Don passed away, peacefully at home, on July 4, 2017 in his 84th year. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna; their two daughters, Sarah (Adam Houston) and Beth (Bruce Leibel) and two granddaughters, Amelia and Keira Leibel.
He was predeceased by his four sisters, Margaret (Rita) Thompson, Norma Main, Christine Lamb and Jeanette Hoskins.
After leaving school in Grade 9, Don spent the next 13 years working in the logging and construction industries. He returned to education and completed his law degree at UBC. He practised in the private sector both in Vancouver and Victoria before joining the Attorney General’s Branch of the BC Government as a Crown Prosecutor.
Don sat on the boards of the United Way, the BCSPCA, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and Beacon Community Services. He served several terms as President of the Shawnigan Lake Residents Association and was an alternate director of the CVRD.
Don had a zest for life and loved to windsurf, swim, run, garden and was never without a book. He was a very generous individual and always willing to help those in need.
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Shepherd, Don’s long time physician and his assistant Jessica for their exceptional care. We would also like to thank the Palliative Care team of VIHA whose presence allowed Don to stay at home throughout his illness.
Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered later in the summer at his beloved Shawnigan Lake. An open house for family, friends and former colleagues will be held on Sunday, July 16 from 2-4 p.m. at 2571 Dalhousie Street in Victoria.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Don’s memory to the United Way.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Elizabeth Hanan
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Joanne Main Mike and I are saddened by your loss,please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Barny Hiney Donna, Sarah, Beth:
It is with respect and sadness that we provide condolences to you and your families with the passing of husband and Father, Don.We enjoyed such great times and adventures in bringing all those families and children of the world together in CISV. The personal time, energy and effort by Don and Family was always appreciated and effective. Our children wouldn’t be the same without knowing the Laughtons and having Don’s assistance to contribute to their growth, world travels and adventures. Many Thanks Don–you will be missed!!!
Barny, Linda, Erik & Joanna Hiney
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Margaret Kun Dear Beth and family.
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I really enjoyed working with him during his time on the Beacon Board of Directors.My thoughts are with you during this sad time. I hope all your wonderful memories and knowing that many people care will bring you comfort in your loss.
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Michael Galway Donna, I was really sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a wonderful person. Please take care of yourself, and my sincere condolences.
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Violet, Hickman, Kamy and Harry Dona, Sarah and Beth:
We send to you our sincerest condolences. We share your loss because we know that “a most generous individual who was always willing and ready to help those in need” will no longer be there.
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Acob family Beth,
Our condolences to you and your family. What an beautiful life your dad led! Our thoughts are with you.
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Rhonda Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. I am thinking about you and sending love.
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Theresa Sorry about your loss
Thank you for allowing me to come to your remembrance party and tell some stories to the many friends of Don and offer my respects to the family. Don was an honest man and true to his word in all the dealings we had when I was defense counsel and he was with the Crown. He could have taken advantage of me when I was a rookie, and did not. But what stands out in my mind was how, at the end of our plea bargain meetings, we took time to chat and talk about our families, when he talked about his wife and daughters, his face just lit up with happiness. I think we had a little 2 person mutual respect society and trusted each other on a handshake. We was a good man and will be missed.