Donald Colston THYER

1925 - 2022

THYER, Donald Colston It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald, in his 97th year, at home with his family in Cambridge, Ontario. Donald is the son of the late Alfred and Kathleen Thyer of Bristol, UK. He was the devoted and adored husband of 57 years to Thelma Thyer (deceased) and beloved father of Susan (deceased), Kevin (Brenda), Brian (Debby) and Diane (Stephen). Cherished Papa to his grandchildren Michael, Samantha, Richard and Robert and his great-grandchildren Maverick, Rozalyn, Ezra, Kaidan and Genevieve. Dearest brother to Muriel Yeo (Maurice) (deceased) and uncle to Nigel and Catherine. Don was proud of his career in the printing industry. He started as a Lithographic Draftsman while stationed in India where he was as a Sergeant with the Royal Engineering Survey from 1945 to 1947. Following his military career, he became an Estimator with ES&A Robinson in Bristol, UK. In 1951, Don transferred to Toronto, Canada taking on the role of Printing Estimator and Administration Manager, Printing and Special Advertising Division. He and his bride settled in the Leaside area of Toronto. His knowledge and expertise in this industry led to his becoming a teacher at George Brown College where he and a colleague co-authored the first textbook for their Estimating Programme. Don cherished his time with the Royal Engineers Survey, in India, at the end of WWII. His book "Service with the Colours", which details his experiences there was referenced by university professors. While in India, he learned to converse in Urdu/Hindi and throughout his life he loved to surprise people by speaking the language which garnered many smiles. His family will remember him as a talented artist creating many colourful and vibrant landscape paintings and maps. He loved music and taught himself to play piano/organ and guitar. In his later years, Don developed an interest in genealogy and his family heritage. On a Sunday afternoon, you could often find him listening to Art Tatum in his office mapping out his family tree. He was proficient in carpentry and home renovations building his own sailboat and renovating many basements for his wife and his children. Don had a deep and enduring love for all animals, especially his many cats. He loved life, had a passion for travel and was a devoted husband and father. His love of family and friends will continue to be an unending source of inspiration to all of those whose lives he touched. Thank you to Waterloo LHIN, Dr. Halligan and the palliative care team for all of your support and kindness. At Don's wish, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is scheduled at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 27th at the Lounsbury Funeral Home, 1766 Franklin Blvd., Cambridge, Ontario. For those who wish, a charitable donation to the local Humane Society or Cambridge Memorial Hospital is appreciated.