Donald William (Flight Officer Donald William Epplett) Epplett

Slipped away silently at his residence, on Sunday, February 14, 2021. Donald was in his 100th year, only four months short of becoming a centenarian. Loving father of Marleen Hodge (Rob) and Bill Epplett (Sandra). Adventurous and helpful grandfather to Trish Epplett and Captain Thomas Epplett; and dear great-grandfather (GG) to Elodie Campbell. He is survived by his sister Pauline Lazenby, whom he had the joy of being close to in his final years. Predeceased by his loving wife Marion (née McConkey), whom he was married to for 70 years  – there wasn’t a day went by that he didn’t miss or ask about her. He went to meet her, the love of his life, on Valentine’s Day. Also predeceased by his brothers Ken and Gordon Epplett; sister Eleanor Aitchison; brother-in-law Keith Lazenby; and sister-in-law Ross Epplett. After Don served as a pilot with his brother Ken in WWII, he came back to Canada and married Marion. He trained to be a teacher and found that numbers and mathematics were his passion; they served him well throughout his life. He taught mathematics in London, Ontario and later went on to be the head of the math department at Barrie Central Collegiate in Barrie, Ontario. His love of numbers attributed to his fiercely competitive nature playing bridge and any card games. Anyone was hard pressed to beat Don at cards.  Don loved the cottage life and travelling. In his retirement years, he travelled with Marion to Jekyll Island, Georgia in the winter months and every summer out west to Whistler, BC. In both places he is remembered fondly as a man on the go. He was an avid golfer, biker, tennis player, skier, swimmer and Whistler gardener who enjoyed music. If he wasn’t moving, he had his hand in his pocket jingling his change – a sure sign that he was thinking up his next adventure. Don will be sadly missed and always remembered. A very special thanks to Sharon and all of the staff at Amica London for their exceptional care in keeping our seniors safe during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place. At the family’s request, there will be no service. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Don are asked to consider a charity of their choice. 

HIGH FLIGHT

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds -and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of -wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,

I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air……

By John Gillespie Magee