Donald Jennings

It is difficult to condense a lifetime of experience in to a few paragraphs but if you could only use four words to describe Don, they would be : Don loved the Lord. Born April 30, 1928 on Broadview Avenue in Toronto, a neighbour encouraged him to attend Sunday School at the local Gospel Hall. From an early age, he wanted to be saved and have his sins forgiven. God granted the desire of his heart when, in the spring of 1947, while walking home from a Gospel meeting with his dear friend Russ Took, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christas his personal saviour. From that time on, he sought to walk to please his Lord. He was baptized then received into fellowship at Broadview Gospel Hall where he faithfully served for over 60 years as a teacher, shepherd and elder. Don often preached at assemblies in Toronto and the surrounding area but his passion was for speaking to children. Countless children have been blessed with his flannel graph stories and object lessons.

His love of the Lord led him to the love of his life when he met his dear wife Vivian while attending ministry meetings at Highfield Gospel Hall in March 1955. He asked her to marry him on their third date, gave her a ring in June and they married in October.. His marriage was based on the Lord first, family second, the assembly third and thus he lived his life. They were married for almost 58 wonderful years and were blessed with 3 devoted children - David (Patty), Barbara (Brad) and Ruth (Mike), 8 granchildren - Jonathan ,Laura & Matthew, Nathan, Lindsay & Meghan, Kristin & Jordan and 2 great-grandchildren - Emma & Gavin.

Don was a true family man who delighted in his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He was the world's best story teller who would leave his avid listeners hanging on every word! Don loved to laugh and had a great sense of humour. No one loved a good practical joke better than he and many the innoncent victim fell prey to his antics. Don's workmates recalled his jokes as the kind you can share with your parents without getting in trouble, proving that clean jokes can be funny too! In his later years, Dad was notorious for getting jokes mixed up and forgetting the punchline - this made them all the funnier!!

Don was born with the gifts of generosity and hospitality Although there were lean times in the early years, he always shared whatever he had. Don was a very gracious host - no one ever let the dinner table hungry thanks to his repeated urgings to have 'Just a little more"

Don loved to travel Trips included the Bahamas, Florida, the West Coast of Canada, 3 trips to the Domincan Republic, a Caribbean Cruise, England, Wales & Scotland, Jamaica, the Maritimes, the Agawa Canyon, Hawaii and Papua New Guinea...... Viv's sisters Rosie and Elsie were often included on their travels and he would affectionately refer to them as his "harem"!

Don loved the cottage life. In the early years, the family would rent a cottage every summer. But he always dreamed of owning his own cottage and that dream came true in 1984 when he had a cottage built on Echo Lake in Baysville. He named it Rest While because he took great pleasure in offering it to the Lord's servants for a chance to "Come apart and rest while". Many families with young childfen who otherwise would not have been able to get away were also blessed with time at Rest Awhile. Don loved taking his kids and later his grankids fishing and and a "venture" through the bush with grandpa was always a highlight ofa visit to the cottage.

Don had a strong work ethic. Any job he tackeld, he did will. He was a dedicated employee of the City of Toronto for 25 years. Although he only ever completed Grade 11, when he resigned in 1992, he was the Programmes Manager for the Housing Department

Don and Vivian lived most of their married life in their little bungalow at 53 Karnwood Drive. Health problems led to their move to Bethany Manor in November 2012. Because of Continuing ill health , Don was moved into Bethany Lodge in April 2013. The family is grateful to the staff there for their tender care of Don as he was able to be among friends and family as he passed into the Lords presence on August 19.

Don was a man of integrity, compassion and honour. He dearly loved the Lord and showed that love to everyone he met. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity and integrity as well as countless treasured memories in the hearts of all those who loved him. He was a true man of God and is now with the Savior he loved so much. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We will always love and miss him but we will see him again!!!!

OBITUARY

With sorrow for our great loss but with thankfulness for his wonderful gain, Don's family announces that he left his temporary earthly home and entered his eternal home in Heaven on August 19th in his 86th year. Dearly cherished husband and best friend of Vivian, for almost 58 years. God blessed him with 3 wonderful children, David (Patty), Barbara (Brad), Ruth (Mike), 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Don patiently endured a long and painful illness before the Lord called him from Bethany Lodge in Unionville. He entered into glory with his family by his side and his wife holding his hand. Don was a faithful member of the Broadview Ave. Assembly for over 60 years and will be greatly missed. He also worked for the City of Toronto for 25 years. Don is resting at Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Rd. (just south of Eglinton Ave.). Visitors will be received on Friday August 23rd from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.

Funeral will be held in the chapel on Saturday the 24th at 1 pm with visitation one hour beforehand. If desired memorial donations may be given to Friends in Action International, New Tribes Mission or Bethany Lodge.