It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and companion on Monday, November 9, 2009 at Stanford Place, Parksville.
Predeceased by Margaret, his loving wife of 53 years, Don is survived by his sons: Iain (Anne), David (Corrie), Gordon (Pamela) and Douglas (Lorna) and by his sister Margaret of Yorkshire, England and family.
He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren: Hilary, Katherine, Robert, Richard, Jeffrey, Alison (Justin) and Matthew. Don will be deeply missed by his loving companion Irene Cosh and Irene’s entire family. Don was a loving husband and companion, proud father and caring grandfather who was truly devoted to the well being of his family.
Born in South Africa and raised in Britain, he served with the Royal Navy in WWII at sea and stationed in Gibraltar. After the war, he returned to complete his education and earned his B.Sc. at the University of Glasgow. He immigrated to Canada in 1955 with his family following in 1956.
Don had a distinguished career as a meteorologist serving for over 30 years with NORAD, the Canadian Forces and Environment Canada. His career took him and his family to Halifax, Marville, France, North Bay, Ontario, Maine, New York and Colorado, U.S.A., Winnipeg and Ottawa.
He retired to Qualicum Beach with Margaret in 1985 and they enjoyed a happy retirement together, making many friendships and being active within the community, until Margaret passed away in 2001.
Together with Irene, Don continued to enjoy a happy, active retirement which included a cross Canada rail journey and many social and community events. He was an active member of the Burns Club and was a long time member of the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course.
The Family sends a warm thank you to the wonderful staffs at the Nanaimo General Hospital, and at Stanford Place, Parksville.
A Memorial Service was held at St. Columba
Presbyterian Church, French Creek on
Monday, November 16, 2009.
In lieu of flowers donations would be welcomed by The Salvation Army Mount Arrowsmith Community Ministries, PO Box 1874, 886 Wembley Road, Parksville, BC, V9P 2H6.
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.