In memory of

Donald A. Zacher

Don moved forward on November 26, 2020, the date of American Thanksgiving - so fitting as gratitude and love defined his approach to life (and while he carried a Canadian passport he always remained an American at heart!). He deeply loved the Bible and Christian Science and living the Golden Rule came naturally to him. His love for all humanity shined through in his building of relationships and his interest in others. His great joy was to learn of an artisan’s skill, or a bakery’s specialty, or an entrepreneur’s mission and support them at what they excelled.

Don loved business, spending his career leading W. B. Hamilton Shoes (1860) Ltd. with the sole purpose (pun intended) of creating happy customers. At the helm of this fourth generation family business he grew and evolved the chain of shoe stores, trying out new concepts, brands and markets. He was always eager to share what was happening at the stores and family dinners usually included updates on that day’s business. He keenly read Fortune magazine each month, sharing the innovations he read about (things like “fax machines”) and finding new investment ideas (like a novel company called “Cisco”).

Don’s interest in others, integrity, joy, and humor have been a blessing to many. As we remember him, he requests that we share with others what we loved about him by expressing those qualities throughout our day.

“Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years.”
Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer and founder of Christian Science
https://www.christianscience.com/what-is-christian-science


No flowers, please. We’d be honored if you would like to make a donation in his name.

Use the "MAKE A DONATION" link below where you will be able to donate to one of his favourites:

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NATIONAL BENEVOLENCE FUND (CSNBF) - CSNBF provides financial assistance with the costs of Christian Science partitioner services or nursing care for those seeking healing through Christian Science. Don was blessed with many wonderful healings and was infinitely grateful for the nurses and practitioners that support proofs of God’s care.

THE PRINCIPIA - Principia is both a private liberal arts College in southern Illinois and an independent school in St. Louis, MO. Originally founded in 1898 to “serve the Cause of Christian Science as an educational organization,” Principia remains true to its mission—a mission Don held near and dear. Principia is where Don met his wife, Lyn, and developed many long time friendships. He has served in many capacities to support the school since his graduation in 1960.

TWO TEN FOOTWEAR FOUNDATION - Two Ten has been supporting and uniting America's footwear industry since the Depression-era, when a group of footwear workers came together in Boston to help a colleague who had fallen on hard times. Don was a longtime member and in these hard times of 2020 he was often concerned about the small businesses impacted.

Guestbook 

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Duncan & Julia McLaren (fellow member of CAFE business PAG)

Entered December 1, 2020 from St. Catharines, ON Canada

Condolences.
Don was a fellow member of CAFE business PAG for a number of years. I got to know the Don as a caring and giving gentleman. We shared some wonderful discussions together within the group and outside of it.

Jeri Blair (Friend)

Entered December 1, 2020 from Naples, FL

Don was so very special, as is his family. Love them all dearly. Reconnected with Don about 4 years ago after not seeing him since the 1950's in Sarasota. Saw this handsome man in the congregation of the Christian Science church in Naples, and said to myself, that looks like Don Zacher. Sure enough, out in the foyer after the service I went up to him and said "excuse me, but aren't you Don from Sarasota?"
Bingo! Big smile came to him immediately--yes! That gentle smile was always there whenever you saw him, and know it is still there. My deep love to Lyn & Jule.

Willard Hanzlik (Friend)

Entered December 1, 2020 from Sarasota, Florida

Many wonderful and happy memories of Don since I met him as one of my brother’s best friends at Principia College in 1960. So enjoyed being with Lyn and Don on a Principia cruise on the Rhein River several years ago. Knowing that Don’s integrity, love, and wholeness as a child of God continues unchanged.

stephen hamilton (great nephew)

Entered December 1, 2020 from north bay

I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Don's passing and feel remiss it has been so long since we last spoke. I loved the opportunity to chat with Don and reconnect at your family brunches. I was a pretty proud papa to introduce Liam, just 9 days old, to the family at one of these functions. Don was a great steward of the family business. The W.B. Hamilton namesake will live on. I am not sure if you knew my middle name is Brown and of course Liam is names after William.
Condolences to you all

BILL MORRIS (Cousin)

Entered December 1, 2020 from Stouffville

I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was ever the quiet, thoughtful, always willing to lend a helping hand "American cousin" to all of his Canadian counterparts! I will always remember him for his ready smile and unfailing hospitality. He will be greatly missed.

Photos 

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