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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LEES, Donald John - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Donald John Lees, with his family by his side, at TBRHSC on September 8, 2022 at the age of 76. Much loved and remembered by his wife Evelyn of close to 50 years, his children Tobin (Kristi), Cory (Melissa) and Kyle Lees. Don also leaves behind six grandchildren Raegan, Seija, Kinsey, Grace, Isabelle (Izzy) and Hudson, whom each were his favourite (but tied with each other). He is also survived by Trish Lees (Port Coquitlam, B.C.), and Edna (Wayne) McKinnon (Mississauga, ON) along with his nieces and nephews Jennifer (Jamie), Brad (Liz), Brooke, Whitney (Todd), their children, extended family members and several close friends, all whom he considered family. He is predeceased by his parents Jim and Muriel Lees (nee Greene), brother Bruce (Boo), In laws Bernard and Margaret Tobin and his brother-in-law James. Don was born on April 2, 1946 in Port Arthur, was raised and educated in Fort William and attended F.W.C.I., Lakehead University, and Dalhousie University. He was a proud Canadian and a member of the Naval Reserve both in Halifax and here in Thunder Bay. He was Called to the Bar in 1973 and became a well-respected lawyer, finally retiring in 2012 after 38 years. In Don's time, he was an honourary life member at the Knights of Columbus #1447 and 4th degree Father Baxter General Assembly. He was a long standing board member and chairman of the Thunder Bay Child and Family Services (CAS) and a former board member of the Red Cross, Thunder Bay Branch. Don married Mary Evelyn Tobin in Toronto, on March 24, 1973, and there was no doubt she was his everything. Together they started their family, welcoming three boys whom he was incredibly proud of, and finally his grandchildren who gave him the chance to have a bigger audience to share his stories, interests and sweet tooth with. He loved being the “quality control” inspector for their treats and having them find his secret stash of chocolate. They all loved their Granddaddy more than anything and are missing him dearly. Don loved downhill skiing, camping, picnicing, annual ice fishing trips and travelling throughout Canada, particularly to Prince Edward Island and B.C., but also enjoyed Ireland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Puerto Vallarta and “Daluth.” His favourite place however was at Sunnyside Beach, at the camp house he built, and the many social events that were held with family and his extended Shuniah Family. Many memories were made at camp by the fire, lake or on a deck with a glass of scotch or wine that we will all cherish forever. Don was a gentlemen with a huge heart, one of a kind laugh and he had a great sense of humour. He was incredibly bright and could always be relied upon to give the best advice. He was also the best story teller to anyone who would sit and listen. We couldn't be more proud of his courageous fight with cancer and will ensure his memory lives on forever. Our family would like to share our heartfelt thanks to the nurses on 1A of TBRHSC for their compassion and kindness they have shown us during this difficult time, particularly Britt, Erin and Jenna. As well, thank you to Dr. Ward, Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Simpson for your incredible care. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 11:00am on Sept. 16, 2022 at Our Lady Loretta with Father Francis Pudicherry officiating. Guests will be welcome at 10:00am prior to the service to greet his family and share their condolences. Interment at Mountview Cemetery will take place at a later date. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Terry Fox Foundation or a Charity of Your Choice, would be greatly appreciated by the family. (The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal 13 Sep 20220
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