Joseph Robert Donald Brindle (Don)
Joseph Robert Donald Brindle (Don) entering is 82nd year of the city of Toronto passed away suddenly on Thursday July 20th 2017 at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly known as Toronto East General) surrounded by family.
Don was born in Kirkland Lake and grew up in Temagami Ontario. His late parents were Salina (Sally) and Jack Brindle. Barely 16 years old and not completely truthful about his age, Don joined the army and served as a Communications Technician in the Korean War. By 18 he returned battle-scared and nearly deaf in one ear. He worked at many occupations, settling down eventually at Toronto Metro as a heavy equipment operator for 25 years. By age 55, he took an early retirement so he could travel and enjoy life. An avid sports enthusiast Don traveled all around the world with the Oldtimers’ hockey association as a referee including Europe, the USA and all over Canada. He could skate like the wind and dearly loved the game of hockey. In the summer time Don could be found playing softball, he pitched and umpired for many years. Once he couldn’t participate at either of these sports he would watch each sport and cheer for his beloved teams. He could always carry on a conversation with anyone regarding trades, stats and what could be “wrong” with the team.
After retirement Don kept busy as a chauffeur which gave him some fantastic stories, and he also had his deep voice keeping the ladies waiting in anticipation as a Bingo caller. He was a phenomenally creative cook and loved to BBQ. His favourite condiment was ketchup, the more the merrier. Throughout his life he did the cross word puzzles keeping himself sharp with 2-3 newspaper versions every day.
He loved his children Carmen (pre-deceased 2017), John Brindle, Rosanne Jordan, Michele Brindle (Greg Funk), Don Brindle Junior and Tia DiLorenzo (Christopher). He was blessed with grandchildren, Don’s kids: Mathew Brindle, Tyler and Haley Brindle. Michele’s kids: Kyle Funk, Alexandrea Funk and Tia’s daughter Salina DiLorenzo. He had one great-grandson: Bryce (Matt and Robyn’s child). Don re-married in later years to the late Jacqueline Lauder (pre-deceased 1981) and settled in Toronto and through this marriage established a long lasting friendship with his step daughter Leslie – they talked almost every day, sometimes more. In this later years.
Don’s stay in his retirement residence gave him a better quality of life and also gave him more time to spend with family and friends. He will be sorely missed for his wisdom and laughter, great sense of humour and those unfiltered opinions of his.
Don’s wishes were that no service be held. A private celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 30th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation
.
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