Gorham: Donald Ray CPO (ret.), CD.
Aged 81, of Tottenham, Ontario, Don crossed the bar on Friday August 27th, 2021 at Matthews House Hospice, Alliston. Born in Welland, Ontario, Donald was the son of the late Douglas and Irene (Ventnor) Gorham. On his seventeenth birthday he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and retired after serving 25 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer 2nd class proudly serving on HMCS Ships: – Crusader, Bonaventure, St. Laurent, Restigouche, Iroquois and CF bases HMCS Cornwallis, Stadacona, Prevost and CF Recruiting Centre, Sydney Nova Scotia.
He was active in several communities, and gave many years of service as a volunteer firefighter in both Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia and Tottenham, Ontario. He founded the Chezzetcook Boy Scout organization and served as a Scout Leader for several years. After retiring from the Navy, Don was employed with Litton Systems Canada in Toronto, as Logistics Support Manager for the modernization and update of the Tribal Class Destroyers. He was a charter member of Eastern Marine Branch 161 of Gaetz Brook, Nova Scotia and a 40 year member of Branch 329, Tottenham Legion, holding several executive positions, including two terms as President.
Retiring once again in 1995 Donald pursued his hobbies of genealogy, photography, birding and summer travel to the family cottage on the Amherst shore of Nova Scotia. He loved being outdoors, was knowledgeable about nature and was a natural in this element.
Don will be remembered by his comrades and family as a great storyteller who would strike up a conversation with anyone, friend or stranger.
He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Faith Pearl (Lake), sons Kevin Ray (Beverly) of Everett, Ontario, Darrin Robert, of British Columbia, daughter Beverley Dawn (Michael Zabehlicky), Beeton, Ontario, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Vivien Leigh Gorham of Scarborough, one brother, William Robert Gorham of Toronto. He was predeceased by sister Ellen Louise Gorham-Rykart in 2008.
Don Will Be Lovingly Missed: – “Ready Aye Ready”.
Respecting Don’s wishes cremation has taken place and a family interment will be held at Mt. Tegart Cemetery, Tottenham a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham, 905-935-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Shelley Murray says
Faith, Beverly. I only just learned of Don’s passing. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Don was a wonderful man, always a smile on his face. Please accept my deepest condolences. Thinking of you and yours. Shelley
Linda Bullock says
My condolences to the family.
william hawkins says
Its sad news for me,a legion brother.Don was good company.My condolence to the family.
Cindy Brent says
Faye & Family – so very very sorry for your loss
Debbie & Bruce Steffler says
From Debbie & Bruce Steffler
So sorry to hear the passing of your husband Faye. Being your neighbour up the road I often remember you both sitting out the front enjoying the nice weather. Rest In Peace.
Angus.St.Croix says
Dear Faye & Family, we send our deepest condolences on the passing of Don. He certainly lived life to the fullest & will be missed by many. RIP Don
Angus & Anne
.
Ken and Bonnie Pratt says
Faith, and family we are sorry for the loss of Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat and Ben says
Dear Faye and family
Our sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful man who touched so many people with his photography, wisdom, and stories.
We will miss him. Our prayers are with you.
Roxanne Wilson says
Faye & family thinking of you at this difficult time. I think of you & Don often. We had alot of great conversations & fun being neighbours. RIP Don
Glen and Gale Schlueter says
To Faith and family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Glen and Gale Schlueter
Terry Brown, Richard Whitr and Family says
Dear Faye and Family – We are so very sorry for your loss. Send our sincere condolences.
Evelyn wadden says
Fay so sorry to hear of Don’s passing my condolences to you and your family
Helen Brennan says
Sorry to hear that Don has passed, Faye…his suffering is over now. Thinking of you and your family and sending love. HELEN
Elaine & Pius Pittman says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Bob and Sue Beck says
Faith and family
Our sincere sympathies
Brenda, Shirley, Stuart and Sandy Hendry says
My sincere condolences to Faye and family. I remember hearing stories from my grandmother about Don coming around while he was courting Faye, all good of course. I hope it helps knowing all the love everyone had for him. Take Care
loretta candy says
Faith, so very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Bob and I are here for you if there is anything you need. I’ll miss those great pictures he posted.
Todd Wilfong says
My deepest condolences to Faye and the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤
Todd Wilfong
Mick and Char Barrett says
Very sorry to hear of Dons passing! We had some great times at the cottage and will remember him fondly .
Rose Wilfong and Gary Muma says
Will miss this great guy he was my favorite cousin and we had some great laughs and times together his smile was amazing and his stories were always interesting he love the outdoors and his birds Gary and I will miss you but we know that you are at peace now Love you forever
Gerry and Genny Steenhuis says
Our condolences to you and family at this time of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Barb Mabee says
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It was just the other day I was thinking back to our chats at the store. Good times. My condolences to you and the family.
Myrtle menchenton says
Faye and family ,so sorry and sad to hear of Don,s passing, we will miss our little visits with him, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Myrt and Cyril
Janette And Bob Pelley says
Faye and Family: So sad to hear of Don’s passing, our thoughts and prayers and with you at this difficult time. R.I.P. Don
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Faith & Family
Our sincere condolences.
Jim & Jeannette Ferrie says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Always a pleasure to talk to. Our condolences to you all.
Margaret Murray says
Deepest condolences Faye and family .
RIP Don
Margaret Murray
Nami Beck says
Dearest Faye, My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Many wonderful memories. Much love to you and the family.
Karrie Crawley Angus says
Faye & Family
Please know you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Please let the memories put a amile on your face and love in your heart.
Much love
Karrie, Jack
And family
Xoxo
Bob & Sheila Fiander says
Our condolences to Faith & family. Will miss our conversations with him on birds & genealogy. He was a very knowledgeable & kind man.
Jane Crombie says
Faith and Family: So sorry for your loss!