Obituary of Donald George Twaits

TWAITS, Donald George At Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, January 25, 2007, in his 91st year, peacefully, following a brief struggle with congestive failure of his very big heart. Predeceased by his cherished wife, Helen, and brother Bill. Don is the beloved father of Wayne (Barbara), adored grandfather of Gordon, Duncan (Sarah) and Brett, proud great-grandfather of Charlie, and favourite uncle of Sherry, Judy, Brad and Jack. Born in Galt, Ontario February 18, 1916 and raised in Sarnia, he answered the siren call of the sea to work on the Great Lakes freighters, rising to the rank of First Officer on HMCS Riverton. Earning his Master�s Certificate in 1938, he joined first the British Merchant Navy, serving twice on the treacherous Murmansk Run, and later commanded an attack transport in the South Pacific at Iwo Jima as a commissioned officer enlisted by the U.S. Coast Guard. Following the war, with Captain�s papers in hand and the prospect of his own ship to command, Don made a courageous and prophetic career change, turning his estimable organizational and people skills to the business world, joining advertising agency JJ Gibbons as Production Manager. He joined Imperial Oil Limited in 1953, and was Advertising Manager, then Ontario Region Sales Manager and eventually General Manager, Atlantic Region before retiring after 25 years service. In retirement, Don loved golf and the warm beaches of Sarasota; more golf and great friendships at St. George�s and The Hunt Club; and parties and general craziness with The Burk�s and �The Oakville Hysterical Society.� He especially looked forward to the lunchtime camaraderie of �Thursday�s Children�, where he and his friends relived their glory days with Hockey Night in Canada, and agonized over the season�s prospects for the Leafs. His family is grateful to Dr. Hayward and the staff in D2 at Sunnybrook who cared for Don in his final days. To Dr. Dan Stephen, thank you for your care and caring. Also, Dr. Heath, Lourdes Cardeno and all the staff at The Briton House who made the past 3 years so comfortable and enjoyable for Dad. To his special friend, Madeline, thank you for keeping the spirit of youth and love alive in �Mister W�. A celebration of Don Twaits� life will be held at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East) at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 5th. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be much appreciated. www.heartandstroke.ca.