Donald Banks

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Bruce Banks after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Beloved husband of Phyllis, proud father of daughters Carol Cooke (Russell) and Cynthia Banks and predeceased by son Brian Gibbard. Cherished grandfather to Christopher and Lea Gozdzialski. Donald will be greatly missed by many of his extended family and friends.

Donald instilled his love of community and service into his career when he joined the Toronto Police Service in 1951. After a distinguished and memorable career, he retired as Staff Superintendent in 1990. He was made a Probationary Detective at the start of the Intelligence Bureau and went back 20 years later as Department Commander. He was in charge of the Morality Bureau, 55 Division and Public Relations Department and then promoted to head No. 1 District.

With a lifelong love of music, he was not only a founding member of the Toronto Police Male Chorus in 1966, but sang as a soloist throughout his life at numerous churches.

Friends will be received for visitation at the Giffen-Mack Funeral Home, 4115 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, on Thursday, March 24th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday, March 26th at 1 p.m. at Melville Presbyterian Church, 70 Old Kingston Road, Scarborough.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations to CNIB, the Alzheimer Society of Toronto or the MS Society of Canada.