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JARVIS, Donald Graham passed away peacefully on March 25 2024 in his 92nd year. Don was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lou, in 2023. Don was immensely proud of his family: daughters Janice (Brian) and Rhonda (Tony), and grandchildren Graham (Katelyn), Amanda (Jeffrey), Kayla and Vanessa. We all knew how much he loved us, as we loved him, and we will miss him tremendously. Don was predeceased by his parents in 1966 and his only sister, Dorothy, in 2020.
Don grew up in Vancouver and moved to Welland in 1956 to take a job at Atlas Steels where he worked for over 40 years. One of his first assignments was in Noranda, Quebec where he met Mary Lou. Don loved to sing so he joined the church choir and soon after picked mom out in the congregation; the rest is history. They were married in 1957 and settled in Welland eventually on Niagara Street in a six-unit apartment building with five other young couples. This is where some of their lifelong friendships began. While they had many friends, their core group of five couples played bridge and Trivial Pursuit, enjoyed dinners and just being together for over 60 years. Don was the last surviving member of the ‘fab five’; we hope they are enjoying each other’s company, and a cocktail or two, again now. For 55 years Don and Mary Lou made their home on Willson Road where they had the best neighbours you could ask for. Don loved gardening and he took so much pride in his beautiful yard. In 2017 they moved to Lookout Ridge where they enjoyed the company of friends who lived there already and many new friends.
Don was very involved in many community activities in Welland over the years. He was a Jaycee, an active YMCA volunteer and participant, and a dedicated member of Central United Church. Over the years he served on the property and finance committees, sang in the choir, and was instrumental in the renovation of the church in the late ‘90’s. Don’s light will forever shine behind the cross in the sanctuary which he designed many years ago.
Don loved sports of all kinds. He faithfully followed his Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, BC Lions, and of course, New York Yankees. Don was part of a lifelong legacy of Yankee fans beginning with his grandfather and passed down to his own kids and grandkids. Don frequently shared stories of his escapades playing sports as a young boy. He “liked baseball most because you didn’t need too many players or too much equipment”. He also enjoyed golfing, curling and bowling. His 1010 triple in 1972 in the Friday night mixed 5 pin league at Bowl-o-rama stood for many years. Don enjoyed evenings spent with family and friends playing bridge, euchre, or a favourite board game.
Don was one of a kind. He had a wonderful sense of humour and he never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a witty remark. He prided himself on remembering everyone’s name. He was sincere in showing his appreciation – be it delivering a thoughtful gift or a clever poem or song. If there was a thank you needed he made it and was hard on himself if he forgot.
The staff at Lookout Ridge provided amazing support to our parents over the years. As a family we would like to thank them for everything they have done for Dad, especially in the last 18 months: we always knew he was well cared for and loved by all of you. We would also like to thank the staff of the Welland County General Hospital ER and 6th floor whose care and compassion for Dad and our family made this difficult time a little easier. Finally, we would like to thank Dad’s many friends including his Atlas colleagues (who he kept in touch with through his involvement in the alumni group), the friends he and Mom were privileged to know for so many years, and of course his family of friends at the Ridge. We feel so blessed that so many loved and will miss him.
We will hold a celebration of Don’s life well lived at a later date when all of our family and friends can be present; in the meantime, we suggest you make a Manhattan, enjoy a Tim Hortons maple dip donut, or listen to Al Jolson or your favorite big band music, and toast his memory. Should you wish to make a donation in his honour please consider Central United Church or the Niagara Health Foundation. Online condolences available at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com.
July 24 1932
March 25 2024
Death notice for the town of: Welland, Province: Ontario
death notice Donald Graham Jarvis July 24 1932
March 25 2024
obituaries notice Donald Graham Jarvis July 24 1932
March 25 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Graham Jarvis July 24 1932
March 25 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.