Donald Howard Fortune was born June 3, 1936 in Chesley to Howard and Luella (Lorenz) Fortune. He was the eldest of three boys all born two years apart; Don, Fred and Clark. The Fortune family farmed on County Rd. 19 in Vesta and the boys attended the Vesta School. Don attended Chesley High School for one year and then went on to work at Krug’s Furniture Factory and continued labouring on the family farm.

Don had a very diverse career. His greatest love was working with his hands. Despite being terribly shy as a young man, Don travelled to Mason City, Iowa to attend auctioneer school. He always said that auctioneer school was good for him, learning to be in front of a crowd and speaking publically!

Donald married in the late 1950’s and lived on the farm on the 2nd of Elderslie. Jeff was born in 1959, Keith in 1962 and his daughter Lisa in 1964. By the time Lisa was born the Fortune family was living in Hanover. All three children attended school in Hanover and Mildmay. In time, the family had moved back to the family farm.

In 1978 Don met Marie and it was love at first sight. On July 25, 1986 Don and Marie were married.They resided together in Elmwood, and had a long and happy life together, until Don’s death.

Every day, Don wrote in a personal journal. He faithfully recorded weather, world news, political events, and phone calls from family. Don loved learning about family history and passing this information on to his children. He enjoyed antiques, and took great pride in the way his home and property looked in all seasons.

Don also loved his kitchen chair, and it made sense. Don could watch both his little TV and the street through the big window. Don loved keeping up with political affairs both Canadian and American. Yes, Don was an opinionated man. But at the same time, he listened to the opinions of others and allowed them their own thoughts.

Don was a man of strength and fairness. He was a great teacher, especially to his boys. He showed them how to do many things, but only told them once. He was a very good husband to Marie, loving, respectful, and devoted. Don took pride in his appearance. He was very private, strong willed and had a great sense of humour. His parents were greatly influential in his life and he deeply respected them. In turn, Don was influential in the lives of his children. One of the best pieces of advice he ever gave his children was, “Don’t be afraid of change, you won’t want to have any regrets, that you didn’t take that chance.

Don loved his dogs, especially the latest little one “Gizmo.” He loved his Mom’s Jumbo Raisin Cookies, Dutch Apple Pie, Chocolate Pie with Whipped Cream, chocolates, and Chinese Food. Having something sweet with his morning coffee was the best way to start off the day. The truth of the matter was, Don loved his food – period! He also loved the heat, always having a little space heater by his feet as he sat in the kitchen of his home.

Having lived for thirteen years with COPD and congestive heart failure, Don peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 21st at St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener in his 80th year. Loving husband of Marie. Cherished father of Jeff (Carol) of Kitchener, Keith (Yvonne) of R.R. #3 Chesley, Lisa (John) of Point Clarke and Tim (Erin) Schreinert of Ayton. Don will live on in the hearts and minds of his ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fondly remembered by his brothers, Clark (Dorothy), Fred (Joanne) and brother-in-law John Noonan. Don was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Luella Fortune.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Sunday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 1 p.m. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.

Memorial donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.