Obituary of Lon Donaldson

Lon Donaldson, aged 62, died suddenly of a heart attack on June 7, 2023 at his home in Brantford, Ontario. Lon was born in 1961 in North Bay, Ontario but lived almost all his life in Brantford. He was a happy child who was popular and did well in school. He played lacrosse and hockey and took pleasure in teasing his sisters. He loved music and could often be heard whistling. His schooling was interrupted at age 15 when he developed bipolar disorder, and this greatly disrupted his life thereafter. He did manage to qualify as an electrician and worked on many projects in the area through his IBEW local 105. Lon was very creative and talented with his hands. Many people will have items of beauty he made from wood, or his intricate string art. He was rarely idle and kept busy with all sorts of handyman projects for his family and others. He enjoyed gardening and helped in his mother’s garden until her house was sold in 2015. Lon was very generous and kind-hearted, and often quite charming. He earned the affection of many who interacted with him throughout his years. The family would especially like to thank the caring team at Brant Assertive Community Treatment (Brant ACTT) and the compassionate and patient staff at the Brantford General hospital mental health ward for their support of Lon over many years. The family is also grateful for the kind and helpful care provided by his psw Tracey Campbell and the staff at Parkview Retirement Home over the past year. Lon will be missed by his father, Ron Donaldson, and his siblings: Kirk, Heather and Laurel Donaldson and Tara Neate, and by his faithful friend, Dave Johnston. He was predeceased by his dear mother, Blanche Parkhill, on May 19th, 2023 and his common-law wife of 20 years, Donna Scholz in March 2022. He is remembered by his first wife, Lorraine Donaldson, and their beloved children: Austin, Felicia and Chantelle Donaldson. There will be a private family ceremony to inter his remains. Arrangements have been entrusted with Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, 88 Brant Ave. Brantford, 519-752-4331. Donations can be made in his name to Mental Health Care at St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation. A tree will be planted in memory of Lon in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.