DONALD PERRY McQUIGGE

(October 11, 1944 - August 25, 2025) The world lost one of its brightest lights on August 25th, when Don McQuigge's life journey drew to a peaceful close in Cobourg, Ontario. Don, whose time was cut short by cancer, died in palliative care surrounded by his closest family members: his beloved wife, Hélène Savard-McQuigge - AKA "the one who makes my life interesting" for nearly 49 years; his daughter, Michelle; and son, Michael. He is also survived by his sister, Susan; his brother, Douglas (Catherine); several cousins, including Tom Heyes and Charles McGaw (Linda); sisters-in-law, Christiane Savard and Susanne Sevigny (Michel); brother-in-law, Gilles Savard; numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Don was born in Toronto to Donald McQuigge and Marjory Stapells. His formative years at Sedbergh School in Montebello, Quebec, instilled a love of nature and rural serenity that lasted the rest of his life, while his time at Hillsdale College imparted a similarly lasting passion for aviation. The world of business was a natural fit for his creative and detail-oriented mind, and he spent his career in the manufacturing industry. The bulk of that time was spent at Del Mar Hardware, a maker of patio door and window components that he almost singlehandedly turned into a "well-oiled machine." With his retirement came a desire to escape the big city bustle, prompting a move to Cobourg in 2008. Don was calling his new town "home" within weeks and found many ways to give back to the community, including a stint on the board of the Capitol Theatre. Don demonstrated many talents over his nearly 81 years. He was a natural raconteur whose quick wit ensured he could amuse a crowd with a joke or hold an intimate audience spellbound as he spun stories from the present or the past. His skill with a spreadsheet was unmatched (at least in the family), and his business acumen revived the flagging fortunes of more than one manufacturing enterprise. He was as adept with his hands as his words (terrible puns notwithstanding) and could build or fix just about anything. His whistling could put songbirds to shame, his instinctive sense of timing and ability to plan for the future were unparalleled, his integrity was unwavering, and no one ever gave a better hug. He was, in short, a builder of everything from ball bearings to happy families and vibrant communities. "Big Don" was a giant in stature, voice and heart to those who loved him, and he leaves behind an equally large void that can never truly be filled. A celebration of Don's life will be held on his 81st birthday - Saturday, October 11, 2025 - from 1 - 4 p.m. at MacCoubrey Funeral Home (30 King St., Cobourg). In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, the Northumberland Hills Hospital or The Seeing Eye Organization (Canadian Chapter).