October 25, 1941 – April 12, 2013
It is with great sadness we announce that Don passed peacefully at home. Predeceased by his parents, John and Jessie Anderson; his brother, Scott Anderson. Survived by his loving wife, Lori and beloved dog, Maggie; his children, Scott (Kim), Lisa (Dan); grandchildren, Max and Mara; his sister, Vicki (Mark) and nephews and niece, Andrew, Matthew (Meaghan), Michael (Jules), Jay – aka Jackson, Ryan and Nicole (Matt). Don was also blessed with Lori’s loving family, mother-in-law Jessie; Aunty Doreen and family; brother-in-law, Aaron; sister-in-law, Tara (Bill) and nephews and niece, Michael, Jessica and Brent.
Don was born and raised in Toronto and maintained close relationships with his many friends in the Toronto area throughout his life. An athlete with a particular talent for hockey provided Don the opportunity to play hockey in Europe. Don obtained his degree from Western University and for a short time went on to teach physical education at Regent Park in Toronto. Don joined The London Life Insurance Company as a representative and spent 32 years with the company and retired as a Regional Vice-President. Don worked all across Canada and in Thailand consulting on new business opportunities for the company. After leaving London Life, Don spent two years in the Bahamas developing an agency for Canada Life. Not one to slow down he rounded out his working years with Royal Roads University in security. As an avid golfer, Don was a long time member of The Royal Colwood Golf Club and besides playing an excellent game of golf, he could be found passing time in other pursuits with his fellow members. There were many passions Don enjoyed. Sailing, cooking, travel, photography, but most of all Don enjoyed the company of his many friends. His backyard was his playground and many an afternoon and evening were spent in pleasant revelry in this atmosphere of love and good cheer. In addition to people, Don held a special place in his heart for his four legged friends. His dogs were his particular pals and always close by.
Lori would like to thank all those that helped support Don through his courageous battle with cancer and continue to provide love and support for her through this transition. Thank you to Dr. Peter Houghton for his singular care and attention to Don. Thank you to Dr. Andrew Attwell and his team at the BC Cancer Clinic. Thank you to the Red Cross Team that provided the equipment Don needed to stay at home. Special thank you to the Palliative Home Care team and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Palliative Home Care Team.
A Celebration of the Life of Don Anderson will be held at the Royal Colwood Golf Club, Friday, May 3, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
15 Responses
Jay Anderson
My Uncle Don,
Felt the need to look you up tonight as I watch the leaf game….wondering what I would find.
Found this page and was proud to see so many kind words written.
You were a legend in my life… even now that you’ve passed.
I continue to tell stories about you regularly as we’ve named our son Jaxson and I’m always quick to tell people that it was your nickname for me.
I’ll never forget the comfort and support you offered all of us when we lost our Dad ( your brother) your strength was unbelievable and rest assured we all learned from it.
Like all the family and friends I’ve lost I’m at peace with the belief that we’ll all meet again.
Thinking of you often.
Jay aka Jackson
Cheers
Nov4/21
I believe Jim Duguid said it best…Don was the big brother of all of us growing up on Holcolm Road.
But my most cherished memories of Don are when he was my manager at London Life in the mid 1970’s. The poor guy…I was not a good salesman…
1 – Once when I was ‘pining’ over an ex-girlfriend [as I had a tendency to do], he told me to jump a plane [she was in BC] and go and tell her my feelings. “Act…don’t Talk” !! That was Donny. I jumped. Didn’t exactly work out, but I was always glad I did.
2 – We were golfing at Thornhill, when he said that I couldn’t out drive a woman…any woman. I was pretty proud of my drives. He bet me that the next lady who walked out of the clubhouse could drive farther than me. Easy $$. A heavy set lady walked out. Easy $$. Don told her of the bet. She accepted. I drove 200 yds+. Ha…good luck to her. She drove…250 !! Turns out she was a pro…Don had beautifully set me up That was Donny.
3 – He called me into his office one time and told me what no 25 year old man wants to hear. I was a “momma’s boy”. Never took responsibility…always looked for someone to get me out of trouble. He hit the nail right on the head. That was Donny. I think…and hope…I learned from that.
And 4 – Don had to fire me from LL. Was not easy for him, I know…but, believe me, necessary.
Donny’s always been so very special to me…he always will be. I’ll miss him…but the great memories will always be with me. RIP Donny.
Don Anderson was my leader and my mentor in the early 90’s at London Life. He led the team of regional managers in the Hamiltion area. He led with fairness, respect for his managers and with a hell of a wicked sense of humour. Don will always be young…always a little outrageous…always a party animal but deep down he had a heart as big as the ocean.. The glass was always half full for Don and I had great respect for his spirit and his loyalty to family and friends.
My sincere sympathy to you Lori and to Don’s children and grandchildren. He loved you like crazy…he talked about you all the time.
Hi Lori
Don was a great help to me in sorting out the Bahamas operation. We set the place on it’s feet and couldn’t have done it without Don.
Please accept our sympathies. We enjoyed our time with both of you on Paradise Island.
Dale and Dianne
Although I wasn’t what you would call a close friend, I played golf with Don many times at RCGC – in various tournaments – over the past ten or 15 years, and always enjoyed his sense of humour, his zest for life, and his generosity of spirit. It was a real shock to learn of his passing, and my sympathy goes out to his wife and family. RIP Don.