Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Donald Lilley
March 13, 1934 - October 5, 2015
Tribute
Lilley, Donald John, CD, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 81. Don was born in Montreal to William and Therese (Wiriot) Lilley. In 1953, at the age of 17, he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy as Ordinary Seaman, retiring as Naval Officer in 1975.
His most memorable accomplishment was being part of the Shearwater Flyers Football Team and quarterbacking their National Championship victory in November 1957. He was proud to meet up with his lifelong friends and teammates as they were inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1987, and into the Canadian Forces Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Don attained a BA (Psychology) from the University of Victoria in 1986. He made Osyoos BC his home and assumed many leadership roles in his community, including the Arts Council, Photography Club, Lawn Bowling Association, Osyoos Golf Club, and volunteer tax services. He was an avid golfer, photographer, collector of antiques and had an eclectic taste for art and music. Close friends will remember his dry sense of humour, philosophic outlook, and knew better NOT to call him when the Seattle Seahawks were playing!
Don is survived by his sister, Joyce (Frank) Dougherty, Halifax NS; former wife and mother of his children, Rebecca (Skinner) Horton, Milton PEI; children Mark Lilley, Gaetz Brook NS, Lynn (Dan) Titus and Leah (Tessy) Lilley, Calgary AB, and Jeffrey (Dawn) Lilley, Milton PE; grandchildren Lauren, Kyle (Julie) and Knox; great-granddaughter Willow. He was predeceased by his sister Gale and nephews Frank and Michael.
The family would like to thank his neighbors and special friends who selflessly assisted our father in recent years. At his request, there will be no service. We invite you to post your memories online for family and friends to read.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Peggy (Bendelier) Johnson
Relation: A friend from Halifax
My ex husband Jack (Turner) was in the navy at Shearwater with Don in the late 50’s and early 60’s, and a friend and I use to go to all the Shearwater Flyers football games and remember Don as a fantastic quarterback and friend. We lost touch years ago but I remember him fondly. Peggy Johnson
From: Paul Peacey
Relation: Extended Naval Air Family
On behalf of Canadian Naval Air Group Banshee Chapter our condolences to the family. there are many here who were involved ti the Flyers glory days and even more of us who remember.
Paul Peacey CD
Chair CNAG Banshee
From: Eleanor (Pitts) Campbell
Relation: Worked with Mark.
Dear Mark,
I was sorry to read about your Father. Please accept my condolences.
Eleanor
From: Sandra Michelle Foster nee McGloin
Relation: Relationship - How did you know the deceased?
I remember Don with great fondness. I have a lot of good memories of the whole family Becky, Lynn, Mark, Leah and Jeffrey as they lived across the street from our family (McGloin) on Belvedere Drive, Port Wallace, NS. I spent many happy times at their house visiting as well as babysitting all four of the kids. They were so much fun. When I left Nova Scotia for Ontario Jeffrey thought I lived on the airplane! I send my heartfelt condolences to all the family and a very fond hello to Becky, Lynn, Mark, Leah and Jeffrey.
Fondly Mike
From: Marg Parkhouse
Relation: Work with Leah
I’m so sorry for your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From: Roxanne McGloin
Relation: A neighbour from Belvedere Drive
It’s been a very long time since I had seen Don. I used to babysit the children when they were young, on Belvedere Drive. My family lived across the street then, and I was just a teenager myself. I have fond memories of Don in those years, and it was nice to read that he had a good long life in BC. My condolences and warm wishes go out to all the family.
Roxanne
From: Liz Ganton
Relation: friend
We knew Don for the past 6 years on the Osoyoos Arts Council. Don was always there to offer sage advice and became a good friend. Although Don was very independent, we did manage to take him to doctor’s appointments, bring him food and encouraged him to buy new things for his house e.g. drapes and a new deck. Don was a tremendous Seahawks fan, watched the games and even taped them, so he could look at the replays. We, my husband, my son Robert, and myself will miss his dry sense of humour.
Best wishes to Don’s family, Liz, Larry and Robert
From: Emily Alice Grainger
Relation: Friend
I would like to, send my condolences, to Don family and friends, as he had of people he knew, I was his housekeeper and errand goer, for about 1 1/2 years, I would love to go to his house, and listen, and talk to him about life and his ,philosophic outlook, he always had a humour about him, which made me happy, I will surely miss, going over his phone calls. Rest in heaven, and I will see you again Emily
From: Mina Battagin
Relation: Friends in the appreciation of art
Don was such a good friend to me. When I was unhappy and living in Calgary, I could always talk to him about my troubles. He always had good advice, and more than anything, he had a broad shoulder to cry on. He was a very unique individual, who hated small talk,and loved the beauty of nature, and sharing it through his photographs. One of my fondest memories was a photo trip in Osoyoos, when I came to visit from Calgary. May he rest in peace. He is missed.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Donald Lilley
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
