Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
The family of Donald (Don) McCaffrey is saddened to report his passing on Monday, December 16, 2024, age 94. The son of Duncan Roland McCaffrey and Macey Louise (Husted) McCaffrey, Don is survived by his brother Roland and sister-in-law Marianne, and his nieces and nephew Sue (Steven Pettipiere), Sharon Court (Bruce), Kimberley Mansey-Walker (Robert), Jim (Roxane Gagnon), Pam (Fred Stride), and his many great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Born in Woodstock in 1930, Don completed design studies at what was then Ryerson College in Toronto. In 1963, he moved to Exeter to assist his father in Exeter Furniture, a family business that manufactured church furniture, where he remained until 2022. In 2023, he moved to Kingston, to be close to his family.
Don became involved in music at the urging of his sister-in-law Marianne, because of his wonderful bass voice. He initially sang with the Exeter United Church Choir and the Huronia Men’s Chorus, and over time sang with the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus, the Blyth Festival Singers, the Huronia Choir and the Hensall United Church Choir. His involvement in the Blyth Festival went beyond music: he volunteered in a variety of roles, was stage manager for over a decade, joined the Board of Directors, became Board Chair, oversaw a $2.3M expansion of the theatre, and even took on some acting roles. He was renowned, everywhere but especially at Blyth, for his great, infectious laugh and his warm smile.
Don loved to drive, which was an asset in the business, since the company installed furniture in churches from Alberta to Labrador. For many years, he happily chauffeured his parents on sight-seeing tours around Ontario. After Roland and his family moved to Kingston, Don thought nothing of the 5-hour drive from Exeter, for holiday get-togethers and special occasions, well into his eighth decade.
We, his nieces and nephew, have spent our lives in the warmth of his love and kindness. When our grandmother could no longer bake, Uncle Don took over the preparation of our birthday cakes; to this day, we love angel food. We looked forward each year to the gift of his presence at Christmas, and the added bonus of Sugar and Spice chocolates. We all cherish our conversations with him on a variety of topics: wood-working and churches, music, the environment, politics, family history, and a wealth of other subjects. His passing leaves a huge gap in our hearts and our lives.
We are profoundly appreciative of Pamela, Don’s youngest niece, for her attentive support and devoted, loving care of Don since his move to Kingston, and particularly in his final days.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Don’s friends and neighbours for their many kindnesses to him over the years, and especially to Barb Brock, whose friendship included ensuring he had holiday dinners during the pandemic, and Susan Smith, for 45 years of neighbourly care and banana bread. We are thankful to the staff at Kingsdale Chateau in Kingston for their kindness and comfort, during his residence there.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, May 3rd at 3 PM with a time of fellowship and refreshment to follow. Cremation with a private family interment, Exeter Cemetery.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
If desired, donations in memory of Don may be made to the Blyth Festival. An organization near and dear to his heart.
Offer Condolence for the family of MCCAFFREY: Donald “Don” formerly of Exeter
2025
Death notice for the town of: Exeter, Province: Ontario
death notice MCCAFFREY Donald “Don formerly of Exeter 2025
obituaries notice MCCAFFREY Donald “Don formerly of Exeter 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of MCCAFFREY Donald “Don formerly of Exeter 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
