Photos
The first time I saw Don was only minutes after moving in next door to his place in the fall of ‘73. He was performing a wheelie on his bicycle down his driveway. I can’t recall the first time we actually met face to face but, what matters most is that I did share a couple great Motorcycle rides with him along with other Brothers. Never seen him do a wheelie on his motorcycle but, it wouldn’t surprise me if he had!
Ride on Big Sexy!
Hardy
I found some photos when Don volunteered to be a Scout leader. As a local trainer I was thrilled when I was asked to join the team leading them in the information about becoming a great Scouter. Our sessions were held for a weekend at Spencer Lodge on Windermere Road and used Spencer Park behind the building.
We had a lot of fun that weekend.
In the language of Scouting and the words of Rudyard Kipling, we be of one blood ye and I.
Sandi
Uncle Don - the best Uncle to have. You always made time for me and always made sure I knew that you loved me. You got me out of my comfort zone more then a few times - whether it was taking a boyfriend for a ride in your big truck to show him who’s boss, getting the wind in my hair for a ride in your classic car, poking fun at me, or making sure I kept up a smile on my shy face. Even from a kid, I noticed how you made each of us feel. Everyone was special to you and you made sure everyone felt it. You never missed a moment to make time for me on the phone, or to clear your week when we came to visit. I have all the memories of you kept up safe in my mind so your presence wont be forgotten. I want to thank you for being the best uncle, and a best friend to my Dad. Your bond was unbreakable and unmatched. What I wouldn’t give for another margarita pit stop along the lakeshore. Until next time - cheers, I love you.
I only had the privilege of knowing Don since 2023, but even in that short window it was clear to me that he was a good guy and a good man. Joining the London Auto Modifiers club and feeling out of my element, I often found myself sitting quietly during some of the earlier meetings I attended. In those cases, Don would make a point to pull up a seat beside me and engage me in gentle conversation, making sure I wasn't left out.
He didn't like getting his picture taken much or else I'd have some to share other than of his car, but his car was a great reflection of who he was, down to little details like an old beer can strapped in as the coolant overflow, and all the rad stickers he had scattered around.
I wish I got to know him better, but I'm glad I got to know him at all. The Modifiers will keep his memory alive fondly. Thanks for sharing him with us in his remaining days, Kim.
Don was an amazing man and a great friend.i've known Don for a long time through pool and motorcycles,we rode many miles together between bike nights, charity rides and just plain weekend fun rides with our wives and friends.Don as we all know has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone anytime. I remember one time after a long day of riding we were beat and just wanted to get home,I remember passing a van on the side of the road and when I looked in my mirror I said ah crap,Jodie asked what's wrong I said Don is pulling over,by the time I turned around he was already on the ground changing the family's tire.. because that's who Don was..going to miss you brother ride free..cya on the other side.Rest in peace Big Sexy ♥️
I met donny through my buddy dave as soon as i met him i knew he was a good guy.funny up front a fun to be around.we were always on our way to meet up with other friends to head to a carshow some where lol..sometimes even before the sun an the nieghbours were up lol.i still have in my mind of goin down the road an all i could see was the big reflectve x on the back of his coat.there was always a feeling of adreiline when on our way because i knew it was going to be a great day.all people liked donny as id sit back theyd be talking smiling or laughing with donny.im gonna really miss you brother im glad to have spent a lil time seeing you before you went to the big show in the sky well all miss you n love you as family.until we meet again rest well n ride high ml&r
Don you will always be the guy who introduced me to the Hustlers Pool league, wherebwe spent many years playing together. You will always be my "Friend in Low Places", even from up there in heaven.
Chris Sammut
Our family first met Donny, aka, "brother", his brother Billy, and family when we moved to Tillsonburg in 1973. The Crockers were our neighbours and we soon became friends for life!
Janet and her family were friends with the Crockers going back to the 60s!
Donny, (and Bill), are certainly "brothers from another mother", (that would be Bev), to Janet & I ! Donny was always a pleasure to be with. As others have commented, he always had a smile on his face, which of course accompanied his witty sense of humour. We had some great bike rides together, like when Donny, Hardy, Janet & I rode to Sturgis and back in 2015. Hardy's wife Laurie joined us there and we had 2 great weeks together. Donny, Billy and I rode to Sturgis in 2010 and then North & West from there, for a brief overnight stay at James place, eventually putting over 9,000 kms on the bikes in 2 weeks!
Janet and I will miss Donny and will never, ever, forget him. We will miss the rides with him and going to the Bike Shows, our annual Biker/Hot Rod Xmas parties, Men's Night at Rocky's, etc., etc.. We are so thankful that we had the pleasure of knowing him and had him as the true friend he was. We will cherish every memory. We miss you brother! Our hearts and love go out to Kim, James, Jessica, and family. Our deepest condolences. Janet & John Kueppers
I met donny through dave going to the car show it only took a minute to see he have a heart of gold his quick wit an sense of humour was contagous . We spent many mornings on our way to shows where all i could see was a glowing X on his jacket because we d left so early the birds werent even up.i used to smile he reminded me of blue the bear on winnie the pooh just strolling along spreading chear where ever we went.ill really miss you brother.you were a great friend.ride high an loud brother ml&r rest in peace till we meet again
Kim and I met day one of grade nine. Our lives have mirrored each other for 50 years since then. I met Don as a 16 year old. There are so many memories in the time between then and now. As 16 year old's Kim and I worked together at a Pizza shop 2 nights a week, on one night off Kim had Don's car and we decided to go cruising through town, main roads, back roads... We ended up getting stuck behind Avondale church... in the days long before cell phones, we had to leave the car walk to a phone booth and call for help. Luckily Don was happy there wasn't any damage to his beloved (the car not Kim!)
My husband David and I got married a year and one week before Kim and Don. Jessica was born 1 year less a week ahead of our eldest son. James was born 1 year less a month ahead of our second son. I knew we were done having kids as Don and Kim were done! Our third was adopted and Don and Kim were the first to meet her as a 5 1/2 year and welcome her into our circle of friendship.
When Don returned to college, I became one of his professors. He worked hard and worked well with others and mentored many of his classmates about life.
The picture is from our celebration in 2023 for our 40th wedding anniversary and Sandi's 60th and Dave's 65th
I visited Don, and Kim, twice at the hospital between brain surgeries. He was cheeky as ever, but happy to chat and catch up. When I left each time I got a huge hug along with an "I love you kiddo" I will cherish that message and all of our times together, and support Kim, Jessica and James and the grands as they grieve and navigate the next steps without you here.
God Bless Don, may you rest in peace and Rise in Glory. Shalom my friend.
While I only got to know Big Sexy over the last couple years, I enjoyed every time we met. He filled the room with not only his physical size but with his charm. He can many Monday mornings to our shop in Mossley for coffee and he always made us laugh and shared a story. I’m gonna miss him. I’m so glad I got to know him and share some laughs… I’ve only been able to find photo of him which I’m sharing. Glad the moment was captured.
It was so sad to hear Don had passed away after a long and hard fight.
I will always remember the time the Modifiers went to the Roadrunners clubhouse and on the way back Don in his T bucket was right on my bumper and all I could see was a big smile and the old World War 1 goggles . Don always had that smile even when you knew he wasn't feeling the best. I will and of course the club will truly miss Don .
