Donald (Don) Northey Verdin

On Sunday January 17, 2021 Donald passed away peacefully in his 98^th year at RVH in Barrie.

Don was hospitalized prior the Christmas and unfortunately passed away due to complications of covid-19 which, he contracted during this hospital stay.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years Betty. He was the cherished father of Gary (Eileen) of Huntsville and Brenda (Steve) of Richmond Hill and adoring grandfather to Laura (Paul), Alyssa (Oliver) and Jessica. He was also a great grandpa to Avery and referred to himself with his dry wit as “The great one”.

Don was born in Wallasey Merseyside, England. He grew up in Wallasey and during WWII he worked as a boat builder,  joined the Home Guard until he was old enough then join the Merchant Navy first as a radio operator then later as ships carpenter. During his time in the Navy he would participate in battle of the Atlantic and Battle of Britain. After the war he stayed on with the Merchant Navy and travel extensively around the world.

Completing his service he moved to Canada where he met and married Betty and together they built their home in Kleinburg, Ontario. Always a believer in public service he joined the Kleinburg volunteer firefighters at station 4 and served this community as a firefighter then captain for more than 20 years. Becoming involved in the community Don and Betty were able to make many life-long friendships and enjoyed the small town lifestyle.

Don always put family at the top of his priorities and loved it when everyone was around the table for family dinners. He created a beautiful yard in Kleinburg for Gary and Brenda along with the family dogs and neighborhood children to enjoy.  There would be a pool, play house, goldfish ponds, gardens and trees which, grew into a gorgeous setting for Brenda’s wedding photos.  He enjoy making memories camping, boating, teaching Gary to fish and summer trips to 3 mile lake.

Don used his skills as a carpenter to start his own business and later he worked for the Town of Vaughan retiring as a Works Inspector. His retirement gave him more time to spend with his family and his beloved dogs. Don and Betty also travelled so he could share with her all the wonderful places he had discovered during his time at sea. Being a very talented man he filled his time with many hobbies such as stained glass, taxidermy, building model airplanes and replicas of the ships he had sailed on.

Later in life Don and Betty moved to Innisfil where they enjoyed a quiet life, boating on Lake Simcoe and watching their granddaughters run around the yard and then their great granddaughter toddle around the living room.  In Innisfil they would meet new neighbours and make new friendships. As they grew older our family could take comfort knowing that Don’s friend Max and his family across the road would always be there to help out. Don and Betty would socialize at the Army Navy Air Force Club in Barrie to which he donated many of the model ships he built and the Royal Canadian Legion. Don became a dedicated member of the honor guard proudly marching in many Remembrance Day parades carrying the Merchant Navy Flag. Always keeping up with technology he learned quickly to use a computer, created web sites, kept track of his family on facebook and at age 90 got an I phone. He would text, email and facetime using all tools possible to keep in touch with his family right until his last days.

Don Verdin will be truly missed by his family and friends. A remarkable man who filled his 98 years with love, respect and service.  He shall remain in our hearts forever.

Respecting Don’s wishes there will be no funeral service.

If you wish to make a donation in the memory of Don please draw on your personal relationship with Don by donating to the charity you think best represents the life and legacy of Donald Northey Verdin.