DIRSTEIN, Donald "Don" Carl Dirstein - 29-Jan-1934 - 6-Sep-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Dirstein, peacefully, with his family by his side on September 6, 2024 at the age of 90. Devoted husband to beloved wife, Janet (nee Gaunt), his “sweetheart” of 63 years. Loving father to Richard Dirstein (Karen), and Carolyn Kubbinga (Chris), and proud grandpa to his three cherished grandchildren, Russell Dirstein, and Camden and Cole Kubbinga.

He was predeceased by his parents, John L. and Florence Dirstein; his sister, Marie Beckberger (Dennis); and his brothers, Glen and Reginald. He is survived by his sisters, Shirley Schwartz (Jim) and Jaqueline Penfold (Allan), as well as his sister-in-law Ellen (Reginald), along with many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Elmwood, Ontario, and grew up in the town of Hanover, which he proudly called home. Hanover was a musical town, and Don was an active member of the town band, the Musical Society Concert Orchestra, and the Choral Society. He was also the lead saxophonist with the Frankie Banks Dance Band. In his early years, he was a member of the Hanover Kinsmen, the Scarborough Rotary Club, and fifty years a Freemason, Doric Lodge No. 424 (2022) in Pickering.

He began his career with the Royal Bank in Hanover and was transferred to branches throughout Ontario, spending most of his career in the Toronto area. Loved for his humour and zest for life, Don was well respected by all who knew him. He retired from the Royal Bank in 1994 and enjoyed 30 wonderful years of retirement with Janet. He enjoyed a good single malt scotch, cigars on the front of the veranda, and listening to his favourite jazz and the big band sounds of Artie Shaw, Ray Anthony, Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Bob DeAngelis.

The family deeply appreciates the staff at Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital and Lakeridge Gardens Long Term Care for their exceptional care and kindness to Don. As a beloved resident of the long-term care facility before his hospitalization in August 2024, Don was touched by the compassion, care, laughter, and friendship shared with him during his time there.

Don (Grandpa) will be sorely missed, a warm, kind-hearted gentleman who had a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel valued and loved. To know him was to love him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, countless cherished memories, and a life lived to the fullest, with family and friends at the heart of his joy.

Friends and family are invited to visit at McEachnie Funeral Home (28 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, Ontario, L1T 2Z7) on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church (65 King’s Crescent, Ajax) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeridge Health Ajax/Pickering Hospital (580 Harwood Ave. S., Ajax, Ontario, L1S 2J4)
or to St. Paul’s United Church (65 King's Crescent, Ajax, Ontario, L1S 2M4) .