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
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Jay Anderson
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Bill Turvey 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.
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Cindy Thomson (Williams) 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.
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Dale Kraus 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
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Graydon Gibson 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.
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Gisele Deault Dear Lori & family,
Lori, I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My sincere sympathies to you during this difficult time. You spoke often of the many trips you and Don took together. May the wonderful memories of your life together help to bring you comfort.
Thinking of you. Take good care.Gisele
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Maxine Knowlton My condolences to all of Don’s family, but especially to my dear friend Lori. My memories of Don only go back about 8 years but we made up for lost time. Good times were spent in Don & Lori’s backyard, in Palm Springs, at our house etc. There were parties, cookoffs, cards etc etc. Don fought an incredible battle and retained his sense of humour and his great social skills right to the end. I will so miss him.
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Debra Cadrain Dear Lori & Family,
We are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Lori, Kevin and I are so grateful to have spent time with you and Don, in your beautiful backyard, enjoying a wonderful dinner and your wonderful company. It was a time I am sure we will never forget.
At this difficult time, I hope you take comfort in your memories, and find peace in knowing that Don, your guardian angel, will always be with you.
Take Care.
Love,
Kevin & Deb.
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Janice Green Vicki,
So sorry to hear the news of your brother’s passing. I’m sure he was loved by many and shared special memories with all of them.
Cherish your memories with him … they last forever.
You’re in my thoughts … please take care.xoxo Janice
P.S. let me know if you need anything at this end (pick ups, drop offs or rides anywhere) I’m here for you.
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Dick Newman So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My thoughts are with Lori and family.
The short time I worked and golfed with Don was a great pleasure, with many fond memories.
Sincerely
Dick Newman
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Lisa Tyner We’ll miss Don’s sense of humour and passion for life. He made me laugh and you always felt welcome in Don and Lori’s home. On cards nights Don was responsible for the snack so we knew that we would always be eating well on those nights. To his loving and loved wife Lori, all my love.
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vicki prince... To my big brother, who I always looked up to and was so very proud of, for your hard work in life, your free spirit, your charm, and good looks. I always knew I had someone to turn to if it was needed. I have never seen a person fight so very hard for their life, and be so positive that they were not leaving us.Your sense of humor , your stories, your total zest for life…will live on in this family. Rest in Peace Don Anderson and I pray that you are with Mom , Dad and Scott, now out of all that pain. Until we meet again, one day…I will love you forever….your sis…Vicki xoxoxoxoxoxo
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Vidal Family Don was our next door neighbour for the last 8 years. Always a pleasure to run into, on our day to day greetings.
He was always so kind to our 4 children, tolerating them leaving toys on his driveway and playing on his front lawn and always had a smile and a wave for each of them. His happy face and presence will be truly missed in the neighbourhood. His last months were particularly inspiring to me while he fought his courageous battle, and I was diagnosed and started my battle. Many days of thinking of him and using his courage as an example to myself of how to keep moving forward. I could never thank him enough for that.
Lots of love to you Lori, and all your families.
Carla, and the rest of the Vidalsix
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bill mowbray It has been many years since I have seen Don but I have many fond memories. Don hired me into the insurance business 37 years ago and he taught me a lot about the business. We worked together for many years and had a lot of fun. He was a great guy to be around.We played, we worked , we socialized. He was a good friend and will be missed by many who knew him.
My sincere condolences go out to Lori and family.
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Amrit Lalli Hello,
I was very sad to see the notice of the passing of Don. I played golf with him many times at Royal Colwood and had coffees with him on occassion. He gave me great business advice over the years. I will miss him even though I only saw him occassionally.
My thoughts and best wishes go out to Don’s family.
Best regards, Amrit Lalli
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