March 18, 1951 - March 13, 2024
Allan Edward Doner passed away at Grand River Hospital on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, just shy of his 73rd birthday. Born and raised in Timmins, Al lived in Toronto, Montreal, Thunder Bay and in several towns in Northern Ontario throughout his life. He spent many happy years in Guelph and most recently as a resident of Kitchener. Beloved father of Sarah-Beth Bianchi and Bradley Barrett. Loved father-in-law of Ryan Bianchi and grandfather to Barrett and Elizabeth. Dear brother of Brenda Doner (John Bowes) and Anne Solomatenko (Victor). Loved by the Barrett, Bianchi and Mooney families. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. Predeceased by his wife Heather Doner and his parents Clayton “Mac” Doner and M. Donalda “Dawnie” Doner.
Al was a self-professed curmudgeon who loved his family and friends, and showed this best when nagging them to take good care of themselves or through writing a heartfelt letter. He adored his grandkids, rejoicing in the revenge they wrought for all the sleepless nights his own kids graced him with - even into their teenage years. His happy place was at his camp on Hoodoo Bay surrounded by rocks and water and trees. He always had an endless list of projects (that were all in the planning stages), and loved hosting family and friends at the camp and then basking in glorious solitude after the visit. Al collected many treasures while thrifting at MCC, and usually had fresh local cheese curds on hand to share.
We are incredibly grateful for the compassionate care Al received these past several months. Dr. Rosart, Dr. Tam and the team at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre supported us on this brief journey with cancer. Thank you to the cardiac care team at St. Mary’s General Hospital. The nurses, personal support workers, and other health care workers in the hospital communities offered so much compassion, patience, and support during this journey. A special thank you to Dr. Chen and Dr. Ler who provided attentive and compassionate support in Al’s last days. Our medical system is under-resourced and under-serving the needs of our community. But every single person who is working in that system did everything possible to provide the care that Al needed. We’re endlessly grateful for the efforts of all of the people who supported us from within this broken system.
A Celebration of Life will be held at WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, at 11am. Guests are invited to bring stories - especially the ones he promised his kids would never get to hear about - to share during the service. Please send them to the family in advance, or let us know if you are willing to speak at the celebration of life. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place in a private ceremony at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
Memorial contributions to your favourite charity are appreciated in lieu of flowers.
A tree will be planted in memory of Allan E. Doner in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.