Donald Jenner Eastmure (The Duke)

May 2, 1930 - June 3, 2021

The Duke passed away peacefully to join his beloved Essie. His daughter was by his side and his sons were present virtually.

Donald was the youngest son of Wyburn and Agnes, brother to Joan Pratt, and predeceased by brothers Russell and Ian.

After graduating from Trinity College at U of T, Donny began a long career in the investment industry. He rose to be Vice Chairman of his firm. In 1955 he married Esther Jackson, the love of his life. They raised four grateful children, Michael (Michèle Hunter), Debbie (Clark Court), Philip (deceased) and Graeme (Julie Smith). Eight grandchildren will fondly remember Grandad: Robyn, Whitney, Katie, Jocelyn (Clark & Deb), Brennan, Sarah (Mike & Jane Eastmure), Christopher and Allyson (Graeme & Julie). Donny’s legacy continues with great grandchildren Jacob, Bella, Andee, Clark, Parker, Abby, Duke, Miles, Georgia, Mackenzie and Benjamin.

Most dear to his heart was the cottage on Pen Lake where friends and family will continue to gather.

Don was gifted with so many great friends and he will be playing the pipes at the Pearly Gates.

Don was a big fan of golf, skiing and tennis. He was a long time member of The Rosedale Golf Club, The Osler Bluff Ski Club and the Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto. His love of tennis had him build “The Duke’s Court” at the family cottage where there were many tennis weekends. He and Essie went on to create “Brigadoon”, a 5 hole golf course in the neighbouring field. Each year the Thanksgiving Family Classic is held with a shot-gun start. Friends and family join in, with teams announced and friendly wagers. Essie also got Don into the game of bridge, which was most often played in conjunction with tennis and golf weekends, but also in the city with his buddies.

It goes without saying that he was well known for his bagpiping. Don first played with the 48th Highlanders of Canada, and he went on to play the pipes at countless events, sometimes for dignitaries, sometimes at weddings, most often for friends. The sound of the pipes would often carry across the lake to the appreciation of cottagers across the bay. Perhaps one of his proudest performances was playing Highland Cathedral at a wedding at Christ Church Deer Park.

We are so thankful to the many family and friends our parents had, all of whom have had a lasting impact on our parents and our families. How lucky Don and Essie were that there are so many to name, but for fear of missing out, we won’t name, but we know who you all are.

Don was always welcoming to friends who arrived at Pen Lake, sometimes without invitation. There was always room to set another place at the table.

Don’s kids, grandkids and greats have been left a rich legacy of golf, skiing, tennis and comradery.

And ...he enjoyed a good martini.

When times permit, a celebration of life will be held with those that can attend Penrock, where dad will join Essie under the Arbor.