TIGERT, James Donald-
James Donald (‘Don’) Tigert died January 10th, 2022, at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. He was 85 years old. Don was the loving husband of Connie Tigert, proud father of John (Anna) and David (Lisa), and proud stepfather to Kim (Doug) and Adele (Jeff).
Don grew up in St. Catharines with his brother Doug (Mary Jane) and his sisters Audrey (Mel) and Janet (Peter). He credited his parents Arthur and Marion for instilling in him a work ethic that enabled him to graduate from Harvard University (Engineering, 1958) and University of Oxford (Economics, 1960). His time in England contributed to Don’s lifelong fondness for this country, where he returned for many visits, and for live theater.
After brief stints in New York City, Ottawa, and Montreal, Don and his first wife Donna settled in the Toronto area where Don worked for many years as an investment analyst at Burns-Fry, a job he loved. His sons remember watching the CN Tower being built from his office window.
Don was a devoted father. The writer of this obituary, having become a father himself, is even more appreciative now of the combination of resolve and forbearance Don exhibited in dealing with an offspring’s prolonged “adolescence”.
Don was active in minor hockey, serving as a house league coach and a rep league assistant coach. Under his watchful eye, his sons never slept through a 6:00 am practice. He spent many hours driving to games and tournaments all over southern Ontario.
After his retirement at age 55, Don became a snowbird, spending winters in Naples, FL.
Don’s interest in business and investing was so great, and his capacity to share that interest so formidable, that he was occasionally disappointed to discover that not all family members shared it to the same degree he did.
Although he did have a computer and an email account, Don didn’t really consider these to be an improvement on the electric typewriter plonked on the dining room table and supplemented with a bottle of liquid paper, a roll of scotch tape, and some coloured markers. The packages he sent out to friends and family included not only letters and itineraries, but items he had clipped from the newspaper and taped to an 8½ x 11 sheet of paper, and then rolled through the typewriter to add his commentary and highlighting.
Don was very fortunate to find companionship once again with his second wife, Connie, whom he dearly loved. Don persuaded Connie on the merits of wintering in Florida, which they did for many enjoyable years. Connie did everything in her power to turn Don into a first-class bridge player, an activity they enjoyed together whether the game was online, at a club, or at their apartment.
Don especially enjoyed good food and wine, walking with Connie along the Burlington waterfront, and spending time with family. He kept tabs on the doings of all his grandchildren and rarely failed to offer his generous support and candid advice. Though Don suffered many health setbacks in his last few months, he never failed to lose his positive attitude and zest for life
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Don, you will be greatly missed!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington, where Don received compassionate care in his last weeks and days. Visitation will be at Smith’s Funeral Home, 485 Brant Street, Burlington, on Tuesday, January 18th, 3-5 p.m.and 7-9 pm. Please visit their website at www.smithsfh.com to RSVP. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Donald Tigert Monday January 10th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: , Province: Ontario
So sorry to hear about Don. We had many interesting conversations. All the best. Jack Shinehoft