Don, a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend passed away peacefully on November 7, 2016 at Bethell Hospice.
Don was born on April 21, 1962, in Orillia to Eric Cockburn (pre deceased) and Marilyn Dennis (Lloyd Dennis, pre deceased). He was the much-loved husband of 14 years to Tina, fiercely proud father to Robert (Jessica), Michael, Samantha and Benjamin; a new grandfather to Elliott, cherished brother to Karen (Gord), Dale (Glenna), and Dwight (Gail) and adored uncle to Kristen (Andrew), Stephanie, Eric, Adam, Victoria and Vanessa. He will be sadly missed by the Christensens, his colleagues at DB Schenker and many family and friends.
Our Don was a charismatic, kind hearted man with a determination like no other. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, it focused him to be the best person he could be. He managed the disease to allow him to do the things he enjoyed: spending time with his family, working, golfing and traveling. We will miss Don’s sarcasm, fiery temper and wit.
A special thanks to the doctors, nurses, PSWs and volunteer staff at Princess Margaret Hospital, CCAC Central West and Bethell Hospice.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Friday evening 7 to 9 o’clock and Saturday, November 12 from one o’clock until time to memorial service in the chapel at 2 o’clock. A private interment will take place in Orillia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Team Cockburn, Ride to Conquer Cancer 2017 (http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?px=4157150&fr_id=1581&pg=personal) or Bethell Hospice Foundation (http://foundation.bethellhospice.org/). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
COOK
We loved having Don as a neighbor and friend. We will miss our front yard conversations and backyard drinks with Don. He was such an inspiration managing his illness the whole time we knew him. His strong, generous heart and spirit will be remembered on Taylorwood Ave for many years to come.
Marg, Neil, Chris and Jackson Jones
Tina, Ben and the entire Cockburn family.
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days that lie ahead for all of you. hang tight to beautiful memories, family and friends to help Ease your pain. xo
Sarah
Oh Tina, my heart is breaking for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.❤️
Jen Fritz
Don’s humour and smirk always come to mind when I think of him. May you find comfort in your fondest memories on your darkest days. Much love to the family.
Bruce Ritter
Karen Dale Dwight & Family’s .So sorry to here of Donny passing ,our thoughts & prayers are with you and the Family at this time of sadness !
Bruce & Robyn Ritter
Chris Long
Karen, Dwight, Dale and Marilyn,
So sorry to read this sad news. I won’t be in the country on Friday and Saturday but I will be thinking of Don, All of you, your families and Dons wife and children.
I am left with very warm and fun memories of my childhood with Donnie, Dale and Lindsey. Personally I am tremendously grateful for this…
Chris and Gina Jones
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Cockburn family. Hold on to all your cherished memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs from Chris and Gina Jones
Neil, Jean, Fiona and Andy Reid
Will always remember and admire the fortitude of Don Cockburn. Few people could fight this disease with such determination .
Glad to have known him. Deepest sympathies to Tina and Ben, Robert, Sammie and Michael, Marilyn, Karen , Dale and Dwight. And all the Cockburn and Uren Family members.
Rest in Peace Don
Renata
Tina my sincerest condolences. I’ll never forget Don’s good humour when he asked me what I was “up to” now.
Jim and Sally Thomson
Dear Tina,
It is difficult to express our feelings with the loss of Don he was such an exceptional person . We have known Don for several years from the Dairy to Unilever, Irving Group, to Schenker…..a road well travelled with many friends. Don lived life for life, with a winning smile , a strong handshake and a get it done attitude which is sorely missed in business today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this great time of loss.
Jim and Sally
Bill and Donna Arnold
We are thinking of All of You!
Sincerely, Bill and Donna Arnold
JOHN STOREY. FAMILY ORILLIA ONT .
Dear Marilyn,and all the Cockburn family members,
Very Sorry to hear of the Sad Loss of DON .
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS
Doug Switzer
So very sorry for you loss. Please accept my sincere condolences at this most difficult time for all of the families. Linda and I are thinking of you all .
Doug and Linda Switzer
Glenda, Dennis, Alexia and Savannah Rookwood
Don’s passing is truly a loss because he loved his family and he was loved by you all. May your days be filled with wonderful fond memories of your husband, father, son, brother and uncle. Or deepest condolences.
Jan, Corrie, Marlies, Janna
Thinking of all of you in this difficult time. Don was a great guy, funny, smart, kind… Being the close family that you all are you’ll have many good memories to share and to keep each other strong in this difficult time.
Love from us
john Falcon
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tina and the family at this great time of loss.
The Falcon Family
Dexter Dalie
Dear Tina,
I feel so impacted after hearing of your loss. My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dexter Dalie
Cheryl Babcock
Tina, Ben and the Cockburn Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this loss as individuals and as a family. We are all feeling the loss of Don, but we know this loss is so great for all of you. He was a truly remarkable person and his wit will be missed by all of us. Please accept our condolences.
The Babcock Family
David & Monica Frost
With our deepest sympathies to Don’s family on your loss. I will always remember the many times hanging out with Don as we grew up in Orillia. Lots of pool being shot well into the night and wee hours of the morning. Always a smile when I think of Don and the good times.
Kenna Harrison
I am very sorry for your loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers throughout this time of sadness<3
Eric Dewey
Don was a work colleague, a friend and most importantly one of my heros!! I had the pleasure of working with him for close to twenty years and am certain I will never know a better person. I will miss him.
My condolences to his family and close friends.
Donna Marden
OMG Tina I can’t believe im reading this my condolences, I’m truly sorry. I remember meeting both you and Don last year at Zhers as I was doing a fund raiser for the ride to conquer cancer Don’s kind words and encouragement inspired me for this ride.
May Team Cockburn Ride On!
Ralph and Kelly Dominelli
To the Cockburn family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Leslie chan
don was my childhood classmate going as far back as grade two at central school. when I think of Don I smile. Don thanks for the memories. he was a funny (class clown), kind-heart well liked kid to become a well loved good man. my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family.
Michéle Beaubien
“God`s finger touched him, and he slept.”______Alfred Tennyson
I was always proud to say that Don Cockburn was my brother-in-law . At the end of a work day in Toronto and a long drive back home to Orillia, Uncle Don was the first person to arrive at North York hospital during a severe snowstorm to see his new niece, who he lovingly called “Chanty.” I will always cherish how Don’s sense of humour made the family get togethers more joyous.
I wish to express my sincere condolences to all of Don`s loving family.
Michéle Beaubien
Liz Campbell
Tina and family
I am truly sorry for your loss, may your precious memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
MaryAnn Grahovac
Dear Tina and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all the great memories help ease the pain of your loss.
Thinking of you.
Mary-Ann Grahovac. Xo
Mike and Laura DiFlorio
Words cannot describe my sense of loss for my friend, golfing enthusiast and the best Boss I have ever had!
I will miss Don’s honest and sometimes off base in your face approach followed by either his intense glare or more often than not his quick grin and wink as he made sure you were paying attention! Working with and for Don has been a very rewarding experience. Being his friend has been even more rewarding. I will truly miss my favourite golfing partner and his endless trash talking who always made the day WAY more important than just the score. To my friend, you have touched many and as you always said with those wonderfully wild swings in golf as in life, “it opens up over there!”
To Tina and family, our heartfelt condolences in this very sad time. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Gail Churchill
My sincere condolences Karen and family. I will keep Don in my prayers this week.
Gail Churchill
Laura MacKay
To Tina, family, and colleagues
I had the good fortune to work with Don from 1997 to 2001 at Bestfoods. He was a rare professional who with a strong team performed magic, especially at month and year end. True to form in his competitive nature, he was stellar at touting his team’s results. Even more than that, he proudly talked of his family and his Pumpkin.
I pass on sincere condolences for your loss. He was a team player who pushed us all to do our BEST.
God bless. Laura MacKay
Jack van Belzen
Dear Family and Friends,
I had the opportunity and honor to meet and work with Don for a short period of time in Toronto.
During this period I was impressed about his way of doing business and the way he was able to manage his team by challenging them in such way that only Don could do bringing up the best in people.
I will remember him as a remarkable man with a warm hart.
Wishing you as his family and close friends all strength and warmth during this difficult time.
Terry Pedwell
May he rest in Peace and may you remember the joyful times.
Glenn Greene
So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was intelligent, funny and hard working. Really enjoyed playing pool and poker at the Cockburn household. It was a honor knowing Don. Deepest sympathy to the Cockburn family.
Doug and Liz Bottomley
Sincere condolences to all. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Roger Jenkins
Tina,
We truly enjoyed the time we spent with you and Don in Moncton and the unique dining experiences we shared together. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Roger and Lynn Jenkins
Jeff and Maralee Cameron
Our sincere condolences to Tina and family.
Peter Efkarpidis
I did not know Don very well, but he was a colleague at DBS, and as a human being his story touches me, my condolences to the family, may his memory be eternal.
Peter Efkarpidis
Peter, Christine, Hailey & Brookelyn Millesse
Don will long be remembered as a good boss, colleague, friend, occasional sparring partner, and all around good man. Our deepest condolences to Tina, Ben and the entire Cockburn family.
The Millesse family.
Lawrence LaFrance
I was saddened by the news of Don’s passing. A lot of time has passed since seeing him at school or out and around Orillia but there are still many important connections I have with his family. I hope his last days were peaceful and everyone can take some comfort in the fact that many friends are sending their love and support. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lawrence LaFrance and family
David Salter
Dear Tina, Ben, the Cockburn and Christensens families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences.
David & Sandy Salter
Jim Jones
Don was such a wonderful blend of intelligence, diligence and dry wit. He always cared about the impact of what we were doing on the people left behind to do the ongoing work. I have met no one with a higher level of integrity as he would never even consider an unfair gain at the expense of his company, the client or the employees. Working with him week after week in a conference room in Ohio in 2009, we discussed his fears, achievements, joys and challenges. While we will dearly miss him, it has been a blessing that Ben will grow up having known his father.
You have our deepest sympathy, but will also share in the fond memories of a wonderful man.
Jim Jones, Schenker US
Paul & Tracey Gravelle
Cockburn family,
Saddened to hear of the passing of Don,
Hoping you find comfort in your hearts in the coming days.
John Epstein
Don lives on in many great ways, and especially through his children and grandchild. i have known Samantha for some time, and she epitomizes a strength in character that, without a doubt, comes from a forbearance that certainly has roots in the tiger-like-fight that Don and this family have given cancer. How fascinating the concept of a disagreement between the ultra-calm Sam and the fiery-tempered Don.
Sincere condolences to the Cockburn family.
Darold Hack
Marilyn and Families
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time; thinking of you all; please except our sincere condolences on your lose
Darold and Lynne Hack
Tonya Link
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Don was incredibly well respected at Schenker. He taught us many lessons, and led the team by his example. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Thinking of you all.
My sincere condolences,
Tonya Link
Edna Holmes
Dear Marilyn, Tina, Dale and Glenna , Karen and Gord, Dwight and Gail and families
We are so saddened to hear of Don,s passing and know you must be heartbroken
I have been privileged to have know Don since he was a young boy and always admired his intelligence, humour and integrity both in his personal and business dealings.
. Don,s gift to his family and friends was to live far beyond all expectations and lived and loved everyone who knew him.
Your strength as a family will help you through this sad time and I know Don is proud of each and everyone of you.
Love Edna and Harold
Mahmood Khan
Tina,
On behalf of my family and myself, our heartfelt condolences on sad demise of Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this great time of loss. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Mahmood Khan and family
Julie (Sneyd) Brown
Very sorry to hear of your loss and would like to pass on my condolences. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
Julie (Sneyd) Brown
Doug Lewis
The Lewis Family and the Cockburn Family were close in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I had heard of Don’s illness and I am sure he fought it with everything he had.
These are difficult times. Come together as a family. Remember the good times. Look after each other,
You have the condolences of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug and Family
Emily McKinnon
Bob, Jess, baby Elliot, Tina, Ben and family-
Our sympathies and thoughts are with you all.
Love from Winnipeg,
Emily McKinnon, Kevin Fraser & family
Massimo
To the Cockburn Family.
My deepest condolence go out to the family. Don inspired a lot of people, he was a great mentor. leader and motivator. He will truly be missed!
Rick Costron
Rest in peace Boss.
Rick Costron
Steve Harkins
They wry wit many describe as a defining trait of Don’s personality was a constant breath of fresh air as he faced his battle head on. At work, Don would purposefully set his team at ease with his trademark “gallows humor”. Even in the toughest times, he set an example of dedication and commitment that very, very few could replicate. Don is unequivocally admired for the unique strength of character he possessed and wore on his sleeve each day.
Sincere condolences, Steve Harkins & Family
Anna Melara-Wyman
Dear Tina, Ben, the Cockburn & Christensen families,
The news of Don’s passing has left a hole in countless peoples lives, I can only imagine the immeasurable sense of loss to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this immense loss individually and as a family. Don was like no other in every area of his life. His wit and sense of humour had a way of motivating nothing but the best in others. May the multitude of remarkable memories provide some solace to you and your families as you now face life without him. Without a doubt, someone like Don is a rarity, and we were blessed to have known him. I wish I could return to pay my respects however it is not possible, we’re thinking of you all. Don, I imagine you have already taken over a division or two up there and are raising a ruckus. I cannot thank you enough for all that you brought to my life. It was a privilege my friend, until we meet again!
God Bless,
Anna, Andrew, Dario & Dante Wyman
Stephanie Roy
To Marilyn and family,
Blanch Wilson and family express our sincere sympathy in the passing of Don. May fond memories support you in the days ahead. Very sad, what a loss.
Mary A. Juza
Great colleague – glad to have known and worked with him.
Victor Gutierrez
It was an honor to have met Don and worked for him. Rest in peace.
My most sincere condolences.
Victor Gutierrez
Scott Cairncross
Don was a work colleague and an inspiration in many ways.
Always focused and a joy to work with. We will miss him.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Roland Rehhorn
Dear Dale and Family,
I know how difficult these past few weeks have been for all of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
“When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears you heart”
Best Wishes,
The Rehhorn Family
Nancy Schiaparelli
Don and I worked together at Unilever after the BestFoods merger. I truly enjoyed working with him and the intensity and fun he brought to the business. So sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Richard Cranwill
Don was my friend, my customer and then my competitor, but he never changed his charm, wit or teasing. it is with much sorrow to hear of his passing. I did have the good fortune to visit Don at the Bethell Hospice where he promptly gave me the gears for not booking an appointment. On behalf of myself, Chiko Nanji and the entire Metro Supply Chain Group we fondly remember Don and offer sincere condolences to the entire family.
JoAnn Marsolais
My prayers go out to the family .May God keep you in is care .
Sabina D'Souza
I first met Don during my transitioning period from Livingston Intl. to DBSchenker. At the time he visited Livingston he always had this very cheerful look on his face.
The first thing that struck me was how concerned he was towards everybody he met and the type of conversations he had showing respect and care.
I remember when he knew I was going to be a part of DBSchenker he took the time to share with me the best routes on how to get to work. And followed up asking each morning if I got in okay. God bless his family, as they shared a wnderful life together.
May his soul rest in peace. And to his dear family may they find comfort and love with his memories.
Sabina D’Souza
Rowell Ong
My deepest condolence to Don’s family. I had fond memories working with Don at Schenker.
Rest in peace my friend.
Lesley MacMaster
Samantha and family;
Samantha, on behalf of Georgian College and myself, please accept this belated message of condolence to you and your family. I lost my father earlier this year and although he was quite a bit older than your father, I can understand how difficult this loss might be for you and your family.
May you find solace in your nursing studies and may your grief fill you with compassion for the suffering of others entrusted to your care.
Your Health & Healing Professor,
Lesley MacMaster
Michael and Tammy Keck
Don my friend, I just heard today that we will have to wait some time before we meet again. You were a good friend to our family and we are sad for the emense vold you must leave in yours. The day is a bit longer and harder without your presence in the world. Our dearest feelings of warmth and love to your family.