It is with heavy hearts that we share that Don passed away peacefully at home with his loved ones by his side. He is predeceased by his loved and loving wife Jo-Ann (2003) and son Mark (1995). Dearly loved and remembered always by his daughter and son-in-law Meredith and Colin Kelly; grandchildren Breanne and Grant; and partner Kathryn Burton. Don will be deeply missed by his sisters Vicki Onusko (John) and Stephanie Nestegard and is predeceased by sisters Mary Griffin (Al) and Liz Houle (Norbert/Bert). Many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends and neighbours will remember him with love. Don was a long-time employee of the City of Hamilton, and active member of the Dundas Granite Curling Club; the Dundas Cactus Golf Club and a Tuesday golfing group at Knollwood. Don was also the Past President of the Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists; Past President of the Canadian Association of Speech Language and Audiologists and a member of the Westdale United Church. The family extends their thanks to the doctors and staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and the McMaster Family Practice for their care and compassion. Friends will be received on Monday afternoon and evening from 2-5 and 7-9 at Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Don’s Service will be held at Westdale United Church, 99 North Oval, Hamilton on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. If you so wish, donations to the Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) or the Juravinski Cancer Centre would be appreciated by family.
Dear Meredith and family,
I’m so sorry to read about your father’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Hoping that your happy memories will carry you through this sad time.
Take care,
Sean.
From the top of his beautiful white hair to the tips of his curling shoes Don was an absolute gentleman. Never would a game go by without smiles and laughter. My sincere condolences Meredith, to you and your family.
Don was such a wonderful friend to our Dad Bob, and we are thankful for the many years they worked together and kept in touch. Dad speaks of him often and will miss him so much. He was a really nice man.
Sending condolences to all the Mandryk family.
Dorie Cowling Aikey and family.
Bonjour Meridith,
There is little anyone can do or say at a time like this, but I wanted you to know that I greatly valued Don’s friendship.
Don, David Walker and I called ourselves the 3 amigos.
My deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
Sincèrement vôtre
Dear Meredith and family,
My sympathies to you and your family. I had the privilege to work with your father at the clinic for many many years. He was always such an even and kind presence. We all made great memories together. He would not hesitate playing with our children on the floor when they visited work. He had a good sense of humour and enjoyed a good laugh. His handsome face and beautiful head of hair are etched in my heart forever. I feel thankful to have known him. God Bless him and you all.
Dear Meredith Colin,Breanne, Grant and family,
Thinking of you all, and sending my deepest condolences. I will so miss that wonderful man, too.
I am saddened at the news of Don’s passing but at the same time I am so impressed by the calmness, courage and dignity Don showed in dealing with his illness. Don, we are going to miss you.
This was a man who was greatly loved. I pillar of his community and family . A kind and caring person. A great loss. ❤️
Dear Meredith and family,
Our sincere condolences to all. Will always remember tall, handsome Don,
with his captivating smile and snow white hair. Our privilege to have known
him.
Meredith our family is saddened with the news of your dad’s passing. Our family has known your family through Westdale United church for so long. Don has always been a great friend to my parents and part of our family. Don stood with us during all our daughters babtismals which was so special. Tom and I and our daughters always looked forward to our visits back to Canada each year and meet with him for a visit and catch up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
My condolences to you Meredith and family. I have nothing but fond memories and great things to say about Don. He was a good man. Sending my love your way.
Please accept our sincere condolences Meredith as we are sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember Don as a smart and kind man. We realize you have a lost a special person.
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. Although I am a fellow SLP, I actually met Don through the Dundas Granite Curling Club – and how grateful I am to have known him! Don was brilliant, kind, and funny – and a real trailblazer in our profession. When you had a conversation with him, he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world at that moment. He was definitely one of the good ones, someone who left the world a better place than he found it.
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family Meredith, Don is a wonderful, kind, gentle man who touched so many and is a pleasure to have know.
God bless you Don!