Don MacLeod
August 31st, 2013
Born in 1939, to Bruce and Dora MacLeod, Don passed away Saturday, August 31st, 2013 after a hard fought battle with infection. After surviving a severe head injury, he proved the doctors wrong and blessed us with another 6 1/2 years of undying love and friendship. He has sadly said "so long for now" to his daughters Cheri (Les), Sandy (Norm), and Laura (Peter), his first wife, Sherron, and grandchildren, Brandon, Chris, Hannah, Taylor, Cole, and Adriana, as well as many life-long friends. Second wife Patricia Vittery.
Born a Vancouverite, Don developed a love for anything on or near the ocean. His passion led him to Bowen Island, Maui, and his boat 'Mahalo' which he enjoyed with his family and many friends. A consummate gentleman, Dad taught us to always believe the best in people.
At the age of 19 he began his career as a mechanic, working at Crossman Machinery. He worked his way up to a sales position which eventually led to his appointment as company president. Eventually taking over the company, he maintained the high business standards set by the Crossman family in 1911.
Don's celebration of life will begin at 12pm Monday, Sept 9th at the Beecher Place, 12160 Beecher Street, south Surrey (on Crescent Beach). Immediately following the service there will be time to share stories, memories, and laughter, during Dad's final sendoff BBQ featuring some of his favorite BBQ dishes he served to all of us.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia. http://www.alzheimerbc.org/.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Cheri, Sandy and Laura, I send my heartfelt sympathy to you all and to your husbands and children. This is such a sad and difficult time for you and I know how much you will miss your beloved Dad. He loved you all dearly and I'm sure you were his greatest joy and comfort the whole of your lives together, and especially throughout his long and difficult illness. I shall remember Don as a most kind and courteous friend who was always a very generous host and whose hospitality I enjoyed on many occasions. He really was, as you described him, a consummate gentleman. I have many recollections of happy evenings with him and your mum and Bill, when we first met almost 40 years ago. That is how I will remember him; always young, handsome and smiling, offering a warm, gracious welcome to all his friends. I am sorry not to be at the memorial, to say a proper farewell to him, but please be sure that you will all be in my thoughts. I send my love and sincere sympathy to you all. Mary.
I am very deeply sorry for your loss. I have known Don since 1974. He was my first boss in Canada and I worked with him for over 30 years. He was a great boss, and an even better man. Over my tenure with Crossman, Don was always respectful, honorable, and of great temperament. Personally, I am going to miss him deeply. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Joseph Yan and Family
Sandy, Art and I send our warmest condolences to you Norm and Hannah. We didn't know your father, but know that you will cherish all the happy memories you had together.
Don and family were Bowen neighbors who we enjoyed knowing for many years. He had a very strong sense of community and but did so in a quiet unassuming manner. He also had a wonderful ability, even until his last visit(s) to Bowen, to remember our children by name and was always interested in where they were and what they were doing. Ahuiho(until we meet again) Mr. Cloudy!
Cheri, Sandy, Laura and Sherron: What a shock to read of your Dad's passing! He was truly a gentleman with all of the qualities that word encompasses. I will see you all on Monday. With sympathy for your profound loss. Pat Cropo
Cheri, Sandy and Laura We all loved your dad and remember him as a kind, charming and intelligent man. I have fond memories of Groveland, Bowen and boat rides on his fancy speedboat when we were teenagers. He was so proud of you all and whenever I saw him at the gym at HCC, he loved to chat about you three, your kids, husbands, Bowen and many old stories that would make us laugh. He was just a great person with a big heart. I'm thinking of you all with love at this difficult time. Take care and look after each other. Love Lynne