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The Reverend Don Genge BA, MDiv
Minister Emeritus, Bridgenorth United Church
It is with profound sadness our family announces the death of the Reverend Don Genge on April 22 at Hospice Peterborough after a long journey with Alzheimer’s and finally from cancer. He was 79.
Don was the beloved husband of Johanna and father of Meghan Genge (Mark Wilton), David Genge (Lindsay) and grandfather of Helen and Anna Genge. Dear brother of Glenn Genge (Susan) and Jim Genge (Sharon). He is predeceased by his parents Roy and Connie Genge, brother Larry Genge and sister Wendy Baird. Brother-in-law of Jim Baird (Gayle White), Mary deBruyn, Max deBruyn, Didi Calhoun, Ben deBruyn (Linda), Ed deBruyn (Gillian), Michael deBruyn (Christine) and Kathy MacDougall (Bruce). He will be missed by many nieces and nephews and their children as well as his friends far and wide.
Don was born and raised in Peterborough. He was part of a loving family that centered around Knox United Church and Scouting. From his grandfather, Harold Lewis, he developed his talent for painting and sign painting.
Don was the Director at Camp Quin Mo Lac. He then opened his own sign business, Design Signs, until he went to Emmanuel College to study theology. He was the minister at Havelock, Ennismore and Knox United until he became Conference Minister for Program and Leadership Development. He ended his ministry at Westdale United. Don edited an insert for the United Church Observer, The Circuit Rider, for thirty-one years.
An avid outdoor person, Don and Johanna walked, hiked, canoed and camped until his illness prevented that. They travelled often and usually took unusual side trips to see what could possibly happen. Don was a curious man who could fix anything, problem solve most things, and always ready to support whoever needed it.
His beautiful paintings express his devotion to the natural world. His photographs always showed his creative side, and he was computer literate on his little Apple computer long before any of his peers.
Don will be remembered for his calm presence, his wisdom and his sense of fun and humour. One never knew what creative activity he would think up next.
His family truly was the most important part of his life. He profoundly loved his granddaughters, deeply loved David and Lindsay and Meghan and Mark and was so proud of them. In his presence you felt safe and strong, guided by a loving wisdom. Don had a gentle, kind spirit who fought many medical battles. This one was too much.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Blake, Dr. Morelli, and the staff of palliative care at PRHC and the loving care of the staff at Hospice Peterborough.
Donations may be made to Camp Quin Mo Lac, Hospice Peterborough or Bridgenorth United Church by visiting www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca.
Visitation will be held at Ashburnham Funeral Home – 840 Armour Road, Peterborough on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held at Bridgenorth United Church on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 2 pm. For those unable to attend, you may watch the service through the livestream link on the Bridgenorth United Church website (www.bridgenorthuc.com/).
Tuesday April 22nd 2025
Death notice for the town of: Peterborough, Province: Ontario
death notice Donald Genge Tuesday April 22nd 2025
obituaries notice Donald Genge Tuesday April 22nd 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Genge Tuesday April 22nd 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
