Remembering James Leslie Donald

Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, King Scout, Queen’s Civil Engineer and Thistletown Collegiate Physics Teacher died quietly in his sleep early on June seventh in the presence of loving family after a lengthy battle with cancer.

                Predeceased by father Rev. Charles Davidson Donald and mother Fanny Reid Nugent, brother Douglas Nugent Donald (RCAF), sister Barbara Bruce, wife Elizabeth Jean Taylor and lifelong friend Rev. Doug Brown. Loving father to Douglas (Anne), Alexander (Donna), David (Alix), and Leslie (Doug). Grandfather to James, Andrew (Agata), Shaun (Jessica), Lori Anne (Cliff), Roya (Dan), Ryan, and Shaun. Great grandfather to Ronin and Brooke.

                Jim was born in Indore, Central India in 1924 and was raised in Sault Ste Marie and later Ottawa, where he attended Glebe Collegiate. In the Second World War he served with the Survey Unit of the Royal Artillery, subsequently attending Khaki College and Queen’s University graduating in Civil Engineering (Science 48½). In 1949, he married Elizabeth Jean Taylor while he was working for Ontario Hydro. A 16 year career designing paper mills for Abitibi Power and Paper followed with a career change in 1963 to teaching. For 23 years (1963-1986) he taught Science and Physics at Thistletown Collegiate in Etobicoke. His wife and soul-mate, Betty, passed away in 1987.  He was an active choir member of Humber Valley United Church and Windermere United Church, and more recently attended Calvary Baptist Church in Midland. For the past five years he lived in Penetanguishene, Ontario. Many thanks to all those who helped him on his final journey at Bayfield Lodge, Georgian Village, and in Palliative Care at Georgian Bay General Hospital.

                Jim had a special passion for family, sports, mystery stories and especially music - Big Band Swing, Marching Bands, Classical, Ballet, and Opera. He was a strong supporter of the Arts and many charities, including the National Ballet, the Canadian Opera Company and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 20 at Calvary Baptist Church at 596 King Street, Midland, Ontario, L4R 4P3 at 2:00 pm, with visitation from 12 - 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund at Calvary Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes – JH Lynn Chapel, 290 First Street, Midland (705) 526-6551.