Dr. Donald J. DODDS

DODDS, Dr. Donald J.

Peacefully in Toronto on May 15, 2013, at the age of 91. Predeceased by wife Christine, sister Roma Henderson and brother Stanley. Don will be fondly remembered by his children Jack (Carol), Carolyn (Ric) and Pamela; grandchildren Portia and Nicholas; sister Jean Kazi; brothers- in-law John (Valerie) and Wallace Nisbet; and the extended Dodds, Nisbet and Sheppard families, including many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Born in England in 1922, Don came to Canada with his family soon after. He attended Bishop's College School and McGill University. In World War II he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and survived the 1945 sinking of the HMCS Trentonian. After graduating from McGill in medicine, he practised family medicine in Newfoundland and Toronto. In the 1960s he began specializing in voluntary male sterilization and was a local pioneer in providing vasectomies in his clinic as a safe, reliable method of birth control. He later worked at the National Cancer Institute. In retirement he volunteered as a literacy tutor and was a long-time member of the Islington Seniors Centre, an avid woodworker and a poetry enthusiast, memorizing and reciting the classics for fellow residents at Fellowship Towers Retirement Community. Don was an early and generous supporter of organizations working for peace, international aid, social justice and family planning, and many other charities. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 2:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Congregation, 175 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Ploughshares, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives or a charity of your choice.