Donald Ashton Beresford

Donald Ashton Beresford, DFC, peacefully on May 16, 2015, in his 104th year of a wonderful and full life. Born in St. John, New Brunswick and raised in Aylmer, Quebec, Donald began his banking career in Ottawa in 1929. He served his country in the RCAF from 1940 until 1945, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in the North Atlantic. While training pilots in Rivers, Manitoba, he met the love of his life, Frances. Married in 1945, they were together for 68 years until Frances' passing in 2014. Don and Frankie moved with the bank across the country until arriving in Toronto in 1958, where they stayed until retirement in 1971. Moving to Victoria, over the next 44 years they travelled the world (Donald hiked the Chilkoot Trail at age 70) and enjoyed the company of their many friends.
Donald is survived by his two sons John (Deirdre) and Chris (Charley), grandchildren James (Brian) and Bryony, brother-in-law John Watts, nephews Don, Cam and Lance, nieces Patricia, Susan and Bryonie.
Thanksgiving for the life and witness of Donald will be held within the 8:30am Communion Service at The Church of the Advent, 510 Mount View Avenue, Colwood on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Donald supported many charitable causes during his lifetime, including Operation Eyesight and The Salvation Army.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Operation Eyesight, Suite 200, 4 Parkdale Cres. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 3T8 or at www.operationeyesight.com or to the Salvation Army, 201-645 Fort St., Victoria, BC V8W 1G2, or at www.salvationarmy.ca.

Funeral Service