May 14, 1936 ~ June 8, 2014
Our beloved father, Papa, friend and Uncle Donnie has left us, suddenly but not unexpectedly, in his usual quiet fashion at home last Sunday.
Born in Chatham, Ontario, and the youngest of eight, he was the lovable kid who could always draw a smile with his life-loving attitude. As a young man he loved his mother, his Harley and his Pontiac convertible. But after setting eyes on a pretty young woman named Valeeta, our mama, all else was forgotten. They were the most beautiful couple and he married his precious sweetheart in 1957. Mom predeceased him in 2005. They lost two infant sons, Christopher in 1958 and Randy Lane in 1960, Strathroy, Ontario.
Donnie is survived by his closest sister, Margaret Willaeys of Strathroy, Ontario. He was a devoted father and friend to daughters Vicky (Wave) Larson of Campbell River and Tracy (Brent) Parker of Madeira Park, BC. He was so proud of his grandchildren Christopher, Jeremy, Madison (Jason), Angela (Luigi), Nina (Kevin), Jack, Rebecca, Tamara (Pete) and Lawrence (Tammy) and they will miss him terribly. He was so happy to know his great-grandchildren Ashleigh, Marcus, Ryan and Mason, Zachary, Zoey, Mackenzie and Connor.
Moving out to British Columbia and settling at first in Granisle, he spent hours fishing for rainbow trout on Babine Lake. He loved being able to walk out the door with Misty, his trusty companion, and jump in the boat to head out on the lake.
Mom and Dad came to Halfmoon Bay, BC in 1991 and many will remember them as the caretakers at Coopers Green. Dad loved it there, especially the sunsets, and very much enjoyed his chats with the locals and other fishers alike. He retired from there in 2009 and moved to Pender Harbour, where he found comfort and contentment.
We all miss his calm presence already.
Sweet dreams, Dad.