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
christine seaby
Gary and Shirley Romas
Loved Palmerston Lake. Will remember always.
Sandra and Gordon Fraser
So sorry to hear that you have lost a husband and father. Our sincere sympathy to Betty, Stephen, Julie, Heather and families.
Wolf Schmueck
My dear friend, I will miss you greatly. Working with you over the years was an honour and a privilege. You great sense of humour kept us going through challenging moments. May God take good care of you! Rest In Peace, my friend.
Shirley Harris-Bird
Dear Betty,
Today, I learned of Don’s passing. Please accept my delayed condolences.
The picture of him in the online obituary is how I remember Don. That incredible little boy smile and the slow and easy manner in which he approached life. Quite a wonderful lad. I am proud to have known him.
Take care of yourself Betty. I know you have been through a lot as a result of Don’s illness.
Kerri Zajicek
I am beside myself at the loss of Donny. I just found out. I have been very sick myself for the past few months with a Life-threatening C-diff Infection. And haven’t really been in touch with anyone. My mother Mary MacKinnon (Zajicek) absolutely adored him. To no end.... He and his family are all some of the greatest people that I have ever known and are my family. I think of our memories together and they fill my heart, even in the darkest of times. I know you guys are strong and so wonderful. And I know you will get through this. His absence is felt throughout the world I assure you, our family has taken quite a big hit the past few months losing kent, now Donny. Please know that I love you and I think of you so often. Also know that he is up there with mom And Fraser And Margaret Looking over us and running through the fields when we don’t need protection. Please feel free to contact me I would love to talk to you guys kerri976@yahoo.com. Again Sending love and light and strength to all of you.
Our hearts are heavy this week as we lost a fighter of ours too soon. Don always came to class with a magical smile that lit up the room and he always reached out to the staff for a hug. He had quite the dancing feet and every time a good tune came on he would break out dancing and grab the closest lady to dance with. I'll miss my dances with him. We will carry on dancing and think of you when the good songs start playing Don. May you now rest in peace until we meet again. xo