Donald Fortune
1934-2020
Fortune, Donald
Leslie
Passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on Wednesday,
January 15, in his 86th year.
He was predeceased by his first wife Lorraine (nee Durrer,
1994) and one son, Larry, (2019).
Loving father to surviving children; daughter Val
and husband Steve Tonks, of Guelph; daughter Carol, of Carleton Place;
son Keith and partner Lyra, of Thailand. Devoted grandfather of Jason
Tonks and wife Natalie; Les Liddell and wife Zofia; Aaron Bailey and
wife Karrah; Lauren Bailey, Gabe Tonks, Scott Fortune and partner
Olivia, Kristen Fortune and partner Brad.
Great grandfather of Ethan and Maya Liddell and Rosemary
Bailey
He is also survived by wife Mary Renwick Fortune (nee Will)
of The Village of Arbour Trails retirement home, where the couple
resided in Guelph; loving brother of Doug and wife Gerry of Belgrave,
as well as many nieces and nephews.
Fondly remembered by step-children (Mark-deceased) and wife
Lorraine and their child Tara, Gail and husband Bob, their children
Mary and Carol; Linda and husband Robert, and their children
Brian and Emily, Andrew and wife Wanda, their children
Amanda, Angella, and Mark.
Born in Wingham near the family farm in Huron County to
parents Leslie, and Edna (nee Gilkinson), Don first worked on the farm
before beginning a long and successful career with Waterloo Breeders
(later United Breeders.) He began as a cattle breeding technician
before filling various positions that took him around the world as a
company representative and finally as head of communications/public
relations. Perhaps he was most recognized for the creation of
fictitious cow Arabella, used as a means of passing information on to
farmers across the province via a humorous column in a newsletter he
wrote.
A long-time resident of a beautiful home at the hamlet of
Inverhaugh, where family and extended family frequently gathered
around the dining table, Don also built a modest cottage on Lake
Habermehl near Hanover where he often relocated the family during the
warmer months and commuted to work from there, providing wonderful
summer time activities well remembered by all the family and many
friends.
Winter months were more dedicated to card games with Don
becoming very skilled at the game of solo.
Don’s calm and ethical demeanour was an inspiration
to his children and grandchildren, all deeply devoted to
him.
The family would like to thank Arbour Trails for their
compassionate care.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial
visitation at GILCHRIST CHAPEL –
McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street,
Guelph on Sunday, January 19 from 2
– 4 p.m. A private memorial service will be held
the following day. If desired, memorial contributions may be
made to Doctors Without Borders. We invite you to leave your
memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com
and they will be forwarded to the family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Fortune 19342020..
Death notice for the town of: Guelph, Province: Ontario