INCH, Donald Robert; November 7, 1925 – October 14, 2011
Passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at Royal Victoria Hospital, after suffering a debilitating stroke in August of this year. Son of the late Lyons & Christena Inch, The Honourable Judge, Donald R. Inch is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Valerie (nee Graham) and their 5 daughters, Kathy (John), Patricia (Halorie), Connie (Kelly), Donna and Susan (Andy). Proud grandpa of Ashley, Erin, Brendan, Megan, Graham, Emily, Jonathan, Connor and Kieran. Dear brother of Jack and the late Glen, Albert and Ken.
After finishing high school in Alliston, Don joined the RCAF. He obtained his B.A. From University of Toronto in 1950, his law degree in 1954 from Osgoode Hall Law School, and his Masters in Law in 1962 from the University of Manitoba. In 1966 Don joined the Barrie Law firm of Smith, McLean, and Owen, and in 1973 was sworn-in as His Honour Judge Donald Robert Inch, Provincial Court Judge. He retired in 1995 and spent his time since between his home, built on a family property, at Lake of Bays, and condo in Barrie, Ontario.
Don was always interested in talking to people and sharing stories, whether with family, friends, co-workers or care-givers. He commented many times how thankful he was for the blessing of his family, and followed the accomplishments of his children and grand-children with enormous pride. He was active in the community with memberships in Kinsmen-Halifax, Life Member of the Barrie Optimist Club, member and past president of the Veterans Club of Barrie, Barrie County Club, the Canadian Bar Association and former secretary-treasurer of the Simcoe County Bar Association.
The family would like to thank the staff at both Huntsville and Barrie Hospitals for their support, and Rev. Heather Manuel of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, Dorset for her spiritual comfort and guidance.
Following cremation, the family will be receiving friends at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m on Thursday until the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church (Dorset), your local hospice, Huntsville Memorial Hospital or Royal Victoria Hospital would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be forwarded to www.steckleygooderham.com.