Don Ethelston

Donald Carl Ethelston passed away in his sleep on December 1, 2024, in Campbell River, BC, after a 5-year battle with cancer.

Don was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, on May 9, 1952, to the late Carl and Miriam (Stephens) Ethelston.  He grew up in Aylmer but spent many happy hours at his maternal grandparents’ farm in Port Bruce.  He learned many things at Grandad’s knee, including playing poker. He loved roaming the Port Bruce hills.  Don and his siblings also spent many hours at the Aylmer swimming pool in the summer and camping at Long Point.

Don worked in the mining industry for 50 years.  He loved to ride his motorcycle and was a member of the Eagles Riding Club in Campbell River.  He was an avid reader and liked to keep up with current events.  On more than one occasion, he argued a point of view opposite his own and debated it to see if the others knew what they were talking about!  He was a member of the Board of Directors for the North Island Powell River Conservative Association.

Most important in life was his family.  Don was the husband of Pat (Brackenbury), father of Michael (Claire), Mark (Maddie), and Nicole (Ben), and grandfather to Ellie, Max, Logan, and Ali.  He is also survived by his sisters Susan (Paul) and Lorelei (Jimmy), brother Mike Ethelston (Debbie), and sister-in-law Edith.  Also dear to his heart were his nieces and nephews, Chad, David, Angela, Melissa, Justin, Daisy, Jimmy, Mike, Jim, and Lorelei. He was predeceased by his brother Ray.

As per Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.  Many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who were a part of Don’s care team throughout the past 5 years.