Obituary of Rev. Dr. Donald Cavendish Nevile

To view the Livestream of the service, please click here.

With sadness and heavy hearts, we announce that Rev. Dr. Donald Cavendish Nevile passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at the age of 83.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Jeannette Nevile, children Sue Nevile (Scott Schellenberger), Adrienne Nevile (Paul MacPherson), and Chris Nevile. He will be remembered by siblings Lesley (Bruce) and Phil (Terry) and many nieces and nephews, but mostly missed by grandchildren Polly and Willow.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Lister and Jean, his brothers, Martin and Oscar, his sister, Naomi, and a stillborn child.

Pastor Don was a faithful pastor for 50 years, finally retiring at the end of 2024. He was a scholar, teaching and learning at many institutions. As an avid reader, he collected a library that included books on history, philosophy, poetry, religion, geography, languages, music and so much more. Don was also a talented musician. He played piano, organ, trumpet, trombone, guitar, drums, harmonica, guitaron, recorder, juice harp and kazoo! On top of that he participated in, as well as directed, choirs in all the communities in which he lived. He sailed, he sang, he built decks, watched crazy movies and read stories to his grandchildren with all the voices.

Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday, August 19th from 6pm to 8:30pm. A visitation (12pm) and the Funeral Service will be held at Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow St, Waterloo on Wednesday, August 20th at 1pm with a light lunch to follow. Interment to follow at Parkview Cemetery. Those who are unable to attend the funeral may view the livestream here.

Condolences for the family and donations to Trillium Lutheran Church, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) or Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) would be appreciated and may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.