Don Town ~ at Huronlea, Brussels on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Mr. Donald Richard DeCoursey Town, of Listowel, in his 85th year.

Donald Richard DeCoursey Town was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 20, 1931. Don was the son of the late Frank and Ella (DeCoursey) Town and the younger brother of the late Marion Cairns. The Town family moved to Galt, Ontario in 1933. Don grew up in Galt and was known to all as “Sugar” as he was the sweetest kid ever! Don was active in all kinds of athletics, especially gymnastics, football, baseball and hockey. Sugar was a skilled hockey player and had great success playing for the Elmira Polar Kings.

Don worked in the textile business, which would eventually bring him to Listowel as a Sales Manager for Spinrite Yarns in 1965. But his true passion was recreation, in all its forms, and as a result he was offered the Listowel Recreation Directors position when former recreation director, Ken Benjamin accepted a job in London.

By this time Don was known as “D.R.” or “Towner” and he gave his life to the community as Recreation Director for 23 years. Don retired as Recreation Director in January 1992 and during his retirement celebration, many people and community organizations paid tribute to him for his hard work and dedication throughout the years. The most valued award was his “Life Membership” Award for the Lake Huron Zone Recreation Association. An award that only 4 other people had been awarded with at that time. D.R’s motto was always “Kids Come First” and that the efforts of his work were “A Piece of Cake”.

Don spent the next 8 years working part-time for Ideal Supply driving the little car with the yellow hat. His greatest quality was his ability to connect with everyone he met and to bring a smile to his or her face.
During the last 5 years of Don’s life, nothing gave him more pleasure and pride than spending time with his family and hearing all about their adventures and accomplishments in life and for him to be able to tell story after story after story about his adventures in life.

Don leaves behind his first wife, Beverley (Dave) Thomson, his second wife Carol Town, his children Rick Town and friend Stephanie, Cathy and Greg Bitton, Mike and Jodi Town, and his grandchildren, Christopher and Meghan Town, Brandon Town and friend Stacey, Matthew Town, Nathan Bitton and fiancée Devon Healey, Tyler Bitton, Jenna Bitton, Sam Town and Lauryn Town.

Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service was held on Thursday February 18th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of D.R.’s life at the Listowel Legion Home.

Memorial donations to the Steve Kerr Recreation Complex appreciated.