13 April 1936 – 28 March 2023
Dad was born on Victoria Street in Dundas and has lived in town his whole life. For 38 years, he was married to Shirley Joan (née Pyett), until her death on June 22nd, 2003. He is survived by his grieving sons, Paul (at home), and Thomas (Toronto) & his wife Joanna. Their children, Lindsay, Emma, and Jacob were the lights of his life. Remember that Grandpa’s love will never die.
Don was a teacher and principal at Caistor School #5 (one-room school – Shirley was at #6), Central Public Dundas, University Gardens Dundas, Fessenden Ancaster, Dundana Dundas, Balaclava-Victoria Carlisle, and Millgrove. His students sought him out and brought their kids and grandkids to meet Mr. Chappel. Dad’s staff at University Gardens (1965-1972) still get together when they can; it is a very tight and loving family.
A life member of St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas (and choir). We want to thank Rev. Jim Cairney for his faithful visits that have meant so much. In his retirement, Dad served as organist at Rock Chapel United Church, and St. George’s Reformed Episcopal Church, Hamilton. At Rock Chapel he founded and led his Kazoo Choir which involved about half the congregation. It was amazing. He played for and sang with the Afternoon Singers seniors’ choir. For over 50 years, Don was very active in and served as organist for the Valley Lodge A.F.& A.M. No. 100 and was a Distinguished Recipient of the William Mercer-Wilson Medal. He was also organist for Temple Lodge No. 324.
Predeceased by his sister, Betty, Don is survived by his brother- and sisters-in-law Lloyd & Phyllis Pyett and Margaret Pyett, and his cousin Douglas & Heidi Mawson. Dad loved his nieces and nephews very much, and enjoyed seeing them, even when it was many years between visits.
He leaves too many friends to name, but Lenore Castle, Warren & Joyce Gedcke, Rod & Joan Jeffress, Cecil & Gladys Hamilton, Judy Smith, John & Gillian Ferns, Marilyn dePass, Joan Morris, Gerry Magnish, and his niece Pauline Wright were especially close. Neighbours were always special to Dad: Brigitte & Ziggy, Andy, Michelle, Rob, John, Mike & Maureen and especially their sons Erik & Ryan who meant the world to him. Paul’s great friend Ryan Jackson, and Scott Lehane were also loved very much by Dad.
Dad will rest at the Turner Family Funeral Home, Dundas, on Friday, March 31st from 3-6 pm followed by the Masonic Memorial Service. A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, April 1st at 1 pm; Paul will officiate and it will be live-streamed (turnerfamilyfuneralhome.ca). Reception to follow at St. Paul’s United Church, 29 Park Street West. Dad didn’t want people to feel they had to dress in dark, formal clothing, so please wear what you like. Interment will be Monday, April 3rd at 10:30 am at Grove Cemetery, Dundas.
Memorial donations in Donald’s honour, if wished, to the Royal Canadian College of Organists, or, as Dad did so often, take a friend out to dinner, or give some money to a friend in need. Dad was a life-long giver who found it incredibly difficult to accept others’ time and help, but their love he always cherished.
Livestream of Service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=5da7b931-f78c-4611-b17e-3c9b727fdb84
So many wonderful memories of a great man…indeed some of my fondest are of when my wee Emily would join him in the kitchen to share a snack while Daniel had his piano lesson with Paul. Listening to 4yr old Emily and Don chatter on in the kitchen was always smile-worthy. She would look at him with awe as he shared bits of information about what he was preparing, or this or that fruit or plant. He was most patient and kind with her, listening to whatever long-winded child-tale-of-fancy she had to share with genuine interest. Two peas in a pod, we would say. I know that all whose lives Don touched will have their own special memories to cherish, and carry his legacy onward in their retelling. Such is the immortality of a kind and caring soul as his. My deepest sympathies to my dear friend Paul in his grief, and to Thomas and his family. Thinking of you all.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. I will be with you virtually on Saturday and in spirit and loving solidarity on Monday. Sending you so much love, Valerie
Don was such a gentle soul and was a joy to have known. He will be dearly missed. Condolences from myself and Rob.
First class man, first class Mason. Don will be greatly missed.
Beautiful words for a humble, kind and caring man. Much like his son Paul, Don always left you feeling cared for and appreciated. Thinking of you and your family Paul.
Uncle Don was always a joy to be around . He always had a joke or two and a wonderful story to tell . Family and friends were very important to him and we are all blessed to have had him in our lives. He will be missed but forever in our memories of laughter and family gatherings.
Many fond memories of our time with Don at Rock Chapel United Church. Water fights while doing dishes at the turkey supper, his friendly teasing, great sense of humor, his gentle manner and his love of life. He will be missed. Unfortunately we will not be able to make the service but our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Don. I just talked to him a week ago on the phone, and we were making plans to get together for lunch, and get caught up on the news in the next week or so. Don had a wonderful sense of humour, and he always teased Janet about the corn field when she was out for her walks. He will be missed.
My sincerest condolences to Don’s family and loved ones.
I only wish I knew the man you loved so deeply. He sounds like a phenomenal person. I know what a caring and giving man his Son, Paul is so I can only imagine its because of the Man Don was. I know he will be missed by every person who was blessed to know him. My heartfelt sympathies go out to His beloved Sons and extended family.
So sorry for your loss! We enjoyed talking with him,and we actually have some of his vine growing!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family of Don Chappel, he will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing this great man, R.I.P. Don.
I have indelible memories of Don from high school where he enjoyed a prominent and friendly presence; of a chance meeting with him and Shirley in Toronto. More recently, we had exchanged emails with the idea of getting together among other DHS classmates. An opportunity that I had looked forward to enthusiastically. My sincere condolences to Don’s family and close friends.
Respectfully,
wayne weaver
So terribly sorry to hear of Mr. Chappel’s passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Don was a kind and gentle man with a generous heart, beloved by all who knew him, and in that sense, he died a rich man. His presence could light up a room and his absence will be sorely felt, but I know he would want us to cherish our memories, and not make “too big a fuss” about his passing.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your father led an enriched life filled with family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
i am going to miss him very much , our conversations jokes sharing stories on a hot summer afternoon sitting on with his porch or mine. Don was not only a neighbour but a very close friend . I will hold many fond memories close to my heart and look forward to seeing him on the other side again . Cheers my friend until we meet again.
My love, prayers,and heartfelt sympathy to Paul, Tom, Joanna, Lindsay, Emma, Jacob. I hope you know how much your Dad, grandfather meant to me. He listened, shared hugs and teardrops and CHERRY PIE.
Travel well dear friend,travel well.
Don was such a remarkable man in so many ways, I first met him when I began my teaching career at Dundana School so many years ago. He would love to put all his school junk mail into my mail slot all the time since we had the same first initial in our names! He loved to joke around like that but was always willing to help out and put in extra to help anyone who needed it.He had such a positive way about him that both the students and staff loved him.
I also had the privilege of having Paul as a student who I believe has many of the wonderful qualities that both his father and mother had.
I am so sorry that I was not able to attend the service.
Paul, we are thinking of you and all of your family at this sad time.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. I can remember spending time with, Uncle Don and
Aunt Shirley, when I was a young girl, at Grandma and Grandpa Goodale’s farm.
I remember how loving, gracious and funny they both were. Your mom in her pretty dresses , beautiful hair and make up. That gorgeous smile. Your dad in his suit, making everyone laugh, genuine smile and unique, friendly voice that I will never forget.
Thank you for sharing the picture of Uncle Don. It gave me a big smile.
A wonderful man, with a stellar reputation. Although I worked with WCBE for thirty years, I never had the pleasure of working with Mr. Chappel, but his reputation for kindness and caring was well known throughout the county. I met him briefly on a number of occasions over the years, and found him to be just like his rep. It was wonderful to read about his family, and the love that they shared… truly a life well-lived.
Us Campbell girls will miss you dearly. You were such a kind soul who would always make time for us. We loved sitting with you and sharing stories or just getting to say hello in passing. We are forever grateful for the many years we got to spend with you and we will miss you dearly.