BA, MEd, RSBA

Don Timmins passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15th in his 92nd year.

Don was born in Kingston, Ontario, the son of Preston Irwin Timmins and Helen Coverdale Timmins (nee Gardiner). He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Cassell, brother-in-law Bill Cassell and his first wife, Myrna Timmins. Beloved husband of Jo-Anne, loving father of Jim, Paul (Daniele) and Kathleen. Proud grandfather of Rachel (Eddie), Vanessa (Sasha), Charity, David (Nicole) and Kadessa; and great-grandfather of Finn, Reece and Chloe.

Don’s life-long love for music began at an early age with piano lessons at age four and singing as a choir boy in the Cathedral choir in Kingston. Don was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. He was organist and choir director at St. John United Church in Hamilton, St. Paul’s United Church in Perth, Forest Grove United Church in Willowdale and Islington United Church in Etobicoke.

In his youth Don served as a Guardsman at the Old Fort Henry in Kingston.

Don pursued a career as a School Business Official in Hamilton, Napanee, Lanark County and Toronto District School Boards. Following his retirement from the Toronto Board, Don continued to work for several benefit consulting firms for another 25 years, finally retiring at the age of 85.

Don enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Mosque Lake and winter months on Hilton Head Island, SC, attending theatre and musical events and reading.

Visitation at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke Monday, January 20 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

The funeral will be on Tuesday, January 21st at 11:00 am at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery, 2845 Bloor St W, Etobicoke. Refreshments will be served following the funeral service in the Stewart East Hall, Islington United Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Parkinson Canada, (e-mail: donate@parkinson.ca)