Passed away at Western Memorial Hospital in his 79th year on Wednesday, December 11th. Leaving to mourn are his loving family, Maisie Lorraine, wife of 50 years, two sons, Scott and Jonathan, daughter Laura Harris (Paul), and two special grandchildren, Ben and Maya Harris who were his pride and joy. Also left to mourn are brothers, Reginald (NS) and David (ON) as well as mother-in-law Enid Jerrett of Clarke's Beach; sisters-in-law, Jean Rex (Jerry) and Sue Quinlan (Phil); brothers-in-law, Eric Jerrett (Betty), Fred Jerrett (Linda) and Bob Jerrett (Elaine) and numerous nieces and nephews who loved and appreciated hearing Uncle Don talk about his many amusing life adventures. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather, an avid educator, fisherman, farmer, sports enthusiast and conservationist. He was known by all as a down-to-earth, fun-loving, thoughtful, and humble person. He made a difference to the people he met and will be missed by many. He was born in Cape Breton, NS where he grew up playing pond and school hockey, a passion which became a big part of Don’s life and career. He attended the Athol Murray College in Wilcox, SK and played with the Notre Dame Hounds under Père Murray, who had a great influence on his life. He went on to play hockey in Western Canada and the US for a number of years before coming to NL to coach the Grand Falls Cataracts and the St. John's Fieldians. While attending St. Mary's and St. FX Universities he coached and played varsity hockey and won the MVP award. When he started his teaching career in Corner Brook in 1964 he played and coached with The Corner Brook Royals. That team would capture the coveted Herder Memorial Trophy two years later. As principal of Templeton Collegiate he was a coach and mentor to many aspiring students, and held a commanding officer position with the Army Cadets Corp for 14 years. After retirement he became educational director and later president of SPAWN. He recently received the SPAWNER Hall of Fame award. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he developed a Christmas tree hobby farm in Gillams — a serene place where his heart and soul will always be. Donations in his memory can be made to The Western Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Food Bank, or to the charity of your choice. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 on Wednesday, December 12th, at Country Haven Funeral Home, Country Road, and at 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday, December 13th. Funeral Services will be at Oakland United Church, Forestside Road, on Friday at 2 p.m. with Reverend Myles Vardy officiating. The family guest book may be signed or memorial donations may be made by visiting our website at www.country-haven.ca.