Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, Don died on January 5, 2016 at LHSC- Victoria Hospital, London. He was 72 years old, and worked for many years as CEO of South Huron Hospital, Exeter. He is survived by his wife Iris (Ferguson) Currell of 48 years, his daughter Diane Currell (David Edwards), granddaughters Olivia Currell Tai, Sydney Currell Tai. Beloved brother of Marg Kowalski (Ted), John Currell (the late Nora), and Marion Goodman (the late Wilf). Missed by his mother and father-in-law Peg and Doug Ferguson, brother-in-law Alan Ferguson (Sue), Dave Ferguson (Elsa), and Angus Ferguson (Neni). Donald will also be missed by his nieces and nephews Peggy Anne, Pat, Shawn, Jason, Susan, David, Michael, Joanne, Kyla, Laura, Ardi, Rama, and Nicole. Predeceased by his daughter Jennifer Currell, and his parents George and Mary Currell. Donald was loved a lot, and will be greatly missed.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter (1 street west of Main) on Friday 3-5 and 7-9 PM, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9th at 11 AM with Rev. Paul Ross officiating. Interment Maitland Cemetery, Goderich.
Donations to the South Huron Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
CURRELL: Donald of Exeter
Sandra Newton
My sincere sympathy to you Iris and family at the loss of Don. With energy, enthusiasm and creativity, he made life more joyful for lots of people. It was an honour getting to know Don through Probus, a true gentlemen. I will miss his hugs. Many caring thoughts are with you at this time. I’m a phone call away.
Tom Hartai
Iris and family
Please accept my deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Don was always a delight to serve in my store here in Exeter. I enjoyed our visits.
You are in our thoughts.
Tom Hartai
Brigittes Fashions/ Thomas H Fine Menswear
Exeter
Janice Boyes
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My Sympathy to you and your family.
Janice , sister of Bob Ball
Jim Chapman
Iris, Diane and family
Pease accept my sincere sympathy – the loss of a loved one, husband, father, grandfather, can be modified by remembering all of the positive family interactions that you have had over the many years of being together – look for the rainbows !!
Peggy Macpherson
In my thoughts & prayers Iris. You’re such an amazing woman and have been such a strength to Don. Receive all the comfort you so well deserve during this time of loss. Love & hugs.
Terry McTaggart
Dear Iris, I was very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Hugs!
Terry
Marg & Jim Williamson
Dear Iris and family, We are so sorry to read of your huge loss. Don was always and easy going type of guy. May wonderful memories help you through difficult days and months ahead.
Sandra(Pettit) and Martin Christenson
Iris – Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Because we only met him once, we didn’t know him well but the pictures show he was a happy, loving husband,father and grandfather. Please accept our condolences.
Sandra and Martin Christenson
Kevin and MaryJo Drager
Iris,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Don. He was a great, welcoming man who will be greatly missed. You are in our closest thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Marilyn Waldeck
Iris, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss of Don. He always had that ready smile and such a good sense of humour. He will be greatly missed at Probus and to our community. The wonderful memories of him will help your family through this difficult time and my thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless.
Casey and Anna Marie Cook
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He will be missed by all his Probus friends. We loved Don’s sense of humour and his cheerfulness. He was an inspiration to us all.
Dianne Waun
So sorry for your huge loss, Iris and family.
The neighbourhood is a sad place this week.
Vicky Parent
Iris and Family,
On behalf of Huron Safe Homes for Youth’s board of director’s and staff, I would like to send my sincere condolences for your loss. Don was an amazing man. His dedication and desire to help Huron’s youth population was an inspiration.
Rest peacefully Don, it was a complete honour to have known you!
Bob Down
Iris, sorry we are on vacation in Florida at this time and was saddened to hear the news of Don’s passing. I have known Don since I was involved in the hiring of him for the hospital. I knew at that time he would be a great leader for the hospital and he was.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Bob Down & Sandra Johnson
Larry and Joyce Black
Iris, Diane and all the families –
So very sorry to see Don had passed away. He always had a pleasant smile and had it when he was in High School. Enjoyed seeing the pictures of his Mom. Don will be missed by his family and friends but I am sure they will be there to support you Iris through the sad times ahead. Thinking of you all and send our sincere sympathy.
Jennifer Paré
Dear Iris, Diane, Olivia and Sydney,
So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. So many fun memories at the cottage which will never be forgotten. He will certainly be missed by many. Hugs and kisses to you all:)
Lloyd Koch
I worked with Don during the 90’s when Mike Harris was trying to close his hospital at Exeter and/or mine at Wingham. We and the rest of the Huron Perth hospital CEO’S and our boards decided no hospital should close so we committed to work together and make a plan to create a partnership where everyone would win. Don was a key part of that group, and his sense of humor and fairness went a long way to get us through those difficult times. He was a quality guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
Yvonne & Peter Norburne
We have many memories of Don and yourself at Lakeland, when we used to visit you both for our two week holiday in the winter time. We really miss that and having a good laugh together. I never did master quilting. Iris, you Diane and the girls have so many happy memories of Don that all your thoughts should keep you smiling through the sad times. He was a special man and whom from the thoughts above he will be sadly missed by lots of people. He will probably be meeting up with his pal Wilf and be raising their glasses to you and the family. Stay strong and our thoughts are with you as this very sad time. Sorry we can’t be with you all but we will certainly be thinking of you on Saturday. Love from your family in England xx
Judy (thurman) Christensen
Dear Iris, Diane and family..I am so sorry to hear Don is no longer with his. His wonderful spirit , caring, giving back to the community and sense of humour will be missed a lot. I have many memories of the good old days at SHHA when he was our CEO. He was compassionate and caring…a good boss…”Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Michelle Winder and Mike Sims
Iris my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I have fond memories of Don from the brief time I worked with him at South Huron Hospital prior to his retirement.
Michelle
Carolyn Duckworth
Currell family:
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Both my late husband (Rick) and I grew up with him in Goderich and have many wonderful memories of that time. I know your memories will get you through this very difficult time.
Lorna Stuart
Iris and family:
So sorry to read of Don’s death.
Always a friendly smile.
I did enjoy our chats at the grocery store
A very special man to many..
Wishing God’s comfort to all of you.
Sincerely,
Lorna
Kimberley Payne
Iris – I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was such a compassionate and benevolent man. So committed to his community – I am honoured to have known him even in a small way. May you find peace in the days ahead.
Margaret Prout
Iris and Diane…
Sincere sympathy to you and all your family. Don always greeted you with a great smile and always so happy to see you. I shall miss him at our Probus meetings. Cherish your memories of all the good times, especially at the cottage.
Linda & Terry Cryderman
Our thoughts are with you at this time. We always enjoyed having a visit with both of you. I know Don was a good ear as I complained about my work place.
I wish I could be with you at this time. It meant so much to me when you appeared after Mom died.
Hugs from Fernie.
Paul and Mary Kay Marshall
Iris, Mary Kay and I are saddened by the news of Don’s passing. He was a pleasure to be around, I wish we could have spent more time with you both.
Please mention us to you parents and the rest of your family.
Paul and Mary Kay
Wayne and Chris DeLuca
Iris, Please accept our sincere condolences on Don’s passing.
We always enjoyed his conversations at our monthly Probus meetings, he will be missed.
Wayne and Chris Deluca
Sherrie Broderick
Dear Iris and Family
My deepest sympathies for our loss. I always enjoyed our spontaneous visits at roadside or just out and about. He was an inspiration for some one dear to me in a time of crisis and I shall cherish that memory.
George and Elaine Keller
Our condolences to Iris, Diane and family. We have many wonderful memories while working with Don at South Huron Hospital and his involvement in Exeter hardball.
George and Elaine Keller
Brad & Cathy Gregus
Small communities are built on the shoulders of those who stepped up , rolled up their sleeves, and contributed beyond far beyond their ration, and in doing so, become our ‘champions’. Don’s affable personality was magnetic, and his ability to rally around causes, drew others to serve as well. From health care, to social services, to minor baseball, as well as many other area’s, Don provided excellent leadership…..and our little town is better for having had Don come alongside us…..Don made a difference!
Wanda & Bob Reynolds
Iris and family.
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I always think of his third and forth seat bidding. Number of high card points plus number of Spades. I wish you well and see you soon. Wanda
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Iris, we are sorry for your loss!Memories of your good times together will help you and your daughter in days to come. Gods Blessings to both of you.
Lynda Cole
Dear Iris,
I was very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I hope your happy memories, will help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ena de Haan
Dear Iris,
Such a shock to read this, saw you & Don at the grocery store a short time ago it seems. I know you better than I did Don and remember your giggle and ready laugh from the Community Living office. you were always ready to do whatever needed doing no matter how busy! I noticed you doing the same for Don when he was ill, what a woman!
He was lucky to have you and I’m sure he knew it. Think back with satisfaction on that Iris.
Steve Sararas
Iris…we are so sorry to hear about Don. He will be sadly missed. Steve and Joan Sararas
Karen & Randy Stanlake
I have many fond memories of his spunk from the days on the Board of Directors of Safe Homes for Youth. We talk of him often at board meetings.
He will live on in the wonderful memories in all your hearts.
Bill & Carolyn Kelly
Iris:
So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. Our Prayers go out to you and Diane. He was a great man and loved be all. He will certainly be missed. We recall a lot of good memories.
Susan Moore
Iris, thinking of you at this time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Quilting and your quilting friends will help you get through this! Hugs!
Wendi Schwindt
Iris and Diane…I am so sorry to hear about Don. He was such a wonderful man and loved all of you so very much. My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time…God bless.