Donald Kenneth FITZ-GERALD
FITZ-GERALD, Donald Kenneth Don was born on October 4, 1945, he died on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was the beloved son of the late Dorothy and Leonard Fitz-Gerald, who owned and operated a small business on Crockett Street in Hamilton, Ontario. Don adored his parents, he shared memories of them and how wonderful they were to him, and he had especially great memories of his dad’s fancy car and his mother’s fudge! Don was a well-known member of Community Living Hamilton; he thrived at his day program on Leland Street (Pallet Industries) with Charles, Leslie and his very dear friend, Paul Hill, who Don often said he saw passing by on his motorcycle. Later on, he enjoyed his years of retirement at the Hester Street Day Program with Karen and Michelle and all of his friends at the program. Don would travel to his program with his best friend and housemate, Bruce, with two loonies in hand, ready for his large double-double at Tim Horton’s on a daily basis. Don also enjoyed friendships with his other housemates, Danny, Paul, Timmy and Ryan. Don attended friendship club, cooking class, karate and loved his summer trips to Dragonfly Lodge. Don loved to fish and shop, and he hoped to one day see Ireland to connect to his Irish roots. He loved his worker Leah Long, who not only provided him with support and advocacy for many years but was a very true friend to him. Don was loved by his friend, Andrea Dermody who enjoyed taking Don out for little adventures, which often resulted in an order for a tall glass of beer and fish and chips. Don was adored by Andrea’s family; her partner Patrick, brother Paul (Brittany), sister Alexandra, mom Doris and Paul, who Don fondly referred to as “Big Daddy”. The Dermody family felt lucky to be adopted by Don and all agree there is now a space that can never be filled at their dinner table. Don’s laugh and smile had an ability to brighten peoples day; his joy was truly contagious. Given some of the hardships he faced in his life, he never let it get him down. Don was capable of so many things; one of his best talents was finding the best in other people. If Don were still here with us we are sure he’d like to thank; Community Living, Olga Stella Manor, the Friendship Club, and especially anyone who shared a smile with him, a kind word, or a Tim Horton’s coffee! As Don loved the Dragonfly Lodge, we are sure that he would appreciate if you made a donation in his name in lieu of flowers to Community Living Hamilton – Dragonfly Lodge. You are invited to join us for a cup of Tim’s coffee during Don’s visitation hours at the CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Ave. E. on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the chapel followed by interment in Burkholder Cemetery. On line condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com Goodbye Don, Cheers to you!