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It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Donald (Don) Bedford aged 82 on December 6th at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg with his family by his side. For over 51 years he was a devoted husband to his beloved late wife Donna. Loving father to Randy and sadly his predeceased daughter Cindy. Proud Papa to Kyle, Joey, Sarah, Torey and Great Papa to Haylie and Colton.
A printer by trade he later joined the North York Fire Department in 1970 where he served for 25 years. Don was known as a reliable, respected firefighter, a great friend and of being strong of both mind and body. He was an avid reader who also loved to work out. It was on the fire department where the greatest friendships of his life were formed. It was here where he was grateful to meet his two best friends Paul and Al.
Don was an excellent athlete as a boy excelling in baseball, football and hockey. He was written up in the paper for pitching a no hitter at a CNE tournament, he was quarterback on his high school football team and was a great hockey player. As an adult he loved watching football and hockey and was an avid fan of the Argos and Leafs. Just recently enjoyed watching the Argos win the Grey Cup. The Leafs…well at least he remembered 67.
One of Don’s greatest passions were his dogs. Dogfather to Sable, the late very special Sage and numerous other rescue dogs to which he gave a great life. It was his dogs who helped get him through the many tragedies he sadly dealt with in his life. He also loved a cat named Stormy and put up with a number of other cats, guinea pigs etc for the betterment of his marriage.
Don’s life was always about others; be it his family, his friends or his pets. In keeping with this he did not want a funeral. However if you would like to honour him I’m sure he would appreciate a donation to any local dog rescue in his memory.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Christopher Reeve
Worked with Donny on the back of 7 pump in North York in mid 80s, he was a pro, I was a rookie. RIP brother & thank you for your service & god bless your family. Captain R.Rutherford NYFD/TFS. Retired.
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Randy. I will remember him at the Cobourg Dog Park and his kind heart towards all animals especially his rescued dogs. They were lucky to have him and I'm sure he'd say, he was lucky to have them.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
Randy and Family. On behalf of NYRFFA , I would like to give our Deepest and Sincere Sympathy of the lost of your Love one and our good Brother Don who was part of our North Fire Dept. He had many friends in our Department and will be remembered my many being a Great Part of all of us. Next time our Bell Rings we will remember him
To Randy and family I am sorry to hear of your loss. Your hero and mentor. Our thoughts are with the family at this time
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Adopt a Dog, Save a Life
My condolences to the family! I have many memories over the years with Don on North York. Rest in peace!
Don was a good friend and a loyal dog man. I knew him from his years with Siage at Norwood Park. His friend Garry kept us in touch with Don and carried messages back and forth with him. He will be missed and remembered forever. All the best to Don’s family!
To Randy and family - I’m so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We were neighbours on Silver Birch Ave. for almost five years, and I have wonderful memories of your family. They were great neighbours, and it seems impossible to believe that your parents and Cindy are all gone… Cherish your memories and your dad’s legacy! My heartfelt condolences to you and to Don’s grandkids and great-grandkids.
Sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a strong member of the Norwood Dog park community and when Don moved to Coburg, a dinner was organized in his honour. One of the few times we have seen Don at a loss for words. Interesting to see he used to be a printer — he did have a fondness for stories, riddles and jokes. Particularly if they involved prepositions. He was a good man and we are better for knowing him. Joel & Jayne.
A welcoming friend to me a Quinte when we joined the Norwood Dog Park community. We missed Don and Sage when they moved to Cobourg, and now still more. My condolences to Don's family and friends.