Death Notices

EMERSON, Donald Howard George - husband, father, grandfather, educator, businessman, humanitarian, world traveler; passed away at the Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe, on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 in his 83rd year.  Beloved husband of Gwen (nee Mingle) Emerson of Simcoe.  Loving father of Cheri Emerson (Don Lawson) of Tavistock and Howard Emerson (late Anna – 2017) of Hamilton.  Cherished grandfather of Grace, James, Kate & the late Charles Emerson; Skye Lawson (Sujin); Jorn Lawson (Shannon) and great grandfather to Wyatt.  Don loved Simcoe.  His community involvement included the Kinsmen Club, Sunrise Rotary, the Christmas Panorama, the Simcoe Caring Cupboard, the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, the Photography Committee of the Norfolk County Fair Board, the Simcoe Camera Club, The Simcoe & District Horticultural Society, The Norfolk Field Naturalists and the Great Northwest Angling and Inside Straight Society.  Don owned Emersons China and Ladies Wear Ltd, with his mom and dad until the early 1980’s.  After closing the store, Don transitioned to education, teaching computer courses in the Developmental Services Worker program and the Business program at the James N. Allan campus of Fanshawe College in Simcoe.  He also pioneered computer courses for adults with developmental disabilities, for which he was nationally recognized.  Don was a traveller, visiting many countries and every continent except Antarctica with his favourite companion Gwen.  He participated in several humanitarian trips that took him to Togo, Mexico, India, Wales, Peru and China.  Due to covid restrictions, a celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.  Those wishing to donate in memory of Don are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society or the Simcoe Caring Cupboard.  Donations may be mailed to the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North Simcoe N3Y 3R3.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199