MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
The world lost one of its brightest lights on Aug. 25 when Don McQuigge’s life journey drew to a peaceful close in Cobourg, Ont. Don, whose time was cut short by cancer, died in palliative care surrounded by his closest family members: his beloved wife Hélène Savard-McQuigge — AKA “the one who makes my life interesting” for nearly 49 years — his daughter Michelle and son Michael. He is also survived by his sister Susan, his brother Douglas (Catherine), several cousins including Tom Heyes and Charles McGaw (Linda), sisters-in-law Christiane Savard and Susanne Sevigny (Michel), brother-in-law Gilles Savard, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Don was born in Toronto to Donald McQuigge and Marjory Stapells. His formative years at Sedbergh School in Montebello, Que., instilled a love of nature and rural serenity that lasted the rest of his life, while his time at Hillsdale College imparted a similarly lasting passion for aviation. The world of business was a natural fit for his creative and detail-oriented mind, and he spent his career in the manufacturing industry. The bulk of that time was spent at Del Mar Hardware, a maker of patio door and window components that he almost singlehandedly turned into a “well-oiled machine”. With his retirement came a desire to escape the big city bustle, prompting a move to Cobourg in 2008. Don was calling his new town “home” within weeks and found many ways to give back to the community, including a stint on the board of the Capitol Theatre.
Don demonstrated many talents over his nearly 81 years. He was a natural raconteur whose quick wit ensured he could amuse a crowd with a joke or hold an intimate audience spellbound as he spun stories from the present or the past. His skill with a spreadsheet was unmatched (at least in the family), and his business acumen revived the flagging fortunes of more than one manufacturing enterprise. He was as adept with his hands as his words (terrible puns notwithstanding) and could build or fix just about anything. His whistling could put songbirds to shame, his instinctive sense of timing and ability to plan for the future were unparalleled, his integrity was unwavering, and no one ever gave a better hug. He was, in short, a builder of everything from ball bearings to happy families and vibrant communities. “Big Don” was a giant in stature, voice and heart to those who loved him, and he leaves behind an equally large void that can never truly be filled.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on his 81st birthday — Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 — from 1-4 p.m. at MacCoubrey Funeral Home (30 King St, Cobourg) with words being shared at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, the Northumberland Hills Hospital or The Seeing Eye Organization (Canadian Chapter).
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Helene, Michelle and Michael, My deepest condolences over your loss. Helene, Don and you were such wonderful friends to my parents. It was a great day when the two of you arrived in Cobourg from Toronto. Don and your laughter, warmth and generous spirit of hospitality enriched our family's lives. I will be forever grateful for the kindness you both showed my mother in the years after Dad's passing. Although I live far away in Halifax I hope I can extend such kindness to you at this time. Much love, Michelle
Helene... arrived home a few days ago from a month in PEI and just heard of Don's passing. I am very sad for for you and your two wonderful kids, and we have lost one of the truly good ones. I have met hundreds of people since I moved to Port Hope and you and Don were at the top of the list. Don was always gracious and attentive and truly interested in what people had to say and he was just such a lovable guy. A rare one indeed. You and he were lucky to find each other... to me always one of the "perfect couples." Carol and I send our condolences and love to you and the family. Steve and Carol
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
Knew Don briefly and fondly. He surely did lead a good life. Thoughts to those left behind.
Chère Hélène, Nous avons été bouleversés lorsque tu nous as appris le décès de Don. Nous t'offrons nos sincères condoléances ainsi qu'à Michèle et Michael et les membres de la famille Savard. Ce n'est jamais facile de vivre la perte d'un être cher... Nous pensons beaucoup à vous et vous souhaitons "bon courage ". Prenez soin de vous. Rolande et Michel
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
Dear Helene, Michelle and Michael. We are grateful for the many times we shared stories and laughs together and we will truly miss Don. Our thoughts are with you and we send our deepest condolences. Brigitte & Dennis.
Don was certainly a giant in so many ways. He was always so caring, so loving and so interested in others. He was my teddy bear, and I loved his hugs. As a husband and father, his love, his wisdom and his humour must make his loss unimaginably difficult. My deepest sympathies to Helene, Michelle and Michael, and to all who knew him well.
Dear Hélène and Family, such a beautiful obituary for a true gentleman. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family. I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the beautiful legacy Don leaves behind. With deepest sympathy, Susan
Dear Hélène, Michelle and Michael, I was so sad to hear about Don. I have such great memories with him and the three of you in Muskoka... My deepest condolences to all of you. I wish you strength during this difficult time.❤️ Tammy.
Helene and family. my thoughts and my prayers are with you at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
Helene, Michelle and Michael, we were so sad to hear of Don's passing when you called us this evening, Helene. Don was a wonderful man. so warm and kind. Baker enjoyed working with Don and from there we all became friends. We have many fond memories of the times we spent together. Don will be greatly missed. It was a privilege to have known Don. With love from us both.
Helene and family, Mike and I are very sad to hear about the loss of Don. What a great guy! We loved spending time with you in Muskoka and will treasure those memories. Don electrified the room with joy when he entered and the laughs were plentiful. He was and is a beautiful Spirit. Sending love and peace. Betsy and Mike Campbell
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
C’est avec grande tristesse que j’ai appris le décès de Don . En ces moments difficiles, je tiens te faire part de mes plus sincères condoléances . Je garde de très beaux souvenirs des bons moments passés avec Don et toi. On est avec vous en pensées , sincères sympathies à ta famille et à la famille Savard. Robert
Helene, so very sorry to hear of your husband Don’s passing. Thinking of you during this time of loss. ❤️
Dear Hélène & family, I was so very saddened to hear of Don’s passing when I spoke with you recently. What a lovely man and we share so many great memories of times spent together. With love and prayers, Carole
We are so saddened by the loss of such a wonderful friend. We cannot remember a negative comment or unkind word from this lovely man. He also made a mean gin & tonic, and we've never been able to duplicate it. We will sorely miss his smiling face and bear hugs. We feel privileged to have known him.
I was so privileged to know Don. He was a graceful, gentle man who was also quick witted and decisive. An obvious leader. I will miss our chats. My sincere condolences to Helene and the family.
Dear Helene and family. Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Don. He will be truly missed.
I was saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Though it has been a long time since I last saw him, I will always remember his gentleness, his remarkable presence, and his deep love for his people. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts are with Hélène, Michelle and Micheal especially, but also with relatives and friends during this difficult period.
Dear Helene, Michelle and Michael, Ariel, his wife Shahed, Stan and I are very sad to hear of Don’s passing. Don was a wonderful man and we remember him with very deep respect. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May your memories of him bring you comfort and strength.
Wonderful memories of a great guy. God speed Don. We will meet again.
Dear godfather, I'm so happy I've met you in my lifetime and loved you. You were the one who told me not to be ashamed about speaking approximative English as you were also trying to speak 'quite good' French with your Quebec siblings. You were a kind and generous man. I will miss you.
So sorry for your loss Hélène and family! I met Don in 2011 and from that day it was always a pleasure meeting him on his visits to Vandermeer Toyota. We always had a laugh! Thinking of you Hélène❤️
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We are sending our sincere condolences to you Helene and your family . The tributes and stories that celebrate Don’s life , paint a beautiful picture of a caring, brave , funny and dearly loved family man . May you find much comfort in your loving memories Joan and Ron McKelvey
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Hélène, Michelle & Michael , We are extremely saddened to hear of Dons passing We always think of Don as being a big man with the softest kindest voice . So glad we had the pleasure of being a friend. Our deepest condolences
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
The Seeing Eye Organization
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Hélène, Michelle and Michael, We are so sad to have lost such a good friend and neighbour. He left us too soon as we had many good times to share. Our deepest condolences.
Don was a wonderful person and a father figure to me for two decades. My sincere condolences to the McQuigge family.
Mike, Michelle, Hélène, and the whole McQuigge family, My heart empties and hurts when I think of the loss of Don, and in a breath it fills again when I think of the times I spent as a young man around him at your home in Toronto. That larger than life presence; daringly reassuring, like 'things' should not dare go awry on his watch. And they never did. His humor was contagious, and his thoughtfulness was infectious. Mike, you're a testament to that. From West to East and through the years, I'm thinking about you and sending you all my love. Tay
McQuigge family, My sincere condolences for your loss. I have many a fond memories from my childhood at your Toronto home and Don was a mainstay in those. His joyful personality and amazing ability to tell stories was to be remembered. I love you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
My cousin Don - A tall man,who led a tall life and had a tall heart. The man who coined my nickname “Janner *Gaw” and who always used it. My thoughts are with you Hélèn and family and Sue and Doug. My “cuz” Don,rest in peace gentle man.
Helene, Doug and Susan. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
While I never had the privilege of knowing Don, I am absolutely honoured to count his daughter as a chosen sister and kindred spirit. I wish you all the love and support you all need at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal!
Don was a powerful presence. He was welcoming, and one of the times I remember most clearly is when we flew into his cottage unexpectedly. I remember Michelle was just a baby. She was sitting in high her highchair. We spent a lovely afternoon with Helene, Don and Michelle. We got together several times afterwards over the years for dinners. Either at the McQuigges, Musgraves or other venue. I will miss the time I spent with Don although not often or long enough but memorable, till we meet again rest in peace, my friend
Don... I should have added these words to you during our last, quiet conversation Sunday night. From the very beginning I know we considered each other brothers, but you were a special light in my life. A light of wisdom, family and guidance as I moved through the years. You always were a light in the window. We still had more to say, more to do. But sometimes life intrudes. I will miss you brother more than I can say. I will think of you always. Rest peacefully.
I have extra special moments with the McQuigges both at the cottage and on Highbourne, their homeless filled with so much love and welcome. I always remember when Don would awaken. He would hear a bang bang bang on the table beside his bed because he was looking for his cigarettes.Helene and I had to sleep in the bedroom together because we were not allowed to sleep with our mates. When Don met Helene he was so happy they were so happy. We had many wonderful times together all of us and Don was such a big part of the fun. God rest your soul and take special care of them. Actually his mom was probably waiting for him when he got to heaven.
It is with great sadness that we have lost such a lovely person. I met Don the same day I met my husband. Chuck, Don were cousins. I will always remember Don as the brother I never had. My sincere condolences to the McQuigge family. Linda & Chuck McGaw
"A builder of everything from ball bearings to happy families and vibrant communities..." Oh how I loved to read this. Don was a favourite of mine and I will never think of him without a smile on my face. Our dinner at Cucina last month will be another favourite memory of mine. And all those expressions he shared - some profound and some hilarious. Thank you, Don....thank you for the privilege of getting to know you and work with you.