Passed away unexpectedly in an accident on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the age of 55. Devoted and caring husband of Candace (Dobinson) Cunningham of 37 years. Proud, supportive and patient dad of Kayla and Nolan Goldie, and Mel Cunningham and Kyle Mercier-Woods. Adored and admired Papa Donnie of Nevaeh Cunningham-Goldie, Arlo Goldie, Heiko Goldie, and Henley Woods.
Cherished son of Rose (Anson) Cunningham. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Ed and Karen Cunningham, Cathy and John Lapadat, Mary Helen and Bryan Cowan, Joyce Maver, Wayne and Colleen Cunningham, Jim and Tammy Anson, Dan Anson, Les and Kate Cunningham, and Al and Heather Cunningham. Predeceased by his father Arnold Cunningham, his sister Lucy Averill, and his father-in-law Tom Dobinson.
Don was an admired and well respected Master bowler. Winning the seniors ring and teaching division year-end tournament ring due to his dedication and pure enjoyment of the bowling community. He shared in hard work and many good times, farming and bowling with his father-in-law Tom. Don was always on the go, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Together with Candace, he was proud of the home they built and the family they raised. Above all, he was a very proud Papa of his grandkids and loved spending time with them.
He was so much more than this small snapshot, so please keep his memory alive by speaking to his family, friends, and co-workers and share stories about what an amazing man he really was.
Funeral will be held at Don and Candace’s home, 14466 Fourteen Mile Road, Denfield, ON, N0M 1P0 Friday, February 2nd from 3 – 4 pm. Visiting with family to follow that includes Don’s favourite coffee, tea and sandwiches. Cremation has taken place.
Donations to the Master Bowlers Association, or Big Brothers Big Sisters -Bowl For Kids Sake would be appreciated by the family.
George and Carin Marr
Our deepest condolences at this tragic time. Our prayers go out for the whole family we are especially thinking of Nolan and Carolyn and the children knowing how they will miss their Dad and Grandpa. We will pass this news on to Keegan
Love always
George and Carin
Kevin and Brenda Regier
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Deepest sympathies to you and the family. He will be missed by the drivers and staff at Agway Metals.
Pam Gergely
My condolences to you and your family. We bowled Masters together for many years. Don will be greatly missed.
Pam Stone
Candi, my heart breaks for you and your family. Never had the pleasure of meeting Don, but I feel he must have been the Salt of the Earth.
Sending warm hugs.
Jacqueline Glavin-Daniels
Dear Rose and all the Cunningham family, and Candace and family. It was such heartbreaking news to hear of the sudden passing of Don. Our deepest Condolences! Rose and the boys were best of neighbours and friends for so many years when we lived on the farm, always there for support and to lend a helping hand. Memories I am always grateful for! May your memories also give you comfort. Jacquie Glavin-Daniels and family
Kelly O’Neil
Candi and Family
My deepest sympathies to you all at this time. Don was a great person and was a great friend. He always knew how to make me laugh.
Bruce and Sue Goldie
To the Cunningham and Goldie Family,
Sincerest condolences on the passing of Don. We will always remember him as a character who loved to laugh and make others laugh along too. May you reminisce about all the wonderful memories of the time you shared together as a family.
With love and prayers,
Bruce and Sue Goldie
John & Beth Breimer
Our sincere condolences go Allan & Heather, we didn’t know Don but we are sure that you are going through a hard time. We will call you later.
Ann Smith
To Don’s family,
My condolences to all the family members. Don was a fellow bowler. He was always so encouraging if you were having a hard time. He will be dearly missed. RIP my friend.
John and Michelle de Kort
Candace.. We are very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Cherish the memories during this difficult time. We send our condolences to you and family.
Jim & Marilyn Skinner
So sorry for your loss in Donnie’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Holly Windsor
Melissa, Candi and Kayla
My deepest condolences. I have so many great childhood memories that include your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
~ Holly Windsor (O’Neil)
Terrie and Kirk Shaw
Dear Candie and family,
We are truly saddened to hear of Don’s passing and share in your loss.
Sending thoughts and prayers to you all .
Terrie Kirk Jamie Genna and Mark Shaw
Cynthia Brown
Sending our deepest condolences to the Cunningham family. Don was a positive part of the bowling family. His smile and positive personality will be dearly missed in Master seniors and the Open events.
RIP Don
John, Cynthia and Aidan Brown
Matt Landry
My condolences to the families for their loss. Donny will be greatly missed at Agway. He was a hard worker and always helped me out when needed. I am completely lost for words. I talked to Donny everyday for the past few years being his supervisor at Agway and I can honestly say I miss talking to him these days. I will forever be grateful for all the stories he shared with me about his family. He loved his grandkids so much, he talked about them all the time. My prayers are with all of you at this heartbreaking time.
Grace Rollings
Candace and family:
We are truly sorry for your loss. Don was always up for a chat when you folks lived in Denfield and we crossed paths. Cherish your many memories of times together. They will help you through the difficult days ahead.
Clarke and Grace Rollings
Ken and Shirley ( Heywood ) Simpson
Rose, Candace and all the Cunningham Family… We send our deepest condolences to all of you at this very difficult time… Cherish all the wonderful memories made over the years!
Ken and Shirley Simpson
Rick Heywood
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Cunningham family during this difficult time.
Linda Rowles
So sorry to about your loss, my condolences go out to the family during this sad time.
Josie Sentjens
Candace
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Josie
Joyce Black
Mary Helen and all your family. Sending sincere sympathy in the passing of your brother. Thinking of you at this sad time and in the days ahead.
Andrew Lesik
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you!
Marg Prout
Condolences to Candace and all the Cunningham family. I have many good memories of
the Cunningham family.
Will and Sharon Vanderloop
So very sorry of your loss Candace. Our condolences are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Trusscore
So sorry to hear of Don’s tragic passing. He was a regular at Trusscore in Palmerston and alway a delight to deal with. He will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. God speed. – The Trusscore family.
Dave and Linda Smith
Candace and family, so saddened to hear of your loss. There are many memories of Donnie from bowling and baseball. Keep your family and memories close, they will help you through this. Hugs and prayers for you and your family.
Annie Ferguson
Dear Candace: some losses seem so deep and senseless that they are hard to comprehend. Such is the case with Don’s passing. I know how important your family is to you and that all of you are struggling with this tragedy. Although I cannot be with you physically, please know that I am here in Nova Scotia, holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers, as you move through these early days of grief. I hold your sorrow in a tender, compassionate place in my heart.
Annie Ferguson
Mike Cregan
Candace & family, it is hard to know what to say to you that will help you understand your great loss.
Bev & I had many years of fun with Don, not just at Masters Events but also O5 events and meetings, 3-6-9 fundraisers and even time together at Cleveland’s House for O5 Conventions.
He was truly fun to be around, win or not he would be happy for the competitors.
Just know that you have been so lucky to have Don in your life – I know we are.
Thoughts and prayers are with you even though we can’t join you at the funeral.
Mike & Bev Cregan.
Marilyn Irwin VanBelois
Don was an amazing person. He will be truly missed.
Carol Cunningham Sloetjes
Cunningham family
Condolences from another Cunningham family. This loss is shocking and sad for all. Memories of riding the school bus together, our kids discovering in high school they were related to catching up on life at Tim Hortons while waiting to order morning coffee from time to time will be cherished! Prayers for all as family and friends gather to celebrate Donnie’s life, love and family! Peace be will all!
Carol Cunningham Sloetjes
Paul and Tammy East
Rose, Dan and Alan
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sincere condolences to you all.
Wayne Carroll
We are so sorry for Your loss
Many memories of Don growing up in our community Our deepest condolences
Wayne &Cheryl Carroll and family
Debbie Wonnacott
So sorry to you and your family Candace.
Doug and Janet Billings
Please accept our deepest condolences.RIP Don…I will always remember you as a positive leader.
Sincerely
Doug and Janet Billings
Maureen Poole
I am so very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. It was such a pleasure bowling in the Masters with Don, he was always so supportive and always had a smile on his face. We truly have lost a great member of our bowling family. My condolences to his family at this very difficult time. R.I.P. Don.
Larry and Angela Jones
Allen, Heather and family; please accept Angela and my deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Don. You are and will continue to be in our prayers in this difficult time.
Robert & Rebecca
RIP Don. You sure will be missed by so many people that knew you. You also had a positive attitude, smile, laughter etc.
We sure will miss you on Friday nights at bowling as well
Evelyne Rollings
‘Candace and family, and the Cunningham family,
Our most sincere condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Many great memories, of Don and Al, and my boys playing basketball, when they were kids.
Don used to call me Mrs R.
Keep those previous memories alive.
Evelyne and the Rollings ‘
Gerald and Janet Weido
Les, Kate and all the Cunningham families,
So sorry to hear about Don’s tragic accident.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Ken and Bonnie Parkinson
Candace
Very sorry of your loss. Our condolences are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Bob and Brenda Smith
Candi and family,
Our sincere condolences to you and your families for the sudden loss of your husband, dad and Papa. He was very proud of all. We had the pleasure of knowing Don from his bowling days at Lucan Lanes. Cherish all your wonderful memories close to your hearts.
Bob and Brenda
Bria & Lynda Sanders
So sorry to hear You have our Sympathies Brian & Lynda Sanders
Cindy Shaddock
Candi and family, Cunningham family
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Don. Remembering the bowling days of long ago. We are sending thoughts and prayers to you all.
Cindy Shaddock and Family
janet vanderloo and terry vanarenthals
so sorry for the loss of your husband of so many years. please know we are with you and the whole family in this very difficult time.
terry vanarenthals and janet vanderloo
John & Arlene Berendsen
Sorry to hear of your loss…Thinking of you all ..Arlene & John Berendsen
Randy Mercer
Wow still in total shock like many of us.So sad and gone to soon Donny may you RIP and hope you teach every body the bowling game you loved so much ❤️ My deepest condolences 🙏 go to all the immediate family of your great loss of Donny
Mike Apps
To Candi and all family, I have no words to express the loss you are going through except for LOVE
Don loved you all to the bottom of his heart, this is why this loss is even more heart breaking.
I worked with him, bowled with him, had a lot of drinks with him, I will miss him dearly, he was my LITTLE MAN, my nickname for Don.
From Mike Apps, Kim, Greg, Brad and Emily we send you our heart felt condolences .
Ron & Angela Van Geel
Candi and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our condolences to all of you.
Ron & Angela Van Geel
Dan and Ruth Dobinson
Candi. Sorry for your loss. Your family of children and grandchildren can help you keep your memories.
Brenda
Our condolences to Don’s family and friends on his untimely passing. He will be missed.
Brenda and Dave Pankoff
Sue Appleman/Dinney
So sorry to hear about Donnie. He was a friend and neighbour when we were young. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Liam Ostrom
My deepest condolences to the family of Don. Don was and always will be a great, genuine, down to earth guy. He will be Deeply missed.
Russell West
Candace, Mel, Kyle and Family,
Please accept our condolences at the sudden passing of Don. His wit, warmth and kindness will be missed. Know that you do not mourn alone.
Russell, Mina and Jacquie West
Pam Wiebe
Don was such a kind, caring man. I enjoyed the times we bowled on the lanes together. I always walked away feeling happy to have had a conversation with him.. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Don, you will be missed
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Les & Kate
So sorry to hear your brother has passed.
Thinking of you at this time.
Hugs. Cy & Eleanor
Margaret Watt
Candi and Family
I’m So sorry to hear Donnie has passed away. He bowled for many years at Lucan Bowling Lanes. He was always a Proud, competitive and good bowler. The Lanes always came alive when he and Tom walked in. So many memories. Thinking of you.
Margaret Watt
George and Sue Wilson
Les and Kate, Candace and family, Don’s siblings, and Rose, sincere condolences on Don’s sudden passing. Cherish your wonderful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian & Brenda Lawrence
To Candi, Kayla, Mel and family, Don’s family & friends and our extended bowling family,
Brenda and I extend our deepest condolences on the loss of Don. What a shock.
I will miss our morning talks as he was driving on his long hauls and when we travelled together for bowling events.
He loved talking about Candi, the girls and grandkids and his family. Always asked how mine were as well.
We’d banter back and forth about bowling and golf. He would say “Hey are we bowling your team Friday? Ya better bring your A game, cause I’m bringing mine”. He was quick to congratulate anyone bowling a good game on Friday nights.
He congratulated good games bowled and the winners during our many tournament events of Middlesex Elgin, Master Bowlers or Ontario 5 Pin Association as we bowled all over Ontario.
Rest in Peace my friend, gone too soon. You will be missed.
Doug&Noreen Dmith and family
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Cunningham family
May the greatest memories help you through this horrible loss
Janice Dobinson
Dear Candi and Family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s sudden passing. My sincere heartfelt condolences.
Janice
Jenn Smith
Candace
I’m so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Al and Julie Rollings
Candi, Kayla, Mel, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
May his memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Thinking of you all. Your in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Al, Julie, and Family
Cathy (Anson) Nowry and Bruce
My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of Donnie.
He was an amazing husband, father, poppa, son, brother, uncle and cousin.
Anyone who knew and loved Donnie knew how much his family meant to him.
He will be greatly missed by all of us and his light will continue to always shine brightly.
Miss you cousin.❤️
Sandra Huston
Candi, and family. I am so sincerely sorry to hear the news of Don’s passing. I am so very blessed that we ran into you that one day before Christmas and was able to see his smiling face. Sending you and your family so much love at this incredibly difficult time. Sandy (Ackland’s)and John (MacDonald)
Pat ( Legg) Marshall
Oh Candi I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You have so many good memories of what a great husband, father, grandpa and family man Don was. My heart hurts for you and your family. Thinking of you all at this most difficult time.
Heather Burchill-Pegg
My sincere condolences to you and your family Candace, my thoughts and prayers will be with you – and much love to you all as you navigate through this difficult time.
Dave Johnson, President, Master Bowlers' Association of Ontario
A Master Bowler who will be missed by the hundreds of bowlers who had the privilege to compete along side him.
We will miss his competitive nature and his kindness.
On behalf of the Master Bowlers Association of Ontario and our members throughout Ontario, we offer our deepest condolences to Don’s family.
Fred Keast
Condolence to the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great loss. Don will be sadly missed by many.
The Keast family
Tasia Macgregor
Kayla and family
So sorry for your loss of your dad/grandpa.
Craig & Jody Regier
Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
Crystal Ellerington
To the Cunningham Family
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Crystal Ellerington and Family
Bekah Akerley
I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. As a fellow master bowler my sincere condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed on and off the lanes.
Rob Nunns
I was very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sincere condolences to the entire Cunningham family.
Brenda Morgan
It was such a shock to hear about Don’s passing, and our first thoughts were for the family, and how heartbroken you must be. You are most certainly in our thoughts and I pray that you are granted the strength you will all need, as you enter into this new phase in your lives, that was thrust upon you so quickly and unexpectedly. You are in our thoughts during this most difficult time… hugs to all.
Annette Kuhar
Candace, my deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. I can’t imagine what you are going through and all my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and hugs, Annette.
Susan lipscombe
My Condolences to his family. Don always had a welcoming smile. He will be missed on Friday nights at bowling.
Dennis &Kim Payne
My deepest sympathy to family and friends for lost of a loved one he will be deeply missed
Linda Collins-Galbraith
Candi, Kayla, Mellie & the whole family-
I am shocked to hear about Don’s passing. He was a great guy who loved all of you very much.
It has been a while since i have seen you but please know my thoughts are with you all.
My sincere condolences.
Linda Collins-Galbraith
Martin & JoAnne Clarke
Candace and Family :
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Don’s passing. We had so many great chats and fun kidding around at the store ! He was such a proud father and Grandpa .. always showing us pictures of his little buddies!
We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers at this most difficult time ❣️
Martin & Jo Anne
Linda Dietrich
Al, Heather & Family,
Our sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Wanda Reynolds
Rose, Dan, Al and the Cunningham / Anson Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Wanda Reynolds
Patty Masnica
My deepest sympathies to the whole family.
Colleen and Ernie Dobinson
Don always had time for a quick chat and a quick comment.
Thinking of you all in these hard days!
Cherish your memories!
Rick/Brenda Graham (Denfield)
Condolence to the family, Another angel gone too young he was a great guy and amazing neighbors in Denfield. Always happy with a smile on his face and funny even if he was having a bad day. Say how are you today Don and you knew cause he would say while you know.. was the bad day but never showed it.. The good day he would say hey I’m wonderful , fantastic it is amazing day and talk for 10-15 minutes and tell you how proud he was being a husband, father, and papa .. And very proud of his bowling, Good memories for sure, Take care, Sorry for your loss Candace..
Paul and Mary Hammel
Our sincere condolences Candace and to your family!
Dean Rath
My condolences to the families for their loss. Donny will be greatly missed at bowling events.
Dennis
Candace
My most sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Joseph Chadwick
I’m so sorry for the loss of my cousin. My prayers and thoughts and prayers go out to the family and close friends. Don you will be missed by all of us. RIP God has another great angel in his mist and u will be in my spirts
Dick Wuytenburg
Al and Heather sorry for your loss of your brother Don, he was always a character. My condolences to you and your family.
Connie White Tabbert
Aunt Rose and cousins…. I am so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. I pray your many memories will help during this difficult time.
Dave and Joanne Walzack
So so sorry to hear of Don’s accident. He was always so happy and always had a funny comment. Good memories from when we were kids.
Carmen JONES
Dear Candi and family, We are as shocked as everyone with this news of Don’s sudden death. Our condolences. When you distill it down, Family is all we have. Love to all of your family as you navigate this new, unfair reality.
Love from Carmen and David Jones ❤
Shirley Hay-Janke
My heart is breaking for Rose and Don’s family never easy to say goodbye. Donnie was a carefree young man when I knew him and loved his family. My prayers are with all of you at this heartbreaking time.
Carolyn Gower
To all of Donnie’s Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the sudden loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother.
Hold all of your cherished memories close at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dan & Carolyn Gower & Family