Donald "Don" William Thompson

Our loving and lovable husband, father, and poppa, Donald (Don) William Thompson, known affectionately to many as Donnie, entered into rest peacefully on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at Fairvern Nursing Home in Huntsville, Ontario, following a long journey with dementia. He was 87 years old.

Born in Huntsville on July 2nd, 1938, Don had a lifelong bond with the Muskoka community that he so cherished. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marion; daughters Jennifer Wahl (Andre) and Meredith Thompson (Robbie Grunwald); and his grandchildren, Cambria, Jadeyn, and Hershel. Don was predeceased by his parents Enid and Frank, and his siblings Ken and Pat Thompson. He leaves behind cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends and teammates.

Don found great joy in helping others. Whether serving as one of the first ski patrollers at Hidden Valley Ski Hill, fulfilling his duties as a longtime volunteer firefighter (and eventually Deputy Fire Chief), or providing rides for people living with cancer, his generosity and care were constants throughout his life. He was also a proud member of both the Lion’s Club and the Masonic Lodge.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Don. He built a long legacy playing, coaching, managing, and supporting teams in lacrosse and hockey, and particularly enjoyed many years with the Oldtimers Hockey league. An avid golfer and downhill skier, Don embraced each season with enthusiasm. He also loved hunting and fishing.

Sharing early morning coffees with friends at the “round table” was a consistent happy place for Don too. He was always ready with a laugh, a story, or some good-natured teasing.

Above all, Don was a husband, father, and grandfather. He took great joy in supporting his children and grandchildren in their various endeavours, often chauffeuring them around Huntsville and beyond, ever the reliable and loving taxi driver for the people he treasured most.

Our family would like to thank all who supported Don through these later years of change. In particular, we are deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers at Fairvern Nursing Home for their compassion and care, especially during his final week.

Don will be remembered for his warm smile, generosity, and deep love for community and family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and love for family, friends, and strangers alike.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held in the upcoming days. Please check back for details.

Donations in honour of Don may be made to Alzheimer Society of Muskoka, Friends of Fairvern, or the Mike Brown Fund for Youth in Sport.