Don passed away peacefully at home in Victoria with his wife, son, and daughter by his side.
Left to mourn are his wife of 60 years Ann; son Gary, daughter-in-law Melissa, granddaughter Maggie; daughter Carolyn, son-in-law Ian, grandsons Brendan and Cameron; brother Pete; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be especially missed by his Saturday breakfast buddy Les and Wednesday coffee buddy Pat.
Don was loving and dedicated to his family and held a special place in many people’s hearts and filled many roles in many people’s lives. He was a loyal friend, surrogate father and grandfather, mentor, and coach. Don was generous to a fault, always willing to help and aid anyone in need. His volunteer work through the years with baseball, curling and his children’s and grandchildren’s schools and activities was always appreciated. Everyone knew that if something needed to get done, Don was the man to call.
Don’s life was shaped by his work ethic. He kept busy everyday with whatever job he had on his list, always giving his very best effort. In 1965 he and Ann bought a piece of property “out in the country” and built the home where they raised their family. He lovingly maintained it over the years where they have always welcomed friends and family.
His fun, lighthearted sense of humour and zest for life is what many people will remember him by. The practical jokes he played with his friends over the years and the stories of all his adventures delighted everyone who listened.
Don was a master carpenter, and his excellent work is evident in many houses and renovations around greater Victoria. He later took his skills to Pacific Forestry Centre where he made many new friendships.
In retirement, Don and Ann enjoyed their travels to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Europe as well as Ontario and eastern Canada. Don loved sharing the bounty of his veggie garden and was especially proud of his tomatoes. His special smoked salmon was a treat for everyone who tried it. Don touched so many lives with his indelible spirit which we will carry in our heart’s forever. “Love you always Don, Dad, Papa!”
In lieu of flowers, condolences and special memories of Don may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallsgardens.com
15 Responses
Dear Ann and Family, so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I saw his lovely obituary in the Times Colonist this past weekend. Don was a very special patient of mine, and it was heartbreaking to learn suddenly of his diagnosis those many months ago. I knew that he would leave behind many loving and caring family and friends; he was just that type of person to have formed the relationships that he did. I will remember him as always bright and cheery with often a special treat for me from his garden or kitchen. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Aunty Ann, Gary, Carolyn and your families.
I was saddened to learn about the passing of Uncle Don. When I reflect on the memories of him all I can do is smile. I vividly remember the times when he eagerly joined us kids in your backyard as we hunted for Easter eggs and as he taught us all to play shuffleboard. Uncle Don had a contagious laugh and exuded kindness, care, love and vitality. I feel fortunate to have shared so many joyous and unforgettable times with him. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for being such wonderful, giving, loving people, and my thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. I send you my strength and love to help you through this loss. Love you all very much.
Dyck and Hallas families, we are remembering Don with great fondness and thinking of you all at this sad time. He was always so kind and welcoming to us. Our children adored ‘Papa Don’ and he always showed them a delightful time when we visited, taking them on backyard adventures and sharing the beautiful garden. I doubt I will ever eat a tomato as delicious as the ones grown from the plants he so generously gifted to us. He touched so many lives and we feel lucky to have known him.
Our deepest sympathies to all of Don’s loved ones for their loss. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Don was always welcoming when we came for visits. He would make sure our coffee was topped up, made time to connect with our boys, and would never let us leave without some of his yummy garden veggies. We will forever cherish our memories of his infectious smile and generous personality. We will miss you Papa Don- You made the world a better place. Rest in Peace.
Sending love.
The Hermansons
Our condolences to Ann, Gary, Carolyn and their families. We are thinking of you and remembering Don, a truly wonderful person.
Dear Ann and family,
I walked your area with Don many times, watching for salmon in the beautiful river reach there. He welcomed many watershed volunteers, and we learned so much from him and his astute monitoring of the river. Always so kind and generous with his time to share his love of the environment.
Such a pleasure for me to have known him.
Most sincerely, Dorothy Chambers (Salmon in the City)
Not once when we came to visit Carolyn, Ian and the boys did Don not pop over to say hello and have a visit, always staying for a catch up (and making sure the coffee was strong enough 🙂 and then off to check on the kids playing. He was such a familiar presence our kids simply referred to him as Papa as well, that’s how welcome and comfortable he always made us feel. We will always miss him…Sending our love to you all, Mariann, Aaron, Charlotte and Noah
Dear Ann and family, our thoughts and condolences are offered to support you during this very difficult time. Don was one of the most generous and kind hearted people we know, always willing to help and most importantly make people laugh. On behalf of his friends at PFC and from Wendy and I, we will remember him with a curious twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face.
Geoff and Wendy
My Condolences to Anne and Family during this very sad time. Don was my neighbour, friend and surrogate Grandfather. I will miss his friendly face across our fence. He was always there to lend a helping hand, share advice on fixing things and just being a positive voice of reason. Mr. Don, held a special place over the years with all my Daycare children. They always looked forward to his friendly chats and the many goodies from his garden.
He will be greatly missed.
Les and Vivian are sending our condolences
To you and your family. Don will be in
our hearts and remember for his great
friendship, kindness, knowledge and sense
of humour. He is thought about often
as we remember all the great coffee,
dinner, and breakfast together.
May he rest is peace with the angels.