Pfeffer, Donald – passed away at Hamilton General Hospital on Friday, May 1st, 2020, at the age of 80. He was a good son, brother, husband, son-in-law, father, and grandfather. He will forever be loved and remembered by: his wife Kate; three sons Steven (Azumi), Edward (Marnie), David (Rebecca), and one step-son, Mike (Tina); Don will also be fondly remembered by his eight grandchildren, as well as his sister Jean, two brothers Wayne (Jenny), and Jerry. He spent his lifetime as an educator. He loved nature and supported conservations. He enjoyed getting to know people and all things cultural. A private family service has taken place. His church family will celebrate his life at a later date.
I remember 31 years ago when I officiated at the marriage of Don and Kate. It was a wonderful wedding, with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Grand Island NY pitching in to create a beautiful reception following. They left western New York not long after that, and we missed them. We thank God for their brief presence among us. May Don’s soul and the souls of all the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss Kate, know others are holding you in our heart during this especially hard time, peace to you
Christine Aiken
A friend from St. James
Kate,
I am so sorry to learn your big loss — Please accept my deep condolence.
It’s the God’s mercy to release Don from the painful hospital life, and gives us the comfort to see Don now resting in peace in his heavenly home.
I will alway remember Don as a warm-hearted person, mingling with people so well, and catered your mother with his most caring heart for all those years … A true gentleman and educator!
Please let me know whenever you have reached a date for Don’s life celebration — I will love to join your family singing for Don!
Kate may you find strength in the days ahead knowing Don no longer suffers. My condolences to you and the family. Peace for Don and for you.
Barb
I always enjoyed talking with Don, he was real credit to our community and an absolute Kentucky Gentleman.
Don was gentle and kind. Although not often, whenever we got to be together, Don shared his love for nature with us at many beautiful places. May Don rest in his heavenly home.
To Kate and family, may God give you peace and comfort.
David Lu and family
So sorry Kate. Don was a lovely man and is now at peace. My prayers are with you.
See you back at St. James.
Blessings – Madeline
I will always remember Don at the get togethers with the Gregsons and his family and wonderful Chinese cooking everyone did. My Grandson Simon speaking Mandarin with Marion, Kate and even Don when he returned from China. He was a good teacher and fine person.
Kate,
Thinking of you and your family at this time – so sorry for your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers along with members of St James.
Kate, my prayers are with you and your family – for strength, comfort and peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was a gentle, kind man and will be fondly remembered. May God comfort you and give you peace in your grief. Susan and David
I am very sorry to hear this. Don was the first teacher I met when I started to teach at Columbia International College and I quickly joined his hiking club. A hike that would take two hours with anyone else could take half a day with Don because he knew so much about every natural thing we saw. He was a long time colleague and a continuing source of support. He will be missed.
Kate,
So sorry for your loss. Don was a special man who will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope all the wonderful memories you have will give you comfort at this time and always.
I have very fond memories working with Don at Columbia International College for many years. He was passionate about his profession and also taught students about the outdoors. He was a genuinely nice person. My deepest condolences to Kate and the family.
Dear Kate,
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. The next few weeks will be hard for you but just remember you have good friends at St. James who will comfort you with their wishes and prayers.
Yours sincerely,
Pam Daniels
Kate I just found out about Don’s passing …I cannot tell you how hard is to tell you how sorry I am for your and my loss …please let me know if I can help in anything …I hope that you are OK … I think about Don a lot … special when I go to Bark Lake or go hiking … I learned a lot about nature and to appreciate more what is around us … his unique sense of humor and his passion for the birds and trees … I miss him a lot … he made a difference in the lives of many of the students that he taught and the ones that join us in our Hiking club… we met at the school due to our passion for nature and a common interest in providing our students with opportunities to experiences the Canadian Outdoors … for more than 15 years we run the Outdoors Adventure Club …more than 1,000 students joined over the years … a testimony of his passion and knowledge… again Kate … please accept my deepest condolence for the passing of a good man your spouse and my dear friend …
Don was wonderfully knowledgeable and I learnt a huge amount from him when we went on outdoor education trips. His comments were sometimes as dry as the Sahara.
He was a truly lovely man and a fine colleague
My condolences
Grandpa Don, I still remember how you took me out to go bird watching. You always seemed to find the most amazing birds, you would tell us what kind they were and what they did. I also remember you reading us stories about the different kinds of birds, it was really fascinating. I really miss you Grandpa Don.
Grandpa Don. I remember when we would hike through the forest and spot different types of birds with your binoculars or trying to spot different wildlife. Then we would come home and watch the ballerina dvds that were always stored under the tv. I know that you are missed in this world and that many of us have been a wreck. Our family is grateful for your time with us and you will always be remembered. RIP Grandpa Don.
Dear Kate,
We met Don in Shanghai and continued our friendship here in Grand Island. Such a quiet, thoughtful, knowledgeable gentleman with a slight Southern drawl and such a lovely dry sense of humor. He was a pleasure to know. Our condolences to you, Kate and may it comfort you to realize that he is no longer suffering in his heavenly home.
Be strong –