MIDDLETON: Donald Westman of Toronto, formerly of London Township
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On August 6, 2021 @ 5:25 PM In Lucan,Obituary | 10 Comments
Only son of the late Earl and Wilda (Westman) Middleton. Born in 1928, in London Township. Died August 2, 2021. Survived by his husband Filomeno Jose (married October 25, 2020) and predeceased by his partner of 62 years, Clayton Wilson. Filomeno was Don’s constant support for more than 40 years.
Don was born on a farm and worked in the family grocery store in London, was educated at St. Mary’s Collegiate, and raised in the United Church. He served as a Middlesex County Representative and Provincial President of Junior Farmers before accepting a position as a Secretary Fieldman of the local Federation of Agriculture. Don then joined the staff of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Director of Properties in 1960, appointed as a Member of the Land Compensation Board in 1970 and then cross-appointed to the Ontario Municipal Board in 1980. Don also served in Compensation and Conservation for two Government Committees and helped create the Land Compensation Board.
When Don expressed his concern with his sexuality to the Chaplain at the Ontario Agricultural College, he received the advice “Get on with your life!” which is exactly what Don did.
During his life, Don supported more than 100 Developing World children, served on the Foster Parents Plan Board, as well as on the Boards of Canadian Alternative Investment and the 519. He was an active and beloved member of Trinity St. Paul’s United Church and the United Church in Granton.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Thursday, August 12th from 1 – 2 PM, where the funeral service will be held at 2 PM with Pastor Paul Vollick officiating. Interment Birr United Cemetery. Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation and funeral, please click “Register Now” below to register.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Charitable donations from the estate will be made through the United Church Foundation.
Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and, in particular, to Filomeno Jose, his tireless and loving caretaker.
Condolences for the family of “MIDDLETON: Donald Westman of Toronto, formerly of London Township”
Mr Middleton, I didn’t know you, but I wish I did. Thanks for your pioneering work with agriculture, the government and being yourself, whatever your preferences. I am sure your comfort with your sexuality has and will help our fellow Canadians to realize that there are no barriers to achievement, unless you put them there.
Sincerely, Carmen Jones
Our sympathy on the passing of Don. He was greatly admired by my Grandmother many years ago for always remembering her with cards and letters at Christmas time or special occasions. He was also very generous to the Granton United Church (now Villages United) never forgetting his roots…a kind, thoughtful and generous soul…Don and Heather Benner
Condolences to Don’s family and friends. I remember him from his time in the Granton community and his very generous donations to our church over the years. He was a kind caring man who will be remembered.
Don and Clayton were always at the many special occasions we attended, and we had the privilege of visiting them at their cottage as well. He and Clayton will be sorely missed from our group. We also were invited to their event in London, when we lived in Lucknow, Ontario.
Clair Sedore and Fouad Hassan, Toronto
my heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends of Don Middleton
A memorable day was spent at their cottage with 30 Prime Timers members in October 2001.
Don was a man with strong, thoughtful opinions on almost any topic.
My fondest memories of Don are at the cottage at Nine Mile Lake.
He seemed most at home entertaining and was always a consummate host. He loved to laugh with an ever present sparkle in his eyes.
He was also the de facto family historian. Always ready with interesting stories from our past.
My wife, Sue, only met Don on a couple of occasions but always felt included as part of the family.
I am sure Clayton is dealing him in to a hand of Euchre as we speak. :-)
Meno, you have been such a big part of Don’s life for so long and made the last years of his life more complete. Our thoughts are with you.
Meno,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Don was a friend of so many, and was a pleasure to be around. We particularly enjoyed playing bridge with Don, and our coffee moments with Don and yourself in the backyard. Keep strong.
Sending our condolences to Don’s family and friends. Don was part of our wedding party 71 years ago. We kept in touch over all the years especially through our Christmas mail. Marguerite Garrett and Family
Still remembered as a great gentleman and adjudicator, both empathetic and firm. Thank you Don for living your life well
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Our sympathy to Don’s family and friends.