Peacefully passed away at Mill Creek Care Centre, where he had been a resident for over six years. Don lived with Parkinson’s Disease for many years, facing it with strength and resilience.
Beloved husband of Joyce for 61 years. Cherished father to Lisa Aldersey and Steve Fleck (Kerry). Loving grandfather to Eric and Alex Aldersey, as well as Cameron and Owen Fleck.
Born in Toronto in 1935, Don was a proud graduate of Runnymede Collegiate and McMaster University, where he met Joyce. They married in 1963, building a beautiful life together. His career in education began in Toronto and the County of York before he moved to Barrie in 1968 as a vice-principal. Just two years later, he became a principal, retiring from Hillcrest Public School in 1991 after a dedicated career shaping young minds.
An avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, Don played football in high school, golfed, biked, canoe-tripped, and even played hockey until the age of seventy. In 1966, he and Joyce built a family cottage in Muskoka on Oxbow Lake, where countless cherished memories were made. Summers were spent surrounded by loved ones, entertaining friends, enjoying the beauty of nature and Don’s culinary talents.
In memory of Don, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada or Mill Creek Care Centre.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
JENNIFER MACINTOSH
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Love and support,
Jen Mac
Pauline Jensen
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Hi Lisa,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Pauline
Jamie Douglas Cleroux
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025I am very sorry for your loss.
Mr.Fleck was my Principal at Hillcrest P.S.
I was a troubled student and he changed my life for the better.
Thank you Mr.Fleck
Jamie Cleroux
Jane & Barry Falls
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Lisa, Steve & Joyce, Barry and I are so very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a wonderful husband and father.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Don at Hillcrest. As an administrator, we all knew where we stood. He could be tough but always fair. Don loved the children. I taught with Joyce as well and we became very good friends.
May he rest in peace.
Jane & Barry
Pamela Lee
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Dear Lisa and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing him, I can see the impact he had through the love and strength you show. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
With sympathy,
Pamela Lee
Angie + Peter Heydon
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025We remember Don + Joyce from a number of Oxbow Lake events since we became cottagers here in the 1990s. To Joyce and all your family, we are sorry for your loss and hope that your many warm memories of Don and your family help you cope with it.
Laura MacIntosh
Posted on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025Dear Joyce and family,
Brian and I were saddened to read of Don’s passing. I will always remember his kindness and support during my first of year of teaching.
Please accept our condolences.
Brian and Laura MacIntosh
Pamela Lee
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Dear Lisa,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your dad’s passing. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him personally, I know how much he meant to you and how much you both shared a love for students and the great outdoors. His passion for nature and adventure is something that clearly lives on in you. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you have of him and the beautiful moments you shared together.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Pamela Lee
Lynette Aldridge
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025So sorry to hear of your loss, Lisa. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sending love and condolences your way. Lynette Aldridge
Steve Reynolds
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Remembering some great times shared with Don.
From hockey, dunebuggying, golfing, cottage, to irrigation. Don was a terrific person and will be fondly remembered.
My condolences to all.
Kindest regards
Steve Reynolds
Susie Campbell
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Dear Joyce,
I’m so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I always enjoyed hearing about all the fun my folks (May and Russ Campbell) and the rest of the group had together enjoying clam bakes and the like. My prayers are with you and your family.
Susie
Tony and Doris Camilleri
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Dear Joyce, Lisa, Steve and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We have a fond memory of Don one of our first summers on Oxbow, banging some pots and pans and blowing a whistle to scare off a visiting bear. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Tony and Doris Camilleri and family.
Carol Norman
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Joyce and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a great husband and father. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Cori and Rod McTaggart
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Dear Steve, Kerry, and boys,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your dad, and granddad. Certainly his life has been an inspiration to you all and we trust his memory will be a blessing.
Our condolences to the whole family
Juli Miller
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Mr. Fleck was a very special neighbour and friend to our family. He was always there to support us through tough times with our family and always was a generous sponsor for my annual Trojan Swim-a-thon. Also put up with lots of shenanigans with us kids playing school in the basement and raiding the cookie cupboard! Love to Joyce, Lisa, Stephen and family as you grieve this deep loss.
Juli Miller
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Mr. Fleck was a very special neighbour and friend to our family. He was always there to support us through tough times with our family and always was a generous sponsor for my annual Trojan Swim-a-thon. Also put up with lots of shenanigans with us kids playing school in the basement and raiding the cookie cupboard! Love to Joyce, Lisa, Stephen and family as you grieve this deep loss.
Bradley McGrady
Posted on: Thursday, February 20, 2025Lisa I want to send you and your family my condolences. These are tough times. I believe they make us stronger. Know that you have friends who are here to support you. Peace be upon you.
Danielle LaPorte
Posted on: Friday, February 21, 2025My sincere condolences to Joyce on the loss of your dear husband, and two former students of mine from Allandale Heights – Lisa and Steven on the loss of your father. I worked with Don at Hillcrest for many years and appreciated his support and the interest he took in the FSL program, especially when he accompanied our Intermediates to Quebec City and also to St. Donat. It was a lovely opportunity for the kids to get to know Don outside of the school and they enjoyed those trips immensely. My favourite memory of him is how he always stood in the front hall every morning and at home time to say hello and goodbye to the students and high-five them as they came and went. The kids loved him. Rest in peace Don. You’ve earned it.
Elizabeth Thomas
Posted on: Friday, February 21, 2025Dear Joyce and Family
Don provided guidance to me as I developed my career in education. I appreciated his wisdom and support.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elizabeth
Sue Crossley
Posted on: Sunday, February 23, 2025As a co-worker with Lisa, I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing. I wish you and the family my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Sara MacLean
Posted on: Monday, February 24, 2025Lisa and family I am so sorry to hear about your Dads passing
We shared a few nice times in the Mill Creek Gazebo together with Mom and Don
I know how much you loved your Dad Lisa and tried to make new memories in a difficult situation for both of you
Thinking about you at this time
Sara
Harold & Eilene Ayerst
Posted on: Saturday, March 1, 2025Our condolences to Joyce and family. We have many fond memories of the trip to Hawaii. Sending comforting thoughts as you grieve Don’s passing.
Kimberly Sturge
Posted on: Thursday, March 6, 2025Dearest Joyce and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Don! I’m sending love and strength your way as you say goodbye to such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather! Don was dear to me as he was one of the hiring panel that got me started in my teaching career so very long ago. He will be missed by many!