Donald Lawrence Legaree

Born in Fort Frances, Ontario on December 26, 1934, Don was raised during the depression and war years. While times were tough, his mother raised Don and his siblings to be respectful and to always look for ways to help others in the community.

He moved to Atikokan in 1951 and then on to Thunder Bay before returning to Atikokan in 1956 where he met his future wife, Vivien Loraine Olson. They were married in Atikokan on April 24, 1958. Over the next few years, children Ian, Robin, Lorene, Kristi and Blaine joined the family. In the late 1960s, Don started training to become an electrician. His hard work and commitment to providing more for his family were an inspiration to his children. During his career Don worked at Steep Rock and Caland Iron Ore Mines and the CNR in Atikokan, Ontario Hydro and Chisolm Electric in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Don’s second birthday came in 1979 when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous. His commitment to sobriety and support for many others who face similar challenges has left an important mark on the community. Don will be fondly remembered for his hobbies of gardening and painting that he took up in his retirement and for the joy he had in seeing his family grow and prosper.

Don’s wife Vivien passed away in 2013. He is survived by son Ian (Shawna Lampi-Legaree) of Yellowknife, daughters Robin (Brent) Johnson, Lorene (Jeff Lehman) Legaree and Kristi Legaree of Atikokan, and son Blaine (Terri-Ann) Legaree of Fort McMurray; brother Roy Legarie (Jean), sister Madeleine Martin (Ken) and sister-in-law Joy Legaree of Fort Frances and sister Gladys Matkowski of Thunder Bay; brothers-in-law Gordon Olson and Ralph (Adrienne) Olson of Bergland, sisters-in-law Anne (Marvin) Strom of Atikokan and Laurel (John) Cote of Dryden.

He was also the proud grandfather of Alexander, Stephen (Cindy Veroba) and Sean Legaree; Beau (Lindsay), Jacob (Carolyn) and Rachel Johnson; Paige (Brad) Gascoigne, and Grant Legaree; and Judah, Levi and Elijah Legaree and great grandchildren Eli and Ethan Johnson, Burke Veroba-Legaree, Quinn and Cora Johnson and Lincoln Gascoigne.

Don was predeceased by his granddaughter Meredith Ivall; parents Alcide and Mary Ann (Oster) Legaree; brothers Frances, Leonard and Jerry and sisters Anna and Norma Jean.

A memorial service was held on Monday, November 16 the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan. A mass was held at the Catholic Church in Atikokan on the same date. Cremation has taken place with interment in the Little Falls Cemetery at a later date. The honourary pallbearers were his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.