Donald "Don" Edward Tedford, of Hanover, passed away at Hanover and District Hospital on Saturday, October 15, 2022. He was 73.
Born in Owen Sound on March 23, 1949 to the late William and Marjorie (nee Gilmore) Tedford. Don graduated from Fanshawe College with a diploma in Architectural Engineering and was the Director of Development and Chief Building Official with the Town of Hanover for many years. Prior to his employment with Hanover, he was the Chief Building Official for Amabel-Sauble Township (1975-1990). Recently this year, he was a candidate for Mayor for South Bruce Peninsula, concentrating on current issues for the community of South Bruce. With over 45 years of experience, Don always put people and families first. His skills of leadership and collaboration made him a great candidate for the Mayoral Position and it is sad that he was not able to fulfill his endeavour of becoming Mayor for South Bruce Peninsula.
Survived by his devoted wife Donna (nee Hill) of Hanover and sons Andrew Tedford (Sarah Ratcliff) of Thornbury and Edward (Stephanie) Tedford of Sauble Beach. Dearly loved grandpa of Gracie, Wesley, William, Emma, Frankie, Stevie, Adrian, Zakri and Alyia. Remembered fondly by his brothers Dave Tedford of Owen Sound and Rob (Wendy) Tedford of Tillsonburg as well as his nieces, nephews, and their families. He will be dearly missed by the Hill family. Predeceased by his parents, and parents-in-law Alek and Vivian Hill.
Family and friends are invited to Visitation held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:30 am, at St. George's Anglican Church, (1049-4th Avenue East Owen Sound). Interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound. For those wishing to honour Don, an informal gathering will take place at Queen's Bush Pub in Hanover at 5:30 pm.
***NOTE: For those who wish to take part and pay tribute, a processional 'Honour Guard' will take Don on his final drive down the main street of Hanover to Town Hall on Thursday morning before the funeral in Owen Sound. Anyone interested in participating is asked to join on the sidewalks in front of Town Hall at 8:25 am to await the procession.
For those unable join the funeral service in Owen Sound, it will be live streamed - it will be available to view directly on the obituary page on our website, through the St. George's Anglican Church YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDiiZDleyk39wOaoGyc2Nw/videos?view=2&live_view=502, and also through the church Facebook Page at: https://fb.me/e/30tPTtQuS. The live stream will start approximately 10 minutes prior to the service - at that time, please look for the live video to join the service.************
Memorial donations to the Launch Pad Youth Skills & Technology Centre or to the Hanover Salvation Army Food Bank, or any local food bank, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
VIDEO: Visitation, Procession to Town Hall, & Funeral Service
VIDEO: Tribute Slideshow
Very sad to hear of Dons passing. We met in 2000 at the annual conference and suffice to say that over the many years I looked forward to seeing him at the annual conference as well as sharing many many emails. Don was one of those “larger than life” personalities. Everyone liked him so very much. My deepest condolences to his family. I'm sure you will miss him as I'm sure all his colleagues will too.
- Rick HallamA great family sending love to miss donna and family from the sinclair family. Bill , corey, alyshia, sharon, graham.🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹💋🌹
- Bill siclairI wish to send my condolences to Don's family. I had the pleasure of working with Don on various occasions over the years before I retired. He was always very reliable and someone whose spoken word was as good as his written. He was a benefit to the town and his community.
- SUSANNE KUNKELI was very sorry to hear about Don's sudden death. As a small builder in Sauble Beach, Don was always fair, helpful, knowledgeable, and a gentleman.
- Ken GrahamVery sad and unexpected news to hear about Don. My thoughts and prayers certainly go out to all of his family and friends. It's been a number of years since I last saw Don but I'm sure he never changed. He set a certain dynamic in any room he entered with his infectious smile and he never lacked for a good joke and good laughs. If I ever required a second father, I would have certainly made Don my choice. I was friends with both his sons Andrew and Ed and thinking about both of you and of course that great mom and wife Donna!
Matthew Simkins
With deepest sympathy to the Tedford family on the passing of Don.He was was always a pleasure to deal with and always had time for a conversation. I'm sure you have lots of memories to remember him. our thoughts are with you.
Gary Yost
We are so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. It is said “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, and but the memories last forever.” May the peace that comes from your memories and the love you shared with Don, be comforting to you all. Our most sincere condolences. Terry & Connie McCoy, Jamie & Lisa and Family.
- Terry Wm. MCCOYWe are so sorry for your loss, our sincerest condolences as you remember Don.
Scott and Karyn Derby
Donna, Andrew,Eddie,and your families
We are so very sorry to read of the passing of Don.
He was a “ray of sunshine” to everyone who knew him
Sorry we were unable to be at the visitation or funeral
We will cherish our memories of time spent with both the
Tedford and Hill families
Very sad news , Don ( affectionately known as the Silver Fox ) was the very essence of the OBOA. Dedicated to his profession and instrumental in shaping the future of the Ontario Building Officials Association , we have lost a valuable pillar of our community. Don was very unique as he was able to fuse a professional demeanor with a common sense attitude with only a little sugar coating on his opinions. When Don spoke , you listened and accepted what he said because of his knowledge, experience, honesty, integrity and for what he represented. Don was involved with OBOA from the early days when OBOA was the only source of educational training then through the MITEC days and with every change in our evolution to become a professional building official, Don was there !
He touched so many of us with his sense of humor and with his focused dedication to our profession. I for one am a better building official because of him and his dedication to our industry.
I will miss Don and i extend my deepest sympathy to Don's family for their loss
Brian Horsman CBO , CBCO , Past President of OBOA and Friend
Don,Donna,Drew & Eddy -
You and your family was a gift to me. Thankyou for the live video felt like I was there.
With all my love,
Staci
Deepest Sympathy Donna and family in the untimely passing of Don.. Thinking of you! Alan and Fran Gordon
Dear Donna & family. I was so sorry & shocked to hear of Don's sudden passing. I will miss seeing him and his friendly face "on the streets" of town and at the Sauble River house. He was a one of a kind guy who will not be forgotten. My heart hurts for you and the family and my thoughts have been with all of you this week. Be strong together and cherish the memories of him.
- Sue ReddonThinking of you all at this very difficult time of loss. I used to see Don when I was on my walks and he said hi to me. I am going to miss him on the street and talking about everything. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts and I will ask my church family to keep you in their prayers as well.
- Dawn iris lake bernierI was so sad to hear about Don's passing. It was a always a treat to be in a room with him. Donna, you and your family have our sincere condolences and we are thinking about you a lot this week.
Bill McIntosh
I am so sorry for your loss .
- Yvonne camplin taylorDear Donna & Families,
Deepest sympathy for your loss, thinking of you and your families.
Sincerely,
Susan Astbury
I am so sorry looking through the comments I see that on the end of my condolence there are two question marks. That was not suppose to be there. Definitely meant no disrespect. Love and hugs to the whole family. Prayers and best wishes to all of you.
- BeckieMy deepest condolences to the family. Don was truly a book of knowledge with a great sense of humour while I was in business in Hanover. He definitely will be missed by many!
- Steve ReayI'm so sorry for your loss Ed and family. I know how close and how much respect you had for your father.
There isn't much comfort during these times in words but know you have communities of support around you. He certainly made an impact.
Take care in whatever way you can.
Sincerely
Lisa
Donna and family
So sad to hear of Don early passing. In our 40 year fellowship he was a good mentor and right on in judgment. As a friend he was a riot. RIP Don
Don was a good friend....good neighbor .....a real good guy. Hanover will surely miss him.
- Ian MillsIt was such a shock to learn the passing of an amazing man! Any time I needed help on a construction site I knew I could always call Don. I always enjoyed sitting having a beer or wine or two with Don. I will truly miss you Don. My deepest sympathies go out to the Tedford family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
- Doug GoetzWe were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a such a kind and caring man and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We have many fond memories of his laughter and wonderful sense of humour. Personally we have enjoyed his company at outings and corporately the COBIDE Engineering Team highly valued his expertise and knowledge in the development industry. RIP our friend. Stephen and Bettyanne
- Bettyanne and Stephen CobeanKen and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man also a great friend. We had many a good night with the whole Tedford family Donna (wife) sons Drew And Ed we are so sorry that we are unable to attend the funeral. Ken remembers sneaking him guineas into the hospital with his Guinness. There was always a good laugh with Don and the gang at shananagens. The big joke was Don kept stopping by to find out when it was going to open. Don and Ken became friends before the bar was even open. Our deepest condolences to Donna Ed and drew and significant partners and grandchildren. We might be far away bur will always have great memories of a great man. He'll be sadly missed. Ken and Sarah Toni Kayleigh and Tanith ( boog)
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. When i was rebuilding our dealership in 2004-2005 Don was so helpful in putting me on the right path to avoiding conflicts with building. A true loss to our community.
- Eric HallmanI'm so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Melodie AldersonDear Donna, Andrew, Ed and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences in Ted’s sudden passing. He will be so greatly missed by many. May all your family memories help to sustain you all at this very sad time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leigh and Barry Vincent and family
Donna and family,
Condolences to you and your family for your loss. Don was really good to deal with.
Mike and Susan Mackay
Dear Donna and family. We are truly devastated by your loss. Our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. Don was a great man.
- Jim & Linda SimpsonI am so saddened by the sudden passing of Don. I have many great memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. Hugs to Donna and the the Tedford family as they mourn the loss of one of the best.
- Tammy PriceTo Ed and family, my sincere condolences to the whole family. Cherish all the good memories and hold on to them. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
- Suzanne KrajcirDon was fun to work with, very knowledgeable. Don will be missed. My condolences to the Tedford family
- Bruce MeyerinkDear Tedford Family,
I've had the pleasure of knowing "Don" throughout the past "33 years" through our OBOA Association. Thank you for sharing his time with us.
Best Regards,
Ron Kolbe
Our deepest condolences Donna and family, Don will be sadly missed in our community. Brad and Julie Casemore
- Julie CasemoreDonna, Drew, Eddie and Families
My sincere sympathy in the loss of Don. i always enjoyed spending time with Don at OBOA functions. I am so glad that we went out for lunch late in June and had an opportunity to catch up and share a few stories.He was a true friend. He will be missed. Hold on to the memories.
Wray Wilson
Dear Donna & family,
Our hearts go out to you at this very difficult time. We just seen Don and he looked great and was so excited about his campaign. His great smile and witty humour, was wonderful and would have made an amazing Mayor for the people. What a special person that will be so missed.
Love and sincere condolences,
Lisa and Pete McKenzie & family
My deepest condolences to Donna and family. Don will be truly missed..... Vickie & Doug
- Vickie WilliamsOur deepest condolences to Donna and family.
I worked with Don on several committees at South Bruce Peninsula.
I was amazed at Don's knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Building Code and the Planning Act.
He will be greatly missed.
Gary and Yvonne Harron
Our sincere condolences to your whole family. Don was a great gentleman, who was well respected. He had common sense when it came to the job sites! We will miss his infectious smile and laugh.
Sending love and hugs to your whole family??
This is such sad news, Don truly was larger than life and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. We first met 37 years ago on the OBOA Certification Board and later on the Board of Directors where meetings were never dull when Don was involved. Meeting up with him at courses and conferences over the years has always been a highlight. He was such a force, but could also be so kind hearted. He was always taking a keen interest in those around him. Your family must feel lucky to have enjoyed this good man, and hopefully that will help to sustain you all through such a difficult time. You were loved by all Don, and always will be.
- Terry WillingI have had so many great memories over the years with Don, at OBOA conferences and regular phone chats, it's the casual conversation I will miss the most, he was like family.
- Mike GagneI first met Don at an OBOA Conference, most likely in 1986, and enjoyed talking to him and sharing a few jokes every time we met at those or other OBOA events. At this year's conference, he was the only person to remain standing longer than me, .as I knew he would. He will be in my memory always..
- Liz HilfrichMy most sincere condolences to Donna, your family, friends and colleagues. Don was always very generous with his support of small business and the people of his community. His knowledge, strength and smile were always present. Thank you Don. RIP
- Wendy M BainesMy thoughts are with the entire Tedford family at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Don for many years, even prior to his time in Hanover. He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by all. I hope all your good memories will help you through this time of sorrow.
Warren Dickert
Donna, I am so sorry to hear of Dons passing. I have many fond memories of years ago on the river. He was such a great, fun loving guy. Sending hugs to you and your family.
- Sherry HayesMy sincere condolences to Donna and family. Was shocked to hear this news, I've always enjoyed being in Don's company!!
- Graham TaylorDear Donna and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Don's passing. Don was a real support to me in our time together as Trustees and in business as well.
Beyond that Don was a great friend and with him there was never a dull moment.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
-Gord Thompson
Kincardine
To Ed and the rest of the Tedford family! I send my most sincere condolences at the sudden passing of Don! He truly was a good man who lived life! It's never easy with the passing of a loved one! He left you with many memories to cherish!
- Roger WilsonDear Donna, Drew, Eddie and Families:
Our hearts are broken for you all. Our memories go deep. So many many years of that laugh, friendship and fun with you all. He will be so missed. Draw strength from each other at this sad time.
Love and hugs,
Bill and Rhonda