It is with heavy hearts that the family of Donald Gordon Clapp announces his passing on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Toronto General Hospital, Peter Munk Cardiac Unit at the age of 68. Donald was born on June 14, 1956, to Yvette (Dufour) and John Kenneth Clapp in Fort William, Ontario. He was one of five children and shared his birthdate with his twin brother, Ronald.
Don was raised in Blake Township on a family farm where he also worked until his late teens. He later embarked on a career in the trades profession as a truck driver working in construction, log hauling and fuel delivery for various companies. Don enjoyed this line of work until 1986 whereby an injury caused Don's career to change direction. He then worked for the City of Thunder Bay telephone department and later was employed by Native People of Thunder Bay Development Corporation as a maintenance supervisor. Don found his career choices rewarding and forged lifelong friendships.
Don was educated at Blake Public School and Selkirk Collegiate Vocational Institute. In his younger years he played hockey and baseball and loved the outdoors. Don's adrenaline was at full tilt when he participated in various pit crews enjoying the sport of race car driving.
Dons greatest love of his life was his wife Brenda Rose, children Tammy and Christopher, grandsons Gavin and Lucas, family pets Danni and Onyx. He never missed an opportunity to take his grandsons to their weekly bowling night at Mario's Bowl as well as all their tournaments. This brought him great joy.
Don enjoyed travelling around the globe and was always up for a challenge. He enjoyed Florida, Jamaica, Alaska, Las Vegas, Eastern Caribbean as well as various places in Canada and across the United States. Don enjoyed camping with his family at their cabin and later at Dog Lake Resort. Since 2021 Don and his wife Brenda camp at KOA Thunder Bay where he loved spending his time and found the experience delightful and relaxing - Don's happy place.
Don was a pillar of strength, determination and bravery. In 2023 Don underwent bilateral lung transplant at the Toronto General Hospital, Lung Transplant Unit. After almost 8 months of residing in Toronto he was able to return home to the "hood," healthy and happy. His monthly trips back to Toronto General Hospital for checkups and tests allowed him to stay in touch with his lung transplant friends, who became more like his family. Don was known as a kind, gentle, supportive and helpful person. He always took the opportunity to help others without hesitation.
Don is survived by his wife Brenda Rose, children Tammy Jane (Dan) and-William Christopher, grandsons Gavin and Lucas, brother Ronald (Katherine), sister Judith Mitchell (Gordon), brother Kenneth, and mother-in-law Theresa Palo as well as numerous other family members. He is predeceased by his father John Kenneth, mother Yvette, sister Karen Randle, sister-in-law Brenda Ellen Morency, nephew Russell Lee and father-in-law William Steve Salamon and others.
To all of Don's friends, our family would like to thank you for touching his life, sharing laughter and bringing joy to him.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Corpus Christi R.C. Church on Thursday, July 11, at 10:00 a.m. Special thanks to Doctors Noy, Biman, Akbari, Kisselgoff, Aversa and the Lung Transplant Team B as well as the Peter Munk Cardiac Unit, both at the Toronto General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Toronto General Hospital Lung Transplant Unit or any charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
