Donald Irving McCormick
The family of Don McCormick is heartbroken to announce his passing on the evening of October 29th, 2021, at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville, Ontario. With his beloved wife, Diana (Radesch), holding his hand, daughter, Kelly, and son, Jamie, holding the other, Don completed his incredible life journey in the arms of his family, exactly as he had hoped. Adored by his grandchildren — Simon and Kieran (Joseph Day), Spencer and Kyla (JoAnne McCormick) — they shared extremely close relationships with their Poppa and are devastated by the loss.
Don is also missed by cousins, Roy MacGregor, Jim and Stephanie MacGregor, Tom MacGregor, whom he considered siblings. He is also missed by sister and lifelong friend, Bonnie Barry. He is also remembered by: the wonderful high school friends he continued close relationships with to this day; his 4 Davidson friends from Queen’s; Cawesco friends from Hamilton; Huntsville High School teaching friends; Scotch Club; his hockey and lacrosse teammates; his golf buddies; his triathlon community and fellow swimmers; his close community of wonderful friends in Huntsville; dear friends in Australia; and close family friends, the Tick’s, Dryden’s and Riley’s.
Born Donald Irvine McCormick, July 28th, 1941, in Whitney, Ontario, he was pre-deceased by his parents, Irvine and Gertrude (Heintzman) McCormick, brother Andrew and his wife Kathleen. An extremely proud descendant of Algonquin Park lineage, Don and his cousins regaled in their shared experiences growing up together in Huntsville and around Algonquin Park. Amongst his final outings, Don returned to his childhood cottage site at Lake of Two Rivers with his grandkids to share their history with the land, and their ancestors, one last time.
Don was raised in Whitney until he left to attend the closest high school, Huntsville High School, one month after his 13th birthday. After graduating high school just before his 17th birthday, he attended Queen’s University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, followed by a teaching certificate. He started his teaching career at Barton Secondary School in Hamilton and it was here that he met Diana, who was attending nurses college at the time.
Married in January of 1966, Don and Diana had daughter, Kelly, and moved to Huntsville for a teaching position, where he was Science Department Head at Huntsville High School until his retirement in 1997. With the birth of son, Jamie, the roots of family were established at Ravenscliffe Rd. where they have remained to this day. Don began a long history of community involvement and presence, leaving only when the family moved to California in order for him to obtain his Masters in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later, taking a year off to travel around the world.
Based on a desire to help shape and protect the future of Huntsville, he entered into local politics as a Town Councillor in the early 1970’s, serving as councillor for Chaffey Township. This political involvement eventually led to, amongst others, his work with the Parks and Recreation Committee, an involvement that would continue for the duration of his life, culminating in his work for the Trans Canada Trail, the Economic Development Committee and his efforts to secure and promote the multiple versions of the Muskoka Triathlon races that continue to this day.
Don lived his life in the pursuit of excellence — professionally, athletically, intellectually, socially, interpersonally, and personally. This pursuit would lead him to successes that included: membership on the Canadian National Triathlon Team representing Canada at the World Championships on multiple occasions; a Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame inductee; recipient of the Jan Glenn Award; a celebrated catalyst for dozens of local activity-based facilities and events, and a leader within the community for ensuring that future generations had the best quality opportunities to pursue their own excellence.
A born teacher and leader, Don was known throughout the region for being a coach/instructor (hockey, tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, downhill skiing), professional photographer, and writer/journalist. He received numerous awards and recognition for his tireless work. He always pursued a vast array of interests. He joined several local choirs and participated in numerous local theatre productions, both on stage and off. He also served on the Algonquin Forestry Authority for 10 years.
Despite these successes, if you asked him the most rewarding aspect of all of these endeavours, he would tell you it was a chance to build relationships with the people he participated with in the process. The visits on decks, docks, boats, golf courses and while he was in hospice meant so much to him and his family, and they are forever grateful for the connections maintained throughout his life, including the past few months.
Don and his family are incredibly grateful for the care and support he received by Dr. John Rea, Dr. Deb Harrold, Dr. Rich Trenholm, Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick, Chaplain Russ Buckerfield, Social Worker Lesley Patterson; the wonderful staff at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (Oncology Clinic, Emergency Department), and Home and Community Care (RN Samantha). His end of life care at Algonquin Grace Hospice was outstanding. Both Don and his family were cared for with compassion, dignity and attention to every detail. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Algonquin Grace Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held in 2022 when all in attendance can, as was so perfectly captured by the MacGregor family, “give and receive the hugs we all need”. Details will be available on the Mitchell Funeral Home website.
Don was above all a father, husband, Poppa, son, brother, cousin and friend. He was a proud Canadian, Algonquin Park ancestor, and Huntsville ambassador. It is now up to us to share in his legacy — try a triathlon, walk on the Hunter’s Bay Trail, go for a paddle, look for ways to get involved in your community, and cherish your family and friends.