October 13, 1936 – August 31, 2019
McPhail, Donald Joseph – Passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday, August 31st, in his 83rd year. Leaving behind children from his marriage to Kelly Brown; Sydney Cook (Phil Mason), Joe (Nancy Wise) and Andy (Karen). Grandfather to Bryan (Jessica Godfrey), Corey, Shawna (Sergio Valencia) and Kyla MacDonald (Christian Wiedemer). Great grandfather to Sofia. Predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Alice. Predeceased by sisters, Patricia and Eleanor and brothers, John and Jim. Loved uncle to many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours, friends and associates. He was a baseball player with the Dundas Chiefs, served on Town Council and elected as Reeve in the 70’s, a member of the Lions Club, an avid golfer at Dundas Valley Golf & CC, a local businessman serving State Farm Insurance customers for over 20 years in town. In the late 80’s; Don began a new life with his extended family and soulmate; Joan Beaton. Together, they operated an outdoor advertising company known as Advantage Signs & Graphics. Don was instrumental in protecting the rights of third party advertisers in Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville. Don enjoyed dancing, walking, his lawn and garden, coffees, the Blue Jays and Fake News! He had a masterful sense of humor, a charming and persuasive personality even to the end. Thanks to Dr. Ana Dul, for her commitment to Don’s health care for many years, to the Palliative Care team at St. Josephs’ Hospital; Dr. Alton and Dr. Boyle. The Nursing team, Health Care Aid & PSW teams that supported us throughout were exceptional. A short service will be held on Sunday, September 15th at 2PM immediately followed by a Celebration of Life until 4PM at Turner Funeral Home, 53 Main St, Dundas, L9H2P7. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-tire-jumpstart-charitiesoeuvre-bon-depart-de-canadian-tire/#donate-now-pane
Don was certainly one of life’s “unforgettable characters”. Someone that you regret not meeting sooner in life. He was kind and caring, always ready to help. We spent many an early morning in every kind of weather walking and talking throughout Ancaster. Don’s fascinating stories and jokes helped pass the time, rain or shine. I know he will quickly make friends in the great beyond. Bye for now.
It was a very, very long time ago when I knew Don; first, briefly as a baseball coach, later as a classmate, again briefly, when he returned to high school. He had an active mind that found expression in a staged wrestling bout during an assembly, much to the enjoyment of an audience programmed for far less bombastic presentations. Other than the odd chance meeting, that was the end of a memorable acquaintance. My condolences to his family and closest friends.
wayne weaver
Goderich
I will always remember the morning walks with Don and the group.
No matter what was going on in the world that day Don had a “Bon Mot” to cover it.
He will certainly be missed by all who were lucky enough to make his acquaintance
Bye Buddy.
See you at the great golf course in the sky.
Millie and Ralph Bennett