With a heavy heart we announce the peaceful passing of Don, known as Bear Cat on Monday, July 3, 2023, with his best friend and wife, Nancy by his side.
Don began his life in Elliot Lake where he met the love of his life Nancy or Bear Kitten. Together they created many joyful, long-lasting memories and created everlasting friendships. During their time in Elliot Lake, they raised their 7 children; Jeremy, Shawn, Sarah, Angie, Darwin, Sam and Jennifer. Don raised his children with love and had the opportunity to watch his children grow their own beautiful lives. He loved his family very much. In Elliot Lake they shared many fond memories, including swimming at Spine Beach, camping, and walking the path between Spine and Spruce Beach with his family, friends and his dog Rags.
Everyone who knew Don knew his love of music and singing. Music was his passion and he loved to do what he did best with the people he loved dearly. Whether it be with karaoke Bob and the gang or performing at Bankside playing guitar with his best friends: Glen Robitaille, Kaio, Mike and many others. Another passion of Don’s was the outdoors. He took pleasure in enjoying nature with his dear friend Brandon McMillan, hiking and fishing all around the Elliot Lake area.
Don also took great pride in his work in Elliot Lake as a miner at the Panel and Stanley mines. Throughout his time in Elliot Lake, he created lasting friendships with many other miners and cherished every memory that was made in Elliot Lake.
During Don’s time in Elliot Lake, he loved to play baseball with many friends and when he was not able to play, he coached. Don had a passion for sports, and he took every chance he had to be involved in any way possible. One specific memory is how much excitement and fun he had while he was a trainer with the Vikings, however, maybe he had too much fun because they did not win often.
Don (Bear Cat) also accepted everyone with loving and open arms, even if they were not his kids. He never knew who, how many or what time our children’s friends would be showing up but regardless he welcomed and loved them all.
Although Don has been away from Elliot Lake for many years, it was his home, and he always cherished these memories during his lifetime.
Please join us in celebrating Don’s life, share his love of music, the memories and laughs about the good times and the silly times. Come with your smiles, songs, stories and all Montreal Canadiens and New York Yankees attire is welcome. The joyful Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6B 0B6, 705-945-7758) from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated. www.northwoodfuneral.com
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for your friendship over the years and many, many, good times. Gone but not forgotten.