Passed away peacefully, after a long and happy life, at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre with his family by his side. Loving husband of the late Frances Jean (2011) and cherished father of Duncan Stuart and Gavin Donald. Proud and loving Grandad of Britney (Brian Ellis), Brendan, William and Valerie. Great Grandad and kindred spirit of James Ellis. Proud brother of Doris Thewlis. Predeceased by his parents, David and Margaret, his in-laws James and Jean, his brothers Bruce and David, his brothers-in-law Jack and Bill, his sisters-in-law Norma and Martha, his nephew David, and his niece Heather. Uncle Don to Glenn, Eric, Susan, Rhonda, Leslie, Beverly, Lisa and Jim.
Donald followed his father and his older brother in serving with the Toronto Police for 33 years, retiring as a Detective Sargeant in 1987. He enjoyed working with many skilled officers during his career and took great pride in his exemplary conviction rate – he really liked “locking up bad guys!”
Donald served as a piper in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force from 1947 to 2014. He was a founding member of the 400 Sqn. RCAF Pipe Band (1947 – 1953), a stalwart member of the Toronto Scottish Pipes & Drums (1953 – 1980), and a very proud Pipe Warrant Officer with the Pipes & Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada (1980 – 2014). He was also an advising principal in the re-establishment of the Toronto Police Pipe Band in the mid-1960s. Through his piping career he made many lifelong friendships. He truly lived by the Pringle family motto: “Amicitia Reddit Honores” ~ Friendship Gives Honour, and to the end he exemplified the 48th Highlanders motto: “Dileas Gu Brath” ~ Faithful Forever.
The family extends sincere thanks to the 48th Highlanders Veterans Support team, the Ontario Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs Canada and, especially, the skilled and compassionate staff of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the RCL Ontario Provincial Command Charitable Foundation or Toronto Humane Society would be appreciated.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
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Wednesday, 5 Feb 2025 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Chapel Service
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions