My name is Jeannie and for 48 years Don and I have had an awesome journey through life.  We have spent 39 incredible years living in Nova Scotia.  We moved from Ontario in 1987, to Lunenburg and in 1998 purchased Bread and Roses Inn, in Annapolis Royal.

For 4 years, we worked our fingers, not quite to the bone, but enjoyed every minute.  Don had a wicked sense of humour and being an amazing storyteller, when the guests returned from dinner, they were regaled with his stories, many relating to his business travels.  In 1992, we sold B & R, as we called it, took 2 years off and then opened our gift shop called Charade.  Don had previous knowledge of the retail industry and we had the time of our lives, so much fun, laughter and joy, engaging with our customers. In 2014, after 20 wonderful years we closed Charade and retired.

Don always enjoyed a lively conversation regarding politics, day trips in the Miata and a big feed of lobster!!

During the following years, Don had medical issues, off and on, but forged ahead and survived until July 11th, when time ran out and the “Love of my life” left us.  Don always said he had worked hard but lived life to the fullest and when the time came, he would leave with no regrets.  Casper, our white cat, and I are devastated with the loss of our precious man, we always called Dad.

Don was born in Oshawa, Ontario, predeceased by his parents James Allen and Elsie Allen (nee Davidson), Oshawa and his brother Robert Allen (Ginny) Bowmanville.  He is survived by his sister Anne Bathe (Walter) Stratford, Ontario.  Nieces, Linda Bathe (David Fuhrman), Mary Schneider (Ron), Janet Schwichtenberg (Kerry) and Deb Franke (Roger).  Stepson Mark Stoakes (Lee Minty), Grandchildren, Chris Stoakes (Clare Pugh) Ryan and Eric, Jordan Stoakes (Jaime Davidson) Alexander and Katie Stoakes. Sister-in-law Barb Grahame (Ross) Redwood Meadows, Alberta

Don left school at an early age and moved from Oshawa to Toronto to work in a menswear store.  There he learned the tricks of the trade re sales and merchandising and was a great window display person. After work he took extra jobs doing window display and sign making, for various stores, so he could buy a car.  He later accepted a position at another menswear store as manager and buyer.  From there, he started his own sales agency, representing different lines of clothing.  With his knowledge, now of the industry, he was offered a position in Montreal, at a large clothing company, as sales and marketing manager.   Don travelled across Canada and went to Europe on buying trips.  He loved to fly and over time, he acquired a myriad of incredible stories, of his travels, including some terrifying moments and some very humorous ones. After returning from Montreal back to Toronto, Don became a consultant for a large menswear manufacturing company. With busy jobs during the week, our passion for antiquing and auctions, took over on the weekends and we had a blast collecting whatever struck our fancy.

Wanting to lead less stressful lives we decided to leave Toronto behind and moved to Nova Scotia, which gave us the best life ever.

As per Don’s wishes, there will not be a service, but if you wish to tip your glass and say cheers, that would be great!