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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HITCH, Donald A. - We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and partner. Don was born in Ridgetown, Ontario to Daniel and Ethel Hitch. He had an idyllic childhood spending it riding his balloon tire bike, helping with chores, and working at the family brick works. He loved to sing and performed often on the radio as a teenager.
Don went on to study medicine at Western University. For one season, he was the goalie for the University soccer team. He proudly reported they never won a game. The picture of the soccer team was hung at every house he lived in. To help pay for University he picked tobacco by hand during the summers. He served in the naval reserve but the war ended shortly before he was set to deploy.
In New York City, Don completed his internship. While riding a train there he met Hilda G. Lowder, a nurse from North Carolina. They married on April 27, 1952 in Stanly County, NC, and shared more than 50 years together.
Don and Hilda moved to Columbus, Ohio where he completed his residency and where their first child Teresa was born.
In 1954 he accepted a position as an Otorhinolaryngologist at McGregor clinic in Hamilton. Here is where their sons Douglas and James were born.
Don worked at McGregor until it was closed in 1981 and then accepted a position at McMaster University where he worked until he retired in his late seventies. Into his late eighties, he offered weekly clinics to residents of St. Joseph's Villa. During his career, it is estimated, he treated over 100,000 patients. Don's cheery personality made him well liked by his patients, colleagues, and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. People would always stop him in the street for a chat.
Don and Hilda were moved by the Vietnam refugee crisis and opened their home to the Hoang family. The two families became very close and still consider each other family to this day.
Don's second home was the Hamilton Golf and Country Club for over half a century. Once he retired, he and Hilda enjoyed spending their winters in Florida and travelling the world with the Canadian Male Orpheus Choir. His passion for music and singing was continuous throughout his life. Two days before he died he expressed the regret that he had not gone to study under a famous tenor while interning in New York.
Later in life he and his partner Emmy Singer went on many international trips together, spent time with their families and enjoyed the company of each other. At Emmy's nintieth birthday he spontaneously produced a harmonica and played with the Kletschmer band.
On April 12th, 2023 a small family service was held. It had a golf theme of course! His ashes were interred with his late wife Hilda.
We will remember fondly his kindness, zest for life, and upbeat attitude. We will greatly miss him but are extra- ordinarily happy we had him in our lives.
Don is survived by his partner Emmy, the Hoangs, his three children, two grandchildren, Sara Howe and Luke Dijkstra, and four great grandchildren, Jake Howe, Alfie Howe, Roan Dijkstra and Arden Dijkstra.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Canadian Hearing Services.
His was a life well lived. A Celebration of Life may follow. (The Hamilton Spectator)
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