DODDS, Donald Blake Dodds

Early Sunday morning, we said farewell to our beloved Dad, Grandad, Great GG, and loving husband to our Mum, Patricia (Smith) Dodds, for 68 years. In his 100th year, our family and community lost a truly remarkable man.

Dad was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and quiet determination throughout his life. Alongside Mum, he remained fiercely independent — living in his cherished home, surrounded by the garden he planted, the art he so loved, and a steady stream of family and friends from every chapter of his life.

He was intensely proud of his five children—Kim (Karen) Dodds, Roberta (Tim) Hague, Tori (Vic Walker) Dodds, Heather (Sean) FitzGerald, and Tara-Jay (Scott) Lapstra—ten grandchildren, and one great grandson. His joy in each of us was unwavering and he loved sharing his passions and sense of adventure with us.

Professionally, Dad began his career as a young lawyer with an office on King Street in Oshawa. In January 1967, he was appointed to the Ontario Criminal Court bench, at which point his keen interest and involvement in politics shifted to private conversations at home. He served as a judge with honour and integrity until he fully retired in 2001. He enjoyed supporting the development of young professionals in the legal community and was especially pleased with how they paid it forward.

Born in Vancouver, he survived polio as a young child. Later, his family moved East, and Dad spent most of his life in Oshawa – a community he cared for deeply. He was a strong supporter of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority and numerous service organizations, including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, which he helped establish here. A steadfast supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous, he recognized through his work the hope and healing it offered to so many. He also took pride in helping establish Kirby Ski Club (now Brimacombe), where our family spent many happy ski days.

Dad had a special connection with animals. Not only did he engage deeply with our family pets, he also demonstrated a remarkable capacity to connect with animals in the wild, from wolves in Algonquin Park who responded to his echoing calls, to the Spirit Bear who followed him along a path through the Great Bear Rainforest, and the hawk who perched on his arm in Scotland. It seemed they all sensed his deep respect and affection for them.

Dad had a compulsive desire to collect art, and carpets, and books, which he conjectured may have been an outcome of having had little through the Great Depression. With Mum as his partner in these passions, together they became known amongst those who amassed significant collections of Inuit and Northwest Coast art, and they enjoyed their connection with artists across Canada’s Northern and West Coast communities. They also enjoyed the people who gathered at a dusty rug shop on College Street in Toronto to discuss treasured textiles. They were particularly delighted to share special pieces from their collection through exhibitions in public art museums.

Over a fine scotch, dry sherry, or well-aged port, Dad found pleasure in a great anecdote. He was also happy sitting quietly with one of his books or immersed in the chords of a favourite symphony.

Dad lived his life with grace, dignity and quiet strength, and that’s how he passed. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who cared for and supported him through his life and those who enabled him to pass away gently at home. His was a long and well-lived life, and he will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the very long time he shared with us and his legacy of passion for living this life fully.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”

In remembrance of Donald Dodds, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Robert McLaughlin Gallery of Oshawa, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

The Dodds family is planning a reception in early November to celebrate a life well lived. Details will be shared here as they become available.