July 7, 1931 – March 23, 2022
Dr. Donald Allen Ecker, a family physician and long-time resident in Exeter Ontario 50 years, passed away quietly on March 23, 2022 at Guelph General Hospital.
When a wise high school teacher bet him $1.00 that he would never achieve his dream of becoming a doctor, he accomplished it despite the pessimism. He proudly presented his medical degree from the University of Western Ontario to the teacher some years later and was rewarded with a $1.00 cheque. Never cashed, that cheque remains attached to the back of his medical degree parchment to this day.
He spent his entire working life serving patients and their families in Exeter as doctors did in those days, putting in long hours, making house calls, being on call for emergencies over holidays and weekends and delivering babies at South Huron District Hospital. Recognizing the quality of his work, the university approached him about a teaching position in their family practice unit. But he would not desert his patients for the halls of academia.
In the days before OHIP, sometimes families were not always able to pay for medical care. But it did not affect the quality of care he provided them.
After retiring from his family practice, he continued to provide care and support for the residents at the Exeter Villa home for seniors. On a more personal note, he had an eclectic array of hobbies but perhaps his favourite was filling many hours creating lovely wood carvings. Many of the designs he used were provided by the love of his life, his wife Melva (nee Chowen), a very talented quilter, who passed away ten years ago. They met when he was in medical school and she was a nurse. They were both very involved in the activities of Exeter United Church, an important part of his family’s life.
He is survived by his children, Janet (Derek Nelson), Cathy Helps (nee Ecker) (Bruce Helps), Doug (Betty Robinson) and Gayle (Paul Rhodes) and grandchildren Lee-Sah Helps and Donald Helps.
Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date at the Exeter Cemetery. Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER entrusted with arrangements.
The family asks that donations be sent to South Huron Hospital or Guelph General Hospital, a fitting tribute to his many years as a dedicated family physician.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Marjory Gaouette
Dear Gayle and family, I was so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I know this is a sad time for you and your family, my deepest sympathy.
Peter & Sandra Kleinstiver
To Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and Families:
Condolences on the passing of your father. Our parents were great friends for many years. I remember many family outings and trips – especially the one to Churchill Downs and then to New Orleans!
We used to say “hi” to Don when we visited my Aunt in Guelph – they were in the same extended care home.
Melanie Prosser
Gayle – so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My condolences.
Bill & Joanne Hodge
Condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Dr. Donald T Jolly
It was with great sadness that I learned of Dr. Ecker’s passing. A great Family Physician and mentor. As a medical student, Dr. Ecker allowed me to accompany him on his rounds when I was at home from medical school. He had a genuine influence on my life and career. Our condolences .
Dan heywood
To the Ecker family My sincere condolences for your loss.
Fred & Phyllis Mommersteeg
To all the Ecker family,my sincere condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather,he was our family Dr. for many years until he retired.He always made time for his patients,never rushed.A great Dr.Cherish your memories.
Jeff Wichtel
So sorry for your loss, Gayle and family, it is clear Dr. Ecker was a wonderful man.
Kay Tripp
To the Ecker Families..I offer my sincere condolences ..Dr. Ecker was my doctor also ..he was well known and respected…
Larry Whiting
To Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and Families
My condolences and sympathy on the passing of your father.
I remember that baby blue 1962 T Bird, plus many hours playing with the trains in the attic. We always had to do the chores at the barn before riding.
He was a great man!!!
Darlene Porter
Deepest sympathy to the Ecker family in your loss. I worked at SHH as RN and saw first hand his dedication to his practice. May your memories be a blessing.
Tom Trbovich
Janet
You and your family are in our thoughts.
Deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
Shelly and tom
Bob and Helen Coates
Condolences to Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and families for the loss of a father and grandfather. Don was a kind and caring doctor to us and our three daughters. He was always there when we needed him. He and your Mom were friends through the church and we had lovely visits. I spent many pleasant hours working on the church archives with your Mom, Melva. They were well respected in our community and were greatly missed when they moved. May your memories comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Yvonne/ Jim Barnetson (Fisher)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet,Cathy, Doug , Gayle and your family’s!
He was Mary and Glenn Fisher and Yvonne,Glenda and Bill’s family doctor untill he retired!
Great man and doctor!
RIP Dr. Donald Ecker
Nancy Dowker
Gayle and Families, thinking of you at this time. As you and I were growing up the local Family Doctors were a measure of the Town. Your Dad was very well respected. A wonderful legacy! Nancy (Underwood) Dowker, and my parents Jack and Flo Underwood.
Jim, Linda (Fleming) Ferguson and family
Doug and the Ecker family:
Our sincere condolences.
Jim Chapman
Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and family;
My condolence and sympathy on the passing of your father/grandfather.
You should be proud of his care and concern for so many clients and his
contributions to the community.
George and Sue Wilson
Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and families, our heartfelt condolences on your loss of your Dad. Dr. Ecker was our Doctor for many years. We went to the same Church and I was friends with Cathy. Your parents were great people. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue (Insley) Wilson
Bev Ivatts
My sincere condolences to the Ecker family on the loss of your father and grandfather. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. Don and Melva were wonderful friends and neighbours.
Charlie Dalrymple
Condolences to the entire Ecker family on the passing of Dr. Ecker. Your family is missed in the South Huron area.
Mary Jane MacDougall
Dr. Ecker was a valued member of our medical team at Exeter Villa. I know many families chose our facility with the knowledge that he would be there to care for their loved one. He was a mentor, a voice of experience and above all else he had a deep and sincere care and concern for all of our residents.
Respected by staff and families alike, we all carry many memories of our time with him.
I am saddened by his loss, but have two of his beautiful carvings which I treasure.
Rest In Peace, my co worker and friend – well earned !
Janet McDowell
Dear Janet, Cathy, Gayle and Doug,
I am sure your Dad is experiencing overwhelming joy now that he is re-united with the love of his life, your Mom.
It was a pleasure and honour to have them be a part of my life.
My deepest condolence.
Janet McDowell
Don Tremeer
Thinking of you , Janet and your family at this time.
My sincerest condolences.
Alice and Jerry MacLean
To Janet,Cathy,Doug and Gayle and your extended families,
It is with regret we learn of your fathers passing.
Dr.Ecker was a wonderfull asset to the Exeter community!
Our Family Dr .and a member of our church choir as well as a highly respected member of our church family.We watched you children grow up under the stern hand of Dr.and Mrs (Melva) and you all became well rounded kids that they both were very proud of!
The love you all showed as a family will always be the best gift you could
have given your Dad. May he Rest In Peace ,having been one of Gods faithful servants.
Wanda Reynolds
Doug & Betty and the Ecker Family.
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. We were one of your Dads Patience’s. We really missed him when he retired.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds
Brent Clarke
Sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I always remember the good times we had at “the barn” where I learnt how to ride and take care of horses from a great teacher.
Liz Stephens
My deepest condolences on the passing of this kind ,well respected father ,grandfather & physician .It was my pleasure to work with Dr Ecker at SHH over the years . May your memories help you through this sad time
Donna Webster
To the Ecker family.
My sincere condolences. Your dad was a good friend as well as our family doctor.
May happy memories sustain you at this time.
Donna
John and Linda Wuerth
My condolences to the entire Ecker family. The Wuerth family shared a close friendship with Don, Melva and family involving day trips to the Lake Huron family cottage as well as horseback riding and other shared interests. Many thanks for your generosity both as our family physician and close friends.
RON AND GLENDA LINDENFIELD
To Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and Families
Your Father was our Family Doctor for years growing up in Exeter, Our Sincere Condolences
Ron and Glenda (Fisher) Lindenfield
Allen and Marjorie Mackenzie Oke
To Janet and family..You have our sincere condolences . Your father was our Doctor until he retired. He delivered our three children and looked after us whenever we needed him. He was very well known in Exeter and area and will be shared in many memories.. Take care.
Irvine R Armstrong
To the Ecker family. As a friend neighbour and what ever. Please except my Condolence. I have fond memory’s of Melva and Don across the street on Rivers Boulevard, and a Lois and Melva taught nite school together for so many years. My thoughts are with you at this sad time..be safe. Irv.
Dianne Dietrich
Janet and Derek and the Ecker family
Our condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.
Bill and Dianne Dietrich
Bob & Grace Clarke
Janet , Cathy , Doug , Gayle and the entire Ecker family , we are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing . Having been the Clarke family physician for so many years , covering four generations of care . Don was not only our physician but became a family friend while often visiting the home family farm in Winchelsea . We pray that God will provide your family with the love and support as you all share and hang on to the valuable Ecker family memories . Bob & Grace Clarke Belle River On.
Gary Land
Doug and Betty and the whole Ecker family sorry for your loss .
Dave Frayne
To Janet, Cathy, Doug, Gayle and families:
Sorry to learn of Don’ s passing.
He was my AME for my pilot’s medical and a former flyer at Sexsmith.
My condolences.