It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the peaceful passing of Donald Lillie at the Sault Area Hospital on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 88.
Beloved husband and best friend of Jennie Lillie (nee Sydor) for 67 years. Loving father of David (Helen) Lillie, Patricia (Michael) Cembal, Patrick (late Angele) Lillie, Shawn (Theresa) Lillie and Nicholas Reis and Alexander Rumsey. Grandfather of Kristin (Sean) Mooney, Ashley (Jason) Telford, Darcy Lillie (Rex Liddiard), the late Felicia Trozzo, Jennifer (Darcy) Nevers, Frank (Alexandra) Cembal, Kate Lillie (Matt Miskiw), Grace (Storm) Lillie, Amanda Lillie (Teddy Laurita), Garrett Lillie and May Lillie. Great grandfather of 10.
Predeceased by his parents Stanley and Muriel (nee Gernon) Lillie. Brother of the late Richard Lillie, Gerald Lillie, Warren (Frances) Lillie and Maureen Sennette. Brother-in-law of Natalie (late Richard) Tauvette, Amelia (Douglas) Kraushaar, Patricia (late Robert) Johnson and Stephanie (Fred) Arniel. Survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who always enjoyed being regaled by his stories. Donald will be remembered by his lifetime friend James Robertson and friend Jack Richer.
Donald started working at Algoma Steel in June of 1957 and began his apprenticeship as an Instrument Repairman the same year! Later becoming a Combustion Technician and Electrical Technician. He taught on all three areas for a number of years to technicians, repairman and apprentices. He was a proud member of Local 2251 in numerous capacities.
He was an instructor for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons.
Donald was a member of the Canadian Coaching Association for hockey, soccer and basketball, achieving provincial level recognition in these three sports. In all these sports, he coached from minor to senior levels, including Senior Men’s Basketball, Men’s Premier League Soccer and Soo Michigan Indians IJHL.
He was also an honoured member of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, past Master of the Hatherly Lodge #625, Past DDGM Algoma East District, Royal Arch Masons and Shrine.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church (134 Brock St.).
A Masonic Memorial Service at the Masonic Temple (378 Albert St E) will take place on Monday July 14, 2025, at 6:15. A Celebration of Life will follow in the banquet room.
The family would like to thank everyone for the care and compassion our father received. Thank you to the Paramedics, all the staff in the ER, ICU and Palliative Care at the Sault Area Hospital.
Memorial donations may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, ARCH (www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3286) or to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (www.sahfoundation.com/memory) would be appreciated. Payable by cheque or online.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).