It is with heavy hearts we announce the
passing of Donald Walter Ells on
Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the age of 67. Don passed away
peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Sackville, he was the son of the
late Jules and Sadie Ells.
Don was an avid motorcyclist since
purchasing his first bike in 1969 but enjoyed building and chopping
even more. He built more than 20 sidecars and was often seen tooling
around town on his green sidecar. The driveway was full of cars and
motorcycles most weekends while friends enjoyed time relaxing and
chatting in the booth he built in his garage. He was a stationery
engineer by trade and worked at the Sackville Memorial Hospital for
over 20 years alongside his father. The last four years he worked
delivering for Meals and More. He loved his clients and gave them as
much time as possible each week. They loved him in return as seen by
the number of cards and well wishes he received. Don spent 18 years as
a Boy Scout (Beavers) leader, several years as a Sunday School teacher
and Elder at the Presbyterian Church, was one of the organizers of the
Tantramar Toys for Tots for 25 years and on the board of York Street
Children’s Centre for eight years.
Don will be remembered for his outgoing
personality, infectious smile, warm hugs, sense of humor, strong faith
and his tell-it-like-it-is attitude. He accepted his diagnosis from
day one and just said "it is what it is" making it easier
for all those who loved him.
Don will be deeply missed by his wife of
48 years, Judy (Smith), his high school sweetheart, his beloved son,
Stephen, Moncton, brother Darrell (Thelma), Regina, sisters Gwen
(James) Hagglund, Vancouver, and Shelley (Scott) Trenholm, Amherst,
mother and father-in-law, Louise and Douglas Snowdon, Sackville,
several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Also survived by very
special friends, Justin, Alex, Rena and Sara Thomas and his feline
buddy, Casey.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted
to the Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St.,
Sackville (506-364-1300), also a proud past employer of
Donnie. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on
Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service for
Donnie will be held at the Jones Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 27,
2018 at 2 pm, Rev. Jeffrey Murray presiding. Burial will
take place in the Four Corners Cemetery in the spring.
Special thanks to Dr. Andrea Wall and
Cathy Cameron, Dr. Pam Mansfield, Dr. Maged Salem and all the
wonderful Extramural nurses for their endless care (and warm hugs)
during the past several months. With everyone’s help, Don
was able to remain at home as we both wanted.
Those wishing to make a donation in
Don’s memory may do so to the IWK, Sackville Carma Chapter,
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, or a charity of their
choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting Donnie's online memorial at
www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook
Page.