FERENZ, Donald

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donald George Ferenz, aged 85, on November 21, 2022 at the Lakeshore General Hospital, Pointe Claire, QC. Lovingly known to family as Donnie, Dad, or Pops, he leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 63 years, Gwen (née Russell), daughter Kelly (Brook) of Fredericksburg, VA, and son Greg (Jackie) of Yardley, PA. He was an extremely loving and supportive grandfather of his grandson Dane (Samantha) of El Paso, TX, step-grandson Cory of Long Beach, CA, and step-granddaughter Brittany (Chris) of Lancaster, CA. His great-grandsons Brantley, Jaxon, Isaac, Alex, and Noah were one of his greatest treasures. He was predeceased by his father George, his mother Stella, his brother Eddie, and sister Marie. He will be deeply missed by not only family but a diverse cast of friends and neighbors.

Born in Lethbridge, AB in 1937, he attended St. Basil’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic Schools. Don was well known for his natural sports-related abilities and athleticism. While he had great appreciation for sports, his deep love and passion were for the games of baseball and hockey, and he was a consummate sports buff. Don also enjoyed several years of coaching youth baseball, playing and travelling with the Pointe Claire Oldtimers Hockey, and playing in an old-timer softball league.  He took great pride in both his personal and professional lives. Professionally, the title most commonly attributed to him was that of Account Executive, where his work spanned years in the finance profession covering several types of industry. He was a consummate professional, respected by colleagues and clients for his diligence, precision of focus, trustworthiness, loyalty, and highly personable demeanor.  Donnie loved to travel and the place that most captivated his heart and soul was Paris, reveling in both its sights and culinary delights. While he enjoyed any opportunity to immerse himself in a wide range of culinary and cultural fare, nothing beat his love of hot dogs. He also had a great penchant for trivia especially sports, geography, and obscure factoids. Opportunities to share stories from his past and trivia tidbits served as solid testament to his great conversational skills and lively personality. Neighbours will fondly remember him as that guy who took great pride in his surroundings and personal property. He had a positive influence on his neighborhoods, often touted as being one very hard working man who was appreciated for all his time and efforts.

Although he suffered the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s, his passing was unexpected. Be it known, though, his years on this Earth were a testament to his courage and strength to battle whatever was placed in his path, be it his health or other life changing events. He was a man of integrity, character, and an extremely strong work ethic. He was emblematic of friendliness and kindness, always willing to forsake himself to help others in need. To those who wish to find ways to honour his memory and commemorate his life, take time to find ways to expand your knowledge, expose yourself to culturally rich and diverse experiences and people, satiate your appetite with worldly gastronomical delights, and have a hot dog!

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at Voluntas Commemoration, 4695 Boul. Saint-Jean, Dollard des Ormeaux, QC.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada (parkinson.ca, parkinsonquebec.ca).