Donald Lockhart Malins, known by many as Father Don, was born in Vancouver, BC on April 4, 1939. He died on March 4, 2025 in Sidney, BC.
He is survived by Virginia, his wife of 60 years, son Stephen (Connie), and daughter Monica. He was predeceased by his parents Edith and Warren, his brother Robert, and infant daughter Theresa.
Growing up in Vancouver, Don attended St. George’s School, enjoying rugby, being a 72nd Seaforth Army Cadet, and family getaways at Sechelt. Don and Virginia met at Camp Artaban on Gambier Island and were married in Vancouver on June 6, 1964.
Don studied at the University of British Columbia and the Anglican Theological College. He was ordained into the Anglican Church of Canada in 1967, moving the family to Vernon and later Trail as an assistant rector. His first parish was in Salmon Arm, which also included the parishes of Sicamous and Canoe. He helped grow the congregation and build the new church in Salmon Arm. It was during these years that he introduced the family to downhill skiing, coached and refereed minor hockey, became an officer with the 1787 Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadet Corps, and started playing golf in his free time.
An opportunity to move back to the west coast happened in 1981, when he became the rector for Holy Trinity Church, North Saanich. A highlight for him and Virginia was a four month exchange with a parish in Derbyshire, England. He continued working with cadets, transferring to Admiral Budge Sea Cadet Corps. Don later transferred to the naval reserves with HMSC Malahat, as their Chaplain. He was also the Chaplain for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 37 and helped lead many of Sidney’s Remembrance Day Services. His last parish was with St. Luke’s, Saanich.
After retirement Don and Virginia joined the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada parish of St. John the Evangelist. After being received into the Catholic Church in 2012, Don was ordained a Catholic priest for the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter in 2013, last serving as a Parochial Vicar with St. John Henry Newman, Victoria.
He and Virginia enjoyed taking cruises together and trips to Europe. He continued golfing and later added curling in the winter. He was active with the Knights of Columbus and Probus Club. He maintained his association with St. George’s School as an Old Boy, attending his last reunion in the fall of 2024.
The family would like to thank all the medical staff and others who provided Don with such excellent care.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 849 Old Esquimalt Road, Victoria, BC on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations sent to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, or the British Columbia Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marlene Mitten
Father Don was one of my favorite Priests at St. Lukes Parish. His dry wit and loving care of the Parish was hard to beat. He was missed when he retired. Love and hugs to Virginia and condolences to his family. Marlene Mitten and family