From a very young age, it was clear to me how amazing my grandpa was. In my earliest memories of him, he had this way of making me feel like I was important and that what I had to say mattered. It didn’t matter that he had adult responsibilities, he always made the time to play whatever silly game I wanted or watch whatever cartoon I asked him to. I remember once coming across a Chess board in his cupboard and asking what it was. My grandpa sat me down, taught me the rules, and played a few games with me. I’m pretty sure he even let me win a couple of times. But the crazy part is, I was only six years old. Any other adult would have told me, “You’re too young for Chess,”, or some other excuse. But instead, my grandpa dropped whatever he was doing and taught me how to play this complicated game just because I asked. We played Chess often after that, but soon, Cribbage became our game of choice. There were countless summer days when I would stop by, cut his grass, and then we’d play Cribbage until late in the evening. What made it so much fun was my grandpa’s real knack for good-natured trash talk, always making sure I counted my points carefully, because if I didn’t, he’d happily steal them! He always had a joke about the status of the game, too. Another thing I loved about my grandpa was the stories he would tell. While some were from books or other sources, many were stories from his childhood—like the time he and his dog encountered a moose at his family’s campsite at Two-Island Lake or when he and his brother broke their parents’ camera and hid it in the woodshed, only for it to resurface a decade later. For me, these personal stories were the neatest because they really highlighted just how different life in the 1940s was compared to the 1990s. I’ll never forget nights when he’d be lying beside me in bed, telling me one of these stories, only for him to suddenly stop. I’d ask if that was the end, and he’d continue for a few more minutes before stopping again. For the longest time, I thought he stopped because he thought I’d fallen asleep. A few years ago, he admitted he was the one who had actually fallen asleep! My grandpa and I also shared a love for technology. From a young age, he showed me all the cool things you could do with computers, and growing up, it seemed like every time I saw him, he had some new program or website to show me. It feels a little poetic now that as I got older, I ended up being the one helping him with his computer issues—digitizing and cleaning up old cassette tapes of his dad, or editing a video of his friend playing guitar. This culminated with me updating the website for the Lion's Eyes Right Project, which might just be one of my most favourite things I have ever done. The last thing I want to mention is something my grandpa always told me: I had two choices: I could either be good, or I could be good. But I think he was wrong, there was a third choice: you could be great. And my grandpa was definitely great.
Sheldon Codling

A dear brother-in-law who will be greatly missed but loved in my heart forever.
Caryll Donaldson

My condolences to the McKessock Family - I worked with Don for many years at IOL. When I was shift super at the GCIS Don was our contact engineer. Of all the contacts we had over the years there was no one better than Don. I also worked with Don when we were changing the unit procedures from paper to computer. What a valuable resource he was. Don was the kind of contact that if you needed help he was eager to help you out, either by a phone call or coming into the unit - night or day. I always had a great time working with Don, always in a good mood, extremely knowledgeable, personable and just fun to be around. Would run into Don every now and again and we relived some of the old stories. Again my sincere condolences to the McKessock Family Bill Watson - Co-worker
Bill Watson

So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Don was a very special person and have many fond/fun memories! His infectious laugh and the laughter he brought to life, his kindness and thoughtfulness left his mark on many.
Julie Nesbitt

Hi - my name is Mary Hamilton and I’m from Glencoe. Mr. McKESSOP indicted me into the Lions Organization when he was District Governor. 2008. Or perhaps it was ‘09. All that to say is I was just so impressed with him that he silently helped to guide my Lions journey. I never forgot him and he never forgot me. When I would see him at Lions meetings, I always made a point of speaking to him and reminding him that he inducted me and he always said that he remembered. He gave me a very sweet smile and said, “Yes. I remember.” That did a lot for my morale and, as you can see, I never forgot it. I will be making a donation in his honour to Eyes Right. Thank you for your service, Sir.
Mary Hamilton

I am very sadden by Don’s passing. He was a great man and one of the reasons why I enjoyed my tenure in Sarnia so much! I worked with Don, well that is a stretch, I worked in the accounting group and Don was the brilliant engineer that everyone went to get their expertise from. I was fortunate to work across the hall from him, hence how I know this is true. I remember that time with lots of laughs. His wit was knife sharp and always made me use my brain to the fullest. Don took me under his wing, even though i wasn’t even in his group. The funniest times I had with Don probably included our daily gin matches, with up to 5 other teams playing alongside. He taught me how to play and I will also remember him for that, as will my son (who thanks the nice man for teaching his mom). Don also taught me how to master blackjack and set rules for playing at a casino. I have kept them to this day. He was so proud of me coming in 5th at my first tournament. Sadly it’s been years since I was in touch with him personally, no excuse is good enough. I hope that Margarot shared my hugs from Calgary with him and kept him up to speed with my Facebook updates. My thoughts are with you all during this time. I just wanted you to know that Don influenced my life and I am thankful for fate bringing him into my life. I will remember him with love and fondness. Hugs from Calgary! Danielle Simoneau Formerly a Basic Chemicals Accountant
Danielle Simoneau

I worked on several projects with Don at Imperial Oil as an operations coordinator and always enjoyed his knowledge and dry sense of humour. Lots of very good memories from our time at Esso!
Don Smith

Dear Margaret and Rob, I am saddened for your loss. Don was a great mentor and and friend to soooo many of us at Imperial Oil. I also remember all the jokes that he would play and his contagious hearty laugh. There was no one like Donny!!! That's for sure!! I remember there was always a young engineer in Don's office asking for his expertise and guidance. And lessons from Don were always fun!!! My fondest memories at Imperial Oil were in Donny's office.
Steve Wallace

Our heart filled condolences to Margaret, Robert and the entire family. So many wonderful memories of time spent with Don and his family as special friends. Don's unique sense of humor kept you on your toes to get the point. Our days at Imperial Oil learning the ropes, while dealing with operational issues remain so clear and valued. A true friend. ---Al & Phyllis
Al Gibson

Our deepest condolences to Margaret and family. Don was a great person and it was our honour to know someone like him
Dave & Carol