Donald Gordon Yeo Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Donald Gordon Yeo (London, Ontario), born in Toronto, Ontario, who passed away peacefully on March 17, 2022, in the arms of his wife.
Born on January 2, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario to Edythe Mae (Brown) and Albert Charles Yeo. Predeceased by sister Cheryle Dianne, age 5. An inventor and entrepreneur, Don lived a full and interesting life, and one of no regret. Don marched to the beat of a “different drummer” and was always true to himself, and his word was his honour. A brilliant man, his first invention, age 8, the “Incredible Marble Making Machine”, made him rich in the currency of marbles. Don designed the original custom designed container for curbside collection of post-consumer recyclables. This is what we now know as the blue box. His last business, in the oil industry, had 23 offices, around the world. Don’s most rewarding work was as founding director of Ideal Way charity, co-founded by his wife and nephew. The World’s Greatest Dad was one of his greatest aspirations, in life, and a role he fulfilled.
An avid yacht racer and boater, known as the “knot guy”, loved the outdoors, sports and car enthusiast, master chess player, motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, off-roading, bred English Bull Terriers, his show dogs, loved music and dancing, and more. Don loved paddling in his custom built canoe, which he designed, weighing 38lbs. Don “learned to love to learn” and preached “KIP, Knowledge is Power!
Yes, you could say there was nothing that Don didn’t do. Don didn’t die with the music inside him. He understood the value of human connection and was gifted with finding commonality with all he met. A man of amazing integrity and strength, known for his eloquent storytelling, brilliant writing and poetry and love for life, Don exemplified the Latin proverb “audentis fortuna iuvat”, fortune favours the bold.
Don is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, and love of his life, Adeline Daabous, of 25 years, whom received a daily love letter or poem. He is survived by his children, Laura, Heather, Caitlin, Marcus (wife Maria), grandson, Dillon, and many sisters (in-law) and brothers (in-law), nephews and nieces. Cremation taken place.
Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Donald Gordon Yeo to pay them a last tribute.
