by mom and the family.  We know now you are playing cards with mom's sisters and drinking beer with dad and uncle Bill. We love you and miss both you and dad

One year ago God called home one of my best friends .. Not a day goes by I don't miss you ...but I know we'll see you again. I still can't believe you're not here to do all the crazy things that only you could do and get away with. We Love and miss you but know you're watching over us. Here's hoping heaven has gotten used to you in your underwear! RIP my dear friend Donald

One year ago I was so angry that you would not enjoy watching Arybella grow up. Now I know that there is no reason to be angry because you are with us every single day. She will look at your motorcycle and say that it's papa's. She can look at a picture and know that it's you. She loves you so much and I know that you love her right back and are looking down on us. I do hope that you are proud of Matt and I and of how we are raising your beautiful granddaughter. There are so many things that I would love to tell you and so many things that I wish I had said to you that I regret everyday. You know that I love you and you were an amazing father and grandfather. I will never forget all the things we did as a family and how much fun we had. All of our trips to Florida and you yelling at Bobbie Jo and I for watching the same movie over and over. Those trips to Disney where you didn't mind people watching while we stood in line for rides. 

I love the fact that when we all have dinner together, I can hear you saying the same thing you always said. That you love when we are all together. That its the best part of the day. 

Your four girls miss you terribly but they know that you will always watch over them and protect them. You will help them make the right decisions in life. 

I miss you everyday and love you very much.

You were the best.. One year hard to believe.  We speak of you everyday.  Missed you this summer as we built our new deck.  I know you were here more than once.  God Bess . Love John, Judy and families

Donald you are loved and remembered by so many and I'm one of them.  So many memories and they all make me smile. You'll be in my heart forever

Don was a great man!  He helped me buy my first car.  He made it his mission to find me a safe car for my budget.  He acted like a dad looking for a car for his daughter!  He helped me out numerous times and always fixed my car up for me!  Don was our family mechanic for great reason - he always did us right.  Many times he went above and beyond what could ever be expected.  He was truly a friend to all!  RIP.

To my saviour that summer (and many others) when he saved me and my 3 boys from the drug crazed guy in the trailer next door. Donald will b remembered by many for the security he provided at Sherkston. He also helped my fatherless boy. I am forever grateful

Donny , I cant believe you have been gone almost a year now, there isn't many days that go by that we don't think about or mention you in conversation, I miss you and your sense of humor, I miss venturing to new places on our bikes,. I know your watching down over all of us, and smiling , bless you my friend you are an angel now .

It cannot be a year!  I don't think a day goes by that Jan and I don't say that bus driver looks like Donald or Donald could have fixed that or a thousand other daily events that bring him to our minds. You are never gone until nobody remembers you. In Donald's case that will be a long long time.
We miss you and we will never forget you

Jan and Bob Watson

Papa,
I can't believe it's been a year. I still sometimes pretend you are at work and are going to walk in the door any minute. So many reminders of you everywhere. The biggest reminder is those little girls of mine who loved you more than you will ever know. We are strong for them because we only want them to remember the good times. We hide our tears because babies so young should never experience the pain of the loss of their papa. What makes me the most sad is that they are missing out on you. You lit up every time you were with them, you gave them your endless love even went they weren't being good. They are missing out on a Papa who truly loved and cherished moments with them. This breaks my heart. I hope you are looking down on us, with us all the time. I hope you are proud of Todd and I and the job we are trying to do as parents in raising those little girls into young ladies. We love you and miss you all the time.

  I first met Donald when I was 19 years old. He was 17 and in love with dune buggies!! He was sooooooooooo chauvenistic,  I laughed at him all the time. He became a fixture in our home. He thought I was so out spoken and liberated, that when he started dating Judy he wouldn't let me  meet her until the day they got married !! He didn't want me to influence her!!!Boy was he in for a surprise. After that it was a great , long lasting friendship.  Judy and Don quickly became Uncle Don and Aunt Judy to Christa , Gary and Cindi.Brian and I will always cherish the times we had with Don...he will be greatly missed.

The Boys from Welland County Motorcycle Club send our heartfelf sympathy to Judy and  his family. We have many fond memories of Don out at the club.
Mike Jones 
WCMC Membership Secretary

I'm goona miss how he would whimper in his sleep!  We'd be sitting in the trailer and he'd fall asleep and whimper...too funny.  Also how Judy used to "groom" him by pulling out stray eyebrows and stuff.

Judy & family, deepest sympathy on the loss of of your dear husband/father.

I didn't know Donald but spent a week with you at Mark Preece Home & chatted several times catching up on how our hubbies were, finding out we had some of the same interests.

My thoughts & prayers are with you & may your memories of happier times give you comfort.

Judy ive been trying to find the right things to say but always get choked up, so hear goes, when I first met Donny was about 8 years ago when he came to transit, he had this incredible sense of humour and an infectious laugh, we got along extremley well, in the years to come over lunch room conversations we became closer friends, now he was someone i looked up to and respected ,then i was introduced to you : ) also we delveloped a bond which made hanging out even better, Donny was so excited when I got a motorcycle cause he could teach me how to ride, Our first journey as you remember was a 6 hour ride over every terrain imaginable oh man how my butt ached when we finally got off those bikes.. but that day the three of us grew closer, i will always hold that memory close, I think of you all as family and am incredibly lucky to have met and been welcomed into your homes, Donny my friend you will be missed so much and are loved by so many, may you rest easy my friend god bless xoxo

Judy, sorry for your loss, Don was a great life partner and a friend to all.  Our prayers are with you and your family.  Doug and Marty Pierson

Hi Judy
   So sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Sorry I won't be able to make on Sunday ,I'm working 12 hour days.

                                       Helen Potter

My condolences to Judy , Todd, Amy and family he will be missed this is some of my memories that will remain with me forever.     


                                                     MY ADOPTED BROTHER

Donald “Bondo” Canham


I first met Donald in May of 1962 when I started dating Janice his older sister. I remember it well he was in the garage fixing a bike all covered in grease and had little time for this guy taking his sister out . He had more important things to deal with,  fixing something. 
At the time I was 16 and he was 8 how would anyone know he would grow to become the brother I never had.

I think the second time I met Donald he was in real trouble with his dad. He had stolen a pie and gone out in the field at Badger Rd. and eaten the whole thing himself. That appetite did continue throughout his lifetime.

Gord had and old Hillman at the time and I traded Gord my three speed Raleigh bicycle along with $10 and Donald got a great new bike.

I have memories of Donald with his pet pigeons in the back shed and dealing with other kids that raided his pigeon domain

In grade school I remember his dad paying Donald to paint the garage as he was always looking for a buck but when he went to get the paint on his bike he spilled the whole gallon off his bike handlebars.

In high school Don was not that interested in school he just had a great skill with fixing things and I remember well the first roto tiller we bought he fixed and sold. There were many many other mowers blowers etc that he fixed , sold and made a buck, that sure did continue his whole life.

It got to be he needed a welder to fix these items and I lent him the money to buy one and we spent hours teaching ourselves how to weld in Poppy's garage.  He paid me back and believe it or not he had that welder to the day he died.

We also made money on the side doing tuneups , engine changes and any mechanical thing you can imagine out in my garage on Sunnylea Cres.. We even had contracts to change VW engines in a few hours for the local Pizza parlours who used VW's to deliver in those days.

At that time we bought parts from a young man who was starting out. His name was Gary Archer and he has remained a lifelong friend to Donald.
        
When he left school as he was really not cut out for it we started a business in my basement call BUY TRADE AND SELL where people listed their items with us and we got a commission. That just did not work we were ahead of our times.

We were both interested in CB radio which was a craze at the time and together we opened Arc Electronics Niagara Falls Branch off Bridge St.

We worked this together for a while and that is when I met Judy. We went on vacation for a week and when we came back who was behind the counter working with Donald but Judy.
 She has remained at his side ever since.
We then opened Don's Two Way Radio on Thorold Stone Rd where Judy and Don lived above the store and Judy worked in Fort Erie as a Nurses Aid.
Donald had many businesses over the years and that drive and business drive has always been there

The many evenings Jan and I spent in our rec room planning how two people that were in love could manage to get married. After a lot of planning and help from others it happened and it certainly turned out to be a long and loving relationship.

The special times my kids spent with Donald and Judy before they had their own kids, taking them for ice cream and on many adventures. My children remember those experiences vividly as a positive in their early years.

In our younger adult years I have so many fond memories of camping with Uncle Donald with Todd on my shoulders in extreme heat at Beavermeade in Peterborough, Amy falling in the back cabinet of the trailer in the middle of the night and Rob Derek and Dawn stealing Bondos clothes when he would go take a shower when we were camping.( Nobody wanted to see him nude so we made the kids bring them back)

I remember the camping trips at Long Beach and the water coming up mid way on his monster truck van. The night I slept on the ground behind the truck after the Hall cottage party. The beers we drank and the fun we had the wood we threw on the road.
Camping in Dunnville where we used to sit by the fire all night with our gallon draft beer dispensers that we had packed in ice for days before 

We used to go to Rainbow lake camping with the kids every 24th of May no matter what the weather and I remember Don I and the kids sitting in our underwear with our clothes in the dryer . Lucky not too many people were camping that weekend. The mud the rain and the pretzel sticks.

Then there was racing at Merritville !  We bashed cars up every week were out on the road the next Sunday bashing it back into shape. Lucky we had good neighbours

There were cruises we took together that will be in my memories forever. The Newlywed game , the “Island” and the food .The waiter we will never forget Okie Dokie and the jeep we rented at Tortolla where we could not get Judy out of the back seat. Also after our scary trip over treacherous roads when we came back Donald asked us if we were scared as he was and he was driving. The Regency cruise we took where Judy hurt her leg using life boats to tender in to shore because that ship had not paid their tender bills. Times that were so good that they imprint your life and  those around you forever. The trips to Florida all packed in our cars and the neat experiences in those travels. The trip we took in Bob Seagers old van and the laughs we had over 10 years worth cookies he brought.

Then there was Sherkston the good times there were too many to count but early on when we camped during the winter we had so much fun with three wheelers the snow and the numerous campfires , falling out of our chairs but still managing to keep our drink in our hand and not lose a drop. The numerous evening camp fires, the concessions we ran including the French Fry Wagon on the beach and the Ice Cream store wow the things we saw there, of the night of the riot and the many funny experiences when Donald was on security. 

Over the years things change, kids grow up, our lives go in different directions BUT one constant remained in our family and that was uncle Donald to me, my kids and many others.

To me he was Uncle Donald BUT really he was the brother I never had.   

Gord was like a second father to me and taught me many of the skills I have used my life and I truly believe Donald is with him now in peace.

In my opinion nobody is ever gone until there is no one left that remembers you. Donald has touched many lives in his short existence BUT will be remembered for a long long time.

Love you forever your my adopted brother.

When I go to Quilt Retreat weekends, I always feel like I'm attending a family reunion.  Talking a mile a minute, we catch up on all the "family" news.  Most retreat weekends featured visits from members of your family and of course, the introduction of new grandbabies.  The four of you (Judy, Judy, Donald and John) made me feel welcome as a friend-with good food, good company and lots of laughter.  I really liked Donald and I'm going to miss him!  My sympathies to you and all the family!

Our sincere condolences to Don's family.  We were shocked and saddened to read of Don's passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

My sincere condolences to Donny's family.  Donny and I started together at Transit on the very same day 6 years ago.  We went through many struggles together there but made it through the 'tough years'.  It truly wont be the same and I, like many will miss his infectious laugh.  May God bless you and comfort you through this very sad time but know that Donny is now in the good hands of our maker.  God Bless.

Marni and Craig

Judy, Todd, Amy and family, so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Are families had some really good times camping and get togethers. We will always have fond memories of the good old days. Gone to soon. From Nick,Cathy DiVito and Kristin Warren

I would not even know where to begin with the stories about all the good times. One thing I'm sure of is how much you are going to be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences.  Stay strong!

July 25, 2012
Judy, Todd, Amy and family, 

my sincere condolences for your loss of Donald.  My thoughts are with you in your tine of sorrow.  Donald will be greatly missed by all the quilters at retreat.  My fondest memory is when he took Lynn for a ride on the back of his bike.  He made her so happy.  That was the kind of guy he was.  I will miss him.

Judy, even though I didn't know you or Donald, I know Kirsten thought  of you both as family.  Time is the great healer of all our pain.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Brenda Hansen

I didn't know you very well but knowing your daughter and your son, you were an amazing father and grand father. ~Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality~

I was a newbie at transit, confused and frustrated, and Don offered me this advice: "Keep smiling...it will drive them crazy!"   He was bang on. He was always a gentle man, quite refreshing in his assessments of certain situations, honest to a fault, and never said "no" to someones genuine need.  He made us laugh! Some would say he could be "difficult", because he drew a hard line between right and wrong.  He was always true to himself, his family, and his convictions. 
Judy, thanks so much for sharing him with all of us.  We are all better for having Don in our lives

Donny....Ride On!

Todd: your father taught you everything he knew.  You are an amazing friend.  That speaks volumes.  <3

I am sad to say good bye to very good friend. You will be sadly missed by all.

What can I say about Donald?  There are so many things that make me smile I hardly know where to begin.  There were so many happy times.  From the time he unplugged my trailer for yelling too loud at the Bills game, or for running up Shady in his underwear after the guys who stole the empty cooler from the deck..this is man I love very much.  What do you say about someone who always helped with anything and never asked for anything in return.  A man who was more than my friend, he was (and still is) our brother.  So what do I say about this man Donald?  I would give anything to have him unplug my trailer, or see him in his underwear...He will always have a very special place in my heart!  I love you Donald and am a better person for knowing you.

I keep thinking of Donald, it's hard to believe he's gone.  Every motorcycle that passes, every city bus. I look to if it's him.  I don't think I can ever do the bird dance again, we always looked for each other when that tune came on.  The great restaurant quests, was always a fun time.  We are so sorry for your loss, and for your whole family (and us).I always said to Rick, Donald and Judy are "genuines" and there's not that many out there.

"JUDY, TODD, AND AMY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HE WAS A GREAT HUSBAND, GREAT FATHER, AND GREAT PAPA THINKING OF ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW  LOVE DAVE, ROSE KAUPP AND FAMILY.

Judy and family,

Donald will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Aside from the yummy breakfast spreads he prepared during our quilting retreat weekends at the fire hall, he was always friendly, kindhearted, and quick to smile and laugh. He took an interest in each of our fabric creations, sometimes dishing out some gentle teasing along with breakfast; more than once he noted, for example, that some of us are habitually slow in completing our projects. 

During a spring retreat not too long ago, my car's battery was giving me some trouble, so Donald kindly offered to take me to the local Walmart to fetch a new one. Assuming a sedate road trip in the family car, I was soon surprised to find myself resplendent in a shiny black helmet and climbing onto the back of an equally shiny, rather large black motorcycle. 

Once on the road, he must have found my constant giggling, whooping, and bouncing up and down on the seat behind him somewhat annoying, but he took it in stride, patiently instructing me (numerous times) to “stop bouncing around and sit still.”

New battery in hand, we headed back to the fire hall. “Stop bouncing around and sit still,” he said, his good-natured self holding steady.

At the time, I was grateful for the help he offered, and, of course, for what I considered to be a thrilling ride on a motorcycle, something I'd never experienced before. But with the passage of time, I have come to realize the true gift he offered that day: his generosity and sense of fun, and, of course, a memory that ALWAYS puts a smile on my face.

Please accept my sincere condolences, and may you find peace and comfort in your memories of Donald and the love you shared.

I remember one time myself and a bunch of kids were on my deck when we started to get swarmed with bees. There was screaming as some got stung with that Donald strolled over pickup that part of the deck and picked up the bee nest the size of a football and walked back to throw it in the fire with not one bee sting. Of course who could forget the night he chased crazy Bob and tackled him. Who knows what really happened but Bob begged the police to take him away and keep Donald away. Donald sure could run fast.

So sorry for you loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy,Aunt Jessie and Families.We are very sadden about Donald's passing.He was a great husband,father,grandfather,son and brother.Donald will also be remembered as a terrific nephew and cousin to many.Now he is at peace with his Dad,Aunts and Uncles.We will never forget you.Aunt Wanda,Brenda,Michael and Eric.

To a terrific nephew and cousin.R.I.P.No more pain,now in heaven with his father

Some of our favorite times, going to Quaker Steak and Lube, watching Donald and Marino sharing a "Lube Tube". We hope you're sharing one with Poppy now. 
Mary & Marino Gagliardi

Donald was one of the good guys. He will be missed by all who knew him. Judy Todd and Amy you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Jay and Barb

Thank you Donny for enriching my life. God bless.

Judy, Todd, Amy and family.  
Our sincere condolences for your loss.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Donald will be greatly missed by the quilters at the Firehall and not just for the great breakfasts he prepared for us.  Some of our best memories of our stays there involved Donald.  We will remember him with smiles.

Marian Cole

So sorry for your loss, thinking of you and your family at this time!
Shawn and Mary Lynne Cashmore

Sherkston Shores will never be the same, knowing that Donald won't be able to be there again.  My favorite memories are of the nights sitting by the fire, and watching Don throw things in to burn.  Sometimes it was wood, most times it was things like pop cans, treated lumber, peanut shells, and my personal favorite was the used motor oil.  I always wondered when my trailer would start on fire!  Seriously, I will miss his smile, his laugh, and his kind heart.

Donald you will be missed but your in our hearts so will be remembered forever. I remembered we went to get our fishing licences and they wanted your weight which I argued had nothing to do with fishing. The poor boy said to just say a weight so I was 100lbs and Donald was 110lbs thought the owner was going to pee himself laughing but thats what our licences said. So many laughs over the years. Shed a tear but remember the happy times.

Judy, Todd,Amy so sorry for your loss. Donald was a great person and will be missed by all who knew him. Be strong and we will see you this week. Love Kevin and Breda

So sorry for your loss....we had a alot of great times growing up on Badger Rd. You will be missed Donald
Kathy Polegato Worrall

OBITUARIO

Donald J. Canham

9 mayo, 1954 – 22 julio, 2012

Hetherington & Deans Funeral Chapel

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios