FRANCIS DONALD (DON) FERRIER

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FRANCIS DONALD (DON) FERRIER

April 4, 1933 - November 5, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family announce the passing of Don Ferrier of Brandon, MB on November 5, 2024, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born on April 4, 1933, at Fisher Acre, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland to Frank and Annie Ferrier. At seven, Don and his family moved to Cruden Bay. Don’s father and sister Evelyn were employed at the Bank of Scotland. Across the street was a 27-hole golf course and the rest is history for Don and the golf course. When on holidays from school Don played two rounds a day and often caddied for spending money.

This game he was passionate about both playing and watching. He played his final round at Glen Lea golf course at age 90. Don passed his love of golf onto his children and grandchildren. According to Don, school was not his passion. He only completed grade nine. He then began his career in the Aberdeen Academy where he studied bacteriology and chemistry. He had been forever an avid reader and retained the knowledge. He had earlier read of Louis Pasteur and this led to a long career in a science laboratory.

He received his call to commence his two years of service in the British Royal Army Medical Corps in 1953. After six months of training, he was sent to Hong Kong where he spent one and a half years in the hospital lab.

He applied to play golf in Singapore and was accepted. He travelled one week by boat, and found he and one other fellow were the only two non-commissioned officers. He played with Dave Thomas, a well-known golfer with many accolades and they won a “pewter cup”. He was lost from Hong Kong so worked in the hospital in Singapore for one month until he was found. It was just the end of his two-year conscription and was flown home with an overnight in Cypress and then on to London and was demobbed.

He returned to work in the Aberdeen University. While there Dr. James Hendry from Brandon was recruiting for a technologist and Don applied thus boarding a ship to Canada.

He reached Montreal and later a train to Brandon. His relationship with Brandon General / Westman Lab lasted for 39 years. When he retired in 1996 as executive director with more than 100 staff under him!

Don joined Kinsmen Club in 1964 in Brandon and later moved to k 40. Friends made there became friends for life.

Don met June Acton, an X-Ray Tech and in June 1959 were married and later blessed with three children, David, Scott and Andrea.

Another sport he loved was soccer, which he played senior mens in 1957 and 1958. In the 70s, he taught the children the game and also coached. In 1988 he coached soccer in the summer games in Beausejour. David was on the team, and they won a silver medal. Scott and David were active in Cubs and Scouts and Don was one of their leaders. Don spent 15 years in the Figure Skating world with Andrea, as a parent and on a number of boards.

Don was very active in Central United Church for over 60 years including teaching Sunday school, a number of committees and singing in the choir.

Don could often be found in the old campgrounds at Clear Lake, entertaining friends and family. Don and family spent 42 years at the cabin.

Many lifelong friends were made playing duplicate bridge, playing from 1961 until two years ago.

Don was predeceased by his father in 1974; mother in 1984; sister Evelyn (1998); brother Derek; sister-in-law Mabel, as well as June’s parents Merlin and Kathleen Acton.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife June; son David (Margot), Jordyn and Dustin; Scott (Jody), Cole and Josh; and daughter Andrea Sexsmith, Johnathon and Jackson.

The family is very grateful to all the staff on the 3rd floor of the Assiniboine Centre and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre. The care Don received was outstanding and the staff went above and beyond to keep Don happy. Don spent five and a half weeks in palliative care and the entire family was always by his side.

A Celebration of Don’s Life was held on November 12th at Memories Chapel, Rev. Doug Craig officiated.

Donations in memory of Don may be made to Westman Laboratory, 150 McTavish Ave East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7H8. Please make cheques payable to Shared Health. Or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation – Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7H8.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 23, 2024, Nov 23, 2024