November 4, 2024
In loving memory ~
Donald Ian McDiarmid, aka Fozzy Bear and in later years Gramp Dog, was born in Vancouver on November 4th 1949. He was the middle child born to Harvey and Bettie McDiarmid and brother to Phil, Wendy, Robert and Marion.
Don was educated at Shawnigan Lake Private School on Vancouver Island where he was known as the resident cartoonist. Don excelled in rugby, rowing and all types of athletic endeavours. It was here too where he learned of his skill for cutting hair.
Don's interest in sports and creative pursuits stayed with him throughout his life, along with a deep love for all things to do with automobiles, having bought his first one with paper route money long before he could drive.
Don's years spent playing baseball in the Comox Valley with The Amanitas and The Fun-Guys were some of his favourite times and later in his life he enjoyed curling, drag racing and coaching soccer, fastball and slow pitch as well.
Don attended the Alberta School of Art in the 70s , studying sculpture, carving and silkscreening, and also attended college for barbering and hairdressing in Vancouver. Don worked for many years cutting hair at Shearlocks in Courtenay, and continued to cut hair well into retirement from home.
Don drove buses for Vancouver Transit and after moving to the Comox Valley he drove transit there as well. Don was also known by generations of Comox Valley school children as being the coolest school bus driver, mainly for the Denman and Hornby island route.
Don was father to four beloved children of whom he was very proud. Devon McDiarmid, Robin Wiltse ( Rick Wiltse ), Carly McDiarmid and Casey McDiarmid. He was also Gramp Dog to his granddaughters Rowan and Fyfe and enjoyed being Unca Don to many nieces and nephews.
Don was known for his quick wit, his laid back nature, clever observations and creativity. He was a gentle and charming man who was loved by his family and many friends.
Don spent the last three years of his life in Kaslo BC where he became a popular resident bringing laughter to all who got to know him.
Don passed peacefully in Kaslo on September 7th 2024 with his four children around him in his final days.
Don is survived by his brother Robert McDiarmid (Karen), sister Marion McDiarmid, his four children Devon, Robin, Carly and Casey and grand daughter Fyfe. Don was fortunate to have many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is deceased by his parents Bettie and Harvey McDiarmid , his brother Phil McDiarmid, sister Wendy McDiarmid and eldest granddaughter Rowan Wiltse.
The family would like to thank the Victorian Health Clinic nurses and care aids in Kaslo BC for all their genuine care and affection to Don during his last two years.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025, date to be announced.
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