KENWELL, William (Don) –
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of William Donald Kenwell at Victoria Village Manor on Friday, October 23, 2009. Don died peacefully, surrounded with the love of his family, after a mercifully brief bout of cancer. Don was the devoted husband of Flora Nellie Barr. He was the adored father of: Donna Kenwell of Elmvale; Sharon (Ken) Brownlee of Goderich; and Brian (Rose Marie) Kenwell of Brampton. Don was the cherished grandfather of Chris Steep; Nicole (Mark) Lambe; Stephanie, Michael and Patrick Kenwell; and Kim Brownlee. He was the great-grandfather of Chris’ children Kelsey and Christopher, and was anticipating the arrival of the new Lambe baby. Don was the son of William and Nellie Kenwell and step-son of Catherine Kenwell. Don began his 36 year teaching career in the one-room school at Mount St. Louis; Principal, Penetanguishene Protestant School; Vice-Principal, Parry Sound High School; Principal, Listowel District Secondary School; Superintendent of Education, Huron County Board of Education. Retiring in 1982, Don and Flora moved to Midhurst. Dad spent his retirement making wooden toys (Happy Hobby) and writing historical novels. They moved to Tollendale Village 4 years ago. Dad felt a tremendous sense of fulfillment in discovering his birth parents and their families. After having spent half a century as an only child, he delighted in getting to know Jean Hewitt; Eleanor (Frank) Addison; Marj Sommerville; Dale (Marg) Coe; Dick (Dawn) Coe; Jim (Wendy) Coe; Roy (Bev) Coe; Ron (Janine) Coe; Barb (Kim) Forbes; George Coe; Anne (Robert) Henderson; and Sharon (Braith) Howes; and their families. Don is also survived by Flora’s sisters: Helen Adams; Eva Brown; and Marion Barr. The family would like to express their gratitude to the nursing staff of 3NB and 3SB at Royal Victoria Hospital who allowed Dad and Mom to spend their 60th wedding anniversary together. The staff at Victoria Village Manor were also incredibly supportive of Dad and the family, during his last 5 weeks. The family would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Drs. Khonsari, Parbtani and McConvey. Please join the family for a celebration of the life of this tremendous man at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 201 Minet’s Point Road, Barrie. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, October 27th at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Elmvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Midhurst, Springwater Public Library, the Cancer Society (prostrate division) – or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com