Donald Bruce Dafoe

The family of the late Donald Bruce Dafoe sadly announce his passing on Friday, September 2nd, 2011 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Don was born on November 28, 1928 to Margaret and Keith Dafoe in Fort William. At the age of three the family moved to Port Arthur (the Current River area) where they spent the rest of their days. He attended Claude Garton Public School and Hillcrest Highschool. Don spent two summers working at Pool 7 Elevator, and then moved over to Provincial Papers Co. where he spent 43 years doing various jobs. It was here he met the love of his life, his wife Norma. They were married on March 6 1953. And together they raised four children. Over the years Don was blessed with five granddaughters. Don loved his granddaughters and made sure that each one of them had one of his wood working skills to remind them of him. His Great-Grandsons were no different; they too had reminders made for them. His one regret was that due to ill health, he could not build his only Great-Granddaughter the doll house he so badly wanted to build. Don served time on the Board of Directors on many Organizations: Provincial Papers Athletic Association, Apple Credit Union, Mount Baldy Ski Club, and Strathcona Mens Club. It was a great honour to Don that he was asked to Marshall the Strathcona Invitational and the Stockaluk Shoot Out. Don loved going out fishing, and would always come back with a good story. He was an avid golfer, and would meet the Birdie Gang and the On Deck Gang for their daily tee off, and recently would drive down on his scooter and watch. Don took pride in his woodworking skills, and many of his creations can still be seen around town. After his retirement his time was spent mostly at the Port Arthur Curling Club, this is when he originated the "Loose End" Curling League, a group of fellows who enjoy the afternoon curling. Although he never served on the Board, he spent many hours volunteering his services for which he was given both the Ontario and Thunder Bay merit awards for his volunteering. Don leaves behind his children, Vicki, Bruce (Shiela Koivuranta), Leslie (Andre Manary) and a son-in-law Marvin Daykin. He also leaves behind his five granddaughters, Angela Daykin (Ron Lamothe), Jessie Daykin (Ryan Trear), Patricia Hallahan (Larry Niittynen), Jacqueline Carrier (Dusty) and Courteney Manary (Mike Cowie), and his five great-grandchildren, "the boys" Caleb, Carson and Caden Niittynen, Lucas Lamothe and the only great-granddaughter Charlee Carrier. He is also survived by his brothers, Les (Joyce), Ray (Shirley), Al (Bobbie), sister Margery Bennett, Sister-in-laws Vera Hansen, Marion Saari and Barbra Dafoe. As well as numerous other relatives. Don was predeceased by his wife of 54 years Norma, daughter Donna, mother, father, sisters Isabele and Lilian, and brothers Gregory and David. A reception will be held in Dons honour on Friday, September 9th, 2011 , at the Current River Community Centre from 3pm - 7 pm. A private family interment will be held at a later date, where he will once again re-join his loving wife for the rest of eternity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. If tears could build a stairway,and memories a lane,I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again."