William Donald PATON

PATON, William Donald Beloved Dad and Poppa On Sunday, November 14, 2021 at the age of 93, Don Paton passed away peacefully at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario. After years living in Aurora, Richmond Hill and Markham, Don became a resident of Amica Little Lake residence in Barrie until the final weekend of his life when he declined rapidly. During his short hospital stay, he was surrounded by family and listening to his favourite Oscar Peterson jazz piano songs. Don was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan in 2017 and he was the loving father of 4 children, the late Ross (Carolynne), Alan (Lisa), Neil (Dianne) and Mary-Jane (Dwayne). Adored Poppa of 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Ott (Mike), Alex Paton (Danielle), Megan Radmore (Adam), Michael Paton (Jennifer), Doug Paton (Marissa), Steve Paton (Tristan), Daniel Martins, Alex Griffiths, Adam Paton, Jamie Paton and Nathan Griffiths. Proud Great Grandfather of 9: Hazel and Nora Ott, Will, Nick and Haylee Paton, Paisley Paton, Sophia Radmore, Jane Paton and James Paton. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Doug and Marg Paton (both deceased) and Helen and the late John Baatz. Don came from a humble background, born in Toronto in 1928 to a school teacher, William Paton and his wife Elizabeth, who died when Don was only 11 years old. At age 16, Don attended the University of Toronto and graduated four years later as a Civil Engineer. He was a pioneer in the prestressed concrete industry beginning his career working on designing bridges in Ontario, from Ottawa to London. You will see the result of some of his finest work the next time you are on the 407 ETR. Don embraced the concrete industry and along with a partner, invented a corduroy pattern concrete panel design technology known as Corewall, which incorporated insulation into each panel and has been used extensively for use in buildings across all over North America. In addition, he developed the associated metal inserts that held the panels in place and generated over 20 patents. Don was a lifelong member of the Canadian Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI), earning the CPCI Fellow award in 2002 and inducted as a CPCI Industry Titan in 2011 "recognized for their work to accelerate the growth of the Canadian precast prestressed concrete industry, their contributions that have changed and advanced the industry as a whole, and for demonstrating exemplary leadership within CPCI and their own organizations throughout their careers". Don was a self-made man and took great pride in working extremely hard to provide for his family, travelling weekly all across North America for his career. He built a cottage in Muskoka in 1960 and created many great friends at Dyson Lake. Winters were spent enjoying life in Naples, Florida. Don loved music and played the piano solely by ear, entertaining friends and the family daily. Dancing to Big Band music from the 1940s was another passion. After Joan passed away, Don was comforted by the companionship of his faithful dog Belle and the wonderful support from Hospall Private Homecare Services who assisted him daily. A big thanks from the entire family to Erwin, Nancy, Yagoob, Behnaz, Affifeh, Neda and Michelle for all their support and loving care for Don over the past 4 years. As a few of you mentioned, Don was a father figure to many of you, always kind, respectful and a "true gentleman". Don has been cremated and a small family celebration of his life will be held next summer. If desired, we ask that you raise a glass to toast his life or make a donation in Don's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada. We know that Dad and Mom are together again, which brings us joy and comfort. They built a wonderful family legacy, now they can rest together in peace. They are both deeply missed by all of us.