Obituary of Donald Wiegand

Passed away at St. Mary's General Hospital on Monday, July 15, 2013, at age 91. Beloved husband of Eileen for 64 years; loving father of Murray (Nancy), grandfather of Ray (Amber) and Karl (Danielle); great-grandfather of Charlotte, all of Winnipeg, and dear brother of Bruce (Mary Beth) of Waterloo. He will also be sadly missed by several nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Harvey Alvin Wiegand and Viola Pearl Devitt. Don was born in Kitchener on June 28, 1922. He attended Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School prior to beginning his career in the clothing industry. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II as a radar technician in Bomber Command. After his service, he resumed his business career, retiring from the Arrow Company in 1989. Throughout his life, Don was very active in and committed to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He served at various times on the board of managers, including a term as Chair, as an elder and on numerous committees. Don was passionate about music in the church and a great lover of Bach. He was extremely proud of St. Andrew's commitment to the community at large. In his retirement years, he was also involved with the seniors centre at Rockway where he indulged in another passion, bridge. Don and Eileen met in May, 1942, and were married on November 20, 1948. They had an active working life and were a terrific team on the home front. In their retirement years, they enjoyed concerts, the theatre and especially their many cruises to various parts of the world. Don had an enormous thirst for knowledge about the world around him. He read extensively, especially history, and was always interested in the stories of those that he and Eileen met in their travels, including fellow travellers, shipboard staff or local people in the places they visited. He kept his mind active throughout his life and was a great story teller, with a wild sense of humour. He recently got away with signing a credit card voucher in a restaurant as "Santa Claus." As well as classical music, Don also had a great love of swing era jazz. Don left a legacy to his family that included an appreciation of the value of hard work and dedication, the importance of humility and a sense of humour and the fact that life is for living and to be enjoyed. Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Friday from 2-4 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate Donald's life and faith will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 54 Queen St. N., Kitchener on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Janice Hamalainen officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Condolences for the family and donations to St. Andrew's Church may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.