Donald Lawrence Legaree, of Atikokan, Ont., passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 with members of his family at his side.
Born Dec. 26, 1934 in Fort Frances, Ont., Don was raised during the depression and war years. While times were tough, his mother raised Don and his siblings to be respectful and to always look for ways to help others in the community.
He moved to Atikokan in 1951 and then on to Thunder Bay, before returning to Atikokan in 1956, where he met his future wife, Vivien Loraine Olson. They were married in Atikokan on April 24, 1958.
Over the next few years, children, Ian, Robin, Lorene, Kristi, and Blaine joined the family.
In the late 1960s, Don started training to become an electrician. His hard work and commitment to providing more for his family were an inspiration to his children.
During his career, Don worked at the Steep Rock and Caland Iron Ore Mines and the CNR in Atikokan, Ontario Hydro, and Chisolm Electric in Medicine Hat, Alta.
Don’s second birthday came in 1979 when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous. His commitment to sobriety and support for many others who face similar challenges has left an important mark on the community.
Don also will be fondly remembered for his hobbies of gardening and painting that he took up in his retirement, and for the joy he had in seeing his family grow and prosper.
Don’s wife, Vivien, passed away in 2013.
He is survived by son, Ian (Shawna Lampi-Legaree) of Yellowknife, N.W.T.; daughters, Robin (Brent) Johnson, Lorene (Jeff Lehman) Legaree, and Kristi Legaree of Atikokan, Ont.; and son, Blaine (Terri-Ann) Legaree of Fort McMurray, Alta..
He also is survived by his brother, Roy Legarie (Jean); sister, Madeleine Martin (Ken) and sister-in-law, Joy Legaree, of Fort Frances, Ont., and sister, Gladys Matkowski of Thunder Bay; brothers-in-law, Gordon Olson and Ralph (Adrienne) Olson of Bergland, Ont.; and sisters-in-law, Anne (Marvin) Strom of Atikokan, Ont. and Laurel (John) Cote of Dryden, Ont.
Don also was the proud grandfather of Alexander, Stephen (Cindy Veroba), and Sean Legaree; Beau (Lindsay), Jacob (Carolyn), and Rachel Johnson; Paige (Brad) Gascoigne and Grant Legaree; and Judah, Levi, and Elijah Legaree; and great-grandchildren, Eli and Ethan Johnson, Burke Veroba-Legaree, Quinn and Cora Johnson, and Lincoln Gascoigne.
Don was predeceased by his granddaughter, Meredith Ivall; parents, Alcide and Mary Ann (Oster) Legaree; brothers, Frances, Leonard, and Jerry; and sisters, Anna and Norma Jean.
A memorial service was held Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan.
A mass was held at the Catholic Church in Atikokan on the same date.
The honourary pallbearers were his grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, with interment in the Little Falls Cemetery in Atikokan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
DONALD LAWRENCE LEGAREE
