With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Donald “Don” G. Jones on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the age of 71. He was many things — a farmer, an engineer, a pilot, a fixer of all things — but above all, he was a proud family man who lived life with purpose, curiosity, and kindness.
Born and raised in Exeter, Ontario, Don grew up working the land, learning the value of hard work and the satisfaction of doing things well. Whether it was one of the many house projects, stubborn engines of all kinds or the numerous “Pa can fix this” projects that his grandson’s brought to him, he had a knack for making things work again.
Throughout his career, Don left a lasting impact through his many achievements. He started as a design engineer at John Deere, where he helped create the original Gator utility vehicle — a machine built to work hard and handle just about anything, much like the man behind it. Later, he transitioned into the energy industry, eventually becoming Vice President of Nuclear Waste Management at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). He took that role seriously, always focused on safety, sustainability, and doing the right thing — even when no one was watching. He retired with a reputation for leadership, humility, and rock-solid dependability.
Flying was one of his greatest joys. As a licensed pilot, he loved the freedom of the skies and the quiet moments above the clouds. It was his way of finding peace and perspective — and maybe a little thrill along the way.
But more than anything, Don loved his family. He was a proud husband to Brenda (Blair), a steady and supportive father to Ashley Jones and Fraser (Amanda) Jones and the most amazing Pa to his beloved grandsons, Tait, Jacob and Anthony. He always had time for a story, a laugh, a tickle or one more tractor ride.
He’s survived by his brother Gordon (Doreen) Jones, his sister-in-law Geraldine (Gary) Parsons and his extended family. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knows him, friends, neighbours, fellow flyers, and the many people he met along the way.
A casual gathering to celebrate Don’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Monday ,June 30th from 1 – 3 PM with words of remembrance at 2 PM. Bring your stories, your hugs, and maybe a pair of work gloves — just the way he would’ve liked it.
Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities – South Central Ontario.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Wendy Kerslake
Brenda, Ashley, Fraser, Amanda and family. Gord, Doreen, Gary & Geraldine.
Sending my sincere condolences with the sudden loss of Don. What lovely memories and tributes. You will all have special stories. Smile as you share all those memories and stories and keep Don close to your heart.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Wendy
Marg Prout
Brenda and family, Gord and Doreen, Gary and Geraldine…
My sincere condolences to all your family members. Thinking of you at this sad time.
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Thinking of you all at this time …Arlene & John Berendsen
Patty and Doug Webber
Brenda and family.
We are so very sorry to learn of Don’s passing.
Let the memories of all the good times help you to get through the days ahead.
Doug and Patty Webber
Robert Dale
Dear Jones family our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful man. Keep the memories of Don close to your heart.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Robert and Sharon Dale
Ray & Judy Mills
Dear Brenda, Ashley, Fraser and families, Gord and Doreen, Gary and Geraldine;
Please accept our very deepest sympathy. Don was a very friendly guy, easy going and fun to be with. I remember how he always participated in the Blair Christmas games and competitions. We know his legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Dave Van Ooteghem
My deepest condolences to you Brenda and your entire family. I had the pleasure of working with Don for many years at OPG. He was a very kind and thoughtful man always there to provide support and guidance. I have very fond memories of the many conversations we had about farming, an interest and experience we both shared. May the many happy memories you have of Don provide some comfort at this very difficult time.
Lawrence Lyons
I worked with Don for many years. I always appreciated his possitive attitude, always upbeat and always had time to talk.
Please accept my condolences , Don will truly be missed.
Jane klunder
So sorry for your loss, l too have loss Joe.
Dave Park
To Brenda and family, I’m saddened to learn of Don’s passing. I had the very good fortune to have worked with Don for many years, first at the Heavy and then at Nuclear Waste. He really was an exceptional person and it was apparent that he cared as deeply for his colleagues’ success as for his own (many) accomplishments. One couldn’t help but like and respect him. My deepest sympathy to all of Don’s family on your loss.
Gord Thompson
I volunteered with Don on the Kincardine Cruise Night committee for several years and during many Cruise events.
Just as your write-up states, I found Don to be very practical in his efforts when problems occurred – and an excellent volunteer. Moreover, Don was just a pleasure to be around. It is a shame he was taken so soon.
My deepest sympathy to Brenda and the family.
Sharon Dale
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Jones family. Keep your memories of Don close to your heart.
Robert and Sharon Dale
Marion McCarter
Gord and Doreen, Geraldine and Gary and all families:
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time in your loss. With all the tributes expressed of Don he will live on in your hearts forever as you journey forward. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion
Garnet Reid
Dear Brenda and Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Don at OPG for several years. He was a wonderful person. Even though he was very busy and held very responsible positions, he was always willing to chat, was very approachable, helpful, caring and definitely dedicated.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Murray and Carol Henderson
Brenda, Ashley, Frazer, Amanda and family
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We so enjoyed the time spent with your family at AAA summer hockey tournaments when Frazer and our Steve played together. Don was a likeable and helpful member of the hockey team staff. You were a family that we loved and never forgot even though so many years have passed since we have seen you. Steve also sends his condolences to Frazer.
We are thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult and sad time.
Murray, Carol, Steve and Jaclyn, Scott and Erin Henderson
Don & Glynda Matheson
Brenda and family, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We will miss his humour at Hanover breakfasts and the COPA meetings.
Our deepest condolences.
Bob and Martha Heywood
Brenda and Family, Gord and Doreen
Wishing you a measure of peace and strength by knowing that all who knew Don are sharing in this sad loss with you.
David & Connie Boyce
As neighbours of Fraser and Amanda we were saddened to hear of Don’s sudden passing.
We had the privilege of meeting Don on several occasions as he came to Fraser and Amanda’s to lend a helping hand.
It was nice to see that he was so active in their lives and we are sure that he will be greatly missed.
May the Lord give you comfort in these days and be assured of our thoughts and prayers for Brenda and the family.
Kristen Brown
My condolences to the family. Don was a great boss and I truly enjoyed working for him. He always put the people first, had a great sense of humour and made time for anyone that wanted to talk to him. He was very committed to work always there before I arrived and after I left. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim and Eleanor
Sorry for your loss Gord and Doreen. Our condolence.
Jim and Eleanor Weigand
Marlene Schilling
Dear Brenda, Ashley, Fraser and family.
No words seem sufficient to express our very deepest condolences.
Don will always be remembered as the guy who would be first to lend a hand, be quick with a joke, and the friendliest man anyone could ever know.
His wit and wisdom cannot be duplicated. He was truly a gentle giant.
Our hearts go out to each of you.
We hope you find peace and healing in the days to come. Please know you are not alone.
Soar above the clouds, Don, and continue to add your light to the world.
Frank, Marlene, Laura and David.
Ric and Jennifer Thompson
So very sorry to hear this Brenda. We know how much Don loved flying. Our condolences to you and your family.
Peter McMillan
I had the privilege of working with Don on many projects over many years. I recall his approach to work as practical, insightful, inclusive, and relentlessly optimistic. Don instantly and always struck me as a stand-up guy. My sincere condolences to Don’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Gary & Geraldine Parsons
Brenda, Ashley, Fraser andFamilies.
Gary and I were so lucky to have a brother inlaw like Don.
He will be missed.
John Mackinnon
To the Jones family. I was shocked and saddened to hear about Don. I had had the pleasure of working with Don for several years at OPG..Don was a sincere and hard working individual but always had time to say hello whenever I saw him.Please accept this as my sincerest condolences at this difficult time .
Muriel & Murray Syrnyk
Brenda,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this
sad time.
Muriel & Murray Syrnyk
Brenda,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this
sad time.
Jim and Nathalie Glavin
Sorry for your loss..
Julie and Matt Lawrence
Brenda and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Both Matt and I worked with Don for many years. Who can ever forget his infectious laugh and always smiling…so genuine, and so likeable. Don’s stories will live on in our memories.
Linda Carol (Sangster) Traquair
Dear Brenda (& family),
I am so very sorry for your great loss.
I remember your Don ‘motoring’ down the halls of South Huron, changing gears as he approached, making the motor sounds with a huge smile on his face.
Sending sincere condolences and remembering you both from the SHDHS Class of ‘ 71-’72
Carol Clemens
Oh this is such a tragedy. I remember Don at my childhood Christmas’s- always happy, a twinkle in his eye, a hardy laugh, and playing euchre.
Years separated us but Don always had a special place in my childhood memories.
Rest in peace Don.
You left a mark in people’s lives- well done!
Cousin Carol (Allen).
Carol Kelly
Brenda I am so sorry to hear about Don. Cherish those wonderful memories you both shared. My thoughts are with you at such a sad difficult time.
Murray Kerr
Brenda and Family,Gord and Doreen,Gerry and Gary and family. We are very sorry to hear of Don’s passing ,I didn’t know Don that well but the Jones farm was my project farm when I went to Centralia College,cherish the memories. Sincerely Murray and Ann Kerr
Fred Schildroth
To the Jones family please accept my deepest sympathies . I knew Don from my days at OPG. Always willing to talk to and to listen to the staff that worked for him . A true gentleman to all.
Carol Little
Dave and I send our condolences to Brenda and family. We had many chuckles with Don in the aviation world. We liked to compare our tours especially flying for lunch for the $100 hamburger.
Sincere Sympathy
Debbie & Ken Catto
Brenda, Thinking of You & Your Family at this most difficult time. Such a sudden tragedy for you All. Don was a very pleasant co-worker to be around & such a true Gentleman. You will be in our thoughs & prayers. Don will be greatly missed.
Linda Bowers
Don’s experience and knowledge were definite assets to the PREDC Board and the various projects we tackled. From the Kincardine airport to waste management to innovation opportunities to support and expand the nuclear industry, Don’s contribution and participation was much appreciated.
He was a very proud family man.
You have so many treasured moments to hold tight to.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Prenger, Robert Cottrill, Allan Ribbink, Guy Anderson, Linda Bowers
Jane & Harry VanDam
So sorry for your loss
Joan Mitchell
Dear Brenda and family , Gord and Doreen.
Many thought and prayers are going up for you. May you find that peace beyond understanding and comfort in the days ahead. So very sorry for your great loss.
Paul and Joan Mitchell (Allen)
Bob & Cathy Moore
Brenda & Family,
Thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. Brenda, remember those fun times we had at South Huron. RIP Don!
Brent Dawson
Gord and family , Very sorry for your loss of Don.
Nick Mihalic
Brenda and Family……. Please accept our sincere condolences for the sudden loss of Don. My fondest recollections are of his smile, sense of humour, compassion, willingness to give his time, energy and personal support of those around him.
Don was in constant motion. Always had something on his radar, whether it be farming, aviation, family or work. He had a sense for making the lives of those around him better. Don is an inspiration, a person to be emulated and I will remember him fondly.
While his loss is great, take comfort in knowing his legacy is equally great.
Sincerely,
Nick Mihalic & Family
Linda Crombeen
Brenda and family
My sincere condolences in your loss. I remember Don to be a great guy and hope that wonderful memories help you through.
Gwen Bestard
As a fellow high school classmate of both Don and Brenda, I wish to express my sincerest sympathies to all of the Jones family. I remember Don as a strong wrestler and star football player during our years at SHDHS. May your many fond memories of your wonderful husband, father and grandfather sustain you through the difficult days ahead. I’m especially sorry for you, Brenda.
Sincerely,
Gwen (Mills) Bestard
Nelson Dyck
I was so sad to hear of Don’s death. We never expect our lives to end suddenly. So we must praise Don here. I don’t know what would have become of our farm if Don wasn’t around. He was a wonderful farmer and friend. He will be sorrowfully missed by hundreds of us. My heart goes out to Brenda, Ashley and Fraser. No one can fill his shoes.
Steve & Audrey Greenwell
Dear Brenda and family – we were devastated to hear the tragic news this morning and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you all.
Quite by chance I met up with Don recently at the house as I was driving from Kincardine and we laughed and reminisced on some of the flying trips and adventures.
He will be missed by so many..
Our thoughts and love to you
Mildred Northcott
Brenda and family,
Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Cherish the memories.
Faye and Larry Skinner
Brenda, Ashley, Fraser, Amanda and family. Gord and Doreen. Geraldine and Gary:
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Don, especially so unexpectedly. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you cherish your memories of Don and carry them in your heart always. 💕
Helen Bertin
Brenda and Family: My sincere condolences to you. I worked with Don for many years and we had many laughs. He had a contagious laugh and I appreciated his work ethic and his integrity. May you and your family hold your good memories close to your heart during this difficult time.
John Mc Manus
Don and I worked together for many years, great guy, he’ll be missed. Sharing in your loss.
Diane Small
Brenda and family: Don was a such a wonderful person and will be missed by many. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Sean Nurton
Don’s Family,
I didn’t know Don very long but in the short time I did he taught me many things. He had time for all my questions even the silly ones. He shared his vast knowledge and I greatly appreciated him for that. His knowledge and patience was admirable. He left us far too early, but I am sure he has more to mentor where he is now.
Bonnie Sitter
My sincere condolences to all your family.
Sherry and Ron Dube
Dear Brenda, we’re so very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. We looked forward to catching up with you both at various aviation functions. I always enjoyed talking with Don about aviation and mechanics. It quickly became apparent to me that Don was a gifted engineer who had a solid background in hands on maintenance. I always respected any ideas he would suggest because he understood both sides of the design/repair process.
Gary and Rita Varsava
Dear Brenda and family
I was fortunate to have Don as a coworker and friend for many years. We met regularly at the candy dish to discuss how to improve life.
Thank you for sharing Don with us. It was our pleasure to be partners for curling and golf and the occasional lunch
Ron Brady
Brenda Fraser Ashley and family
Our sincere condolences for your loss
It was an honour to have known Don
He will be truly missed.
Ron&Dorrie
Anne Halbert
Brenda
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
Bob and Theresa Parsons
Dear Brenda, Ashley, Fraser, Amanda and family,
Gord, Doreen, Geraldine, Gary and family,
We were so sad to hear of Don’s sudden passing. Our hearts go out to all of you during this very difficult time. We are very sorry that we won’t be able to attend Don’s memorial as we will be away.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
May all your wonderful memories bring comfort in the days to come.
Mitch and Wendy
Brenda, Ashley and Fraser, We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Don’s guidance and advice with the farming. I am sure he is now sitting beside Frank discussing the new ways of farming.
Ashleigh Doyle
On behalf of everyone at Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Don’s family and loved ones. We are deeply honoured that RMHC SCO was chosen as a way to celebrate his life. His legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to make a difference for the thousands of families we support.
With sympathy and gratitude,
RMHC South Central Ontario
Jan Maybury
Brenda and Family. Nothing prepares us for the loss of a loved one, especially so unexpectedly. I worked with Don for many years and he was a good guy. We had many talks with our co workers at the lunchroom table. He was always up for a little poke and could give as good as he could take. I know you and your family will take time to adjust, reflect and remember him. I will think of him fondly and hope that you find comfort in the stories people share of Don.
Wendy Ressler
My deepest condolences Brenda and Family. I worked with Don for many years and always appreciated his work ethic and sunny disposition. Don took myself and my children for a flight, the children were thrilled to see their house from the sky and remember that flight to this day!
Tracey and James Urquhart
Dear Brenda, Ashley and Fraser,
Our hearts go out to you all. Don always had a quick smile and contagious laugh. He will be missed by so many. Our deepest condolences.
Chris Astles
My sincerest sympathy Brenda to you and your family
Chris Astles
Garden # 13
Keith Mombourquette
Don and I worked together for many years. He definitely was dependable. My sincere condolences.
Audrey and Allan Weber
Dear Brenda and Family
Our Sincere Condolences
Don was a wonderful neighbor and friend.
He will be deeply missed.
With our thoughts & prayers
Sarah and Caleb Kennedy
Our deepest condolences to Brenda, Ashley, Fraser and family.
Don was one in a million.
One of the most loving, hardworking, and funny people we were privileged to have met.
Always the first one to lend a hand in any situation.
Thinking of you,
Sarah, Caleb, Amelia and Adeline
Dianne Skinner
To Brenda and family, So sorry for the loss of Don you are all in my thought and prayers. From Aldeen and Dianne Skinner
Jacob van Beets
My deepest condolences to Don’s family. It’s clear he was a truly special person, always ready to lend a hand at COPA fly-ins and support fellow pilots and friends of aviation. His kindness towards kids was especially notable, inspiring a love for flying in the next generation. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jeff Borland
To the Jones family.
Please accept my condolence in the passing of Don.
Jeff Borland
Terry kennedy
My condolences to you all. He was a wonderful person. I worked for Don, He kept everyone on the same level an admirable traight, down to earth.
Helen and Bob McWade
Deepest condolences Brenda and your family.
I had the privilege of supporting Don in one of his positions at OPG.
So very sorry.
Pauline and Dave Witzke
Brenda and family: our deepest sympathies on the loss of Don. We worked with him for many years, and will remember him fondly.
Gary and Christine Eagleson
Brenda and Family
I am shocked to hear of Don’s passing. Playing football with Don at South Huron DHS and jointly driving to and from the University of Guelph are great memories. My sincere condolences.
Glenn and Connie Read
Brenda, our deepest condolences to you, Ashley, Fraser and families. Don was a great friend and the many enjoyable hours spent working on projects with him will be sorely missed. A very sad time for many.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Brenda, family and friends
So shocked to get an email advising that Don had passed away because of accident.
His eulogy is right on.
I will miss talking to him and our interest in flying and the IPAT.
Our condolences to all
Theresa &Jerry Fabian
Dear Brenda & family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Don’s passing. Sending our prayers and sincere condolences.
Murray Clarke
So sad to learn of Don’s death, gone far too soon. He and I developed a friendship and mutual respect during my time as CAO at the Municipality of Kincardine. Sincere condolences.
Fadi Helewa
My deepest condolences to the family. God bless his soul. He was a very approachable man. It was my honour and great pleasure working with him while I was working with OPG. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Carol Cooke
Dear Brenda & family. Our Hearts are breaking for all of you.
We know Don only through flying – he signed up when I organized a group flight to wetaskwin for the COPA convention in 2006. This was a small group & we got to know Don & Brenda along with the dozen others in the group. When the InterProvincial Air Tour started in 2008 Don was always one of the first registrations I processed. Ron always enjoyed talking to Don about the going’s on at Hydro. We will surely miss him. Brenda we are so sad for you
Ron & Carol
Lazo and carm
We are so sorry to hear this..our deepest condolences to the whole family 🩵🙏
Jake Philipson
So bery sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I had the privilege of working directly for Don at OPG and he was reliable, trustworthy and model of work ethic for us all. Thought and prayers.
Jake Philipson & Family
Dick Wolff
What a huge tragedy. My deep condolences to you, Brenda, and your family. He will be sorely missed.
Barbara Corriveau
Geraldine sent me a message to share this sad news. I haven’t been to Canada since spending time with Aunt Dorothy. I’ve moved to Minnesota to be near my daughter and then Covid years didn’t make it an easy trip to Canada anymore. I’m so sorry for your loss. My husband Mike’s fondest memories were of visiting relatives in Canada when he was a kid.
Joe Slade
My deepest condolences to Don’s family. I was fortunate to have known and worked with Don for many years at OPG. What a wonderful man! His energy, enthusiasm and booming laugh was contagious! I am so shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing.
Kim and Sylvia Murphy
Brenda and family, so sorry to hear of this tragic news, our hearts go out to you.
Lise Morton
My deepest condolences to you Brenda and to the entire family. Working with Don for so many years, I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. You always knew when he was coming down the hallway and he would bound into my office, full of energy and questions and with the best laugh. He was always a solid, hard-working leader with the utmost integrity.
Al and Rosalie Zettler
Dear Brenda, our hearts go out to you, Fraser and Amanda and Jacob and Anthony, and to Ashley and Tait during this difficult and sad time. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Love from Al and Rosalie
Evelyn Vincent
Gord, Geraldine and families
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort
Susan Moore
Brenda and family, Gord and Doreen:
My heart breaks for you all!
Holding you in my thoughts and prayers!