Obituary of James (Don) Donald Wiley

WILEY, James Donald - August 26, 1933 - August 28, 2017: With a song in his heart and family by his side, Don passed away peacefully at Extendicare in St. Catharines, two days into his 85th year. Left with sweet memories of a kind and gentle man are the love of his life, Ina, his wife of 62 years; his children Jim (Ann-Marie), Bill (Caroline) and David; his grandchildren Kate (Steve), Tim (Amanda), Lindsay (Jarrett), Elise, Heather, Reid, Luke and Jackson; and his great grandchildren Jackson and Tyler. Don, who was born in Barrie, will also be missed by his brother-in-law Bill Milne (Toronto), sister- and brother-in-law Mary and Ted Long (Barrie), many nieces and nephews, and dear friends, especially Glenn Hall, a long time friend who visited him for lunch every day at Extendicare. Predeceased by his parents Lucy and Gib Wiley. Don had a successful business career first with Beaver Lumber and later with Canadian Tire. He was well known in the Niagara business community as the Associate Dealer of the Canadian Tire store on Glendale Avenue in St. Catharines for 32 years. He loved his work and was happiest on the floor stocking shelves and interacting with his customers and staff. He looked after his staff like they were family and was ahead of his time with his diverse hiring practices. Giving back to the community was important to Don and he did so in many ways, sitting on the boards of Goodwill Industries, the Niagara District Airport and Mountainview United Church. Don contributed his time and support annually to many charitable organizations including Community Care and the Alzheimer Society of Niagara. He was an active member of St. Catharines Gyro Club and a founding member of the FMP Group. He supported Brock University and the World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines. Don was a long time member of the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club. His community contributions were recognized by the City of St. Catharines when he was honoured as Citizen of the Year in 2001.A talented saxophonist, Don played in a number of bands, beginning in his teen years with the Barrie Collegiate Band. He shared his love of music into his 70s with the All-Bran All-Stars, playing at Port Colborne Canal Days, long-term care homes and other local venues. Don travelled extensively around the world. His fondest memories were at The Collwood, the family condo in Madeira Beach, Florida. Don's stubborn streak served him well with handling the challenges of Parkinson's Disease for 24 years. The family would like to thank the many care providers who helped Don in his later years. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Friday, September 1st from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Mountainview United Church, 150 Glendale Avenue, St. Catharines on Saturday, September 2nd at 11a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada or Mountainview United Church.