MALLORY, Donald  1921 – 2005

Mallory, Donald (1921-2005)
Don was born Oct 18, 1921 in the family house in Kirkcaldy to Grant and Lorena Mallory. He lived a full life in the community until his passing Jan. 6, 2005 at Vulcan Community Health Centre.

Growing up he split his time between the hamlet and the family farm near Alston. He attended school in both areas. He also went Boyne and high school in Vulcan.

Don enlisted in the Air Force and served as a WAG, wireless air gunner. He was first stationed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and patrolled in Venturas, and Catalinas. He then went overseas, flying out of England in Lancasters. During the war, he had many chums, including Grim Jack, Sweet Pea, Horsey, Meathead and Homo (some with regular names as well).

Don came home to Kirkcaldy and opened up Mallory & Carnegie General Merchants with his sister Elva, mother of Buster, Joanne and Lorena. The store would provide the locals with groceries, television/radio repair, postal service, cribbage and rummy. Card lessons were two bits. Name-calling was kindly thrown in at no extra charge.

In ’66, Don and Mary Shackleton gone got married. Don’s new nephews: Murray, Tom and Peter were the children of Mary’s brother Allan and his wife Ruth. An additional niece, Laura, would be added in the future.

Mary also provided Don with two more shopkeepers; Donald Grant and William Albert (Jennie Hawes). Mary made it possible for Don to work on his music, one of the greatest joys in his life, after Elva had to move away to BC for health reasons.

Don retired with the arrival of the GST. His knack for card playing continued at card parties at the Kirkcaldy Hall and the Legion. His time was also spent working on family history. He had traced his family line back to Charlemagne with only a few gaps. Don was also an avid baseball fan and played catch with his sons until the age of 72.

Don saw his last year in life as a bonus year. He was able to live out his life at home, thanks to the love and attention of Mary. He also become a grampa and was quick to brag about his grandson Alexander’s profound ability to pee on his own head.

Don’s family also included seven great nephews and nieces who were very special to him. He was elated when both Bobbe Jo and Grant recently announced there were great, great nephews or nieces on the way.

All things considered, Don enjoyed a full life. He passed away with his family at his side. He had no greater love, than the love for his family. It was the perfect ending to a most beautiful song.

A memorial service will be held at the Vulcan Legion on Saturday, January 15 at 2 p.m.
Inurnment at a later date at the Alston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.

MALLORY, Donald 1921 – 2005
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