Don, the eldest son of Louis and Jean Crooks, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on September 5, 2020 at the age of 80, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his loving wife Betty, son Stephen (Susanne), daughters Julie, Heather (Jeff); grandchildren Devon, Grace, Dylan, Molly, Vincent, Eve, Ella, Owen; brothers Wayne (Gloria), Brian (Mary), Sherman, David, sister Cathy (Clayton), Nancy (Gary). Predeceased by brother Fraser.
Don grew up in Dartmouth, joined the Military Police 1958 and in 1964 joined the RCMP where his career included VIP security for Prime Ministers Diefenbaker, Pearson, Trudeau, Governor Generals, US Presidents Regan and Nixon, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, Montreal Summer Olympics 1976, Apollo II Astronauts and others.
Don loved fishing in Palmerston Lake, cycling, The Rolling Stones, rock-n-roll and palm trees.
A private family funeral entrusted to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (www.beechwoodottawa.ca). Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to Parkinson Canada at www.parkinson.ca.
Digital Guestbook
Betty Bracken
Cathy/Clayton
I am writing this as tears fall. Rest In Peace Big Brother?
Sandra Knight
Betty, Heather, Steven, and Julie
Wishing you strength and peace
Sandra
Sarah Harris-McMaster and Family
Thinking of you all xo
Sending you all lots of Love and Hugs xo
I am so thankful to have amazing memories of my Uncle Don, he will be missed xoxo
Rob and Karen Spilling
We were so sorry to hear the news of Don's passing. It was very obvious to us that he was a wonderful and caring husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by his loving family and friends. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Darlene Gilderson
Betty, I am saddened to hear of your great loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers over this challenging time. My hope for you is that over time the happy memories help ease your sadness.
Anne and Garry Mac Gillivray
Betty and family, at this time of loss, our deepest sympathy. Hold fond memories of Don, our thought are with you.
Darrell and Judy Campbell
Betty,our deepest condolences to you and your family. It has been a lot of years since weve seen you but we have only the fondest memories of you both! Going back a long time to remember a couple of Grey Cup games in particular! Take care.
John Thomas
Betty, Stephen (Susanne), Julie and Heather (Jeff). So sorry to learn of Dons passing. As a long-time colleague of Dons at PSPC and as a former RCMP member, I want you all to know that Don (husband, Dad and Grandpa) was, as you well know, a very special person. He possessed the talent and ability to gain much respect from those he met and dealt with along the way. He was, for me, a friend and guide, for which I gained a much valued set of credentials in order to work effectively with Industry officials, Politicians and Senior Management. His great sense of humor and that famous grin he exuded said so much about him as an individual. We travelled Canada together, met a number of challenges, shared a great deal of common ground, lots of laugher and always came up smiling. His loyalty, sincerity and kindness set an example for many of us who knew him. While he meant so much to all of you, he also meant a lot to me and I will miss him dearly. You can take solace in knowing that Don was a genuine and sincere gentleman who loved his precious family and was always concerned for others. It was a privilege to have Don as a part of my life. May your precious memories help you through this time of sorrow. John
Ron Yeomans
It is with sadness to learn of Dons passing. I have fond memories of Don while we served in Canadian Provost Corps (1958) . We both later engaged with the RCMPOLICE (1961-1996). My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dear Betty and family.Deepest sympathy in your loss of a devoted husband,father and grandfather.Treasure those memories of your time together.