Don passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife of 52 years at his side after a series of health challenges on April 29, 2024. Born in Kirkintilloch, Scotland on Nov. 5,1940 to Michael and Margaret (Peggy) Coleman (nee Shaw). He was the second youngest of 5 siblings. Predeceased by his 4 siblings Edward, Christina, Mary and Patricia.

Don immigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1966. He was an electrician by trade and joined IBEW Local 353 in 1969 and recently received his 55-year service award pin. During his tenure with IBEW he worked with various companies including State Electric. He quit the construction trade and went to work for the Ministry of Transportation until his retirement about 20 years ago.

Don was a member of the Canadian Legion Branch 13 where he played his beloved darts and cards for many years.

When he retired, he was often found at Scarborough Village playing his favourite game, Bid Euchre. He also thoroughly enjoyed attending the Scarborough Senior Games held once a year.


In 1967 Don met Eileen. They were married on March 25,1972 and together they raised two daughters, Gillian and Jennifer. Beloved Papa to Jailyn, Gabriel, Lauren and Leianna. Don will be sorely missed by all his nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews in Scotland.


Although Don was not a keen flier, he did love to travel with his wife Eileen and did several cruises with their good friends Pat and Burt and also enjoyed many holidays with his niece Margaret and her husband Eddie. One of the trips the four of them did together was to Coronation Street which he thoroughly enjoyed. Don also enjoyed going back to the UK to visit with his family and friends and enjoyed a few coach holidays to various parts of the country.

At the age of 16, Don did his electrical apprenticeship at Edelman’s Electrical Contractor in Glasgow, Scotland where he met his life-long best friend Robert (Bobby) Sharkey (predeceased) and his wife Norma. They immigrated to Canada shortly after Don and they remained life-long friends. Over the years they spent many Christmases and Thanksgivings together and shared many laughs with their good friends Bobby and Norma.

Anyone who knew Don knew he would often rush home before it rained or got dark just to cut his grass. Although frustrating at times, whatever he was doing has paid off because to this day he still receives compliments on how nice his lawn looks.

One of Don’s favorite past times was watching soccer. Including his two favourite teams, Manchester United and Celtic.

Joe, Don’s brother-in-law had given him lots of laughs over the last couple of years by writing him letters about his adventures both present and past. Don enjoyed receiving and reading these letters and they gave him a good chuckle. Thank you, Joe, for brightening his day.

Don was a likeable person. Everyone who met him always enjoyed his company and his humour. He was outgoing, kind and friendly to everyone he came in contact with. Always there for his children, grandchildren, friends, family and neighbours. When asked how are you, Don would always reply “I cannae complain”. That’s the sort of person he was right up until he passed. He never complained.
We as his family will miss our husband, dad and papa immensely. He was always there for us to help with any problem that arose. He has left a void that will never be filled. We love you more then you will ever know, and you will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts. God Bless You. Rest in Peace.

Ta Ta for now!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s honor to the Canadian Cancer Society or Heart & Stroke Foundation.