In Celebration of
Donald Watson Naylor
January 4, 1931 -
February 9, 2017
It is with profound sadness and full, loving hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Donald Naylor in his 86th year. With the tireless support and care of Deborah, his devoted wife of 30 years, Don lived out his final days at home and at the Bethell Hospice. Don leaves behind five children, Gord (w. Annmarie), Don Jr. (w. Eha), Rick (w. Dorothy), Lisa (h. Tobin) and Shawn (w. Lyndsay), and eleven grandchildren. He was well loved by Deborah’s family: her brothers and sisters, their spouses, and her nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Patricia Craddock and his parents Edith Flora McDonald and Albert Enos Naylor.
Don was born in Toronto, attended Humberside Collegiate and earned a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario. His professional life was one of passion, drive, and creativity. He applied an exceptional work ethic to both corporate and entrepreneurial careers in finance and real estate development. Don was respected and loved by those who worked with him. He was a principled man of integrity and unwavering loyalty.
Above all else, Don was a family man. He dedicated his life to the love, care and education of his children. Don cherished and preserved a summer oasis in Muskoka where the family gathered for 75 years. Don and Deb’s home, Green Hills Farm, remains a place of warmth and welcome to family and friends.
Don Naylor was a political activist, a thinker, a poet, a sportsman, an animal lover and a proud Canadian. He inspired us with his positive, high-spirited attitude. We will miss him always.
Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., Toronto, at Windermere Ave., east of Jane subway, on Tuesday, February 14th from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Wednesday, February 15th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the Old Mill Restaurant, 21 Old Mill Road.
For those who wish, the family requests donations be made to The Bethell Hospice at
foundation@bethellhospice.org.
