Lounder, Donald Frederick – Age 89, of Halifax, died at home on June 25, 2023. Born in Moncton, Don was a son of the late Dorothy and Burtis Lounder.
He attended Moncton High School, Dalhousie University and Fredericton Teachers College.
He was predeceased by his brother, James; infant daughter, Rosanna; and his first wife, Shirley (Beatty). He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Eve and their children, Amy, Cecelia, and Victoria. Don is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Brodersen (Ken); his children, Carolyn, Cheryl and Eric (Cub); ex-wife, Shirley Scott; and by numerous grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He loved all his family very deeply, was always interested in their well-being, looked forward to visits, and reached out to them when possible.
Don will be remembered for his love of teaching, passion for projects and his sense of humour.
He began teaching in the school system in the 1960s, found his home working as a guidance counsellor in the 1970s and continued working right up until his stroke at age 87, when he was teaching English online to international students.
Don's projects included digging up impossibly large granite boulders to expand the garden, making bread, roasting coffee, building geodesic domes, sailing, learning to play the 'cello in his ninth decade, starting a weaving business, spending many months in China teaching English, crafting a hammered dulcimer, weaving beads into bracelets and finally, spending many hours rug-hooking. His habit was to order every available book on a topic and make notes in the margins as he read. He was an autodidact in geology, boatbuilding, the history of China, the tarot, eastern philosophy, spiritual practices and cultural traditions, including Zen Buddhism, to name a few.
Don loved doing things outdoors, especially with dogs, discovering and establishing paths around Long Lake, before and after it became a provincial park. The many dogs of Don's long life came and went; outstanding among them were Britta, the German Shepherd (1970s and 1980s), and Raya, the Jack Russell (2005-18).
Even in his last few weeks, when his faculties were increasingly failing him, Don was quick to quip and had a ready chuckle.
Most of all though, Don will be remembered for his kindness and patience with people—big and small. He could both encourage you and have a saucy response to challenging circumstances. He had a twinkle in his eye right up to his last day of life.
Don and his family were very grateful to the individuals and organizations who made it possible for him to stay at home during the last months of his life. This includes the many caregivers from Home Instead, the team at Continuing Care (NSHA), Dr. Jeremy Smith, and the Palliative Care team, to whom he gave his last saucy answers.
A Celebration of Life will be arranged for friends and family in late summer.
In his memory, you may wish to donate to Doctors without Borders (MSF), any charity that supports girls and women in sport, or one of your choice.
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