LEWIS: Donald Robert of Exeter, formerly of McGillivray Township
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On January 28, 2026 @ 3:29 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 110 Comments
At South Huron Hospital, after a long battle with health issues, Don passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in his 88th year with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Edith (Carter) for 61 years. Much loved father of his two sons Jim (Cindy) and Larry and his wife Lynne both of Exeter. Proud Grandpa of two beautiful granddaughters Morgan (Lucas) and Brooke (Josh). Dear brother and brother-in-law of Norman and Linda Lewis, Marie Broom, Wayne and Jo-Ann Rowe, Robert and Bernice Martin, Gladys Lewis, and Ron and Merna Scott. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and Jessie (Morley) Lewis and mother and father-in-law Joe and Margaret (Linden) Carter, sister Helen Thompson, brother Allan Lewis, and brothers-in-law Gerald Thompson and Ken Broom.
Don started ditching with Kelly Robinson before moving to Exeter where he worked at Custom Trailers and later when it became Northlander Industries as Purchasing Manager. Don was an aviation enthusiast and got his pilot’s licence where he flew the parachute jumpers out of Grand Bend and also flew blood from blood donor clinics in Kincardine to London so they could get the blood there faster. He then proceeded to teach ground school at the local high school where many other area pilots learned to get their licences.
After flying, Don looked for something else to do with his spare time and converted a motor coach bus into a motor home where he and Edith travelled all over Ontario to plowing matches, to Port Huron, The Old Homestead on long weekends, and many trips to Florida during the winter until they decided to buy a place down there.
Don really enjoyed sports and loved taking his sons to ball or hockey games, and helped either coaching or umpiring if needed. When they both retired from playing sports, he then followed Morgan and Brooke in their sports activities and was considered their #1 Fan!!
During the summer months, Don and Edith were often seen traveling the streets of Exeter on their golf cart, stopping to meet and chat with others.
Special thanks to his home care nurses, Cassie, Fallon, and Charlene for the wonderful care they provided, helping to keep him comfortable and at home for as long as possible. Thankful appreciation is also extended to the staff at South Huron Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness during his final days.
At the request of the family, cremation has taken place with a private family ceremony at a later date. Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER entrusted with arrangements.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences for the family of “LEWIS: Donald Robert of Exeter, formerly of McGillivray Township”
My best childhood memories involve my neighbours don and edith..Don was always a kind thoughtful man that will greatly be missed..my sympathies to Edith Jim and Larry and family
Very sad to hear this. We were neighbours and I also worked with Don on the electrical crew for a few years at Northlander when I worked there for a short stint. Went up in the plane with Don a few times. He always made the trip exciting. I used to babysit Jim and Larry when they were wee ones. All we did was play mini sticks until they crashed out. Easy money for a teenager. Much love to the Lewis Family on losing a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Don was definitely one of the good ones. RIP Don.
My condolences to the Lewis family. I remember when Don and Edith bought their lot from my Dad and built their home on Huron St. Always great neighbors. I trust that all your wonderful memories will help you thru this tough time.
To the Lewis family,
Very sad news. A true gentleman. Accept our sincere condolences. Cherish the memories. RIP
Aunt Edith, Jim & Cindy, Larry & Lynne Morgan & Brooke, Lucas & Josh.
My sincerest condolences. His memory will be forever with you all.
Many great memories. May you RIP good friend
Edith and family.
Please accept my deepest condolences on Don’s passing. He will be missed.
Larry, Lynn & Family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May Angels Watch Over You
To Edith & the Lewis Family
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Don. We enjoyed seeing Don & Edith coming around our neighbourhood with the golf cart. Mom & Dad had a lot of fond memories camping with them
RIP Don
Edith, Jim and Larry so sorry to hear of Donny’s passing. Have many memories of Don through hockey and having taken ground school with him. Always enjoyed our chats. Such a loss.
“Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter silvered wings” (high flight)
Fly high Donnie!!!
Our sincere condolences to Edith and family, and to Don’s extended family. We have fond memories of our flying get togethers.
Edith and family deepest condolences on the loss of Don. May the memories be a blessing. I worked with Edith at SHH.
Sending our sincere condolences to the entire Lewis family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Edith, Jim, Larry and families so sorry to hear of Donald’s passing
Always enjoyed visiting with him at hockey rinks
Our condolences to Edith, Jim, Larry and Family on their loss of Don. We only moved to the neighbourhood five years ago and OMG what great neighbours. We became friends. Don and Edith would come over on their golf cart and we would visit, they taught us how to play Pepper, and even though we never got it we played euchre with them. So much fun and great neighbours. We helped them and they helped us……Don will be really missed, he was a really special man with a huge heart and a great smile and laugh. Rest in peace Don. To Edith and Family hold your memories close to your heart, we know you have many, and this will help you navigate through the loss of this very special man.
Edith Jim Larry and Family’s Sending condolences during this difficult time. Cherish the memories as they are now a treasure.
Jim and Family
Please accept our condolences in this very difficult time. Bruce has memories of working with Don at Northlander, he was such a friendly man. Always had a smile for you. Don will always be fondly remembered and he certainly will be missed.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our deepest condolences. May you cherish the memories.
Condolences Edith and to all of family and friends of Don.
‘Lewie’ , as we called Don when he worked at Robinson Farm Drainage, was always smiling, a wonderful person and worker. I fondly remember rainy days when farm drainage crew worked at home shop . A # of the Robinson kids would follow Lewie around the whole day laughing as he kept watchful eye , teased and joked with the kids Also making us work …
Edith and family, may Don’s memory bring you lots of smiles and comfort.
Edith & Family: Our sincere condolences on the passing of Don. He lived a good life and is now out of pain and at peace. Keep your precious memories close to your heart. We are thinking about you at this difficult time. Rest in peace Neighbour.
Edith and family. Our sincere sympathy in the passing of Don. Keep all the wonderful memories in your hearts in the difficult days and months ahead.
Edith, Jim, Larry and families:
My sincere condolences in the passing of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Cherish all the wonderful memories. Hugs Joan
So saddened to hear the passing ‘Uncle’ Donny. Known for many years
Always part of my family . Donny is a great man. My condolences to you Edith and the rest of families. God Bless. And Rest in peace!
Dear Edith, Jim, Larry, & Family
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have fond memories of working with Don at Northlander Industries many years ago. Since then any time I saw Don he was always so friendly and entertaining.
May the memories of better happier days sustain you during this difficult time and going forward.
RIP Don.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family,
Thinking of you all during this time.
“Mr. Lewy” always had a smile and would go out of his way to say hello and have a chat.
My sincerest condolences.
To the Lewis Family, we are so very sorry for your loss. It was always lovely to see Don at the arena or baseball diamonds over the years, he cheered everyone on! May memories warm your hearts.
Our sympathies to Edith and family. Don was always a gentleman who was always ready to help. So many memories to comfort you at this sad time
Edith Jim and Larry
Very saddened to hear of Donnie passing
He sure had a great personality Our thoughts and prayers
are with all of you at this very sad time
Edith and family
We are so sorry to hear about Don. He seemed to always have a smile on his face and a friendly hello.
We offer our condolences to all of you at this time.
Edith and family, please accept my condolence and thoughts that are with you.
Edith, Jim, Larry & Family
Sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Always remember done at the rink throughout minor hockey and Exeter Hawk days. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Edith and Family;
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of a dear Husband, Father and Grandfather and Friend. Don was a good friend to our family for many years and I will cherish the many memories of good times together.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
Sending my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Always enjoyed visits at Sexsmith and other flying events. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
Edith, Jim, Larry ,and families.
We are saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Don at Northlander years ago. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Edith and your family
We are sorry to hear that Don has passed away. We will miss seeing you two on the golf cart touring around on Pryde. Thinking of you in the days ahead.
Edith & Family – sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our condolences.
The many memories of his activities with Family, Co-workers & the many people he interacted with
over the years will be treasured & provide some great comfort for all.
Edith, Jim, Larry and Lynne. So sorry for the loss of one great guy. Sure would be hard to think of one memory we all had as he and Jim were together from child hood. Remember all the great times and smile…
Condolences to Edith and family
Edith Jim Cindy. Larry Lynne’s & the granddaughters
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing
Don & Edith were great friends of our parents.
Spent many weekends at the arena watching the boys play hockey
Great memories!
Please know we are thinking of you at this time. Hugs
My condolences to the Lewis Family Don was a great Cousin and I had the pleasure of working with him at Robinson Farm Drainage and Northlander Mobile Homes for many years
Edith & families My deepest condolences on your loss.
Pleased accept my condolences Edith..for the loss of your loved one..Hold on tight to all of your memories.
My deepest sympathy to Edith and your family.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family….
I am sorry to read of Don’s death. Always enjoyed chatting when they would stop while out touring on the golf cart. Cherish your wonderful memories of a very thoughtful and well liked member of our community.
Edith, Jim, Larry, Lynne, Morgan and Brooke. Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so happy that his sister (Helen) got to have a visit with home two weeks ago!
Edith, Jim, Cindy, Larry, Lynne and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time and days to come.
Sending love and hugs,
My condolences to all Don’s family may he rest in peace
Edith, Jim & Cindy, Larry & Lynne and families:
Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time in your loss of Don – a husband, father, grandfather and friend to everyone. A truly great guy who wore so many different hats at Northlander during my time there. May all of his wonderful memories he has left with you become treasures you will carry in your hearts forever as you journey forward.
Deepest Sympathy.
Sincerely
Marion
To all of Edith and Don’s family… sorry to hear of Don’s passing please accept our sincere condolences and hold on tight to all your wonderful memories
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of my good friend, Don’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Don at Northlander Industries for over 18 years.
We had some great times, which I will never forget.
My thoughts go out to Don’s family and friends, he will be sincerely missed by all.
To Edith, Jim, Larry and families
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Edith & family, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Just know our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family, my deepest condolences, Don will be missed by all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Lewis family I worked with Don for many years. Great coworker, and a wonderful friend. You will be missed.
Edith Jim Larry and Families
We will miss seeing Don sitting on the front porch watching the world go by
We are sending our condolences and sympathy
Edith and all the family
So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was always so friendly when you met him. I know you all will have lots of wonderful memories to help you through this very sad time
With Deepest Sympathy.
Edith & Family
My condolences to you all at this difficult time. He always had a smile on his face and a wave when him & Edith would come into the subdivision on the golf cart. Treasure the special memories you all have of him. Thinking of you all & sending hugs.
Edith, Jim, Cindy, Larry, Lynn & girls,
I’m so sorry for your loss, I’ve known this family my whole life & I know he will be greatly missed. Keep your memories close & talk about him lots, sending my thoughts, prayers & great big hugs.
Edith, Jim, Larry, families and friends
We are so saddened to learn of Don’s passing.
His eulogy is so fitting, he helped a lot of people in different ways.
Our condolences to all.
May your memories of him bring you comfort in the future.
Please accept our deepest condolences on Don’s passing. A close neighbour to the Lee’s on the 11th concession of McGillivray Twp. until he moved to Exeter. I recall Don taking me flying one Sunday to search for missing livestock. A flight I will always remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during the weeks and months ahead.
Edith and families..
My Sincere Sympathy in your loss of Don.
He will have left you all with many happy memories.
Thinking of you as you grieve his loss……
Edith, Jim & Larry and family
We were so sorry to hear that Don has passed. We remember all those hockey games with the boys.
Our sincere sympathy to each of you.
Edith, Jim and Cindy, Larry and Lynne, Morgan and Brooke, Lewis family, Carter family, heartfelt condolences on Don’s passing. He was a friendly man, liked to tease. Always smiling. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs.
Don has slipped the surely bonds of earth. Fly free my friend.
Flew with Don at Sexsmith for many years.
Our deepest condolences to you Edith, and your family.
Sorry to read of Don’s passing
To Edith, Jim, Larry and family
On behalf of Sexsmith Pilots, we would like to send our condolences to all.
Don was an early aviator at Sexsmith and was a charter member of our new Company after Leonard passed away.
He has gained his wings and maybe with his fellow pilots of years gone by. Gone but not forgotten.
May your memories bring you comfort in the future as you think of Don.
Our sincere condolences with Don’s passing
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
Our condolences on the loss of Don. Always a pleasure to run into him at the arena or ball diamond and have a quick chat. We will miss seeing him sitting on his front porch and giving a wave while driving past.
Condolences to Edith and family over your loss. Always looked forward to Don and Edith coming out to watch our lawn bowling efforts. RIP friend.
Aunt Edith, Jim, Larry and family
There are no words that can take away the pain of losing someone you love so dearly. Please know that you are in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
Edith & family…..we were sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We enjoyed their visits on the side of the road when they were touring shadow lane on the golf cart. RIP Don.
Edith, Jim, Larry & family
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Rick worked with Don at Northlander Industries. He was a great co-worker and trained Rick in purchasing. Don also took two of our family up in his plane when they were teenagers. They still remember the experience he gave them on what it was like to fly.
He has left you with a wonderful legacy of memories.
Rick, Judith and family
Our sincere condolences to Edith, Jim, Larry and family.
Don always found time to talk whether it be at Sexsmith or HMP .
R.I.P. dear friend
To Edith, Jim, Larry and extended family, we express our sincere sympathy.
Known the Lewis family for many years……remember when Don chose one of the Carter girls to be his life long partner! Edith…you made his life completely the best! He loved his whole family from the bottom of his heart, and was always willing to talk about their accomplishments. He was So proud of all of you! Don lived a good life, do him a a favour…smile when you think of him and your times together…he would like that!
RIP Don.
My deepest ‘Sympathy’ Edith & Family.
Edith & families Sincere condolences at this sad time. Keep those precious memories close to your heart. Bill & Audrey
Sorry to hear of Don passing. My condolences to Edith and the family.
Edith ,Jim ,Larry and Family.
Please accept my condolence in the passing of Don.
We had lots of fun at the ball diamond years ago.
Jeff Borland
Edith, Jim, Cindy, Larry, Lynne, Morgan, Lucas, Brooke and Josh,
We are so sad to learn of Don’s passing. He was kind and so deeply devoted to his family. You must have so many wonderful memories! In time they will bring comfort and make you smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Edith and family, our sympathy on Don’s passing. He was a man who always had a smile on his face and a friendly hello. Cherish all the wonderful memories!
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Condolences to all of Don’s family on his passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. He was always a pleasure to be around.
Steve and Trish Gould.
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I worked with Don at Custom Trailers and then later Northlander for 12 years. He was a great co-worker and wonderful person. He will be missed.
Edith, Jim, Larry and Families
Our condolences. We always enjoyed Donny’s sense of humour and camaraderie at Sexsmith.
Great memories!
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
Sending our deepest condolences to you all. We hope all the great memories you hold will help you through this difficult time.
Paul and Paula Gorman
Our sincere condolences, during this difficult time. Don was always a pleasure to be around, especially when it came to his knowledge about aviation. He will be missed by many.
Edith, Larry, Jim and families,
Debbie and I would like to pass on our most sincere condolences. Don & I worked together at Northlander for a number of years and I was always impressed with his knowledge of the products we purchased, but I also enjoyed his sense of humour and numerous sports conversations. Donny’s passion for his family was second to none.
May your many years of wonderful memories help get you through this most difficult time.
Don will be missed by all who knew him.
My deepest sympathy Edith, to you and your family. I’m sure Don and Lloyd are enjoying a coffee reunion together.
To the Entire Lewis Family,
So saddened to hear about Don. He is a peace now and no longer in pain. Mark has many memories of him growing up. We will miss him on the golf cart for a visit.
Mark, Mary Ellen, Jack and Sam
FInlayson
To Don’s whole family-
Our sincere sympathies on hearing of his passing.
He was a great guy and will be surely missed. We knew him for a long time.
Sincerely
Dave & Blanche Collins & Family.
to all the Lewis fam.Tony remems him from Northlander we remem. Jim from Bowling !! so sorry for your loss.
Edith , Jim, Larry and families. Allan and I will always remember our times at the hockey arenas. We had many laughs together.Don had a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
Nancy and Al
Edith & family..
Our sincere condolences.
Lots of good memories
Barry & Melonie
Edith & Family I extend my sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Beautiful pictures & lots of memories to share. Take Care.
Margaret Brintnell
Edith, Jim, Larry and families.
Our condolences to all the family during this difficult time. Will always remember the plane rides and chats at the arena and ball diamonds. Another good one lost. Cherish the memories.
Greg & Sandy Burns.
To the Lewis family,
My condolences at this sad time.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Don. Our thoughts and prayers go to all the family. Met Don several times at the ‘Old Homestead’ and many ball games over the years. Enjoyed all the conversations we had!!
Edith, Jim, Cindy, Larry, Lynne, Morgan, Lucas, Brooke, Josh,
Our sincere condolences to you on Don’s passing. He was always a joy to chat and joke around with.
A lot of fond memories with Don at the ball diamond.
The Borland Family
Edith, Jim, Larry and family
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a pleasure speaking with Don at the ball diamond. The Exeter Braves may not have had many fans, but Don was always there, cheering his boys and the team on.
Sincere condolences to Edith, Larry, Lynne, Jim, Cindy, Morgan, Lucas, Brooke and Josh on the passing of Don. A good life lived but he will be so missed. Cherish your many wonderful memories.
Edith, Jim, Larry, Lynne, Morgan & Brooke & Families
I was so saddened to see of Don’s passing. At least he is Pain free now.
I’m So Sorry to You All for your Loss of such a Great Man! He so Loved his Family.
I will Miss his chat’s & was so hoping for one more with him. Don had a Great sense of humour!
Loved looking at the pictures. May your Many Memories Bring you Comfort in the Days & Months Ahead. Sending Love & Big Hugs to you all.
Edith, Jim, Larry and Families
Sending our deepest condolences on the passing of Donnie. He was such a great neighbour and he sure will be missed. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
RIP Donnie
Edith, Jim, Larry and Family.
So saddened to hear about Don. His pain and suffering are now gone. A good one will be missed who knew him.
Edith, Jim, Larry & family
Our sincere condolences to all of the Lewis family during this difficult time, we are sorry for your loss.
Edith, Jim, Larry and Families. So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing, Sending you our sincere condolences. Will miss our little visits on the street in passing on your golf cart. Thinking of you all during these difficult days.
Edith, Jim, Cindy, Larry, Lynne, Morgan, Lucas, Brooke and Josh,
Our deepest condolences! Don was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Your many memories will bring you many smiles. He loved all of you very much!
Our sincere condolences Edith and family.
My condolences to the family. Knew Don from the sexsmith airport, always a real gentleman. May he rest in Gods eternal peace.
Edith, Jim & Cindy, Larry & Lynne, Morgan & Lucas, Brooke & Josh & Don’s extended family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Don.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer.
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Edith, Jim, Larry and family
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. You have so many memories to cherish.