Eldon Forest Alderson
March 1, 2017
It is with great sadness that the family of Eldon Forest Alderson announce his passing at home on Wednesday, March 1st, 2017. Loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Survived by his wife, Donna (née Minshall), children: Jane Langille (David), Eric (Maria) and Curt (Ashley); grandchildren: Katherine, Jamie, Cole, Sara and Ethan; sisters: Dorothy Leitch (the late Colin) and Mary Orth (Grant); and sister-in-law Rhonda Kostuk (the late Richard). Eldon grew up on a family farm and carried its lessons of hard work, independence and determination throughout his life. He enjoyed a successful teaching career starting in a one-room school in East Nissouri and retiring as the Principal of St. Marys D.C.V.I. Eldon was an extraordinary artisan, excelling at wood turning, decoy carving, glass etching and bead making. The family greatly appreciates the care and support provided by the entire palliative team, especially Sherry Veriglio (RN) and Dr. Kirk Hamilton. Cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the family home. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Eldon are asked to consider their charity of choice.
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(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Heart and Stroke Foundation (Ontario))
(Donated to Woodstock General Hospital )
An honest man here lies at rest / As e're God with his image blest! / The friend of man, the friend of truth, / The friend of age, and guide of youth: / Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd, / Few heads with knowledge so inform'd: / If there's another world, he lives in bliss; / If there is none, he made the best of this. (Robert Burns, 1759-1796) Dear Mrs Alderson, Please accept my belated condolences to you and your family. Mr Alderson showed me great kindness and understanding at a time when I needed it most, and I will always remember your gracious hospitality welcoming me into your home during the snowstorm that shut down our beloved St MDCVI in 1971. With heartfelt sympathy, D. Beitans
Dear Donna, Curt, Eric, Jane and families: I'm sending along my heartfelt sympathies to you, on the loss of your husband, dad and grandpa. I had the privilege of getting to know Eldon two-fold; first as my high school principal - Mr. Alderson - and then a few years later, as Eldon, the full-time dad of Curtis, who was a classmate of my daughter Jordan. Eldon and I spent many a class trip together, as 'parenting peers', corralling our kids and so many others, counting heads, and counting heads again and then again! I think we enjoyed every trip - albeit some more than others! Once again, Donna, I'm sorry to hear this news. Warmest thoughts coming your way. Betty and family
Donna and family: Faye and I were sorry to hear of Eldon's passing. Eldon and I had some good times over the years in St. Marys. Our mens' June weekends in Muskoka, shared interests in woodworking and working with the students and staff of D.C.V.I. These memories will last. Faye and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you and yours. Roly Crowder
So sorry to hear of your loss Donna and family.
Our condolences. Eldon was a special person in my life. He launched me into my teaching career and he was very supportive in so many ways. I will always remember him with admiration and respect. The Grafton family.
Eric and Jane : Growing up in the neighborhood , we as children soon learned and appreciated the time and effort and patience given to us by Eldon. He played with us , took us to movies, and shared a great deal of his wisdom with us . In my teenage high school years he soon became a mentor guiding me many times when I had doubts and yes when I was in trouble. He was instrumental in helping me find my way to a career I still am blessed with today. He will always be remembered fondly !!! Thanks Eldon !!
Dear Donna, Jane, Eric and Curt, It is with great sadness that I have just now read the sad passing of your dear husband and father. I am truly so very sorry extending my sincerest sympathy to all of you and your families. It was Eldon who gave me my first teaching job and began my career in education; a career I fully enjoyed for all of my working years. Curt was also the very best friend to my son for much of his childhood and the support of both Eldon and Donna was especially appreciated through those years. Fondly and Sincerely, Gwen
Eldon was a very important person in my career. He took a chance on a geography teacher to teach computers. If he had not hired me I would never have spent 34 years at DCVI. My condolences to Donna, Jane, Eric, Curtis, and his entire family. We stand on the shoulders of giants and Eldon was one of my giants.
We would like to express our condolences to the Alderson family. Eldon was a colleague and friend as well as a fellow "wannabe farmer". We remember, with some amusement, our experience when he asked us to winter over his pair of wild turkeys. When spring arrived, his plans for them had changed so they joined our free-range flock of Bantam poultry. The hen turkey soon took the chance for freedom but "Abe" chose to stay. He took a strong dislike for Harold and took on the role of body guard of Aileen whenever he perceived her to be in "danger". One of our treasured photos is a fully furled Abe strutting around our Thanksgiving picnic table on the patio. Oh, memories.
Our thoughts are with you as we remember Eldon. Our paths intermingled not only as associates but also as neighbors. Jane and Eric grew up with our children, Marty and Carol. Many memories come to mind in recalling this good person.
To Donna, Jane, Eric, and Curt, Gail and I were saddened to hear of Eldon's passing and we extend our condolences to all the family. Having taught at St. Marys DCVI for many years, I remember Eldon's dedication and enthusiasm for the career that he obviously loved helping to guide students and staff through significant changes in education. I enjoyed his leadership, his sense of humour, and also his friendship. We wish you peace and an abundance of warm memories. Les Harrison
Please accept our condolences . Our memories of Eldon are of how supportive he was towards us when we first moved to St. Marys. and as a mentor when I started teaching with him. Sincerely Carl & Jo Zvonkin
Please accept our condolences on the passing of you father and husband, Eldon. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will miss him. As a friend of Curt, I was lucky to spend time with Eldon when I was young. I will always remember how he was a strong and supportive role model and fondly remember his freshly made jam sandwiches from the farm garden. May you be surrounded by comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely, Marty Passmore and family
Dear Donna & family--what sad news to hear of Eldon's passing. We have fond memories of the years we lived next door. He was such a talented and giving man--one thing we took with us when we moved is the etched glass with the menorah that Eldon made for us. We will treasure this memory. Our thoughts are with you.
~ Syd & Jeanne Greenberg