December 14, 1941 – December 13, 2020 Peacefully passed away with family on December 13, 2020 at the West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville at the age of 78. Beloved husband of 44 years to wife Margaret (Haist). Devoted and proud father to Christine (Ray Cantwell) of Pickering and Jeannette (Tom Fleming) of Mount Hope. Grandfather to Asher and Claire Cantwell, and Nathan Fleming. Loving brother to Rick (Sandy), Norma-June (George Pasztor), Barbara (Phil St. Clair), and brother-in-law of Robert Haist (2014). Predeceased by father Austin Wilson (1975) and mother Florence Wilson (Denman) (2010).
Don will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews including Corrie Wilson and Scott Downing (Jake, Allie), Dan and Donna (Baylee, Jack, Charlie), Meghan Wilson and Toby Lubkowski; Kylee and Adam McCready (Kiera, Travis), Kristy Silcox; Cassandra and Man Nicholl (Jade); Tammy Roy, Jason and Sarah Haist (Dillon, Bryanna). He will also be missed by extended family, many former students and colleagues and friends. Don attended and played football at Central High School in Hamilton, and Wilfrid Laurier University. He was a high school teacher with the Haldimand Board of Education for 31 years and a renowned coach in Dunnville and Caledonia, as well as the Laurier Golden Hawks. He had a profound love for football and developing character in youth through his football teams, impacting many lives.
He loved all of his students like family and enjoyed many visits over the years. Honours for community contribution include the Seymour Wilson Award (1985), induction into the Caledonia Hall of Fame (2006), and dedication of the Wilson Football Field at McKinnon Park Secondary School in his honour (2008). Don was a dedicated member of Cayuga United Church and director with the Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg Crime Stoppers Association. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of the West Haldimand General Hospital, Dr. Gunning, PSWs, Karen, Joyce, Alex and Linda, Regan at the LHIN as well as CBI nurses who visited. Anyone who has played on one of Coach Wilson’s teams will recognize his motto: “Never cheat, never lie and always do your very best.” Due to COVID restrictions, a private family funeral will be held on December 17, 2020, followed by the interment in Cayuga’s Riverside Cemetery.
An honorary procession will drive past Mckinnon Park Secondary School on Haddington St., Caledonia at approximately 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. (Circumstances Permitting). If so desired, donations in Don’s memory can be made to Cayuga United Church (Box 428, Cayuga) or Wilson’s Friends of Football (Etransfers to WilsonsFOF@outlook.com). The service will not be live streamed, however, a video recording will be available on our website 24 hours following. Arrangements entrusted to the MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL: 905-765-2712.