Donald “Don” McCaffrey

The family of Donald “Don” McCaffrey is saddened to report his passing on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 at the age of 94.

 

The son of Duncan Roland McCaffrey and Macey Louise (Husted) McCaffrey, Don is survived by his brother Roland and sister-in-law Marianne, and his nieces and nephew, Sue (Steven Pettipiere), Sharon Court (Bruce), Kimberley Mansey-Walker (Robert), Jim (Roxane Gagnon), Pam (Fred Stride), and his many great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

 

Born in Woodstock in 1930, Don completed design studies at what was then Ryerson College in Toronto. In 1963, he moved to Exeter to assist his father in Exeter Furniture, a family business that manufactured church furniture. He remained there until 2022, then, in 2023, he moved to Kingston, to be close to his family.

 

Don became involved in music at the urging of his sister-in-law Marianne, because of his wonderful bass voice. He initially sang with the Exeter United Church Choir and the Huronia Men’s Chorus, and over time sang with the London Fanshawe Symphonic Chorus, the Blyth Festival Singers, the Huronia Choir and the Hensall United Church Choir. 

 

His involvement in the Blyth Festival went beyond music: he volunteered in a variety of roles, was stage manager for over a decade, joined the Board of Directors, became Board Chair, oversaw a $2.3 million expansion of the theatre, and even took on some acting roles. He was renowned everywhere, but especially at Blyth, for his great, infectious laugh and his warm smile.

 

Don loved to drive, which was an asset in the business, since the company installed furniture in churches from Alberta to Labrador. For many years, he happily chauffeured his parents on sight-seeing tours around Ontario. After Roland and his family moved to Kingston, Don thought nothing of the five-hour drive from Exeter for holiday get-togethers and special occasions, well into his eighth decade.

 

We, his nieces and nephew, have spent our lives in the warmth of his love and kindness. When our grandmother could no longer bake, Uncle Don took over the preparation of our birthday cakes; to this day, we love angel food. We looked forward each year to the gift of his presence at Christmas, and the added bonus of Sugar and Spice chocolates. We all cherish our conversations with him on a variety of topics: wood-working and churches, music, the environment, politics, family history, and a wealth of other subjects. His passing leaves a huge gap in our hearts and our lives.

 

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home in Exeter in the spring of 2025.

 

If desired, donations in memory of Don may be made to the Blyth Festival, an organization near and dear to his heart.