It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing
of Donnie, at the age of 82.
.
Beloved husband of 57 years to Doreen (née Wilcox), proud father of Donna, Andrew (Kathleen) and Steven (Elen), he will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Loken, Liam and Calvin. He also leaves to mourn his sisters Marilyn Pevere and Evelyn Gruer, family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Melvin.
Donnie had a happy and fulfilling life, growing up and helping his father on the farm, running a tractor dealership before becoming the 4th-generation to take over the Gruer farm. In addition to farming, he did custom silo filling and plowed snow.
A quiet, unassuming man, he contributed to his community in concrete ways; volunteer at Ormstown Exhibition, local fireman for 32 years and church elder. He selflessly gave his time helping when and where needed.
Donnie loved spending time at the lake where he built a cottage to spend time with friends and family, and where he taught many children how to water-ski over the years.
His generosity, friendliness, and fondness for helping others made him well known and liked. A man of few words, Donnie could always be counted on to do what was right.
He will be missed and loved forever.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church in Ormstown. Burial will take place at a later date.
In Donnie’s memory donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice.
………………………………………….
31 mai 1940 – 23 janvier 2023
♦
C’est avec profonde tristesse que nous annonçons
le décès soudain de Donnie, à l’âge de 82 ans.
Outre son épouse bien-aimée Doreen (née Wilcox) avec qui il partagea 57 années de sa vie, fier papa de Donna, Andrew (Kathleen) et Steven (Elen), et grand-papa de Loken, Liam et Calvin qui se rappelleront de lui avec affection, il laisse également dans le deuil ses sœurs Marilyn Pevere et Evelyn Gruer, ainsi que d’autres parents et amis. Il fut prédécédé par son frère Melvin.
Donnie a mené une vie heureuse et accomplie. Ayant grandi en aidant son père sur la ferme, plus tard il dirigea une concession de machinerie agricole avant d’incarner la 4e génération à prendre la relève sur la ferme familiale. En plus d’exploiter la ferme, il faisait du remplissage de silo sur mesure et du déneigement.
Cet homme calme et sans prétention a beaucoup aidé sa communauté; bénévole pour l’Exposition d’Ormstown, pompier volontaire durant 32 ans, et Ancien à son église. Il donnait de son temps de manière désintéressée pour aider quand et où il le fallait.
Donnie aimait passer du temps au bord d’un lac où il construisit un chalet pour y recevoir la famille et les amis, et où, au fil des ans, il enseigna à plusieurs enfants à faire du ski nautique.
Sa générosité, sa gentillesse et son penchant pour aider les autres en ont fait un personnage bien connu et estimé. C’était un homme qui parlait peu, sur qui on pouvait toujours compter pour faire ce qui était bien.
Il nous manquera et nous l’aimerons pour toujours.
Une célébration de sa vie aura lieu à 11 heures le 15 juillet 2023,
à l’église St.Paul’s United à Ormstown. L’inhumation aura lieu à une date ultérieure.
À la mémoire de Donnie un don peut être fait
à la Fondation des maladies du cœur et de l’AVCdu Canada
ou à l’organisme de charité de votre choix..
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Doreen Wilcox Sorry for your loss
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Sincere sympathy Doreen and family..Donnie will be missed.
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The Gruer families and the community have suffered a great loss; Donnie will be in the memories of all. Donnie was 7 years older than me, and as I was growing up, he stood out as the person for me to always look up to and admire.
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Our deepest sympathies to you Doreen and your families. Meeting you and Peggy in the mid-1950s seems so far away – time passes so quickly as we are busy living our lives.
Our prayers and God’s blessings be with you.
Jean and Reg Beers
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So sorry to hear about Donnie, our sincere sympathies to all.
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My sympathies Doreen, Donna, Steve & Andy and your families. Donnie always had a friendly smile and was easy to chat with whenever I met him. So sorry for your loss.
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My sympathy to Doreen and family.
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Doreen and family, my sincere sympathy.
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Dear Doreen, Andrew , Steven and family:
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Sandra & Gordon Ferry
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My sympathy to all the Gruer family for their loss.
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Doreen
So sorry to hear of your loss, sending you my sympathies and prayers
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Our sympathies to the family.
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What heart braking news to hear of Donnie’s sudden death. A wonderful man, husband and father who set a fine example of how to live one’s life well. Our sympathies go to Doreen and their wonderful children. May he rest in peace and may his loved ones find comfort in their memories.
Marc and Lorna Paradis
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I am so sorry for your loss Doreen and family…
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Doreen and family,
Our most sincere sympathy. Donnie was alway a man I looked up to. He will be greatly missed.
George and Roberta
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Doreen and family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed knowing Donald and will miss his easy smile.
Keep your memories close to your heart ️
Francis
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Doreen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Donnie was a great and generous man. Always enjoyed talking with him. I remember him from when he was plowing our street. My deepest sympathy to you Doreen and to your family.
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Donnie was a kind, decent and generous man. He and his family showed all that is the best in life, and his legacy will be always remembered. A country gentleman.
Very deepest sympathy for his loss to Doreen, Steven, Andrew, Donna and families.
Jane and Bryn Caron
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My deepest sympathy to Doreen and family.
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So sorry to hear about Donnie, my deepest sympathy to the family. I was a close friend with Donnie for a short time after high school and at the time he met Doreen. We had some good times together. I remember taking a truck load of used newspapers to Montreal for recycling.