Donald James Gethons, 77, of Orillia, Ontario, passed away, Monday, February 24, 2020 at Etobicoke General Hospital surrounded by his devoted children. Donald is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret (nee Morley) his son Sean, daughters Sinead (Mitchell) and Charlene Gethons. Proud Grampa to Emily and Michael Gethons, Tegan and Declan Mitchell. Father In Law to Danka and Allan. Big brother to Bud (Noreen) Jack (Theresa), Anne (Bill Cranney) Theresa Tucker, and many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Helen (nee Thompson) Gethons and his brother Paul. Don was a fine father, a good husband and a high quality man. Whether it was swim team, Irish dancing or early morning hockey practice, Don was there to help his kids reach their potential. He was a dedicated sports fan, enjoying golf, basketball, baseball, and watching his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs right up until the end. He took his family on multiple vacations to his Wife's homeland of Ireland and road trips to Florida, igniting both a love of road trips and Disney World in his children. Don was always there to help move a couch, though his wife might tell you he was not one to move a bowl to the sink. For most of his professional life he worked in the food industry, first with Weston Foods, then with Reckitt & Colman as part of the design team that created the inimitable French's mustard bottle, until spending the majority of his career at Melitta (Coffee) Canada, rising to Director of Logistics. Of course, those who knew Don well also knew of his love for sportscards. Being a collector of all types of sporting memorabilia for more than 40 years, Don has passed his love of collecting, if not necessarily of sports, on to his three children. Visitations will be held at from 2:00-4:00 PM, Wednesday, February 26 and again from 7:00-9:00 PM at Newediuk Funeral Home, 2058 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, ON. The funeral will be held of Thursday, February 27 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church at 2194 Kipling Avenue with interment to follow soon after at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga, ON. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to either the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
