September 6, 1946 (Collingwood)
Donald’s courageous battle with cancer ended on Saturday, October 27, 2018, when he passed away peacefully at his Kemptville home. Throughout his illness, his family, friends and neighbours, along with the professional care of nurses and doctors, provided constant comfort and support.
Donald was a dedicated physics, science and math teacher and teacher-librarian at North Grenville District High School for 36 years.
The Ferguson Nursery Forest provided him the opportunity for many hours of walking, cycling, cross-country skiing and nature appreciation.
A longtime member and elder (45 years) of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Kemptville, Donald was very supportive of the ministry and served on committees, taught Sunday School and served as Church Historian.
In the community, he did volunteer teaching at the T.R. Leger School, helped with the “Fun with Books” program, and attended “Youngsters of Yore” and Historical Society meetings.
He will be dearly missed, but will live on in the hearts of his wife Judy, his daughters Nancy (Steve), Catherine (Darren), Karen (Erik), his brother George, sisters-in-law Marie, Brenda (Ernie), Janice (John), nieces and nephews Moira, Sheila, Carrie, Regan, Dallas and T.J., several cousins, and many close friends.
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 1, 2-4pm and 6-8pm.
A Celebration of Donald’s Life: Friday, Nov.2, 2:00pm.
Both visitation and service at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Prescott St., Kemptville.
Memorial donations to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church or the Canadian Cancer Society will be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to the Byers Funeral Home, South Mountain (613-989-3836). Online condolences may be made at www.byersfuneralhomeinc.ca
Condolences(18)-
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Ron & Heather says
October 29, 2018 at 7:59 pmFrom the science behind what we cannot see to the faith beyond what we cannot comprehend, his legacy lives on. With loving thoughts and prayers to you, Judy, and to Nancy, Catherine and Karen (plus mates!)
Lovingly, Ron & Heather
Dale Van Allen says
October 29, 2018 at 8:42 pmBack in my high school days I would have said that physics would not be a course I would enjoy…at all. That changed quickly in grade 11 when Mr. Messinger was my teacher. He was just so positive and excited by what he was teaching that it rubbed off. Was one of my favourite classes just as it was for so many others. Very sorry for your loss. A. Dale Van Allen
Shawn Lavigne says
October 29, 2018 at 9:22 pmMr. Messenger was truly one of the nicest teachers at NGDHS. He was always polite and ready to help you in any way. He is gone far too soon but will never be forgotten. To his family I send my condolences. Sincerely, Shawn Lavigne
Andrew de Blois says
October 29, 2018 at 11:20 pmOne of a select and few teachers who really, taught and engaged. My condolences to all Family and friends.
Brenda Johnston says
October 30, 2018 at 1:40 amOur sincere condolences to you Judy and your wonderful girls Nancy, Catherine and Karen. I know Don was a dedicated husband, father and teacher. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely Brenda and Glen Johnston and family.
Robin Hoy says
October 30, 2018 at 3:40 pmMy condolences are with the Messenger family at this time of loss. Mr. Messenger was a great teacher although physics and math were never my strong suits but more important cared about every student he met. Sincerely Robin Hoy NGDHS Grad 1977
Clair Sadler says
October 30, 2018 at 10:49 pmOur condolences to the Messenger family. I was so lucky to have taught with Don for most of my teaching career – he was so kind, gentle and giving. His sense of humour and endless patience was always inspirational. He will be missed. Sincerely, Clair, Dave and Will Sadler.
Regan Tyndall says
October 31, 2018 at 8:25 amUncle Donald was a towering titan of humanitarian grace and goodwill (as is his wonderful wife, my aunt). I regret that I could not spend more time with him, but such is life and distance. His influence on his family, students, and community is an enormous legacy that will last forever and that has led and guided others onto paths of success and virtue. He was the greatest of men.
We cannot be at the November 1st service but Messengers please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
— Regan, Azumi, and little Joe (in Tokyo)
Joan Gummeson says
October 31, 2018 at 3:49 pmMy sincere sympathy to the family.
We are all thinking of you at this trying time.
Mieke Turner says
November 1, 2018 at 5:50 pmOur sincere sympathy goes to Judy, Nancy, Karen and Catherine.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Gord and Mieke Turner
Linda Cummings says
November 1, 2018 at 6:43 pmMy condolences to all of Don’s family. I was very lucky to start my career with the Upper Canada Board fifteen years ago working with Don as my teacher-librarian at North Grenville. I will always remember his kind, patient demeanour and how much he truly enjoyed his profession and the students.
Shirley Bolton says
November 1, 2018 at 10:47 pmMy deepest sympathy to the Messenger family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
MARY WHITTAKER says
November 2, 2018 at 4:03 pmOur sincere sympathy to all the family. Grant & I are thinking of you at this sad & difficult time.
Fairlie Ellis says
November 2, 2018 at 4:08 pmI will remember Don as a true gentleman. I knew him as a fellow teacher and he was always positive regardless of the circumstances. He was quiet but had a smile for everyone. Whether he was in his science classroom or in the library, he worked with students and teachers in an respectful and interested manner.
My condolences to Judy and the family.
paulette henderson says
November 2, 2018 at 4:56 pmmy sincere sympathy to all the family
Cheryl and Richard Bell says
November 2, 2018 at 6:49 pmOur sincere sympathy to you Judy and all your family. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug Phillips says
November 3, 2018 at 5:20 pmI met Don in the early ’80’s when we were taking our Librarian’s qualifications in Ottawa. Our paths crossed several times over the next 20+ years. Don was a genuinely fine person. My condolences to his family.
Emily Hamilton says
April 29, 2021 at 8:51 pmDonald was a teacher for both my mother and myself (decades later) at NGDHS. He made physics interesting and helped me achieve top marks. Not to mention he was a friendly and kind neighbor. Donald is greatly missed by many and will always be in our hearts. My condolences to the Messenger family.
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