Donald "Don" Charles McCrory

McCRORY, Donald Charles – In God’s providence, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, Donald Charles McCrory was promoted to Glory for eternal life on Friday June 2, 2017, in his 61st year. For him, joy! For us, deep sorrow and grief, “yet we do not grieve as those who have no hope”. Instead, we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God!

Don is survived by his cherished wife and best friend of 38 years, Joan (nee Pearson); his daughter Sarah (Jeff McLean); his son Evan (Meaghan Denault); his mother Helen (nee Jemmett); his brother Russ (Debbie); his sister Sandra Devins (Doug); his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless friends. Don is predeceased by his father Stanley “Emmett”.

Don was born in Timmins on July 12, 1956, living there until his family moved to Kitchener in 1966. He is a graduate of Grand River Collegiate Institute where he excelled at track and field. Don also achieved the Grade 8 Royal Conservatory of Music in piano. He then attended McMaster University, graduating with his Bachelor of Physical Education in 1979. Following his and Joan’s wedding on June 9th of the same year, they moved to London where he received his Bachelor of Education degree in 1980 from the University of Western Ontario. Don continued his education receiving his Master of Arts in Christian School Administration from Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, in 1992.

Don began his teaching career at Grace Christian Academy in 1980 becoming principal in 1982. After serving in that role for 13 years he continued his teaching career with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board at Lakefield District Secondary School. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching Co-operative Education as he was able to positively influence the lives of many students. He also had a strong passion for coaching volleyball, making seven appearances at OFSAA. Don was well-respected by colleagues and students alike and appreciated many lasting friendships from his teaching career.  

Don spent many summers at Camp Galilee as a camper, counsellor, and waterfront director where he met Joan in 1976. The McCrory family attended Braidwood Bible Chapel for many years and Don played for the Braidwood Bears softball team. The McCrory’s also enjoyed the fellowship of other believers at Calvary Pentecostal Church, Auburn Bible Chapel, and Ferndale Bible Church. “Doppler Don” enjoyed checking the weather radar, the “hot and hotter” method of barbequing, dinners at The Keg, vacation cruises, and had a life-long passion for golf having never missed watching The Masters since his teen years. He was a member at the Quarry Golf Club since its inception in 2007.

Don began playing hockey as a toddler with his Dad on a backyard skating rink. He progressed through the Timmins and Kitchener minor hockey systems and went on to be the captain of the Kitchener Rangers Jr. ‘B’ team. While at university, he played for the McMaster Marlins. Don began officiating hockey in 1984, often taking Sarah or Evan to the rink with him as a scorekeeper or timekeeper. He expanded his commitment to minor hockey in the Peterborough area as an assignor and supervisor being deeply committed to the development of young officials. Don’s efforts will have a lasting legacy on minor hockey in the Peterborough area. In recent years Don expanded his officiating to include volleyball as well.

Don’s love of family surpassed all other earthly passions. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, and father. He listened more than he spoke but what he said was worth listening to. He was a man of honesty, integrity, wisdom and trustworthiness. Selflessness defined his character. He will be deeply and forever missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

The McCrory family would like to extend an enormous special thank-you to the wonderful nurses and support staff of The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, The Ottawa Hospital Civic Emergency Department, and the Central East CCAC. They also express their sincere gratitude to David Kennedy of Hospice Peterborough, Dr. D. Rutledge & Sharon Baptie, Dr. B. Tapp, Dr. J. Beamish & staff, all of Peterborough; as well, Dr. S. Verma, Dr. T. Asmis, Dr. R. El-Sayed, Dr. G. Cook, Dr. J. Werier, Dr. A. Gee, and Dr. S. Yiu of The Ottawa Hospital.

The family will receive friends at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough, on Thursday June 8, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1421 Lansdowne Street West, Peterborough, on Friday June 9, 2017 at 11:30 A.M. with David Kennedy officiating. After the service, guests are invited to a luncheon in the Calvary Church Heritage Room followed by interment at Lakefield Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Peterborough, for those who wish, in lieu of flowers. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com

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