Obituary for Donald Graham McNicol
Donald (Don) Graham McNicol
In his 92nd year, Don passed away peacefully at his home at Amica Unionville on Monday, December 30,
2019.
Predeceased by his parents Malcolm & Margaret McNicol (Buck), brothers Doug (Mary) & Norman and
his sister Sheila (Sid) Kerslake. Devoted husband to the late Barbara (Beamish) for 65 years. Dear father
to Rob (Denise), Graham (Tomoko) and Pam Caswell (Wayne). Loving Grandpa to Rina, Mia, Jenna,
Braedon, Dana (Matt), Lori (Michael). He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his extended
family and friends.
Don was born and raised in Winnipeg and completed high school at Glebe Collegiate when his family
moved to Ottawa. He found true “love” on the tennis courts and dated Barbara throughout his years
studying at Carleton University and earning his Masters at Columbia University in New York. He married
his sweetheart on Valentine’s Day in 1953. His career included working at Philips Corporation in
Leaside, Canada Starch Company in Montreal and various roles for the federal government in Ottawa,
including a posting at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. This was an experience of a lifetime for
him that he shared with his family and where he made many special lifelong friends.
Don was a true gentleman, friend and loyal family man. He had a unique sense of humour and positive
outlook on life. He enjoyed travelling around the world and stayed active into his retirement years,
allowing him to age “gracefully” and enjoy life to its fullest.
To all the staff at Amica Unionville, thank you for the love, care and hugs provided to Don over the
years.
Cremation has already occurred. A private family service will take place on Saturday, January 18th, 2020
at 1 PM. A Reception for family and friends will follow from 2-4 PM at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911
Woodbine Ave in Markham. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Markham Stouffville Hospital or a charity of
your choice would be appreciated
In his 92nd year, Don passed away peacefully at his home at Amica Unionville on Monday, December 30,
2019.
Predeceased by his parents Malcolm & Margaret McNicol (Buck), brothers Doug (Mary) & Norman and
his sister Sheila (Sid) Kerslake. Devoted husband to the late Barbara (Beamish) for 65 years. Dear father
to Rob (Denise), Graham (Tomoko) and Pam Caswell (Wayne). Loving Grandpa to Rina, Mia, Jenna,
Braedon, Dana (Matt), Lori (Michael). He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his extended
family and friends.
Don was born and raised in Winnipeg and completed high school at Glebe Collegiate when his family
moved to Ottawa. He found true “love” on the tennis courts and dated Barbara throughout his years
studying at Carleton University and earning his Masters at Columbia University in New York. He married
his sweetheart on Valentine’s Day in 1953. His career included working at Philips Corporation in
Leaside, Canada Starch Company in Montreal and various roles for the federal government in Ottawa,
including a posting at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. This was an experience of a lifetime for
him that he shared with his family and where he made many special lifelong friends.
Don was a true gentleman, friend and loyal family man. He had a unique sense of humour and positive
outlook on life. He enjoyed travelling around the world and stayed active into his retirement years,
allowing him to age “gracefully” and enjoy life to its fullest.
To all the staff at Amica Unionville, thank you for the love, care and hugs provided to Don over the
years.
Cremation has already occurred. A private family service will take place on Saturday, January 18th, 2020
at 1 PM. A Reception for family and friends will follow from 2-4 PM at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home, 8911
Woodbine Ave in Markham. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Markham Stouffville Hospital or a charity of
your choice would be appreciated