Donald passed away peacefully on September 21, two weeks before his 91st birthday. Predeceased by his first wife of 54 years, Bernice, and brother Bruce, he is survived by loving wife Eleanor, children Janet (Doug), Barbara (Ian), Leslie (Ken), and Gordon (Barbara), grandchildren Thomas, Paul, Keri, Colleen, Christopher, Tara, Stephen, Sarah, and Paulina, and great-grandson Jackson (and two more great-grandchildren who are ready to make their appearance in October). He is also survived by Eleanor’s five children, their spouses, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Don spent most of his early years in Montreal. In 1939 he moved with his family across the country to Victoria. After graduating from Victoria High School in 1945, he met and then fell in love with Bernice (Bunny). They married in 1951, moved to North Vancouver, and purchased two lots in Upper Lonsdale where they built a house and raised their four children. Don spent his entire working career in the paint industry, landing his first job with the Murphy Paint Company (which later became Pittsburgh Paints) at their plant in North Vancouver. He was the plant manager for many years, then was transferred to Mississauga when the plant closed in 1978. He and Bernice returned to North Vancouver upon his retirement in 1989.
After losing Bernice to cancer in early 2006, Don found solace and companionship with Elly, an old school friend who had earlier lost her husband. Their companionship grew into a nurturing love, and with the full support of both their families, they entered into a happy marriage – at age 79.
Don loved to golf, curl, travel, camp, and make things with his hands. He thoroughly enjoyed his regular pilgrimages to Victoria, northern BC, Ontario, and Quebec to visit family and friends. He was a talented woodworker who in his spare time made shelves, cabinets, bird houses, toys, camping boxes, furniture – you name it. His beautiful pine tables, buffets, and hutches are displayed proudly in his children’s homes. He will be fondly remembered by everyone as a kind, gentle, dependable, and resourceful man.
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