Joseph Donald Gustin

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Donald Gustin announce his unexpected passing on Saturday, April 30th , 2022, in Toronto, ON.

Known to many as Don or Joe, passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 66.

He was the proud father of Matthew Gustin.

Loving son of Willard ‘Bill’ Gustin (1998) and Joan (Shelmerdine) Gustin (2020).

Dear brother of Tom (Alma), Gary (Judy), Carol Pratt (2017) (Dave) Will (2014) (Joan), Rob (1985), Marty (Brenda), Mike, Virginia (Arden), Steve (Trish).

Proud uncle to several nieces and nephews. Deeply missed by Cheryl, his best friend and cohort for over 29 years, good friend Dave and many co-workers and friends.

Missing his warm pets and loving attention, his majesty, Freddie the cat.

Don was born September 7, 1955.

He went to school in Wallaceburg and moved to Toronto in the 70’s.

He was a gracious, warm and caring person.

A man of many talents.

He played the flute (since high school), was an eloquent poet and writer, loved photography, was an amusing storyteller who loved to make people laugh with his comical outlook on things.

He spent many hours with other family members at the kitchen table exchanging stories and childhood memories usually with a humorous twist. 

His passion and joy for singing led him to many karaoke establishments in Toronto and his hometown of Wallaceburg.

His favorite song was ‘My Way’, which he sang from the heart.

He was quirky, with a warm smile and a unique laugh which he used often.

Most of all, he was non-judgmental and genuinely loved and cared about people.

Unaware of just how many lives he had touched in a positive way, he would be humbled and grateful for all the outpouring of memories, love and kind words that have been conveyed to his family. 

Don had a poetic heart and shared many of his poems on Facebook and on the Poetic Link site.

The poem he wrote when he lost a very near and dear friend says everything that we would like to say to him now…

When You Get There

When you get there, I hope
God answers every question you’ve ever had
Gives you the reasons
for all the bad
A purpose for all the sad
I hope he gives you wings as large
as the love you shared, and a laugh as
contagious as your humour
That he will restore your sight
so that you may see the light
you gave to so many that
needed your bright
I hope when you get there
that you will be aware of all those
who miss you simply
because you cared
The roads you travel are
no longer of gravel
where the winds speak of beauty
and the starlight sings of love

RIP Don. You will be missed.

Cremation arrangements have been made.

A private celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.

In his memory, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Pet and Wildlife Rescue, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.


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