Obituary of Donald Ernest Gillingham

Weeks short of his 92nd birthday, Donald E. Gillingham passed peacefully in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Mr. Gillingham is survived by his brother, Dennis; his daughter, Donna Lynn; son, Donald; granddaughters, Jacquelyn and Catherine and great-grandchildren, William, Kolben and Quinn. He was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Maude; Anne, his wife of 60 plus years and his son, Clark.

Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Mr. Gillingham learned early to love the waters of Lake Ontario and all things outdoors. He spent most of his teenage years and his twenties actively promoting water-skiing. He was Canadian Water-Skiing Champion in 1960 and participated in the World Water Skiing Championships in Europe representing Canada.

For many years, Don and his brother Dennis owned and operated Gillingham Yacht Basin at the mouth of the Niagara River until their retirement and sale of the property to the Niagara-On-The-Lake Sailing Club.

Following his retirement Don and his wife Anne retired to Northern Ontario. Don spent many happy years hunting and fishing with his many friends during the warmer months and Don and Anne enjoyed the beaches of Fort Myers snow-birding during the winter months.

Don lived a full, adventurous life and will always be remembered for his love of family, enjoyment of time with friends, adventures in the outdoors and his true zest for everything life had to offer.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). In accordance with his wishes, there will not be a funeral. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca