Donald Anthony Homer

Obituary

HOMER, Don
March 11, 1940 - July 24, 2023

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and friend in his 83rd year. Don passed away unexpectantly but peacefully on Monday July 24, 2023 at Lions Gate Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Johanne, just last year. Survived by son Kris (Charlene) and granddaughters Danielle and Elisa; daughter Karen Todd and grandson Matthew and granddaughter Samantha.

The youngest of three children, Don was born to Ted (Slim) and Mary (Mitzi) Homer in 1940 and was raised in North Vancouver. A natural and gifted athlete, Don played College football in Washington State on a sports scholarship after graduating from High School. But he was perhaps best known as an amateur heavyweight boxing champion having boxed in the Canadian National Championships in Vancouver in 1964. Whether it be snow or water skiing, tennis or golf, Don excelled. Up until his passing he was an active member of a walking and fitness club. Don also had a great passion for vintage cars. We will all miss the rides through Edgemont Village or down to Ambleside on sunny days in his vintage Ford.

Once Don met and married Johanne, he left his position at Belkin Packaging and returned to UBC in his 30s to obtain his MBA and eventually settled into a successful career as a real estate agent. He helped hundreds of North Shore families buy and sell real estate throughout his career.
Charismatic and boisterous is an understatement. Don's playful, teasing nature (no one was exempt) and dry sense of humour ensured a long list of cherished lifelong friendships. We will all miss the stories, antics, his endless enthusiasm and laughter… and for those who knew him best … his ape calls.

Our family would once again like to express our immense gratitude to Dr. Susan Chow and all the medical staff at Lions Gate Hospital for their outstanding care and valiant efforts made on Don's behalf in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

A private service will be held for family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 24th, 2023 from 1:30-4:00 pm at Pinnacle at the Pier, 138 Victory Ship Way, Ballroom Level, Botton of Lonbsdale, North Vancouver. (Note:  Venue, but not the date has been changed.

Forever with Johanne now

Notes from Bill Wedley

I first met Don in about 1951 when he joined our class at North Star school. He was good at sports which also was an interest of mine.  We did not seem to be in the same classes in Sutherland Jr. High and North Van high, but we became lifelong friends from our connection with sports. The pictures below are from 1952. 

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Don's emphasized fitness all his life.  His parents (who Don nicknamed Slim and Mitzi) allowed an exercise and weight lifting club in their basement. On King Street directly opposite North Star school, Don called it King’s AC. That became the center for much fitness and many antics. One was the famous logo painted on the roof of North Vancouver High school.  It is said that Don never learned to spell “Parking”.

King’s AC prepared Don for strength sports.  He excelled in body building, boxing, football and soccer.  His university education in Washington state was on a sports scholarship.  Back in Canada he worked for Belkin Packaging and then in the real estate industry.  He and his wife Johanne raised their family in Capilano Highlands.

Don was an active member on our reunion committees. He made valuable suggestions, he worked diligently to enhance our various reunions and brunches, and he even emceed several of the events.  He was also very active in the Some Old Boys group.  Don, however, was not just some old boy.  He was unique – boisterous, engaging, and caring.  He was a person with a big heart who knew that his family had heart problems.  That is why he was always so fit.  Eventually he gave more heart than he had. 

I miss him.  I am sure others will too.