Don Witherspoon
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Donald James Witherspoon May 25, 2021 in Thunder Bay with his family by his side. Born on January 16, 1937 to Bill and Bernice Witherspoon of Dance township. Don lived in Devlin Ontario where he started his business Witherspoon Sand Gravel and Concrete in 1978 and continued to operate until his passing.
Don was predeceased by his parents Bill and Bernice Witherspoon, brother Doug, infant sister Patsy, infant brother Murray, brother in laws Alfred Benjamin and Leon Swire, Mother and Father in-law Sine and Helen Hallick and brother-in-law Ken Hallick as well as 2 infant grandchildren Timmy and Chancellor.
Don is survived by his loving wife Millie of 64 years, children Joyce (Bob), Sue (Randy), Murray (Holly) and Shelley (Murray). He will be sincerely missed by his grandchildren Storm, Aimee (Zak) DJ, Rebecca (Cory) Ryan, Heather (James), Kari (Kirk) and RJ and 8-great grandchildren. Don is also survived by his sisters June and Marlene (Bryan) and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Don was a loving, caring, hardworking man who provided for his family. Don was well known in the community for his work digging basements, septic’s, wells, and new homes
Don took great pride in every job he did. He went to work at an early age at Steep Rock, Logging, Road Building, Farming and then in Dryden where cement got into his blood. He loved it best when he was operating a machine and could be seen doing so until his last days. He took great pleasure in showing anyone, including children, how to operate the equipment, trained many and was proud of each of them.
Don was humble and kind with an amazing memory, though numbers were his specialty. He enjoyed being in the country to watch the bird’s squirrels and feeding his deer. He also loved his dogs, deer hunting and his garden which provided plenty which he looked forward to sharing.
He had a heart of gold and never put himself first. He was always grateful for what he had and always willing to help the less fortunate and lend a helping hand. Even though he struggled with his own health issues in the last few years he made sure to do his daily phone calls to his kids to ensure their families were safe and healthy. Don always supported his children’s decisions and was always there to coach them in all endeavors they took part in.
Don was well known by many and loved by all but I don’t think he realized to this extent.
The CONCRETE foundation of the family, Gone, but not forgotten.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us during Don’s health issues in any way especially to our guardian angel Kristi.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Riverside Hospital Fort Frances or Health Science Hospital Oncology Department Thunder Bay, Ontario by cheque c/o of Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89 Emo Ontario P0W 1E0.