Donald A Church

Passed 03/29/2025

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Obituary For Donald A Church

“ Forever in our Hearts”

It is with a profound sense of loss and sadness that the Church family of Halifax announces the passing of beloved father, grandfather and husband Donald A Church (89), P.Eng. after a stoic fight with cancer on March 29th, 2025 .

Don spent much of his formative years in the loving care of his Grandmother, Aunts, and Uncles at the family farm in Harcourt, Kent County, N.B. He would often entertain with tales of life on the farm, education in a one room school house and other stories imbued with a rustic wisdom and humor that only a life in the country could bring.

From the one room school house to the city came Moncton High School where Don was often seen running around the track. Here he was noticed and admired by a young lady whose house lay across from the field. They would later meet face to face at the Acadia University campus where Don was in PreEng studies. One day Don received a phone call from Daryl Jamieson’s friend who was pretending to be Daryl to invite Don to accompany her to the Sadie Hawkins’ dance. Daryl was much too shy to have called the dashing young man herself and as fate would have it they would be inseparable for over 67 years.

At Acadia, Don was an accomplished athlete competing in varsity track and field, varsity basketball , badminton and curling and in later years, was Seniors’ Doubles Badminton NS champion actively involved in Badminton Nova Scotia .His love of sports, nature and an active lifestyle gave him much joy throughout the years. His hobbies included gardening , beekeeping, golfing, fishing, strength training, running etc. Many of which he continued well into his later years. Also he was an avid reader knowledgeable in history and literature with a deep interest in the American Civil War. He had a great regard for Abraham Lincoln and Henry David Thoreau. In private he was quick to help out a neighbor in need whether by shoveling a driveway ,sharing a fishing catch or the bounty of his garden and apiary. He donated his rare blood type over a hundred times and donated generously to many charities. Without a doubt the world is a lesser place with his passing.

After completing his Engineering degree at NSTC, Don began an accomplished career as a Civil Engineer with Nova Scotia Light & Power and NS Power. His work on major power projects all over Nova Scotia included Point Tupper, Point Aconi, Tufts Cove , Wreck Cove and Lequille Hydro Power. As a senior project manager many were impressed with his patient, considerate and cool under pressure demeanor. He radiated honesty and integrity with all manner of people and negotiated conflicts with a dignity and fairness that commanded respect. He had the qualities of a gentleman and a true leader but in humble fashion would be the last to admit it.

Don is survived by Daryl Church his wife of 67 years and sons Geoffrey, Bradley and Derek, daughter in law Mijin( Jin) Kim and his granddaughters Julianna (Julie) and Marlene (Lena). His memory will be forever cherished by his family but also by his many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He is predeceased by father Aaron Church, Mother Frances Macpherson (when Don was 2 years of age) stepmother Jennie Isabelle ,older brothers Gerald and Ronald Church , sister June Aud and child siblings Elsie May, Harry Vincent, and Aaron Frances.

Our gratitude goes out to the many healthcare givers who came to assist us in the last few months, his personal physician Micheal Gerges and the many friends and neighbors whose genuine concern has been all so evident during this difficult time.

It was Don’s wish that no formal funeral event be observed . A celebration of life is to be scheduled for a later date with internment at the family plot in Fairhaven Cemetery, Moncton New Brunswick. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society ,The Red Cross or a charity of your choosing.

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Condolences

  • 04/13/2025

    Nell Mallett

    Daryl. and Family. Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of Don. My husband Garth and Don knew each other working together in the engineering profession for many years and Daryl you and I in the PEWA Wives association. Daryl, I can relate to what you are going through as I lost my husband in November, 2024. I will be thinking of you and your family. Nell Mallett

  • 04/08/2025

    Jack Garnett

    Deep sorrow and sincere condolences to Don's family. From my first meeting with Don at Acadia University in 1953, he quickly became one of my closest lifelong friends; just the nicest human being one could ever know. Jack and Barbara Garnett

  • 04/06/2025

    Judith Rupchan

    Daryl and family, my heart is broken for you at the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. A true gentleman, Don always exhibited a quiet strength and confidence during a conversation. I saw him a year ago and he still looked the same. May you feel God's strength as you walk through the coming days and draw strength from each other. Love, Judy Burgess Rupchan

  • 04/06/2025

    Lynette Newton

    I'm forever grateful for Don and Darryl's help for Mom after Dad died. I'll always remember Don's great smile as he delivered groceries for Mom. I am so sorry for your great loss. Love and blessings

  • 04/06/2025

    Beth Guptill

    Oh Daryl - I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing . My heart goes out to you and your family . A lovely man , he will be so deeply missed . My deepest condolences and sending love to you .

  • 04/06/2025

    Ann Mazerolle

    Daryl. I was so sad to hear about Don's passing! He was such a lovely man. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Ann Mazerolle

  • 04/06/2025

    Doreen Johnson

    I am so sorry for your loss Daryl and family. June spoke very highly of him and I got to know him as well. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Much ❤️ love. Doreen Johnson

  • 04/06/2025

    Sylvia Bannister

    I am so sorry for your loss Daryl.I certainly know the loss you feel. May the Love of God sustain you and your family at this time. Sincerely Sylvia Bannister

  • 04/06/2025

    Elspeth Leger

    My sympathies Daryl and family. He was the baby brother Junie, talk about so much and was so proud of. He will be missed for sure by all who knew him.

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