Obituary of Donald McArthur

Donald Russell McArthur passed peacefully on April 7, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He left this life the way he lived it, with grace, good humour and without complaint, comforted to the end by his abiding faith in god. Don will be sorely missed by Rosemary, his wife of 55 years, his children Stephen ( Carole) and Catherine ( Tony), grandchildren Adrien, Michelle, Patrick and Jenna along with friends and extended family too numerous to count.  Don was blessed with lifelong friends, many of whom travelled great distances to see him in his final days. Born in Beamsville, raised in London, Ontario and following graduation from the University of Western Ontario, Ivy School of Business in 1955, Don spent several years as an executive with Canadian General Electric and then as Vice President and General Manager of Clairtone Sound Corporation. He joined Toyota Canada in 1969 and became a Director and Senior Vice President until leaving in 1980 to form his own company advising automotive companies in Asia, Europe and South America, arranging equity and debt financing, and establishing distribution and retail dealerships across Canada. Following retirement from the automotive industry, he was appointed President of the Canadian Importers Association, representing the business interests of importers and exporters to Federal and Provincial governments. During this time he also served on the Advisory Councils of Seneca and Sir Sandford Flemming Colleges and sat as a Director of several International Trade organizations. Upon leaving the work world and retirement to Bobcaygeon, Don threw himself into the community with the same vigour he approached all things.  He was Chair, Board of Managers Knox Presbyterian Church, Member and Board member Port 32 Shore Spa, Member and President of Men’s section Eganridge golf club, Member Bocaygeon curling club , helping to develop boys and girls curling and coached the junior boys OCA competitive league. He gave freely of his time as a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10 between 2-4pm and 7-9pm at MONK FUNERAL HOME, 6 Helen Street, Bobcaygeon (705-738-3222 or 866-393-0063)  Visitation ( 2pm-3pm) and Service (3pm) and following reception will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Joseph street, Bobcaygeon on Monday April 11, 2011.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to do so, contribute to a charity of their choice.