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Don (Vincent James) Black

February 20, 2014

Don (Vincent James) Black

September 14, 1929 – February 20, 2014

Passed away peacefully after a brief illness in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Julia Sert and the late Joan Black. Lovingly missed by his daughter Karen Hall (Art Lesny), son Doug (Susan), grandchildren Christopher and Laura and his sister Lenore Johnston (Chuck). Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and his extended family. Don joined the First Hussars in 1944 and retired as Regimental Sergeant Major in 1965 but remained active in the association until his death. He began his career with the London PUC in the ‘50s and retired in 1988 as General Manager of Waterloo North Hydro. Don was Past President of the Waterloo Rotary Club and many municipal, electrical, water and industry associations. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid golfer and was proud to have “shot an 80” in his 84th year. Memorial visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the celebration of life being conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation – Cancer Centre or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

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(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Lynda Lesny

Dear Julie and Don's family; Erica and I were saddened to receive the news of Don’s passing. He was a great leader who made a significant contribution to every organization with which he was affiliated. The 1st Hussars truly benefited from his leadership as Regimental Sergeant Major during a very challenging period in the Regiment’s history. His dedicated volunteer service with the 1st Hussars Association set an example for future generations. As commanding officer, I always valued his advice, insights, and experience. He was a patriot in every aspect of his life. He will be missed. We will remember him. With sincerest admiration and respect, Chris B. Christopher A. Brown, CD Lieutenant-Colonel 1st Hussars Former Commanding Officer (2010-12)

~ Chris and Erica Brown

I was fortunate to see Don as the General Manager of Waterloo North Hydro and a leader in our industry as I was growing up. Don offered sage advice and great history about the utility and the industry many years after he retired. He was a wonderful man, a good story teller, and will be missed by many. On behalf of Waterloo North Hydro and the Electricity Distributors Association, we extend our deepest condolences to Julie, Karen, Doug and families.

~ Rene Gatien

Julie, We were very sorry to learn of Don's passing. David has known Don since the mid 70's and they had many interesting conversations over the years. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and the family. Sincere condolences, David & Trudy Drinkwalter

~ David & Trudy Drinkwalter

Julie I am so sorry for your loss of Don. He was a very well respected man. My thoughts are with you, and all of your family.

~ Sarah Duplisea

We were so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

~ Kim and Tim Corrigan

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.

~ Bob Dougan

We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing, and couldn't make the visitation due to holidays in Florida. We were neighbors of Don and Joan in Waterloo and always enjoyed their company, weather it be having a beer after a golf game, sharing stories over a hamburger on the B.B.Q. or visiting Don and his family and friends at his annual Boxing day party on Brigantine Dr. To Karen and Art and Doug and Sue and your children our deepest sympathies. To Julie please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gord and Brenda Dunn

~ Gord and Brenda Dunn

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Gary

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Brad, Laurie, Brandon and Trevor Gesinghaus

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Max Christie

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Jane and Phil Dietrich

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ OMWA

Doug, We are all saddened to learn of the loss of your father. Please accept our deepest condolences. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Doug, Don, Dave Newton and our families.

~ Dave Newton

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Barbara Peirce Marshall

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Wayne & Nola McGregor

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Marianne & Kevin Mulhall

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Randy Gondosch

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Yvonne and Jim McDougall

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Herb&Judy Haller

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Kristyn Clairmont

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Waterloo North Hydro Inc.

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Tim and Kim Corrigan and Family

(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre)

~ Don Black

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Gord and Brenda Dunn

(Donated to Canadian Diabetes Association)

~ Steve Dobronyi

I am very saddened to hear of Don's passing. We worked together for the OWWA/OMWA. We had a great working relationship and became good friends. My deepest condolences to Julie and Don's family.

~ Astrid Tallon

Karen and Art, My deepest condolences to you and your family.

~ Sharon

Julie, Karen, Art, Shannon and I are deeply sadden for your lost. Don was a great mentor to me and his council was always wise. He will be sorely missed.

~ Jonathan Kisslinger

Julia we are sorry to learn of Don's passing and extend to you and your Family our condolences. Unfortunately, we are in Orange Beach Alabama so unable to attend the celebration of Don's life. Sharon & John

~ John & Sharon Bosak

Don was a great leader in the utility business and in our Association. A privilege to have had him as a friend and colleague My condolences to the entire family

~ George Hostick

Don was a great leader in the utility business and in our Association. A privilege to have had him as a friend and colleague My condolences to the entire family

~ George Hostick

DOUG AND KAREN I HAVE BEEN SADEN BY YOUR LOSS. I HAVE HAD MANY GAMES OF GOLF WITH DON. I WORK WITH HIM IN LONDON, HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HAVING TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH HIM IN WATERLOO. I WILL MISS HIS SMILE. FREEMAN COOK

~ FREEMAN COOK

Don was well known and respected in the electrical utility industry in Ontario and a founder of the Ex. Execs. Don and I shared jokes and e-mails almost weekly over the past several years. A great loss, he will certainly be missed. Unfortunately, we are out of country and will not be able to attend Don's celebration of life. I extend my deepest sympathy to Julie and family. Don

~ Don Dowds

Don it was a pleasure to get to know you better during these last few years at the annual MEA luncheons. Certain paths taken are always admired and respected.

~ Murray & Elaine Lennox

Dear Karen & Art We were sorry to read of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time.

~ David & Diana Woodman (Windsor)

So sorry to hear the news. Don was a fine man. Our prayers are with you Julie.

~ Tom & Sue Dobronyi

Don was a good friend and a pleasure to work with at Waterloo North Hydro. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences go to Julie, Karen, Doug and families.

~ Gerry Knorr

I am a friend of Don's from the utility business and I have many fond memories of times we spent together.including our semi-annual gatherings with friends at Port Dover.He was a great guy and will be missed. My condolences to the entire family.

~ Bill Lowry

Julie, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

~ Tom & Angela Pellerin

Karen (and Art), So sorry to read in the paper of your Dad's death. Our thoughts are with you.

~ Owen and Ruth Ann Jones

From Florida We shared many great memories with Joan and Don over the past 40 years. Don will be missed. Our sympathy to Julie, Doug, and Karen.

~ Joan and Ron Silver

Don Black hired me for my first job at Waterloo North Hydro back in 1985. He was always very kind and encouraging to me. I will miss seeing him at company events. My condolences to you all.

~ Ruth van Leeuwen

Our condolences to Julie and Family. Don was a great Hussar, good friend and golf buddy. Our apologies for not being able to be there for support but we are out of the country. Wayne and Nola

~ Wayne and Nola McGregor

Dear Julie and Don's family, Please accept our deepest sympathy,we are sorry we couldn't be there for the funeral. Ivan and Donna

~ Ivan and Donna Holmes

To Karen, Julie, Doug, Art, and family: Sorry that I can’t be there in person to offer my condolences. Here is a quote from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross that I hope will give you some comfort at this difficult time: “When we have passed the tests we were sent to Earth to learn, we are allowed to graduate. We are allowed to shed our body, which imprisons our soul the way a cocoon encloses the future butterfly and when the time is right, we can let go of it. Then we will be free of pain, free of fears, and free of worries...free as a beautiful butterfly returning home to God...which is a place where we are never alone, where we continue to grow and to sing and to dance, where we are with those we loved and where we are surrounded by more love than we can ever imagine.”

~ Lynda Lesny

Dear Doug & Sue Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

~ Hardy, Renate and Ryan

Dearest Karen, Our profound sympathy and condolences to you and your family. Our hearts are with you and Art, as you make this journey. Blessings to you both.

~ Barbara, Stephanie and Derek

Dear Doug, Sue and family. We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Jane and Jim

~ Jane Eyers and Jim Harvey

Lynda Lesny To Karen, Julie, Doug, Art, and family: Sorry that I can’t be there in person to offer my condolences. Here is a quote from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross that I hope will give you some comfort at this difficult time: “When we have passed the tests we were sent to Earth to learn, we are allowed to graduate. We are allowed to shed our body, which imprisons our soul the way a cocoon encloses the future butterfly and when the time is right, we can let go of it. Then we will be free of pain, free of fears, and free of worries...free as a beautiful butterfly returning home to God...which is a place where we are never alone, where we continue to grow and to sing and to dance, where we are with those we loved and where we are surrounded by more love than we can ever imagine.”

~ Lynda Lesny

Deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful man and a good friend to so many. Keresztmama, we send love and sympathy to you and all the family.

~ Lynne and Tony Hoevenaars

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Canadian Diabetes Association

London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre

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