Donald A. Jessome
Passed 01/15/2018
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Obituary For Donald A. Jessome
Don, age 77, of Dartmouth, died peacefully on January 15, 2018 at home with his family surrounding him. He was born in Mill Creek, Bras d’Or and was a son of the late Henry Edward and Cassie (MacDougall) Jessome. The youngest of a family of thirteen children, Donnie is survived by his brother Barry (Delores Bras d’Or). He will be lovingly remembered by his eternal partner Sheila (Quinn), 58 years of marriage, his children Terri (Terry) Sydney Australia, Maureen (Tim) Bedford, Donald (Denise) Halifax, Louise (Mike) Halifax, Erin (Stefano) Halifax, Jennifer (Grant) Oakville, ON and Andrew (Mary) Windsor NS, his grand-children, Zac, Mykel, Quinn, Nick, Tess, Jade, Eillish, Max, Jasmin, Paige, Sydney, Marshall, and Maya, and by his great-grand-children Brody, Savannah and Kingsley. At the tender age of one, Mykel christened his grand-father Poppy-Don and he will be forever remembered by his entire family as such. With so many mouths to feed Don needed to be a great family provider and he excelled by any measure. Early in his career he started with the food service industry quickly climbing the ranks to VP of Sales with Cody Food Equipment and later starting his own business Jessom Food Equipment which he ran for 25 years before selling in 2012. Never sitting idle, he started a real estate business in 2001 where he was the designer and builder of many prominent properties throughout Halifax. He was highly regarded by the trades as he was always the first to help when things did not always go according to plan. After establishing his successful businesses, he took up many passions including great wine, hunting, fishing, traveling and boating. His love of the water culminated with his purchase of a beautiful sail boat which he named after his father and was enjoyed by the entire family and his many friends. He was an active member of the Dartmouth Yacht Club (DYC) where he became the Treasurer that oversaw the approval of their new Boat Club that will be finished for this summer’s activities. Whether fishing in Labrador, hunting in the highlands of Cape Breton or sailing along the Atlantic, Don, aka Big Dog to those who knew him best, had many life-long friends who greatly enjoyed his company and his love of life. As an active member of Saint Thomas More Parish, Don was a familiar face with his ever-expanding family marching in tow. Sheila and Don also enjoyed many great travel adventures together including an Alaskan Cruise, sailing the Caribbean with his daughter Louise and her husband Mike, safaris in South Africa, visiting his daughter Terri and her husband Terry in Australia on many occasions, or wine tasting in New Zealand. Don will be forever remembered by his family as the Rock of Gibraltar as he always insisted that everyone be included in all events, regardless of the numbers he wanted everyone to feel welcome. His famous spaghetti dinners on Sunday night will forever be legendary. In his last year he bravely faced his final challenge of cancer the same way he lived his life, courageously and proudly. Although he had many obstacles in his last year, nobody was going to tell him that his Monday night racing at DYC was too difficult. He may not have always finished first in the boat race, however he always did for his loyal crew. The family would like to give a special thank-you to Dr. Bob Oliver who was both Don’s first mate and invaluable care giver during his last months of battle. He will forever be remembered by his entire family as the one and only Poppy Don.
Visitation will occur on Thursday, January 18th from 4-7 PM at the Delta Hotel 240, Brownlow Ave, Dartmouth and the funeral mass will take place on Friday January 19th at 11AM, Saint Thomas More Parish, 15 Caledonia Rd, Dartmouth. Online condolences can be made at donaldkwalker.ca. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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Condolences
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01/23/2018
Maureen, Tim, Sheila and the entire Jessome family. Darrell and I were so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Sounds like you have a million memories to sustain you through the hard road ahead. Pleas accept our heartfelt condolences on you loss. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
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01/21/2018
We are very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our condolences to Sheila and the Jessome family. We have been neighbours with the Jessome's for many years and we will miss Don dearly. I will always remember the smile it would bring to my face when I would hear his larger-than-life voice carry with his joyful enthusiasm. He knew how to enjoy life. Donald's eulogy and everyone's participation made for a beautiful funeral service. It was a great send off for a great person who will not be forgotten. Jack Rossi and family.
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01/20/2018
Aunt Sheila, Terri, Maureen, Donald, Louise, Erin, Jennifer and Andrew, you have my very deepest and heartfelt condolences. Uncle Donnie was a great man with a huge heart and contagious laugh! I have many fond memories visiting Nova Scotia as a child. One memory that stands out for me was watching Uncle Donnie drop Lobsters into a pot of boiling water. I remember asking him if lobsters feel pain. Uncle Donnie replied; just for a minute, but wait until you taste them! And then came the roar of laughter. I hope and pray that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Uncle Donnie will be forever in our hearts and memories. With love.
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01/20/2018
This week we lost uncle Donnie. He was one of the most important people in my life. We shared many days, and weeks together throughout the years – always full of adventures, laughter and love. Uncle Donnie, I am thankful for every single one of the moments we got to share. For all the love and support you gave me always. Today I mourn, for you and the ones you leave behind. For your dear wife Aunt Sheila, your daughters and sons, for your grandchildren and great grandchildren, your brother and for your many friends and family. I will cherish them and all the memories I have of you till the day I die. One day I will see you again. Our family chain has broken, and nothing seems the same. But, as God calls us home one by one, the chain will link again. Love, forever.
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01/19/2018
On behalf of Sister Frances Beaton, CND please accept our condolences to Don's Family and the extended Jessome family. Aunt Cassie was our great Aunt and I grew up listening to the many stories and visits to Aunt Cassie's.
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01/19/2018
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Jessome Family on your loss. I was fortunate enough to have known Don and he is the kind of guy you could never forget. His big personality earned him the name "Big Dog".. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate through the upcoming weeks.
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01/18/2018
Our most sincere condolences to Sheila and the whole family. Don gave me my first job when I moved to Nova Scotia back in 1997. He was a fantastic mentor and I learned tremendously from him. Working for Don meant you were part of the family and I had the chance to meet everyone in the Jessome family and be invited a number of times to dinners and events at the Jessome household! After a few years in Nova Scotia, my family and I moved away but I always look back on the years at Jessome very fondly thanks to Don and his huge smile, laugh and joie de vivre! We will all miss you tremendously!
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01/18/2018
Sheila we were saddened and surprised to read of Don's passing although we had not seen you both in some time. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am sure you have many special times to recall which will bring much joy. Sincerely, Jeanette & George
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01/18/2018
My Sincere Condolences to Sheila and Family. I was both shocked and saddened to read of Don's passing. I had the privilege of working for Don several years past and have some very fond memories of that time and of Don and Sheila. I learned a lot from Don while working with him and can never forget his incredible Optimism and also his natural ability to make people laugh and feel welcome around him. He will be missed.
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01/18/2018
Sheila and family, FCSI, Foodservice Consultants Society International, Canadian Chapter, express condolences from all our foodservice professional and allied regional members. Don is remembered by all who knew him as a wonderful man in our industry. We will miss his smile and laughter !
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01/17/2018
So sorry for your loss. My Dad (Gordie) used to speak of Don awesome. I met Don at my father's funeral...such a warm and kindhearted man.
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01/17/2018
Condolences to all the family. We will always remember the Sunday spaghetti dinners at Spring Ave and hunting at the old Cody Settlement with Danny, Kenny and Joe. Maybe Danny,Kenny and Donnie can celebrate together now. Love to Sheila,Terry,Donald,Maureen,Tinker,Erin, Jennifer,and Andrew
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01/17/2018
Dearest Sheila, and Jessome Clan, My heart goes out to you. Great Uncle Donnie was a wonderful man, and I have many fond memories of visiting the Jessome household as a child. His warmth always made you feel so welcome. May you find comfort in cherished memories with dear friends and family during this difficult time. Sending love, and prayers, Emily Stillwell
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01/17/2018
My condolences to the Jessome family. I will always remember Don's big smile and his laugh. He helped me several times with his vast knowledge of the restaurant industry and his innovative ideas. He will be missed by many.
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01/17/2018
RIP. uncle Don. Because of our age difference you felt more like a brother than an uncle especially many years ago when I lived in Cape Breton when mom was ill. My heart goes out to you Sheila he will never be forgotten
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01/17/2018
We are sorry to hear of Don's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with the family. His mother Cassie was my Aunt, I am one of Danny's sons. Rest in peace, cousin R.J. and Anne MacDougall
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01/17/2018
Our condolences to Don's family. He was a great man to be around during our block parties full of life and laughter. He was always around to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and had a kind a word to say, you'll be missed Don. Our prayers for Sheila and family.
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01/17/2018
So sorry to read about Don’s passing. When my husband was alive, he would share some very funny stories about the times he worked with Don. He had such respect for him! My heartfelt condolences to you all...
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01/17/2018
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to Sheila and family. Don and I had some pretty special times together, I will always remember our hunting trips in New Brunswick, being invited to his lobster parties, working on many KFC projects. We all at some point in our lives are fortunate enough to meet that someone special - Don was that someone special that made a difference in my life. It was an honor to have known him. Stuart and Eleanor
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01/17/2018
Please accept our condolences ! Earl and Gertie Jessome
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01/17/2018
I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Jessome family on the death of Don. I had the privilege of working with Don, Louise and Andrew in the design and installation of many kitchens and cafeterias in the province. The family and the company was always kind, trustworthy and reliable. Louise, I know how much you loved your Dad. I am thinking of you at this time. Sincerely, Linda O’Hara.
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01/17/2018
Condolences to Sheila and all the family. Don meant the world to my brother Art. When he found out Don was sick he had to make sure that he went to see him. Not knowing that it would be the last time. I will remember going to a Superbowl party with Art at your house and you all made me feel welcome as well. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
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01/17/2018
Sincere condolences to Shelia, family and their many friends. We met Don and Sheila on the Alaskan cruise and soon realized we were in the company of two very special people. In addition to the many fun times we also experienced Don's sincere love of people and received his word's of wisdom and advice. Greg & Karen Viscount
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01/17/2018
It is with such a heavy heart that I write this condolence to Shelia and the family as being out of the country at this time makes it so difficult to truly express my sincerest feelings. Don and I were very special friends and from the first day I met him he made an effort to always make me feel very special. When ever he saw me he always greeted me with " Hi Barrr" and gave me that Big Donnie smile and sometimes heavy embrace. Don was not only a business associate but a special friend, mentor and confidant. Many hours were spent together discussing every aspect of our lives from family, business and life in general. When I arrived from Newfoundland he made me , like he did with many others, feel as if we were part of the Jessome clan. Many wonderful times were spent at the office, in his home, in the shed, on the boat and out on the town that my memories go on and on. He was always available to be that person who put things in perspective for me and my family and did many times throughout my lifetime . To Sheila, the Rock of Don's life and all the family both June and I send our sincerest condolences and regret that we cannot be with you at this time.
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01/17/2018
My sincere regrets to hear the passing of Don. I will miss him as a fishing buddy and a great supporter of the Dartmouth Rotary Club but most of all as a friend and a great person.I hope they have sailing, fishing and good wine in heaven so Don can be eternally happy.
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01/17/2018
I worked with Don many years ago at Cody Food Equipment. He was a good boss and a memorable character. I have often thought of him over the years. I am sorry to hear of his passing and your loss of a good guy.
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01/17/2018
Don was such a welcoming, kind and caring person. After a visit I would always have a heart full of joy❣ Blessed to have had the opportunity to have met him. May God Hold You Close, Comfort you Gently, And Carry You All through this difficult time.
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01/17/2018
Sheila and Family: Sorry to read of Don's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time,
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01/17/2018
I find it impossible to sum up my thoughts on Don in just a few words. In the past twenty years, he and Sheila have welcomed me into their home countless times. At Christmas when I couldn't get home to my family. To bet away my savings during Superbowls. To eat lobsters and drink beer from the bottomless keg in the shed. My stag party. My wedding. Sailing with my daughter to watch fireworks in the harbour. The list is endless. Kind beyond belief, genuinely interested in others, Don has had a huge impact on me. The world could use a whole lot more of Poppy Don - it was a far better place with him in it. My deepest condolences to Sheila and the entire family.
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01/17/2018
Our hearts go out to Sheila and family at the loss of your wonderful Don...he was a long time friend and we will forever remember his positive energy and encouragement. One particular poignant memory which describes Don’s extraordinary humanity was Christmas morning 1997 when Don arrived at a local pizza place to help our family carve 15 turkeys so we could give a warm meal and some much needed Christmas cheer to more than 250 single parent Dartmouth families ...heaven is much richer place now that big Don is there. Rest In Peace , dear friend xo Jim & Linda
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01/17/2018
My condolences to Don's family. I knew Don through the food service industry and always found that Don had the time to mentor newcomers, as well as to offer his assistance and guidance whenever asked. He will be missed by all.
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