Donald Grant Sylvester, much loved husband of Pat and father to two sons and three grandsons, passed away on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at the age of 67 after a year-long battle with cancer.
Growing up in Bowmanville through the 60's, Don survived a very free-range childhood with his four younger siblings, and played all the high school sports. At age 16, he attended McMaster University where he met his wife Pat and many lifelong friends. His first job with Xerox took him to Owen Sound where he began raising a family. In 1985 he moved to Richmond Hill to work with Dell, and then to Ottawa in 1998 to work with Corel as he grew his career in technology sales. He retired from Halogen Software at age 59.
Don was a talented handyman and loved the challenge of repairing what's broken and improving what's not. He loved working outside, especially with his family, and could never pass a construction site without a full examination.
He was a lifelong sportsman who loved to explore the Canadian wilderness on canoe and kayak, and bike trips with friends and relatives. His skiing 'posse' met during winter at Camp Fortune, and his hunting 'posse' met in the fall in Lanark County. Don also loved to kitesurf in Tampa Bay every winter.
An avid traveler, Don explored the world with Pat. They made many journeys through Europe, North America and Asia, but especially enjoyed their trips to the U.S. South. Don pursued his athletic goals with great energy, and was kiteboarding, biking and jogging in Florida seven weeks before his death.
Don's kindness, generosity and curiosity about the world drew people to him. In a difficult situation he was always capable and ready to help. He was so very proud of his two sons' characters and accomplishments and he loved playing with his young grandsons. Don's family was his top priority and his wife, sons, and extended family could always depend on him to be there whenever needed.
We will miss him forever.
Livre de visiteurs
Peter Duncan
Jamie Hueston
Don was so full of energy. It was a shock to hear that he had passed. He will always be remembered by his hunting partners in Lanark.
Richard Eve
Pat, So sorry to hear....He was a great roommate for half of first year and we always said he was full of life. Mary and I will keep him in our tyhoughts. Richard & Mary.
Ann Benson
I knew Don up at Chub lake in Huntsville, where hewould stay with Joan Benson, his mil at her nearby cabin.
His wife, Pat, was great too. She is still alive, and so am I.
Dominique Jones
Don and I were colleagues at Halogen Software. I will always remember his zest for life and all his wonderful ‘Don-isms’ that delighted us all. Condolences to Don’s family.
Sue Bond
I had the great privilege of working for Don while at Halogen Software. He was the reason I transitioned to Sales. He always had you leaving a conversation uplifted and chuckling - even in the most challenging of times. His passion for his family and hunting were very evident. I am so sad to read the news of his passing. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and a smile as I remember many, many stories told by him. XO
Martin Charette
I remember Don has a very nice VP that did good work and respected people around him. He made work a great place.
My condolences to the family.
Rob Sutherland
Don was my mentor, and friend. I am so saddened to hear he has passed. My sincerest condolences to Pat, his sons, and extended family.
I will miss him tremendously.
Tracey DeLay
So shocked and saddened to hear this news. My sincere condolences to his family ❤️
Suzanne Simpson, CEO HRSG
To family. Don was a great help to our company, as we sought to find new ways to expand our business opportunities in the market place. I remember him as a kind, caring and committed professional always wanting to bring the best effort and quality to his work. We share in your sorrow at his loss.
Hi Don
Two and half years ago, in our mid 60's, we did one canoe, one bike camping and one hiking trip. It was like we were still 40 years old. In each of them you were always the man to catch....and with your stock of cocktails and other treats made the camps more enjoyable. Don, you are irreplaceable.