Donald Arthur Caughy, of Lake Rosalind, Hanover, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, April 15th, 2019. He was 78 years old.
Don was born in Blenheim, ON, on April 10th, 1941. His parents were James Henry Caughy and Mary Luellen Caughy (Burk). Don was the eighth of ten children. He helped support the family from a young age by working at local farms picking produce. His strong work ethic continued throughout his life. His family moved to the Durham area when he was a teenager. He met his wife, Donna Marie Jones, at the roller skating rink in Hanover when he was 20 years old. They fell in love and got married on October 23rd, 1965. Married for 53 years, they had four children. Don always enjoyed archery. As a youngster he made his own bows and arrows. When he was older and could afford it, he bought better equipment and enjoyed success competing in archery tournaments. He established the Saugeen Valley Bowmen and taught archery for many years at JDSS. He travelled the world to compete in archery tournaments, representing Canada in Mexico, Scotland and all over the United States. He won a silver medal in his division in the International Field Archery Association World and European Championships in 1986. The Town of Hanover honoured him with a paver stone in Heritage Square in 2006. Don worked for Morrow's Woodcraft for many years. He obtained his carpentry license in 1973. He later ventured out on his own doing small contracting jobs. His son-in-law, Chris Oberle, worked with him until his retirement about 10 years ago. Don started to notice some health changes around 2001 and, after doing medical tests and seeing specialists, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Although he was not affected with the usual tremor, he suffered from a myriad of other unpleasant symptoms which reduced his activity level and ability to socialize. His wife, Donna, has been his constant companion and caregiver, providing loving care to him in the comfort of their home all these years. Don and his family have been supporters of the local annual Parkinson's Walk for many years. Don was also very involved with the Masons and was Past Master of the Hanover Masonic Lodge #432. In his spare time, Don enjoyed many social activities including card games, pool, darts, Crokinole, swing bowling, Senior's Games, 5-pin bowling and hunting. Don was blessed with two very dear life-long friends, Tom Hutton and Rainer Schroeder.
Don is survived by his wife, Donna Caughy, and their four children: Brenda Oberle (Chris), Barbara Hicks (Selwyn) both of Hanover, Nancy Lean of Newmarket and Doug Caughy (Denise) of Lake Rosalind. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a playful grandfather. His grandkids called him "Papa" and missing him dearly are: Cathy, Jake, Selwyn, Rylee, Connor, Chloe, Robbyn, Carina, Ryan, and four great grandchildren: Vivian, Adrian, Logan and Mirza. Also survived by his siblings: Marie Hiuser, Jim Caughy, Shirley Heisler, Lynda Hall and brother-in-law Lloyd Jones (Jean). Predeceased by his parents, brothers Bruce, Bill, Fred, Cameron, Ewart, and parents in-law, Albert and Beulah Jones.
To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 1-4 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Hanover. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover.