Donald Frederick Anness
July 22, 1941 to February 19, 2022
It is with great sadness the family of Don Anness announces his sudden passing at his home on Saturday, February 19, 2022.
Don was born on July 22, 1941 in Emo, Ontario, as the eldest son of Willis and Gloria Anness (nee Hoard). Don married the love of his life, Sheila Skirten on September 4, 1965 and together they raised their family in Emo. Don spent his entire career working for the Ministry of Transportation and retired in 1994 with 33 years of service.
In his own words, Don knew at a very young age that he was intrigued with horses no matter what the breed. Don had a passion for harness horse racing and his love for horses was second, only to his love for his family. He was never one to brag, but his girls, and later his grandchildren, never had to guess how proud he was of them or how loved.
Left to mourn his passing is Don’s wife, Sheila; daughters, Nancy (Sean) Taggart and Shauna (Bob) Hammond; grandchildren, Jenna, Danielle, Matthew, Samantha, Aidan and Kenzie; sister, Sherri (Darryl) Mason and their children Paula, Trisha and Aaron; Bev Angus, Sheldon (Sue) Skirten, Ray Skirten, Wayne (Shirley) Skirten, Ruby (Jack) Johnson, Roger (Kathy) Skirten, Linda (Dave) Chepil and Sandy (Carolyn) Skirten, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was predeceased by his parents Willis and Gloria Anness; brother Gerry, sister-in-law Ruth, sister Joan, brother-in-law Gordon Maxwell, father-in-law and mother-in-law Arthur and Irene Skirten, brother-in-law Richard Skirten, sister-in-law Nadine Skirten, sister-in-law Linda Skirten and brother-in-law Larry Angus.
Don had a kind and generous heart and definitely had a soft spot for those less fortunate. He never hesitated to lend money or offer work to those he thought could use it. He always appreciated what he had and welcomed any opportunity to help someone in need.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 26, 2022 1 p.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home, Emo Ontario.
In memoriam donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation or the charity of your choice by cheque c/o Northridge Funeral Home Box 89, Emo Ontario P0W 1E0.