We Remember
LONDON, Donald R.
—
1937-2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Donald R. London on January 11, 2023.
He is deeply mourned and remains forever in memory through his wife Betty, daughter Tracey (Kevin), son Craig (Tracy), daughter Debbie (Richard) and seven grandchildren: Kristen, Riley, Katie, Tristan,
Joshua, Summer, and Logan.
Don was born in North Vancouver, BC on October 3, 1937, and was the sixth child of Frank and Claire London. Don graduated from North Vancouver High in 1955, and joined various airlines as Chief Agent and in his travels he met the love of his life, Betty. They married in 1961, and just recently celebrated 61 years together. After his graduation from UBC in 1970, Don accepted a position with Loomis Armored Car Service, before working for Rothmans. He then joined the Canadian Red Cross Society in 1988 and also became a Coordinator on the BC Disaster Response Team. His career led to involvement in many major disaster reliefs, up to and including 9/11, New York 2001. Shortly after, he retired to Kelowna.
Don endeavoured to work in every community around him, both in North Vancouver and Kelowna. He served 23 years for the Boy Scouts in North Vancouver. He was also a member of Kiwanis International, the Jaycees, Treasurer of the Kelowna Stamp Club, and a devout brother of the Knights of Columbus 7359. The entire time, Don maintained a volunteer position on the Disaster Response Team and assisted with many disasters during that time.
Don, alongside his wife Betty, had a passion for travelling, and the snow-love birds flew south to Yuma, Arizona for many years throughout the winter before returning for beautiful summers in the Okanagan Valley. You could find Don using any spare time he had either tinkering in his workshop, focused on his passion for gardening or as the serious stamp and coin collector he became.
Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, caring, honourable, loyal, and a man of faith. He had an engaging personality and a wonderful sense of humour. Don was a light in any room he entered, and he never missed an opportunity to get up and dance. His life was well lived, and forever loved; he is ingrained within us all.
Watch this page on Springfield’s website for Don’s Celebration of Life that will occur this spring.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
To the London family: my heart breaks for your loss. Don (Mr. London to me) was always smiling. I treasure the time I got to know him when I was growing up. You home was a second family home to me. Love to you all and a special message to Betty (Mrs. London): He will always be by your side in spirit.
My sincere condolences to Betty and family on the loss of Don. He will be missed by many! I got to know Don during my employment at Sandalwood. Tina Peterson
I was both shocked and heartbroken to learn of Don’s passing. I had the privilege of getting to know both he and Betty when they moved into Sandalwood and will admit that they both become favorites to many, myself included. Don was such a kind and genuine man that truly brought light to the darkest day and though i cant speak for anyone else, his positivity and kindness made some of the craziest days during covid bearable. From showing off his stamps and collectibles to helping wherever he could, Don had an enthusiasm that was contagious and those around him couldn’t help but smile and want to join in. He will be missed by all who knew him. To Betty and the entire family, I wish to extend my sincere condolences. Please know that my thoughts are with you. xo Sarah
We were very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. While we have not seen Don for many years I do have 2 rather special memories. One lasting memory was when Don brought Tracey to our house dressed in her very first Halloween costume. I often visited Don when when they lived on 24th street to exchange University books as we were studying for our Commerce degree at the same time.
Our condolences to Betty and all the families.
Ron and Elaine London
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Don. I had the privilege of working with him at the Canadian Red Cross. Don was so kind and patient – he would work so hard to meet our warehousing needs, problem-solve with us when he didn’t have the exact requirements in stock and help us find the best deals for our limited budgets.
He would truly light up a room when he entered. I can’t think of him without a smile on my face because I feel so lucky to have known him. I hope you are consoled by many wonderful memories.
My deepest love and condolences go out to Mrs. London and my dear friend, Debbie and the whole London family. You were all such a positive, influential presence in my childhood and I will always remember Mr. London’s smile and sweet disposition. Ever attentive and always ready for a good laugh, his sense of humor and good, sound advice are the two things I’m grateful for. He was like a kind of second father figure and I afforded him and Mrs. London the same respect I did my own parents. To be invited into their home and spend time with them was such a pleasure and a treat, and I know that he meant the absolute world to Betty and Debbie, and you are both in my thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time. Knowing the dedicated family man that Don was, he is not far from your side now, and never ever will be. Love you all. Xx
Condolences to The London family. Great memories working alongside Don and his #2 warehouse staffer Todd Jacques with Canadian Red Cross at Metrotown Mall warehouse facility in Burnaby..Don,always positive and dedicated to all and most always with a smile on his face. Thank you for your support Don. 🙏R.I.P🙏