Posted by Fred Robichaud | 31-Mar-2018
I had Mac as a Phys Ed teacher in the late 70's. He was always cheerful, had a large smile and he would bring out the best in each student. He will be greatly missed.
View MoreWilliam Donald McIlveen
16-Aug-1921 - 23-Mar-2018
Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
McIlveen, William Donald "Don", BSc, WWII Veteran
Don passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 23, 2018 in his 97th year. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis. Cherished father of Dianne (Doug Lamb), Gail (Jerry Dionne), Laurie Marshall, Sharon Couvier and Shawn. Caring Grandfather of Brett, Sean, Trent, Rachael, Miranda, Robin, Meredith, Tara, Jenna, Cameron, Gillian and Great Grandfather of 24. Brother of Dr. Gilbert McIlveen and sister in law, Joyce.
Don led a very accomplished life, living it to the absolute fullest over his many years. In his younger days he served our country in WWII as a RCAF Flight Lieutenant. Upon his return after the war, Don graduated from McGill University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and became a teacher at Central Collegiate Institute for many years. Don was also a Trustee with DDBE from 1982-1993 and was the Second Commanding Officer of 151 Chadburn Air Cadets.
A respected basketball and football coach, Don was inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He was an avid Life Master bridge player and dedicated golfer until this past October. Despite all of this, he still found time for his family and his many hobbies including stained glass, fine woodworking and gardening. Don has had a profound influence on the many lives he’s touched and his legacy will always be remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Many thanks to Dr. Max Leung and his assistant Diane, St. Elizabeth’s Health Care and Veterans Affairs Canada for all of their care and support.
Join the family at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21 Garrard Rd, Whitby, 905-443-3376 for Visitation on Tuesday March 27, 2018 from 5-8pm with a Funeral Service on Wednesday March 28, 2018 at 3:00pm in the chapel and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society in his late wife's memory, or to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared online at mountlawn.ca.
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds
of earth
And danced the skies on
laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined
the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and
swung
High in the sunlit silence.
Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along,
and flung
My eager craft through footless
halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I’ve topped the windswept
heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting
mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity
of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
~ Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 Squadron, RCAF
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
Event Times:
27-Mar-2018 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Funeral Service
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
Event Times:
28-Mar-2018 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
-
Reception
Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery
Event Times:
28-Mar-2018 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
Condolences from family and friends
Posted by Ruth Lafarga | 31-Mar-2018
Don was a respected Trustee during my time on the school board. It is with deep sadness that Gel and I learn of his death and we express our sympathy to his family. He was a man of many interests and I am sure his family will have wonderful memories to share.
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