Don passed away peacefully at 6:20 am on February 15, 2018 at the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital in his 81st year. Over the years Don was strong and bravely faced multiple health challenges but his last battle with esophageal cancer was short, complicated and as Don would say, "the game was over".

Don was much loved by his wife, Sandy Wright, his children, Vicki (David Thomson), Patti (Howard Gwin), Peter Tomes (Janice), Lisa (Frank Cicero), Jill Hand (Jeff Wimsatt) and his grandchildren, Ryan, Kayla, Sophie, Emily, Brady, Ryder, Rose, Brendan and Alex.

Don grew up in Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia where he became a talented athlete. He play football for Dalhousie University, enjoyed playing hockey, basketball, baseball, and later in life was an avid skier and squash player. In the summer he wind surfed, kayaked, sailed and played tennis. He coached minor league sports teams and nurtured a love of athletics in many young people. He also helped to start many men's baseball leagues and coordinated annual sports tournaments in the communities where he lived.

Don also had a love for music - his musical taste ranged from Meatloaf (Bat out of Hell) to Andrea Bocelli. He participated in local community theatre and sang in the church choirs.

Affectionately referred to as "Old Timer" or "OT" for short (even in his 30s) Don was a youth group leader, coach, chauffeur (for all his children and their friends), participant in pick up street hockey games, basketball and football. OT was a confidante for both his children and their many friends.

His most happy place over the past years was the cottage at Oliphant (that he helped to move to its current place in 1990) where he loved the water, the hot tub, happy hour afternoon drinks with family and friends, sitting on (and building) the dock. He also built the awesome outdoor shower that the family has enjoyed for years.

Don loved his family. He always had time to listen, ask questions and be involved in their lives and right to the end asked questions about hockey games, school, skiing and work activities. We all loved him very much.

A celebration of Don's life will be held at Tansley United Church on Tuesday February 27th with a service at 11 a.m. and visitation with the family at 10 a.m.

Donations in memory of Don may be made to Tansley United Church or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

We will miss you.