Donald James Lyon

Donald James Lyon was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Donald always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Donald was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Donald was born on May 1, 1929 at home in north Oshawa, Ontario. His parents were Norman and Minnie Lyon. Donald was raised in Oshawa, Ontario. Always able to express himself well, Donald possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Donald was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Donald was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Donald was raised with nine siblings. He had one older sister, Barb, two younger sisters, Shirley and Linda, six younger brothers, Maurice, Phil, Bill, Jack, Harry and Ken. Donald had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Donald showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Donald enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball.

Friends and acquaintances found Donald an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Donald was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Lloyd Pearson and Jim Herbert. Later in life, he became friends with Dave and Iris Wilson, Norm and Donna Edwards, Ron Williams, the Hoskin boys, and all his friends at Beaver Park.

On July 31, 1955 Donald exchanged wedding vows with Betty Irene Ostle at the Albert Street United Church of Oshawa, Ontario. Donald was attentive to Betty's feelings, and he charmed Betty and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Donald was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humour to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Donald identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Donald was blessed with two children, one daughter, Kandie (Peter), and one son, Dale (Dee-Anna). They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Reid, Shawna, Colin and Vanessa and 2 great grandchildren Austin and Dallas.

Donald was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Donald’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Donald was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Donald could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was as a supervisor. He was employed for 38 years by General Motors.

Donald enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favourite pursuits were playing cards with his friends, pitching horseshoes, and refinishing furniture. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Donald was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were watching his grandson play hockey and going to the Oshawa Generals games.

Donald was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Donald worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Donald was an active member of the Whitby Volunteer Fire Department.

Donald was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was active and giving in his community. Donald served on the committee for the Beaver Trailer Park.

Donald held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member the Westminster United Church for 10 years. During that time, he was an usher.

Donald’s natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his awards included Horseshoe Trophies at Beaver Trailer Park.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Donald truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included a yearly trip to Florida and March Break trips to Myrtle Beach.

Donald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Donald’s favorites was Koko, a Saint Bernard and Lab dog. They were best friends for 13 years. His family was rounded out by his daughter's pony, Pepper.

When Donald’s retirement finally came in 1986, he was well prepared. He was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in refinishing furniture and playing pool with his brothers.

Donald passed away on May 5, 2010 at home in Whitby, Ontario. Don fought a long battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Betty, his children, Kandie and her husband Peter and Dale and his wife Dee-Anna, his grandchildren, Reid, Shawna, Colin and Vanessa and great grandchildren Austin and Dallas. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home.

Donald was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Donald had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Donald James Lyon.