28 Main street north
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Jason Crawford posted a condolence
Sunday, January 28, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing, he was a great man.
I had the pleasure of working for Don in the early 2000's; he was one of the best bosses I have ever had. When I started working for Don, he requested that we meet every Monday morning to discuss my previous week. These meetings quickly turned into something I looked forward to every week. We would meet for an hour, five minutes were spent on my role and what progress I had made; the other 55 minutes was a friend mentoring me and his desire to pass along his wisdom to someone he believed in. When I asked him one day, why we only talked briefly about my performance, (I can still hear his voice) he said, "Jace, I see your results every day, these talks are more about your next steps and sharing what I have learned". I never forgot that and miss those talks.
Those meetings showed the kind of man Don was, someone who understood that we were more than employees, he truly cared about us as people and our futures. One of the best leaders I have ever worked for.
I regret not staying close to Don over the years and miss him.
My condolences to all of Don's family, you should be proud of a husband and father who made a positive difference in my life.
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Timothy Man posted a condolence
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Our sincerest condolences for your loss Jan, Evan, Drew, Clint and family.
I (Tim) had the privilege and honour of working for Don for over four years while he was the President and COO of Penguin Canada, and I was the EVP and CFO. We were literally joined at the hip for these four wonderful years together which I will cherish forever. Don was the best boss and colleague that anyone could hope for and was a great mentor and friend. I called Don “Matlock” from time to time (which he would get a real kick out of) as people often mistook his affable and folksy nature for an easy touch. Anyone that underestimated him did so at their own peril. Don didn’t suffer fools easily, but he was loved throughout the industry in both Canada and the USA as he always lent a helping hand to anyone that he could. I remember Don staring down the heads of our two largest customers …… no small feat when they represented well over 50% of our entire business. At one point, he stopped the conversation to ask: “please look around this boardroom and tell me if you see a vault in here” (as if our terms were out of line and we were gouging them). He refused to compromise on his principles, yet we always managed to strike agreements that were fair and beneficial to all parties concerned.
Thank you also to Don, Jan, and their sons for opening their home to us and inviting us to their House Concerts which we will never forget. Don was truly one of a kind. He was humble and treated everyone with respect. While books were Don’s livelihood, music was his lifeblood with him even playing in a band with other executives from Penguin Putnam USA.
I am lucky to have known Don and to be able to call him friend. While we hadn’t seen each other for several years, I always enjoyed our lengthy telephone conversations which I will sorely miss.
Sincerely, Tim & Christine Man
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Ron uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 21, 2024
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As a family we always tried to get together and Don was always a star at these family rallies. including us in the concert series, attending the pool parties and all of the many events over 50 years the cousins made a very special bond that lives on today. Family was important to Don and he made all of these events so much fun . We are so going to miss him but thanks to him these get togethers will continue and he will always be present. Don you were an awesome man and so enjoyed knowing and getting together It was always fun
Jan just can’t find the words to describe how much I will miss him . Love Ron
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Ron uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 21, 2024
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Jan and all of your lovely family So sad to hear of Donnie’s passing. We have so very many great memories of family gatherings here and in Florida. Patios with “cokes”and back in the day with with Mom and Dad Scott and Pat, family and friends who always enjoyed a fun experience, evenings around the table listening to epic Don/Ron stories featuring unbelievable characters from Don’s past including “Fat Tony” he loved to tease Mom about her lumpy gravy and me about being crazy about him in grade 2 because of his cowboy shirt ! That never seemed to get old ( for him ).so now we all have a smile when we think of him. He has a pretty cool sense of humour and a very amazing life and best of all wife. Love You Jan your Sister Susan
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Jeffrey Ptasiuk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 19, 2024
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Aunt Jan, Cousins Evan, Clint and Drew we are so very saddened to hear of uncle Don’s passing. I don’t really have the right words to describe how much uncle Don meant to me and to our family as a whole. We have lost someone like no other, he was truly special. We will miss his amazing jokes, stories, songs and laughter. Uncle Don was the hilarious, kind, caring and loving. He was and will always be one of my favourite people ever. Our family will always cherish the memories of us all together, family Christmases, parties & sleepovers, palm trees, birdcages, krispy creme donuts, singalongs and late summer nights by the pool. We love you Uncle Don and will always miss you. Until we meet again: Hey Jeffy! One and Done!
Love: Jeffrey, Erin, Ben, Charlotte and Penny Ptasiuk
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Chris and Ruth Tyrrell planted a tree in memory of Donald HOWARD
Friday, January 19, 2024
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Dear Jan and Family: We are thinking about you. Sincerely, Chris and Ruth Tyrrell and Family
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John/jack Manley posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2024
So sorry to hear of dons passing.he was a wonderful man who could always make you smile .my thoughts are with Jan and the boys and all of his family.may he rest in peace.god bless you Don.
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Jenn Rayner uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 18, 2024
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So sorry for your loss Aunt Jan, Evan, Drew, and Clint.
The Rayner family has so many fond memories of Uncle Don. He was such a great guy and so much fun to be around. Best Wedding MC ever! Jason and I remember watching the guests laughing the whole night through! Love how he made our Christmas gatherings so much fun with the talent show! Too many memories to list but will forever cherish them.
Love you all and sending huge hugs.
Jenn, Jason, Ashley and Bailey
Xoxoxo
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Kathy Howard (Tyler) posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
I hadn't seen him for many years but as a teenager I remember him at the cottage playing Beatles songs on his guitar and singing
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Betty #2 Delaney posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
I was deeply saddened by the passing of Donny. I have been very blessed to be a friend of the large and loving Howard family for almost 50 years. I will forever remember Donny as larger than life .... his wonderful sense of humor and generosity is legendary. How fortunate I was to be a part of the annual Howard family picnics and other events for so many years. My sincere condolences to Donny's sisters Betty, Barb, Linda and Lillian ... how they loved their baby brother. My thoughts and prayers are with Jan and their 3 sons and grandchildren. You will be missed always Donny. Heaven just received a very special man, who I know is busy having some wonderful reunions with family who have gone before him. God Bless you Donny !!
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Peter Tokar posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Just one more for the road, Donny..
cause music makes everything better.
“Cheers!”
(You know the words & chords, buddy.)
“In My Life”, The Beatles
There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better;
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living,
In my life I've loved them all.
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you.
And these mem'ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Tho' I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.
Tho' I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.
In my life I love you more.
Again, please search it out on YouTube
(And, try and sing it, without tearing up.)
PT
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Erik Tokar posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our family’s oldest and dearest friend Uncle Don.
Don Howard was one of the most generous, gracious and loving people we had the privilege to share so many cherished memories with. Some of our happiest recollections occurred with Don and his family over the course of our childhood.
Deepest sympathies to Aunt Jan, Evan, Drew, Clinton and family.
Rest in peace Uncle Don. We were better for knowing you.
Love,
Erik Tokar & Dani (née Tokar) Tweddle
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Peter Tokar posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
This one got to me earlier last night..
.. when heard on Zoomer radio.
Hope you like it, too.
“The Circle Game”, Joni Mitchell
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you're older must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Find it on YouTube..
sing along
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Peter Tokar posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Here are the lyrics of a song that Don likes at times like this..
and would probably love to sing it for you to, if you coaxed him.. go ahead.
“Circle”, Harry Chapin
All my life's a circle
Sunrise and sundown
The moon rolls through the nighttime
'Til the daybreak comes around
All my life's a circle
But I can't tell you why
The seasons spinning round again
The years keep rolling by
[Verse 1]
It seems like I've been here before
I can't remember when
But I got this funny feeling
That I'll be back once again
There's no straight lines make up my life
And all my roads have bends
There's no clear-cut beginnings
And so far no dead-ends
[Verse 2]
I found you a thousand times
I guess you've done the same
But then we lose each other
It's just like a children's game
But as I see you here again
The thought runs through my mind
Our love is like a circle
Let's go 'round one more time
Please, take a moment to search out the song on YouTube:
Harry Chapin (Live)
“Circle”
PT
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Barb and Peter Tokar uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 18, 2024
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Life.
Hard to explain, right?
With its wonderfully strange beginnings, middles & endings?
Those curious, somewhat circular seasonal changes that we inevitably go through as we age, hopefully filled with more warmth & happiness than we can handle?
More highs than lows, more ups than downs.. if you’re lucky?
Yeah, that kind of life.
But, even more complete with love, family & friendship.
The stuff they write wonderful songs about illustrating those mysterious cycles of life.
Those very heart felt qualities found in good songs, is what Don Howard was blest with. And, he happily shared many of them with us, alongside the great love of his life, Janet.
And, his pride & joy, Evan, Drew & Clinton and their young families, too.
Hey, the news was numbing and the sadness is creeping in by the moment.
We’re really going to miss him, too.
We’ve been fortunate to have had Don near us for most of our adult lives..
since our early high school years in fact, at Weston C.I. Circa 1968 -1969
And much more so, after he fell in love with pretty Janet Brown, Barb’s best friend since they were little. And, along with and through the girls, I made another good friend, as a new kid in town.
Friends of friends of friends..
and a little teenage romance, too.
Funny how things turn out, eh?
Eventually, it was pretty plain to see that Don really cared about Jan, and was soon devoted in a big way. The rest as they say, is history. And, a long fruitful one, too.
Quite admirable, really.
Both of them.
Donny had always been a good natured, offbeat character who clearly was fun loving, and remarkably so. Frankly, you couldn’t help but wonder at times if he was ever “shooting straight” because of his ever present sense of humour.
But, he clearly was serious enough when it was necessary - because you don’t succeed the way he did without great focus and hard work.. from the bottom to the top of his chosen career path.
Quite remarkable really, for many, many years.
Then came retirement.
What to do?
Well, that music thing?
That was ever present in his life.
And, once he figured out the process & logistics, he began hosting very good and remarkable folk music “House Concerts”, out of their Caledon home, for friends & family.
Folk, blues, country and “Americana”, too.
(or as Don might have said on occasion with performers like Valdy visiting, “Canadiana”)
Again, like I’ve said a few times, remarkable..
and he was just that, from our shared perspectives here.
You will be sorely missed, old friend.
Rest easy, Donny.
And, thanks.
Your boys will take it from here..
..with Jan’s love & guidance.
Love,
Barb & Pete Tokar
Weston, Ont.
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Jolynn posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. We will cherish all the memories throughout the years. From our shared vacations to our shared shenanigans our remembrance will keep Don near and dear to our hearts. Our hearts break for you and the family. We can’t imagine the pain of your loss. Know that you are in our hearts and we are sending positive vibes your way. Love and hugs. Jerry & Jolynn DeBuysscher
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Janice Vanderveldt posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Dear Janet,
Sorry to hear about your loss.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Janice and John Vanderveldt
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Elizabeth Marshall uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Rest in peace baby brother, will miss your smiling face. Hope you're somewhere playing KooKooKangaroo with Bob.
-Your big sister Betty and family.
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John Sechi posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Dear Evan,
We’re so sorry to hear about the passing of your father and want to share our deepest condolences. I know that words will not eliminate your pain but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We send all our love. Sincerely,
Uncle John, Auntie Flor, Johnny & Yvonne
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Marlon Rosenberg posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
We want to extend our most sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this time.
Marlon, Rebecca and Family
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David Taylor posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Very sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest condolences to Evan, Mel, Elysse, Kai, and the rest of the family. Thoughts and prayers with all of you at this time.
The Taylors (Dave, Katariina, Ainsley)
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Jay Ptasiuk uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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You are so loved, living on forever in our hearts and minds, too many times to count, so many stories to retell, songs we sang and happy days we had, all the love Jay, Victoria, Vivian, Eve, Estelle Ptasiuk
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Jay Ptasiuk uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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Many memories made, happy days that you were a part of, uncle and friend, storyteller and entertainer, gone but will always live on, you are truly so loved, Jay, Victoria, Vivian, Eve and Estelle Ptasiuk
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Gabriela Mendl posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Sending much love to your family during this difficult time.
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Kristy posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Aunt Jan, cousins Evan, Drew and Clinton - and all of your families: I'm so sorry to hear of Uncle Donny's passing. He was a great man; a kind, fun-loving, funny man with a big personality, so I'm sure losing him will be difficult for you and your families. I personally am very sad, so I can't imagine. Same with for his siblings, including my Grandma, my heart goes out to all of you. I'm sending you all my love and huge hugs. I'm so grateful to Uncle Donny and Aunt Jan for hosting so many years of family picnics so our big family had a chance to gather - I will remember those forever. Rest in peace, you will be missed Uncle Donny.
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Bessy Vandyke posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Evan, Melissa, Ely, Kai and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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The family of Donald Raymond HOWARD uploaded a photo
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
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Lori-Ann Murdoch posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Sending Evan, Melissa and their families our deepest condolences. We see thinking of you all during this difficult time.