July 5, 1933 - Dec 17, 2023.
Another Cowboy rides off into the Sunset, to be greeted at the Pearly Gates by all the other Cowboys who passed before him. After a long fight with Cancer, Don passed away peacefully at BGH, in his 91st year.
Beloved husband to Joyce “Sue” (Nee: Binkley), for the past 66 years. Childhood companions since the age of 5.
Loving Father to his 4 Children: Sue Mustard (Doug), Terry Nye (Janine), Cheryl Blagden (Don), Kathy Watson.
Loving Grandfather to: Ashley, Cassandra, Jeff, Trevor, Bryce, Jordan, Logan and Breanne.
Pre-deceased by his Granddaughter Alicia better known as “Princess 3 Fingers”.
Loving “GG Pa” to: Ava, Josie, Gabe and Alex.
Photo at Left: Don and Sue Nye who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 28th, 2017. They were married at Binkley United Church in Hamilton in 1957.
In his early days Don loved to go 10 pin bowling and played on many leagues, but he always had a special place in his heart for horses. Don did some rodeoing in his days and he is the last surviving member of the Original 5 men who formed the Ontario Quarter Horse Assoc. (OQHA), and then later the first largest Quarter Horse show in Ontario, “Quarterama”. He was the first Secretary of OQHA and later President. After he did his term of President he was to become part of an elite group of people known as “The Past Presidents”. He was inducted into the OQHA Hall of Fame in 1997.
Photo at Right: Sue, Don and Kathy Nye in 2004. Photo by The Rider.
His career however was not horses but in Office sales, where he sold office supplies and furniture, in his large territory of Northern Ontario. He started his career with “Cloke N Sons” in downtown Hamilton. Don was so dedicated to his work that he was awarded a top honour of being “Salesman of the Year” several times, during his tender at Esselte.
Upon retirement Don loved to play golf. He became quite a good golfer. In everything he did and put his mind to, he gave it all, a force to be reckoned with, for sure. When not golfing he would maintain the courses he was a member at, and Marshalled many days as well. He has finished his final 18 rounds!
Photo at Left: Johnny Royale and, Don in 2004. Photo by The Rider.
A private service was held for his immediate family, who was there by his side these last few weeks.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Thanks to his doctors and all the nurses at BGH who took care of Dad during his final days, and his PSW’s and nurses who came to the house.
In Lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
OH…There will be camping around the Campfire tonight with all his Cowboy Buddies. RIP.
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