Gordon (Don) DeCoursey

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don DeCoursey, on October 31, 2014, at Ian Anderson House in Oakville Ontario. He was surrounded by family and friends who understand his philosophy on life and friendship . Cherished partner of Lena Ruehle, loving step father of Emma Weizenbluth. Predeceased by his parents, Gordon E. and Elizabeth DeCoursey. A celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date. Memorial donations to Ian Anderson House, or the charity of your choice,would be appreciated by Don’s family. Please visit our Book of Memories for further details at www.wardfuneralhome.com


Gordon (Don) Victor DeCoursey – A history…a life

Don DeCoursey, born Dec 25 1942 in Oakville Ontario, lived a full and meaningful life. As one of the last members of the original Black families to settle in Oakville and St. Catharine’s, he had many life experiences.

During his time in the Canadian Navy, Don traveled to many places and developed a special relationship with the port in Bermuda. It was here he gained dear friends who he returned to visit for many Christmas holidays thereafter.

Upon returning to Oakville, he continued the DeCoursey line and took his young family on many camping and fishing trips in their station wagon, pulling their Apache trailer behind them, and the fishing boat behind that.
PS: He never found his sea legs, but he did enjoy the waters from the safety of his fishing boat.

In his 40s, the motorcycling world caught him up in its wheels and Don found himself in the driver’s seat. After testing out various bikes, Don fell in love with Gold Wings, joined the GWRRA and became a founding member of the local chapter. This chapter – having survived his sometimes off-kilter jokes and puns – grew to be his second family.

Don’s interests lay in many areas:
 As a youngster, he was a trumpet player, participated in the drum core and later developed a love of Jazz music and an extensive LP collection
 As an adult, everywhere he went his camera(s) went too; he could often be found deep in conversation, learning from others and encouraging fellow enthusiasts to explore their own passion for photography…or getting to know the workings of a new ‘toy’ by practicing on Emma
 After meeting the love of his life, Lena, he caught the travel bug and the two went on many adventures within and outside of Canada; Quebec, East & West Coasts, Israel, Caribbean, Germany & many more
PS: He never did learn to swim, but he got to go snorkeling a few times
 In the last few years, he dabbled in the arts of cooking and BBQing; experimenting with shenanigans like beer can chicken and grilling his own steak in the middle of winter

After working at Elk’s Men’s Store, Mack Truck and Ryder Logistics, Don “retired” and worked for the Little Caesar’s Pizza Kit Fundraising Program. His semi-retirement found him traveling around Ontario, visiting schools and daycares where he got a kick out of watching “the young people” raise money for their communities.

Being the social butterfly he was, you had to plan for any outing to take an extra half hour or more; Don would bump into an old friend almost anywhere in Oakville or stop to talk to anyone and everyone. One of his greatest pleasures was to bring a smile to people’s faces with a simple ‘Hello’ – especially those beautiful young (at heart and in age) ladies.

Don was a stubborn, give it to me straight, tough kind of guy who would give the shirt off his back and be there for you in the blink of an eye. He loved deeply and pushed others to widen their abilities and explore new passions.

“Remember me by treating all who we meet as you would like to be treated yourself.” ~~ Don DeCoursey



We will be having a Celebration of Life of Sunday, Nov 9th at the Ward Funeral Home from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Ian Anderson House – a hospice in Oakville where Don spent his last days.
Please visit their website at http://www.ianandersonhouse.com/