Donald William McGee

Oct. 4, 1913 - July 1, 2007

Don died peacefully with family by his side. He will live forever in the memories of his loving wife LaVerne, this their 64th year of marriage; his children, Donna (Bonnie), Alan (Lily), Arlene, daughter-in-law Janet, grandchildren Jade (Anne), Jennifer (Scott), and great grandson Jade Jr. (J.J.), nephews David and Robert, and niece Maureen.

Born in Victoria, Don grew up in Bamfield and built a business career in Vancouver, BC, then Hamilton and St. Catharines, Ontario. In business, as in daily life, he was a gentle gentleman who believed in fairness, kindness, honesty, hard work and humour.

Ever mindful of the needs of others, he was active in his church, St. Paul St. United, and worked tirelessly for the Association for Community Living. He was instrumental in having a school built with the help of Gyro, and was the inspiration behind the building of independent living residences and a thirty-bed residence. He spearheaded the annual Burgoyne Golf Tournament at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club that continues to raise funds for Community Living.

In 1969, he was named Citizen of the Year of St. Catharines and he received the honour of the Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. He was so proud to belong to a group of men who played golf three times a week and also enjoyed the Lamplighters, an investment club.

Don and LaVerne moved back to B.C. in 1997 to be closer to family.

There will be a private Remembrance Gathering in Victoria.

The family especially wants to thank the staff and management of Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion for their wonderful care. Donations in memory can be made to either Victoria Association for Community Living (3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, V8P 2M7) or Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion (3034 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, V8T 3J3).