Born January 7, 1933 at Comox BC, passed away very peacefully on December 26, 2015, at Glacier View Lodge, Courtenay, where he had been a resident since March 2015. Don was raised on his parent’s farm on Sprout Road, Merville and spent his formative years at Tsolum School along with twin Ronald. His 45 year career in the Forest Industry began as a powder packer for Comox Valley Logging and ended as a log-loader operator on the dry sort for Kelsey Bay Division, Weyerhaeuser, at Sayward, BC.
He and his first wife, Alice, made their home in Sayward and raised three children there. Donald enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, badminton, coaching ball at the Grudge Matches, umpiring at Oscar Daze slo-pitch tournaments and participating in the skits put on by the Fish and Game club for Talent Night. Don and Ron, alias Pete and Repete, were well known and respected in the community. Wherever they were involved you just knew it would be fun!
Don also liked to travel. Memorable trips for him included visiting his Mother’s birthplace in England with sister Margaret, a road trip to Mexico via the Arizona desert with nephew Stan(Donna) Beech and several winter vacations to Melaque, Mexico.
Donald was pre-deceased by his parents, Peter and Jenny, wife Alice, two sisters, Margaret and Eileen(Bubs), brother Norman, twin Ronald, daughter, Vanita and stepson, Blaire. He is survived by son Steven, daughter Leslie Cooke(Rob), sisters-in-law, Eleanor(Norman) and Bebe (Ronald), wife Heather, her daughter, April, and a blended family of 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
Don requested that there be no service. Please consider making a donation in Donald’s name to Glacier View Lodge, 2450 Back Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 8B5 where he received excellent care from a loving and compassionate staff.
“Gone from our sight but forever in our hearts”