Donald Robert McGilton

Donald Robert McGilton, age 33 of Clinton Township, died July 13, 2017 at home. He was born September 22, 1983 in Detroit, son of Donald R. McGilton Sr. and Deborah (nee: Brumm) Shock.Having chosen the construction industry for his career path, Donald's expertise was focused in the field of plumbing. When it came to making sure your pipes were all in order, Donny was your guy. But that is what kept him busy on the job. As for the work that brought him more joy than labor, there was little that could match the exuberance he felt each time a favorite pastime took him to the out-of-doors and connecting with nature. A Michigander by birth, Don was like most of us Mitten Folk, enthralled with the idea of camping,…an activity he enjoyed quite often. With all of its benefits, from communing with nature to the interaction with all of one's fellow camping friends, Don tried to infuse his life with as much of the camping experience as he was able.Simply hangin' around at the campsite could easily entail a host of fun all on its own. But every now and then, Don enjoyed changing things up a bit and would head down to a nearby river or stream and feed his hunger for some water-born activities. If he was feeling a bit more on the sporty side, then you'd often find him throwing a kayak in the water and floating through the water amidst the serenity around him. If he was looking for more of a sedate form of water enjoyment, then it meant grabbing the tackle box, rod & reel, and a pail of bait as he headed for a favorite fishing hole,…always, in search of the Big One!As for the pastimes Don enjoyed back at home, there was always the delectable treat of heading to one of his choice restaurants and eating out,…one of his favorite things to do. It's been said, "if you're eating, you're happy,"…and Don tried his best to stay happy all the time. Yum! And if he wasn't eating the food, then you'd often find him planted down in front of the television taking in one of his oft-watched cooking shows. He loved watching some of the world's most talented chefs slingin' their tools and kitchenware as they prepared some pretty tasty delights, making it look so easy. And there was Don with his eyes and ears glued to the set,…salivating!Yet of all the aspects of Donald's life that brought him joy, nothing could hold a candle to the love and compassion he held for his precious angel, Leiah. They were a Daddy/Daughter combination for the ages, and there was an enormous place in Donald's heart reserved for his little girl. The two of them (as the old adage goes) were "thick as thieves" and enjoyed a relationship that was unlike any other in Don's life. And, too,…Don was blessed with a plethora of loved ones, family and friends, all of whom played a unique and instrumental part in his life, and each one with special qualities that made his shine as their gifts seemed to meld both hearts as one. Though Donald leaves our presence far too soon, it is not without leaving a piece of himself to hold tightly as the days, weeks and years ahead heal with time. He's a gift and a blessing to be embraced with each reflection shared,…now and forevermore. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Donald Jr. was the loving father of Leiah, and her sister Kamryn. Beloved son of Deborah (Kenneth) Shock and Donald R. (Shawn) McGilton Sr. Dear brother of Michelle McGilton. Visitation for Donald Jr. will be held Wednesday, July 19th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.Please share memories of Donald Jr. at his memory book above.