Obituary of Donald Hubert Onclin

With great sadness we announce that Donald Hubert Onclin passed away on March 18, 2019 with his family present. Donald was predeceased by his father Hubertus Onclin, his mother Verna Onclin (Reed), brother David John Onclin and daughter-in-law Cheryl Downey. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marina, sons Kevin, Cuyler (Joni), daughter Kimberley (Terry), grandchildren Holly Claire, Forest Dale, Sarah (Nikos) Polichronakis, Chad (Cathi) Wetsch, great-grandchildren Miranda, Connor and Carson, sister Diann Rodger, sisters-in-law Ruth Pyper and Rosalie Onclin, brothers-in-law Arthur Proctor and Ronald Dickenson, and many special nieces and nephews and extended family members in Ontario & The Netherlands. Donald was born in Toronto, On., the 10th day of March 1932. At an early age the family moved to Owen Sound. He was educated in the Public Schools & O. S. Collegiate & Vocation Institute. During his school years Don was active in Wolf Cubs, Boy Scouts (King Scout), Rovers and the Royal Army Cadets. After a short stint with Coca Cola, Donald commenced his apprenticeship in 1952 with the then Department of Highways of Ontario (DHO) Highway Engineering Division. Working with the DHO in Owen Sound, Toronto, White River & Cochrane. He joined the Engineering Departments of Brant County (Paris) 1962-71, Regional Municipality of Muskoka (Gravenhurst) 1971-80. Donald joined Public Works Canada as a Project Officer in 1980 relocating to Saskatoon, retiring in 1995. Donald met the love of his life Marina Jean Acheson, a student nurse in 1952. Their friendship grew over the years culminating in marriage, December 26, 1956. Their tenure in Cochrane welcomed the birth of Kevin & Kimberley and their time in Paris, Ontario, son Cuyler. Donald became involved in the Paris Minor Hockey Assoc., coaching, teaching & serving as President for a number of years. The family years in Gravenhurst saw the family grow in all the activities of summer & winter. Camping trips, swimming & boating on the Muskoka Lakes. Canoeing & portaging through the lakes of Algonquin Park utilizing & teaching the skills learned through the Scouting program. Alpine & cross-country skiing the Muskoka, Beaver Valley & Blue Mountain terrain. Donald loved his golf. If asked if he was a golfer would answer he played at golf. He first started golf in Owen Sound & continued his play wherever they lived. He was a member of the Saskatoon Golf & Country Club, and most recently Greenbryre Golf and Country Club. Donald joined the Masonic Order in 1955 in Owen Sound, affiliating with Lodge Progress No. 92, Saskatoon. He was also a member of the concordant bodies of Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Rite, Royal Ark Mariner and the Shrine. Donald was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and on several church committees. At Don’s request, a private family gathering will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.