I have unfortunately been the bearer of bad news on this blog, filling in for my father when he was unable to. I must perform this duty one last time. Don passed away quietly this morning at Freeport hospice after a four year battle with cancer. He was able to be comfortable in his last days and did not suffer.He did not pass away alone, but surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends. I thank those who were able to visit him in his last days.
Don's obituary will be run in the Kitchener Record within the next few days. We will be holding a memorial service for Don in the near future, and i will update the blog with his obituary and details for the service in the near future. My brother and I will be moderating comments on the blog as well as checking Don's email. Your well wishes and thoughts are appreciated.
I. Spencer
10 comments:
“Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache, but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength
in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.”
Don's cotribution and passion for the IT community in Kitchener/Waterloo and his willingness to help others are what first made me aware of what a great person he was. He will be greatly missed.
Condolences to the family from all of us at the DPE Team at Microsoft Canada.
Damir
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We moarn because we will miss our loved ones, while feeling thankful that they are no longer suffering.
Take care
The Yurkiw Family
May flights of angels sing Don gently to his rest; may light perpetual shine upon him; and may his soul, by the grace and mercy of God, rest in peace.
Don was my friend from a listserve called Gospeltalk many, many years ago. I always deeply appreciated his thoughtful postings, and am sure that they helped form me as a priest. For this I am most thankful.
Know that you all remain in my heart and prayers as you navigate these days and weeks. God bless you always.
With love and prayers,
~Ann+
I'm so sorry, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Thank you, I., for taking on the difficult task of writing this blog and letting us know. S, J and my prayers and thoughts are with you, M and P as you travel this part of your own life's journey.
Brie
Goodbyemygreatoldfriendgoodbye.
Mike
Goodbye brother. I'm looking at the picture of you holding Lilli.
Love little brother Jason
Oh, my deepest condolences! Don has touched so many people by sharing this journey with all of us - whether through phone calls, or visits, or his blogs - and this high tech world has allowed us to keep in such regular contact with Don & all of you - it's like you now have one big huge family out here. And we are holding you in our hearts. As I quickly look back at a few of Don's entries I am once again amazed at his astute observations, speculations & insights - on everything from his illness, to life and it's idiosyncrasies - usually laced with a good dose of dry humour. What a legacy to leave behind. Don was definitely a unique guy and he has given many of us alot to think about. As an oncolgy nurse I especially admired his strength & perserverence in always researching and asking for information so he could make the best, and right, treatment choices for himself. He travelled his journey with dignity, courage & honesty and it was obvious to all of us how much he loved and respected you, his family for staying the course with him. We can only imagine how much patience, strength and dedication it takes for a family to walk the rocky road alongside someone they love. May those golden moments and Don's final gifts to you help lighten the next leg of your journey. Namaste...
"To live in the hearts we leave - is not to die"
(Thomas Campbell)
Now I know the loss of a lifelong friend. Don's passing has left a hole in my life that I can only try to fill with the memories of shared experiences. I am saddened.
My prayers are with you, M and the boys. May you feel God's love at this time.
J T Kinnunen
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