June 1, 1941 – July 13, 2024
Don passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on July 13, 2024, in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
Don was born in Bracebridge and raised in Dorset. His childhood was spent playing hockey along with numerous other sports, enjoying the lakes of Muskoka/Haliburton, attending Huntsville High School, and working in the family business, Robinson’s General Store. In 1957, he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings Hockey Club, played Junior “A” for the Hamilton Tiger Jr Hockey Club and in 1958 he had a hockey scholarship from St. Michael’s College. While attending the University of Toronto, working toward a Bachelor of Science Degree, Don was very involved with his fraternity, Sigma Chi. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Toronto and began his teaching career in Oshawa.
Don then moved to Gravenhurst and continued teaching science at Gravenhurst High School. In 1974, he moved to Collingwood and became a Vice Principal at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. He finished his teaching career at Barrie Central Collegiate as Science Department Head. Don brought energy and enthusiasm to the classroom while claiming to have never forgotten the name of a student he taught.
In retirement, Don and his wife Betty of 42 years had many worldwide travel adventures. Many of his travels over the years included trips to Calgary to visit with his son Jonathan and family, as well as trips to Alabama to visit with his daughter Lindsey and family. Don loved skiing, golfing, curling, sailing, cooking, gardening and his life on the lake.
Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud and supportive grandfather and good friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Don was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Lillow and his eldest son Scott Lillow, as well as his parents Donald L. Lillow Sr. and Catherine Lillow.
Survivors include his children from his first marriage, daughter Lindsey Lillow Taylor (Greg) and son Jonathan Lillow (Jillian), grandchildren Eric, Devin, Morgan, Claire and Benjamin, and stepchildren Wendy Weir and John McEvoy.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Sklar and the medical staff in the Trauma and Neurosurgery Department at St. Michael’s Hospital, as well as the staff in the Palliative Care Unit for their kind and compassionate care of Don.
A celebration of life will occur at a later date, with details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Hospital ( http://stmichaelsfoundation.com/DonaldLillow ) or Hospice Simcoe ( https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/2595 ).
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca