Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Don Near, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 18, at the The Village Seniors Home in Hanover after a brief Covid related illness. Devoted husband and best friend of Jennie Near (nee Schwartz) of Hanover, Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by his children Denise (Tom) Near, & Rob (Johanna) Near, and Jennie’s children David Black, & Cathy (Wayne) Fischer. Don will be very much missed by his grandchildren Elizabeth & Jonathon Horne, Marissa Fischer & Amir, & Dustin (Cortney) Fischer and his great grandchildren Kira, Ashton, Blake & Ryker Fischer. He is also survived by his brother Allan (Sharon) Near.
Born in Galt on March 2, 1937 to his late parents William & Margaret Near, Don began living in Hanover after his marriage to Jennie in 1988. He loved the community & the many friends they had together. Prior to Don’s accident in 2011, he enjoyed driving his motorcycle, camping, wildlife photography, and building remote controlled airplanes & boats. Don and Jennie spent many wonderful years together including bringing their therapy dogs to the Villa for special time with the residents. It was therefore fitting that Don spent the last 10 years at the Villa with many of the people who knew him well. Many thanks to the staff at the Villa who treated him like family and for their kindness.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 12:45 - 1:45 pm at Mighton Funeral Home where a celebration of life will commence at 2pm. At the request of the family, guests are asked to kindly wear masks while in attendance. A private family inurnment will take place at the Hanover Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the St John Ambulance Grey Bruce Huron Therapy Dog Program would be appreciated by the family.
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Hugs to all- Rob and Jan Schwartz
Fly high Don!
Jennie & Family ,my sympathy & prayers to each & everyone
- Jean SchnurrTo Jennie---We send our condolences to and your family on the passing of Don.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. take care,,stay safe and stay strong.Our blessings to you. Marlene and Bill Douma.
- Marlene DoumaJennie and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of Don.
---Tony & Stephanie and family
Jennie,Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your families .
- Doug and Sheila LongSo sorry to hear of Don's passing. Praying for you and your family Jennie during this difficult time. May Don rest in peace with the Lord.
- Nancy & Wilfried BoerkampWe are so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jenny and family. May Don RIP.
Hugs Dianne and Larry
JENNIE & FAMILY.............YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MY FATHER SO LOOKED FORWARD TO YOUR FAITHFUL VISITS. THE HIGHLIGHT OF HIS WEEK. RIP DON
- RUTH & JOHN CHAPMANJennie, so sorry to hear of Dons' passing. I met the two of you when I visited with my therapy dog named MIA. I always looked forward to my visits and getting that "smirk" from Don before we left. Jennie, your constant presence and dedication to his care was admirable. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
- Cathy CousinsJennie
Know that you are in my prayers.
Bill
I was so sad to hear about Don's passing. I always enjoyed his visits and later chats online over email. He always had something interesting to say, and he always spoke his mind. His interest in model boats and remote-controlled airplanes always interested me too. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
- Steven MilbrandtSteven, George and I are so sorry to hear about Uncle Don's passing. He was definitely a force, larger than life and conversations with him were never dull. Our hearts go out to Jenny, you and Rob and the entire family. We wish you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
- George and Judy LekkasSo sad to get this news - Jenny and family, our hearts go out to you! Denise & Rob, although we’ve never met, Sheila and I shared many wonderful memories with your dad over the years! Our condolences are with you both and your extended families.
- Gord Black & Sheila NorquayOur sincere condolences on the loss of Don..
- Gary and Carole Rahn
