It is with great sadness that the family of Don McTavish announces his passing on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
Don was born April 20, 1930 in Devlin, Ont. and lived on his family farm. In 1952, he married Shannon, the love of his life, and together they raised five children.
Don never left the farm and eventually took over ownership from his Dad (Jack), who no longer could work it.
As a young man, Don trained in the reserves but didn’t go off to war because of his age. He worked many years for general contractors, cutting and loading pulp in the bush and was proud that he and his brother, Ken, were the top wood-cutters at Mando.
He worked on the crusher for George Armstrong for many years until he went to work for the La Vallee Township, where he remained until his retirement.
Don enjoyed gardening, reading, and being with his family. He loved his dog, Maddie, and found it hardest to leave her behind.
He could tell the best stories, and the family loved nothing better than to sit around him and listen intently as he shared them.
He loved the Municipality of La Vallee and always was willing to lend a hand when needed. His large capable hands always were available when called upon and he was well-admired for his amazing work ethic.
Don is survived by his sons, Randy and Murray; daughters, Shelley, Barb, and Deb and her husband, Eugene; grandchildren, Michael, Matthew (Melissa), Jennifer, and James; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Eric, Josh, Bryden, Zack, Nikki, and Callie.
Also surviving are his brothers, Ken (Joan), Allan (Lorraine), Ed (Gail), Bob (Karen), Ron (Charlene), and Doug (Patti); sisters, Flora Richardson (Bob), Shirley Atkins (Harold), Evelyn Hyatt (Fred), Pat Gosselin (Bob), and Stella Nichols (Don); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Carol Valicich (Jack) and Julie Johnson (Lloyd); and brother-in-law, Ken (Sheila) Carmody.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Shannon; father, Jack; mother, Audrey Mae; step-mother, Leah; and brother, Jim; as well as his father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Eva Carmody, and many other relatives.
Memorial services were held Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, Ont., officiated by Rev. Frances Flook.
Interment took place in the Devlin Cemetery.
The honorary pallbearers were Don’s brothers, Ken, Allan, Ed, Bob, Ron, and Doug.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Canada c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
