The family of Donald (Don) McCaffrey is saddened to report his passing on Monday, December 16, 2024, age 94. The son of Duncan Roland McCaffrey and Macey Louise (Husted) McCaffrey, Don is survived by his brother Roland and sister-in-law Marianne, and his nieces and nephew Sue (Steven Pettipiere), Sharon Court (Bruce), Kimberley Mansey-Walker (Robert), Jim (Roxane Gagnon), Pam (Fred Stride), and his many great-nieces and -nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Born in Woodstock in 1930, Don completed design studies at what was then Ryerson College in Toronto. In 1963, he moved to Exeter to assist his father in Exeter Furniture, a family business that manufactured church furniture, where he remained until 2022. In 2023, he moved to Kingston, to be close to his family.
Don became involved in music at the urging of his sister-in-law Marianne, because of his wonderful bass voice. He initially sang with the Exeter United Church Choir and the Huronia Men’s Chorus, and over time sang with the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus, the Blyth Festival Singers, the Huronia Choir and the Hensall United Church Choir. His involvement in the Blyth Festival went beyond music: he volunteered in a variety of roles, was stage manager for over a decade, joined the Board of Directors, became Board Chair, oversaw a $2.3M expansion of the theatre, and even took on some acting roles. He was renowned, everywhere but especially at Blyth, for his great, infectious laugh and his warm smile.
Don loved to drive, which was an asset in the business, since the company installed furniture in churches from Alberta to Labrador. For many years, he happily chauffeured his parents on sight-seeing tours around Ontario. After Roland and his family moved to Kingston, Don thought nothing of the 5-hour drive from Exeter, for holiday get-togethers and special occasions, well into his eighth decade.
We, his nieces and nephew, have spent our lives in the warmth of his love and kindness. When our grandmother could no longer bake, Uncle Don took over the preparation of our birthday cakes; to this day, we love angel food. We looked forward each year to the gift of his presence at Christmas, and the added bonus of Sugar and Spice chocolates. We all cherish our conversations with him on a variety of topics: wood-working and churches, music, the environment, politics, family history, and a wealth of other subjects. His passing leaves a huge gap in our hearts and our lives.
We are profoundly appreciative of Pamela, Don’s youngest niece, for her attentive support and devoted, loving care of Don since his move to Kingston, and particularly in his final days.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Don’s friends and neighbours for their many kindnesses to him over the years, and especially to Barb Brock, whose friendship included ensuring he had holiday dinners during the pandemic, and Susan Smith, for 45 years of neighbourly care and banana bread. We are thankful to the staff at Kingsdale Chateau in Kingston for their kindness and comfort, during his residence there.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Saturday, May 3rd at 3 PM with a time of fellowship and refreshment to follow. Cremation with a private family interment, Exeter Cemetery.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
If desired, donations in memory of Don may be made to the Blyth Festival. An organization near and dear to his heart.
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).
John and Wendi Schwindt
I am sorry I cannot be there on Saturday to sing with the choir to honour Don and his great voice. He was our neighbour and a wonderful influence on my part in the Worship and Music committee. When his vision for the front of the church was presented, it was a real treasure. And a living legacy to a wonderful man…thank you, Don…sing on…
Joanne Walters
I remember Don well from my days of volunteering & working at the Blyth Festival. You always knew Don was in the building when you heard his distinctive laugh. He loved to laugh & made you want to laugh too — even if you were having a bad day! He will be singing with the angels now. Keep ’em laughing, Don. My condolences to his family on your loss.
Archbishop Dr. Michael R. Foreman
My deepest condolences to the family. Don was always one of my favourite people when I was kid growing up in Exeter.
Gail Mason nee Travers
My first memory of Don is him taking me under his wing as a singing partner in I believe was the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “Patience”, when i was just 13. I’m sure we “looked” the odd couple with a 20 year difference! It made for a lasting respect and a treasuring of his company whenever we met. I have missed that laugh and smile and warmth since he moved to Kingston and was saddened when his shop was demolished.
How lovely for your family to have him close these past years.
I am sure in your grief you celebrate a life well lived!
Doug Hocking and Kate Monk
Don used his talents to the fullest and his passing has left a hole in our community. I know it was a small job for him compared to his other projects at Exeter Furniture, but he saved our family’s early 20th century dining room table by crafting new wooden sliders. Take care, Doug and Kate
Robert F Blackwell
Don was a devoted , faithful member of the Blyth Festival Singers during my time as music director. I will remember his joyful chuckle and his delight in telling me of his work experiences in the church furniture business.
He will be greatly missed.
Sandra Newton
It was a pleasure to be in Don’s company. He was also positive and interesting to talk to has he many stories to share. It was great to see him at the Blyth theatre as he also welcomed you
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I knew him from Probus and directing us to our seats at the Blyth
theatre. I met him when I went to visit Jean at times. Extending my sincere condolences.
Sandra Newton
Joan
Don had a booming laugh that carried across the theatre and always made me smile. He was the consummate volunteer, an inspiration to us all.
Jane Gardner
Grateful to have known him since 1988, Don was one of those rare volunteer leaders whose enthusiasm for music and theatre made an enormous contribution to many choirs and in particular, the Blyth Festival over many decades. Don’s booming bass in Blyth’s choir, his passion for the arts and joyful laughter at decades of performances in Blyth are cherished memories. My deepest condolences to Don’s family. He will be missed.
Marian Doucette
Don was a special man. He was a craftsman, a talented singer, and devoted to his family, community and the Blyth Festival. For many years Don served on the Board of Directors and was always willing to go the extra mile – working at events, overseeing major building projects, house managing, assisting with staff housing, and “being there” to provide support and encouragement. Somehow you always knew that things were going to be okay when you saw his red truck parked behind the theatre, or happened to hear his distinctive laugh, and if that wasn’t supportive enough, there was his wonderful smile. I feel fortunate to have had the privilege to work alongside Don at the Festival for many years, and to have benefited from his friendship. His physical presence will be missed, but he will remain in the hearts of many. RIP Don.
Pete Smith
Don remains a good man. I had many interactions with him over the years at the Blyth Festival during two major renovations of the Hall. I have many memories of the grand man but one that stands out is a letter he wrote me longhand when I was out on the west coast. It was filled with care and wisdom and thoughts I continue to ponder. He worked for community because he believed in community. He is missed. Condolences to the family and his many friends. We lost a good one but can carry on remembering Don’s care, wisdom and thoughtfulness – attributes that can lead us to higher ground. RIP Don.
Betty Rean and Gary Coursey
Dons laughter and helping hands will be missed. It was a pleasure to sing with him as part of the Blyth Festival Singers, and work with him at the Blyth Festival for many years.
Jeff Hearn
I sat next to Don in the Blyth Festival Singers. A bright part of my life just knowing him. I think of him often when I sit in an uncomfortable church pew knowing that he would have a comment about the seat “pitch” and the back “rake” He would look upwards and wonder why the builders would make them in such an uncomfortable way…
Joe and Willi Laurie
Marianne and Roland, we are so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of singing with Don and so many different choirs over the years and enjoyed his friendly, jovial nature and his observations on life. We have missed him a lot once he made his home in Kingston, and know that he has been well cared for in his new home. Hope all your memories of Don will sustain you in the coming months.
Brenda Hern
To Don’s Family – I was very sorry to read of Don’s passing. My mom Jean Hodgert was a long time neighbour and friend of Don’s and she spoke highly of him. Our condolences at this sad time. – Brenda &Ivan Hern
Paul Wraith
I had just started my career when I met Don when he oversaw the Festival reno back in late 80s. He was such a gentleman, seemed to go out of his way to make me feel part of team. Despite only ever connecting with him a few times during that project he is a man I never forgot. Seems everyone else agrees, such a kind and caring man. Sorry I never connected again or had a chance to see his workshop.
Thompson
Dear McCaffrey Family
Our condolences to you . We always enjoyed interacting with Don at The Blyth Festival Theatre .
A very pleasant man and very knowledgeable too . He will be missed by many people .
Rest in Peace Don
Michael & Kathy
George and Sue Wilson
Don’s family, Pam, heartfelt condolences on Don’s passing. He was a friend of my parents, Doug and Dorothy Insley. Don and my Dad, sang in the choir at Exeter United Church. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ila Mathers
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
Many fond memories come to mind as we remember our long association with Don. Our shared passion for the Blyth Theatre was one of many. His jovial laugh and friendly smile were missed when he no longer sang in our church choir.
We are so happy that he went to be near the family he loved so much.
Our thoughts are with the entire family that were our best neighbours for many years
Ken & Joan Agnew
We will always remember his hearty laugh & good nature as a charter member of the Probus Club of Exeter. He would often lead us in song and promoted many tours & plays at Blyth. Don was a huge contributor to the club & community. Our sympathies to his family.
Marilyn Waldeck
It is sad to hear of the loss of Don. He was well liked by many who will remember him for all his work in our community, a beautiful singer and huge asset to the Blyth Theater, a good neighbour and friend.
Marilyn Waldeck
It is sad to hear of the loss of Don. He was well liked by many who will remember him for all his work in our community, a beautiful singer and huge asset to the Blyth Theater, a good neighbour and friend.
Phil Legault
My condolences to the McCaffrey family on the loss of an angel. I worked for Don and Roland in the mid 70s.
The out of town trips to install pews etc… gave me a chance to get to know an incredible person with a contagious laugh.
May you rest in piece Don. My life is better having gotten to know you.
Joanne Maloney Flanagan
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Don while volunteering at Blyth Festival Theatre. He was a true gentleman. Always a friendly smile and so helpful when I was new to the Theatre. I have missed his presence these last couple years. Cherish your memories!
Jim and Betty De Block
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I can still remember Don’s unique laugh. He was appreciated for his singing and his voice will ring out even if is not here.
Darlene Porter
Don was a valued member of Probus club arranged Blyth festival theatre and dining outings. I wish to thank him on behalf of Probus Exeter and extend condolence to the family .
Peter and Janis Bisback
Sending condolences and many hugs to each of you. I knew Don through our shared interest in the Blyth Festival . He was a remarkable many with a distinctive laugh. So many of us will miss him dearly.
Beverly Edwards
Sorry for your loss,my condolences to the family. My brother Wayne worked for Don for many years, I remember him well,may he rest in peace 🙏