Donald Frederick GREER

1934 - 2021

DONALD FREDERICK GREER June 26, 1932 - November 8, 2021 In his 90th year, Donald Greer said farewell to this world following a two-week hospitalization, during which time he fought valiantly against sepsis. In so doing, he left behind many broken-hearted loved ones: his wife, Diana; his daughter, Susan; his grandson, D'Arcy Greer; his granddaughters, Katherine Greer, Sally Hough and Ella Hough; his son-in-law, Robert Hough; his brother, Paul Greer and his sister-in-law, Barbara Greer; and countless friends and colleagues. Don attended St. Catharines Collegiate, where he played the trombone in band and crewed on the rowing team, which placed 2nd at the US School Boys Regatta at Princeton. Don also rowed on a city team, winning races at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Over the years, he often returned to St. Catharines to watch this venerable competition. Don graduated from McGill University, B Comm, in 1957. His degree served him well in his business career and he gave a lifetime of support to his Alma Mater. His friendships, particularly through the Kappa Alpha, gave him tremendous joy his whole life. In Montreal, Don met Diana Porritt, and they married in 1961. So began the family journey, with the birth of Susan and Kevin. Kevin's death in 2019 was the greatest tragedy of Don's life. This year Don and Diana celebrated their 60th anniversary. In WWII, when Don was young, his father George served overseas. Following in George's footsteps, Don became a strong supporter of the Canadian Army Militia which he often said was the backbone of the Canadian Army, in peace and war. He served in the high school Cadet Corps and the McGill Contingent COTC (where he was awarded the Lord Geddes Medal for best Cadet). Don served as Honorary LCol of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in St. Catharines and was a member of their Foundation. He was a long-time member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada Senate and served on the 48th Trusts as a Trustee. He brought leadership, friendship and financial support to both Regimental families. Not long into his career he, along with his brother Paul and a tight knit group of investors, started Duracon Precast Industries Ltd. Driving along the 401, Susan and Kevin always shouted with pride when they spotted a Duracon truck delivering manholes or catchbasins. Following the sale of Duracon in 1981, Don broke into the mini-storage industry in the US and Canada, and participated in other ventures through his company Donvest. Don loved sports and one of his passions was squash. Though he hung up his racquet many years ago, he continued to support his beloved Toronto Racquet Club, where he was a member for 60 years. He golfed at the Toronto Golf Club, sailed at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, and took his family on many fun ski adventures. He was a loyal friend with a quick sense of humour. Sitting with friends, a glass of wine in hand, was one of his treasured pastimes. Don's favourite childhood memories occurred on his grandfather's farm, and in 1988 he and Diana purchased a farm north of the city. In the summer they would sit side-by-side on the porch, gazing down on the pond, watching their grandchildren splash away. He loved being surrounded by family and, just 4 weeks before his death, he carved his last Thanksgiving turkey. The farm now seems soulless without him, but we hope with time, memories of this wonderful man will comfort us. A farewell will be held for Don at Grace Church on the Hill (300 Lonsdale Road), Monday, November 15th, 1 p.m. You can also attend via live stream at www.gracechurchonthehill.ca/dongreer.