Donald Hooker, April 27, 1927 – June 24, 2023

Donald Preston Hooker passed away on June 24, 2023
in Ormstown, Québec, peacefully at the age of 96.
His family will forever keep him in their hearts.

♥…

Donald was born to Lillias and Preston Hooker on April 27, 1927. He grew up on the family farm in Ormstown, on the Upper Concession along with his younger sister Heather. As he was growing up and into his adulthood, Don worked with his father and uncle to run the family’s successful fox farm and raised and showed award winning pigs at fairs across the country. He was also an avid sportsman, playing goalie for an Ormstown hockey team and curling with a competitive team that played in area tournaments.

On July 4, 1959, Don married Rosemary Aikman who had come to Ormstown as a teacher at Ormstown High School. Don and Rosemary were kept busy with life on the farm, raising their five children and participating in community activities.

Don enjoyed summer visits to the family cottage, fishing trips on the lake and visiting the family and friends who gathered there. He looked forward to family traditions including his yearly hunting and fishing excursions to Venosta. He also shared his wife’s passion for travelling and often with their kids in tow, they traveled to Canada’s coasts, the country in-between, and much of the United States. 

Don owned and operated D & M Hooker feed mill with his cousin Milton, all while continuing to develop his love of livestock breeding by raising pigs, dairy and beef cattle and even goats for awhile!

Another passion shared by Don and Rosemary was their love of raising Siberian Huskies.

 Together they created Kimlan Kennels and for over 40 years they travelled to dog shows throughout North America and ran dogsled teams from trail to trail over the winter snow, forming many treasured friendships along the way. Kimlan Siberians were sold around the world as sought-after sled dogs, show dogs and pets.

A treasured memory held by his family, is that of Don’s storytelling. He often entertained his family and friends, at the dinner table or at other gatherings, with chronicles of days gone by. With a twinkle in his eye, or a dramatic flair, he told stories about his life, community events, family exploits and history.

Don is survived by his son Ian, daughters Nancy (Nick), Liana, Melanie (Ron) and Andrea (Ghislain), his grandchildren Carter, Jennie, Mackenzie, Jackson, Rachel, Benoît and Éllianne, his sister Heather, as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Celebration of Life for Donald and Rosemary Hooker