Donald William Dowds passed away peacefully at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie on Sunday, August 31st, 2025, at the age of 93.
Beloved husband of Sandra for 18 years, and formerly of the late Suzanne (2003) for 48 years. Loving father of Sandra Lawson (Chris), Bruce Dowds (Marti), Keith Dowds (Darlene), Michael Dowds, and Bob Dowds (Tamara). Proud stepfather of Cathy Empie (Brian Alger), Kim Empie, Kelly Empie, and Laurie Empie.
Cherished grandfather of Derek Lawson (Rebecca), Kristen Leblanc (Justin), Carson Dowds (Addie), Pearse Dowds, Kieran Dowds, Jana Dowds, Callie Crosbie (Tyler), Joseph Dowds, Brandon Dowds, Joshua Dowds and Tannor Dowds. Cherished step-grandfather of Michael McCutcheon (Jade), Amanda Foster (Keenen), Cassandra McCutcheon, Adrianna Espey, Anabelle Espey, Christopher and Andrew McCutcheon. Great-grandfather of 6 children and 5 step-children. Dear brother of Doreen Leeming. Predeceased by his parents, William and Dorothy and brother-in-law Jack.
Don will be deeply missed by extended family and many dear friends.
Born in Toronto’s East End, Don attended the University of Toronto, earning his BASc in Mechanical Engineering, later becoming a P.Eng. He proudly served in the reserve of the Royal Canadian Navy receiving the Canadian Forces Decoration Medal. As a professional engineer he enjoyed a distinguished 42-year career in public utilities, was the president and director of multiple professional organizations and retired as the General Manager of the Barrie Public Utilities Commission.
He was married for 48 years to his first wife, Suzanne, with whom he raised five children. Later in life, he was blessed to find love again with his wife Sandra, with whom he shared 18 wonderful years.
Don had the good fortune to travel extensively, participated actively in church life and was very involved with his University of Toronto Alumni group, receiving the
2014 Arbor Award for over six decades of leadership. He enjoyed camping, and spent meaningful time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie, on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, September 17th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Guests are invited to remain for a reception following the service in the lower lounge. Interment will take place at Barrie Union Cemetery, 338 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie, at 2:30 p.m. following the reception.
In Don’s memory, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, to Hospice Simcoe or Collier Street United Church would be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.steckleygooderham.com
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Hospice Simcoe for their care and compassion, and to the team on the respiratory ward at Royal Victoria Hospital for their tender attention to Don in his final days.