Donald Clement Cawley

CAWLEY, Donald Clement (Don) December 9, 1945 - October 3, 2015 It is with great sadness we announce that Don passed away on October 3, 2015 at Victoria Hospice. Don was predeceased by his father Samuel, mother Grace (nee Greenwell) and brother Robert. He is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughters Gerri (Ray) and Denise, granddaughters Chelsea, Shayne and Jaymie, Sister Lynn (Albert), Brother David and sister Pat.
Don first travelled to Prince Rupert for work in 1965 where he began employment at the Prince Rupert Pulp Mill, shortly thereafter got married and began to start his family. Don spent the majority of his working life with the Canadian Coast Guard, firstly in Prince Rupert in 1976, where he worked as a mechanic servicing the engines on the Northern Light Stations. Don had a love for the outdoors in Rupert; particularly his hunting and fishing trips where he would proudly bring home the subject of these trips for his family's enjoyment! The times he spent with friends on these trips were treasured and later on Don would share these stories with fondness to his family where we would all share in the laughter. In 1989 he and Sue moved to Victoria, closer to their family and childhood homes. During these early years in Victoria, Don and Sue spent alternate weekends in Nanaimo helping with his mother in laws property and spending what he considered the best of times with his sisters, brother and brothers in law.
He continued working for the Coast Guard while in Victoria maintaining the engines on the Southern Light Stations until retirement in 2007. During these years he made and kept great friends.
Don loved his family dearly and his granddaughters changed his life. Many vacations were spent (glamping) with the grandchildren, daughters, brother, brothers in law, sisters and many nieces and nephews. During these trips we were often in wonder of his eldest sister, who would pull out the most incredulous items from her tickle trailer. These trips were like mini family reunions that continued to forge the strongest of bonds for all the Cawley siblings and children. Keeping his family near and dear, he opened his home and heart, welcoming his youngest daughter Denise with grandchildren Shayne and Jaymie to move in with himself and Sue. In doing so, he got to relive being a father figure showing his tremendous capacity for love and patience. One of his greatest joys in later life was the times spent on the sidelines of the soccer pitch watching his three granddaughters play the game he grew to love. Helping drive to games and practices, set up, take down nets, and collect balls or anything else he could assist with. While Don's achievements have been many, one of his greatest attributes was his strength of character. He was a supporter and a leader, a man who would stand up for and beside those in need, a hero who was never willing to quit and a role model for doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do. When Don gave his word it was golden and was often delivered with no questions asked. There's no question he touched the hearts of many; the co-workers he stayed close to, the neighbours who became good friends, the good friends who became extended family and above all his family who are forever grateful.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 22nd from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Victoria Gorge Soccer Fieldhouse address: 258 Hampton Road, Victoria. This will be a time of laughter and stories because above all else, Don loved laughter and a good story. He would know, he was a master storyteller himself.

Celebration of Life