Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Giles on November 5, 2025, at the age of 73. Don was born on May 3, 1952, and was a lifelong resident of Fergus. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Wilma Giles, and sister Jo-Anne Giles. On June 8, 1974, Don married Betty (née Dowdall), the love of his life. Together they raised three children — Ryan (Pam), Kendra (Sarah), and Kyla (Nathan) — and were later blessed with six grandchildren: Taye, Emily, Josh, Brady, Oslo, and Ilyas. When Don married Betty, he became part of a large and close-knit family, where he fit right in. He will be missed and fondly remembered by the Dowdall Family – the late John Dowdall (Joanne), the late Terry Smydo (Eddie), Carol Rogler (the late John), Sharon Monahan (Gerald), Roger Dowdall (the late Robert Génier), Shawnna Williams (Rick). Predeceased by Marie Quinn (Frank), Jim Dowdall (Linda), Joan MacDonald (Larry), Leo Dowdall (Elaine). Lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Don worked at The Wellington Terrace for 35 years, retiring as the Environmental Supervisor. After retirement, he enjoyed working part-time at The Highland Manor, and volunteering at the Food Bank. He was a member of the Fergus Lions Club for many years, and was heavily involved in the youth exchange program. He found great joy in travelling, and attending theatre and comedy shows. Don was a kind and gentle man and was always ready for a joke and a good laugh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Victoria Park Field House, 160 Albert Street W, Fergus, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Tributes in memory of Don will be shared at 2:00pm. A light lunch will be served. Please feel free to wear casual attire. Don would have wanted everyone comfortable, sharing stories and laughs. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to Centre Wellington Food Bank or Groves Memorial Community Hospital would be appreciated by Don’s family. Arrangements were entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home Ltd., 280 St. David St. S. Fergus, ON N1M 2L5, (519) 843-3100. Visit https://www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Don’s online memorial.