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Donald Campbell Strachan

February 22, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Campbell Strachan. With loving family members surrounding him, Don passed away peacefully on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the age of 72. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over 48 years, Donna (Wootton) Strachan. Forever remembered by his devoted daughters and their families: Devonne Strachan, husband Ian and children Trevor and Sabrina; Denise Bates, husband Mike and their daughter, Grandpa’s “little sweetie” Charlotte. Don was the oldest of the “Norwich triplets” born September 7, 1943. He will be sadly missed by his brothers Tom (Pauline), John (Margaret) and Gerald (Stella) Strachan. Fondly remembered by nieces and nephews: Grant (Carole), Jeff (Andrea) and Greg Strachan and great-nieces and nephews: Ashley, Jeremy, Derek and Megan Strachan. Don will be remembered always by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Mary, Doug (Dianne) and John (Sandra) Wootton, along with his seven nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his parents Donald and Irene (Gilbert) Strachan. A native of Norwich, Ontario, Don moved to London after high school and attended Westervelt Business College. He then enjoyed a career at Supertest for 8 years. After marrying Donna and starting his family, Don furthered his career at General Motors (EDS) for over 20 years. After retirement in 1998, he enjoyed working part time at MacMaster Chevrolet until 2015. Don and Donna purchased their 34 acre farm in 1978. Together they enjoyed farm life and made many fond memories. They grew corn, soybeans and winter wheat and cared for 500 laying hens. Don was actively involved in the agricultural community and had great friendships with many neighbours and local families. In 1999, Don and Donna purchased a family cottage on Whitestone Lake. Don enjoyed many boat rides and his lake front view while relaxing on the dock. He loved to tell stories of spotting wildlife, in particular, the northern loon and moose. Don always wanted a place for family and friends to gather to share stories and laughter. A lifetime lover of sports, Don shared a great passion for horse racing and hockey with his brothers. His love for hockey continued when he became a season ticket holder for the London Knights in 2002. Don met up with his triplet brothers, other family and close friends during the season and rarely missed a game. Don’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the 5th floor Palliative Care Team at Parkwood Hospital, the VON Middlesex-Elgin Palliative Care Team and Saint Elizabeth Home Health Care. Friends and family will be received at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. where a celebration of Don’s life will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations in memory of Don may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex, Parkwood Institute Palliative Care or the VON Middlesex-Elgin. 

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(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ sheila Lacroix

Donna and family and all the STRACHAN family Sincerest sympathies to all on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I also have some good memories of Florida. May the many memories of the good times carry you through this sad time.

~ Earl and Marg Illman

Dear Donna & Family So sorry to hear of Dons passing. Sending you and your family sympathy at this time. Take care of yourself. Sincerely Barb Thatcher

~ Barb Thatcher

Dear Donna and Family - I came across your husband's obituary today on line and it leaped right off the page at me. I would, at this late date, like to extend my sincere sympathies to all of you at your loss. I live in Chatham and would love to hear from you. Nancy Guyitt Cameron

~ Nancy Guyitt Cameron

(Donated to Parkwood Institute Palliative Care )

~ Melanie Fisher

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Ellen / Sharon / Brent Wootton

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Chris & Patti Morrison

(Donated to VON Middlesex-Elgin)

~ Howard & Eileen Arthur

(Donated to Parkwood Institute Palliative Care )

~ Brent & Julie Penny and Family

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Kirk Dickson

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Bob & Liz Barker

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Sam Helsdon

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Bill and Sheila Reid

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Mike and Karen Vannieuwenhuyze

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Karen and Drew Finucane

(Donated to Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex)

~ Shelley Shoemaker

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Ross & Marg Battin

(Donated to Parkwood Institute Palliative Care )

~ Don & Sherry Alton

(Donated to Parkwood Institute Palliative Care )

~ Brenda Nissen

(Donated to VON Middlesex-Elgin)

~ The Mitchell K-40 Club

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Randa Moir

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Sharon and Mike Ash

Deepest sympathy to the Strachan families. I worked with Don at Supertest and General Motors in data processing. I remember Don as a very kind and helpful co-worker. He will never be forgotten. God bless you all at this difficult time.

~ Marie England

Donna and family - I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

~ Lynda Mortier

To Donna, Devonne, Denise & their families Our deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. Don always took the time to stop and talk also joke about. We'll miss you at the hockey games.

~ Dayle & Donna Zehr

Don was a very kind man. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.

~ Jim & Janet Rock

Dear Donna and family My deepest condolences to you and your family and to Don's brothers Tom, John, Gerald and their families. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone during the recent loss of Don. I will always treasure the memories of our times in the sunny south.

~ Diane McNichol

Strachan Families: My sincere condolences to all the Strachan boys and their families. Having grown up on Clyde Street in Norwich where they also lived, they were very special boys to my family. Don and his brothers had a special bond with my Dad (Bob Wilson) and they spent a lot of time together. It is so sad to learn of one brother's passing. Fondly remembered. Ruth (Wilson) Wist

~ Ruth Wist

We want to extend our condolences for your loss. We have many fond memories of Don such as his love of horses and his sense of humour. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with Donna, Devonne, and Denise and their families. Ellen, Sharon, and Brent Wootton

~ Ellen, Sharon, & Brent Wootton

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of a wonderful friend, husband, father and Grandpa. We met Donna and Don almost 50 years ago when Donna worked at London Life. A lasting friendship was formed with a group. We got together on many occasions and watched each others families grow. Don had a great sense of humor and was always a lot of fun to have around. He surely will be missed by all. Our Thoughts and prayers are with you Donna, and Devonne, Denise and families.

~ Charlene and John Vermeulen

I extend my heart felt condolences to the Strachan families. I met Don at Westervelt Business College and we became friends. We shared an apartment and Don was my best man at my wedding in 1967. I will always remember Don for his wit and dignity. I place Don and his family in my thoughts and prayers, and somehow know that pleasant memories of Don's great sense of humour will always bring a smile to your face and a nice tug on your heart.

~ Richard Dinyer (and Carol)

My thoughts are with you Denise and your family at this difficult time. I will always remember your mom and dad attending all our Lancer games cheering us on. He will be missed! Love you guys!!!

~ Lindsay Metcalfe

To Donna, Devonne & Denise: I am saddened to learn of Don's passing. My sincere sympathy to you and all your wonderful families. Donna, it was such a pleasure working with you for over 10 years and getting to know Don. I have special memories of chatting and laughing with Don as he drove me back and forth to work many times from the dealership when my car was there. May all the wonderful memories you have together bring you comfort now and in the days and weeks to come.

~ Ginny Schedewitz

Deepest sympathy to you Tom, Pauline and your brothers and their families. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

~ Doug and Wilma Rathwell

Dear Donna and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Don, and we wish we could be there for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Don was a good friend and we will miss him very much. We will be home March 3rd we are presently in Florida. All our love Les and Barb Carver

~ Les & Barb Carver

We are all so very saddened by Don's passing. We have fond memories of Don, our friendly and kind cottage neighbor. Whitestone will miss him. Our condolences to all of Don's beloved family. You are in our thoughts.

~ Tanya, Derek, Elli and Cameron

Donna and family.....please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loving husband,dad,grandpa and brother Don.Hold on to all those beautiful memories you have .His suffering has ended and now he has eternal peace.We will think of him often and the great times we spent together.Although we can't be with you,you will be in our thoughts and prayers.We will try to get together once we are home.God bless you all. Gerri

~ Walt & Gerri Nicholson

Rick and I would like to extend our condolences to Dons family and his brothers Tom,John,Gerald Strachan and their families.We are residents of Norwich and are very familiar with their family and their history with the love of horses and hockey.We hope that all the memories that Don and his family have made in the pass help his family during a difficult time. Sincerely, Rick and Wendy

~ Rick and Wendy Buck

We are saddened by the passing of Don. From grade one in Norwich public school, playing hockey through to 18 years age, Don and I were good friends. Life took us separate ways, but whenever we met, it was as though time had not passed. Chris and I wish to offer our condolences to Don's family.

~ Chris and Tony Thompson

My sincere sympathies to you and your family, Donna. I did not meet Don but feel sure he was a wonderful person. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Terry Nuttall

Donna, I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My sincere condolences to you and the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers

~ Ann Levere

Please accept my condolences on Don's passing. Growing up, the Strachan triplets were the pride of the neighbourhood! My father enjoyed their company frequently.

~ Sam Helsdon

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. We will remember him as a fun loving guy and always a pleasure to be around. Our thoughts are with you Donna, at this difficult time.

~ Dave and Glenna

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of need. God Bless !

~ Bill and Sheila Reid

We extend heartfelt Sympathy to the Strachan families. Bruce grew up in Norwich wih Gerald and remembers Don (one of triplets!) well. We are sorry to hear of Don's passing. We are sending a wish of Comfort and Peace as we think of you in your time of sorrow.

~ Bruce and Shirley Boyce

Dear Donna and Family : We want to express our sympathy to you on Don's passing . We will keep you in our prayers.

~ Carollyn and Marcel Gentes

We wish to offer our deepest condolences to Donna, Devonne, and Denise for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.

~ Olinda Caetano and Family

Dear Donna---We wish to extend our sympathy to you, your daughters and their families, as well as Don's three brothers and their families. We're thinking of you and share in your sorrow. Sincerely John and Jackie

~ John & Jackie Matthews

My deepest sympathy to the Strachan family. The triplets were in my Grade 1 class at Norwich Public School many years ago. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.

~ Camille Hoodless Magoffin

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Parkwood Institute Palliative Care

Alzheimer Society of London & Middlesex

Canadian Diabetes Association

VON Middlesex-Elgin

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