Stuart Donald “Don” Speller passed away peacefully with his beloved wife by his side on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Daisy, his daughter, Ana Carla, and his son, Cristian & daughter in-law Dillanique. Don is also survived by his five siblings: David Speller, Katherine Hanbury, Lynda Armstrong, Kenneth Speller, and Patricia Armstrong.
Born in Nova Scotia, Don carried his roots with pride and was fondly known as a proud Blue Noser. He lived a rich and varied life filled with curiosity, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Over the years, he pursued many passions, including aspiring to be a pilot, SCUBA diving, cross-country skiing, playing the piano, and creating art. In later years, he turned his talents to woodworking, crafting many beautiful objects and pieces of furniture that reflected his skill and care. Don was widely admired for his love of cooking and his unforgettable Christmas parties, where he delighted family and friends with many wonderful cuisines over the years. He was deeply involved in his neighbourhood, often hosting impromptu dinners, regularly inviting neighbours over to share a meal, and taking part in weekly poker games and cigar nights. His generosity, sociable nature, and easy camaraderie made him a cherished friend and neighbour.
His Muskoka cottage was his sanctuary, a place where he found peace and joy in nature while boating, hunting, and fishing. A marine biologist by profession, Don devoted his life to the study of aquatic systems through his consulting firm. He brought intelligence, dedication, and a lifelong sense of wonder to his work and to everything he touched. Naturally inquisitive and always tinkering with gadgets and technology, he approached life with curiosity and ingenuity.
Don’s warmth, talent, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held in the near future—details to follow. Donations can be made in Don’s memory to Canadian Blood Services (blood.ca). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Loralee Santarossa
I’m grateful to have had the pleasure of meeting Don when I moved into the neighbourhood. We shared a lot of great memories together, and I’m grateful to have gained not only a friend but a sister & Niece. I love you both very much. My condolences to Daisy, Ana Carla, Cris & family. RIP Donald ️
Landon Fluharty
God bless you always and forever.
Thank you for being an epic member of our community.
God bless you always and forever.
Love
Landon Fluharty
Brian Hindley
Don, Nicole and I (Brian) met at the University of Guelph in the mid 70’s, and Don and I worked together in the early days of our careers ice diving in search of lake trout and lake whitefish eggs on Lake Simcoe….I have been in touch with him on and off over the years and can attest to his professionalism and loyalty to his clients. He was also well respected by staff with regulatory agencies wherever he worked. We connected again in early days at Beak Consultants and have been friends ever since. We will miss his unbridled optimism, sense of adventure and generosity to a fault.
While I have many fond memories of connecting through work with Don over the years, discussing projects, equipment and job challenges, it is those times we spent outside of work and the conversations we had over a bite or a beer (well wine for Don!) that i will cherish most. He will be forever missed and long remembered…..
Brian Hindley and Nicole Mailloux
Randall Speller
Very sincere condolences to Don’s family, his siblings and his many friends . From his cousins Randall Speller and Don Deathe, John Speller and Ann Jefferies.
Teresa Botelho and Dejan Petronijevic
Dejan and I (Teresa) first met Don in 2001, when he started dating a close friend of ours. From the very beginning, he became part of our circle—and even after that relationship ended, Don remained a dear friend.
Over the years, we shared so many great moments: weekends at his cottage, barbecue dinners, Christmas parties with friends and family, visiting and supporting him at his craft shows (he was a talented wood craftsman), and countless other memories we’ll always carry with us.
We were also lucky to be among the first Canadian friends to meet Daisy during an unforgettable trip to Cuba. Don showed us Havana from the inside out—introducing us to incredible people, music, and places we would never have discovered on our own. One moment that stands out was attending an open-air concert at Plaza de la Catedral, where pianist Lang Lang performed alongside Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés as part of the celebrations marking Havana’s 500th anniversary. Don somehow managed to get us a prime spot on the balcony of a Cuban friend, giving us the most incredible view—it was one of those magical, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that perfectly captured his spirit.
Don was charismatic, passionate, talented, and a natural storyteller—full of energy, with a special gift for bringing people together and turning friends into family. We’ll always be grateful for that—and for him. Ciao, Don.
Maggie and Steve Lefevre
To live would be an awfully big adventure. And you sure lived it. Things that come to mind in this sea of memories..
Singing around the piano at your place.
Bent River Bears
All the wonderful food and wine and port and grand desserts
Much more than just cheese at Christmas
Boat rides that were way too fast (smile)
You sleeping in my hammock in the middle of a noisy pool party
BBQ in the snow with Mark wearing that Guinness Hat. We could not stop laughing
Driving around on the ATV at your cottage
Bringing a bottle of whisky and Pierre Burton’s ‘War of 1812’ to Steve’s citizenship party
The fridge that kept the keg cold
Your love of Cuba
How one of the annual maps of Ontario pictured your boat at your dock
The endless parade of interesting people that could be met at your place
The wonderful way you had of telling stories and how beautiful people were to you
The stunning Wooden horse you made that appeared in a woodworking magazine
Brilliant quotes on the invitations to ‘The Party’ over the years. The one from 2018 seems right so I’ve attached it.
All those beautiful wooden trays made by S. Dias. Especially the one you gave us with our family name.
Sleep well my friend.
Richard Pope
Fresh out of school and hungry for experience, Don took me on at Tarandus in 1986. We hit it off immediately. Working from his kitchen table I got my first taste on what it meant to be a consultant. My first field work with Don involved the collection of sculpins with a hand-net using SCUBA… what an introduction to hands-on field work! Don’s mentorship and guidance early in my career have helped shape who I am professionally today.
We had so many adventures together throughout Ontario, and later in Peru. I recall the long two-day drives to northern Ontario job sites listening to CBC Radio and an eclectic mix of cassette tapes that Don brought with him. There was the inevitable search for a copy of the Globe and Mail no matter how isolated the location. Eating at remote restaurants was also fun, with Don never failing to ask the server “is there anything not on the menu” or “do you have any local beers” – he was always looking for something different and interesting – never satisfied with the status quo!
He also introduced me to vintage port (and scotch!). I fondly recall the Friday end-of-day scotch at the office (Lagavulin of course!) where were caught up on the week’s activities and planned Tarandus strategy.
Thanks for all the great memories.
Sincere condolences from the Pope family.