James Donald Leslie Fulton, 88, Truro, passed away peacefully, Dec. 26, 2009, at the Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, N.S.
Born in Truro on Nov. 14, 1921, he was the eldest son of the late Norman and Rose (Knowlton) Fulton. He was predeceased by his brother, Francis R. Fulton. Don is survived by his wife of 65 years Anna Mae (MacKenzie), three children; Robert (Charlotte), Truro, Christene Sandeson (Robert, deceased), Truro and Norman (Janis) Ottawa; three grand children Rose Sandeson (Dwayne Carlton) Moberly Lake, B.C., Kate Sandeson (Montreal) and Claire Fulton (Ottawa).
In June 1940, Don joined the R.C.A.F. and received his pilot’s wings in February 1941. In March of that year, he was posted overseas, joining R.A.F. Bomber Command. He completed 36 operational trips on his first tour of operations. During the seventh trip of his second tour, he was shot down and was able to parachute to safety. The French underground housed him for three and a half months. He was repatriated to Canada in October 1944. He retired from the R.C.A.F. in August 1945.
Don graduated from the Truro Academy, attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and graduated from Queens University in Kingston, Ont., where he received a bachelor of commerce degree (1949). He remained in Ontario and worked for Canada Packers for three years. In 1952, he returned to Truro where he joined his brother Frank in the family insurance business and set up Fulton Insurance Agencies Ltd. He retired from there after 32 years in the business.
Family was Don’s greatest joy. If one was away, he cherished phone calls home. We often gathered to share a meal either at home or at the family cottage. He loved hearing tales about events at work, anecdotes about friends, and descriptions of our adventures, interests and hobbies. As our family grew and spread across Canada, these family gatherings became more cherished.
He was a sportsman. In his youth he played hockey and rugby for his high school. Later he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends at Fraser Lodge. He was an avid curler and golfer. Curling was his passion. As a curler, he participated in the Canadian Curling Championship Macdonald’s Brier in 1971, and he participated many times in the Canadian Legion Curling Championships. Prior to his passing, Don enjoyed watching curling, golf and episodes of MASH.
Don loved to travel. With friends, he went to Barbados, Europe, and in his later years he and Mae enjoyed their winter home in Sarasota, Fla. Don was Past President of the Truro Curling Club, the Royal Caledonia Curling Club of Nova Scotia, the Truro Kiwanis Club, and Colchester Branch #26 Royal Canadian Legion. He was a Past Master of Truro Lodge # 43, a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Halifax 33rd degree Mason, a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, a member of Philae Shriners, a member of York Rite and a member of Malta Preceptory.
He was a past member of the Truro Curling Club and the Truro Golf Club. He was an active member of First United Church, Truro, serving on the committee of stewards and the board of trustees. Visitation will be held at the Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro today from 7 to 9 p.m. with a masonic service prior to this at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. with a Legion tribute prior at 6:30 pm. Memorial service to be held on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Colchester Community Funeral Home with Rev. Allen Darby officiating. Interment will take place in the Robie Street Cemetery, Truro, at a future date. Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to VON Colchester East Hants Branch, Colchester East Hants Hospice, or Colchester Branch #26 Royal Canadian Legion Building Fund. Online condolences may be made to www.colchestercommunity.com.