On Tuesday August 15, 2017, after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer, it is with broken hearts that the family of Donald Emerson Inkpen announce his peaceful passing.

Don will be deeply missed by the love of his life and beloved wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann Inkpen (nee Williams), his adored son Paul (Susan), his much loved daughter Leona (Vince) and his grandchild and ‘Baba’ to Robert Inkpen.

Born in Shalloway, Newfoundland on January 3, 1937 Don was the youngest child of the late Benjamin Inkpen & Elizabeth Adams. Don also leaves behind his brother Roland (Beulah), his sisters Ruby Aitchison and Loretta MacAndrew, many nieces, nephews, cousins, “special son” Sean Martin and extended family. Predeceased by siblings Marjorie Gatto, Belle Revel, Theresa Kitching & Emily Inkpen. Upon his arrival with his parents and sisters to Toronto from Newfoundland in July of 1944 and settling in to his family home on Delaware Ave. Toronto, Don attended Dovercourt Public School. Morphing from a child who could not read well, to the top of his class in just 10 short months proved to be just the beginning of Don’s many achievements. He went on to become 1st in class in grades 5,6 & 7 and in grade 8 was asked to prepare the Commencement Speech. In 1951 Don attended Bloor Collegiate where at the age of 17 he received a Scholarship in Air Cadets and went on to obtain his flying license before he achieved his high school diploma. In 1954, at a square dance at Ossington Baptist Church, Don met the love of his life, Ruth. Being the best square dancer Don had ever seen, he was smitten. After another meeting 2 months later at a square dance at Dufferin Baptist Church, Don was certain he had met his bride. After a brief romance, Don and Ruth married on May 25, 1957 and went on to have many adventures as young newlyweds. Don went on to attend U of T where he obtained a degree in Philosophy & Theology but decided upon becoming a teacher, as his love of children was where his heart was. In 1960 Don began a 33 year teaching career. During this time, Don and Ruth welcomed their children into their lives in 1964 & 1966. With children in tow, they travelled extensively touring 27 countries between 1972 and 1973. In 1971 however, Don & Ruth purchased property in Parry Sound where they spent their summers and weekends at the cottage paradise that Don designed and built. Bird watching, nature walks, gardening, family gatherings and visits with friends at the cottage were just a few of Don’s many pleasures. In 1993 Don retired from teaching and took off with Ruth on a 2 month trip to China, Bali, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand & Fiji. In 2000 Don and Ruth decided to sell their city home and permanently move to the cottage. Because the winters proved to be a bit harsh for their liking Don and Ruth started spending their winters in St. Petersburg, Florida with many of their friends and family, where they participated in bocce ball tournaments, dress-up nights at the clubhouse, card games, dinners out with friends and many other wonderful and exciting times. Don always said that he had lived a life which most could only dream of, and he was right. Don’s life was nothing short of amazing. His eternal optimism propelled him through life and was a characteristic that was contagious to all that were blessed to be a part of his “family”. His warm hugs will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of calling Don their friend.

Shortly before Don’s passing he was able to make a trip to his “paradise”, his cottage of 45 years on Blackwater Lake, Orrville, endearingly named “The Huggery”. The trip was a monumental time for Don as he reflected on his many years of sheer pleasure and enjoyment.

In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering to honor Don’s life will be held at a later date.

Don’s family extends a special thank you to Art & Sherri Aitchison, Bill Sparling, Melanie Brown, Dan Vandenberk, The Bradley Family, the staff at The Gardens of Parry Sound, Dr. Robert El-Maraghi at RVH, the Nursing staff at Hospice Parry Sound and all of Don’s family and friends for your love and support, visits, cards, flowers and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hospice Parry Sound would be appreciated by his family.