Milligan, Donald (Don) (Reverend Mr.) (1928-2015)

Don passed away peacefully at NBRHC surrounded by his family on September 23rd. He was a beloved Poppa to 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren, and an amazing father to Scott, Alanna, Catherine Boudreau, Greg and Paula Dubeau.  Norma was his constant companion for 62 years and together with her, he lived a life of love, laughter and service to others. Don lived his life based on advice he received from Bishop Carter, “family first, work second, and then any spare time to the greater community.”    He did this all with a generous heart and a great sense of humour. Don was born in Bowmanville, but came to North Bay as a young child.  He was educated here and continued with his studies at the University of Toronto to achieve accreditation as a Chartered Accountant.  He worked for his father’s accounting firm, but left private practice to become the Director of Finance at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  He retired from the hospital in 1989, after 31 years of service. He was predeceased by his parents Jean and Jim, his sister Marguerite Kennedy (Earl) and his brother Robert (Rose) and by his son Paul. Don joined the North Bay Sea Cadet Corps Brilliant at age 12 and continued serving with them and the Navy League for 25 years. He always found time to help out in his parish church and when his children were older he entered the Ministry program.  After four years of study and preparation, he was ordained as a deacon in 1985 by Bishop Alexander Carter.  He loved helping people prepare for sacraments and he especially enjoyed working with youth and visiting local schools. Don and Norma found time to travel to many countries including some wonderful trips with their adult children. Family receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd, on Sunday September 27th from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 pm. Visitation will also be held at the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption on Monday September 28th from 9:00 am until 9:45 am. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday September 28th at 10 am at the Pro Cathedral of the Assumption.We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Nodwell, Dr. Singh and Dr. Jinnah for their care and kindness.  We also wish to thank Care Partners, VON, ParaMed and the nurses on C3 and A1 for their care and compassion. If you wish, donations may be made to the NBRHC Hospital Foundation or the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca