Donald George Mellor, (Don) 81, dedicated partner, beloved brother, favorite uncle, great uncle, and friend, passed away suddenly September 9, 2024 due to a severe stroke. Don was born in Montreal and grew up in St. Eustache. He was the first-born son of Donald James Mellor and Nancy Mellor (nee Agnes Coupar).
An adventurous soul, with a dream in his heart he moved to the BC coast in his 20s. He was a master sailor and fulfilled his dream by building a beautiful 42-foot yacht, L’Orenda. Don was well known on Salt Spring Island as he had a successful touring business where many enjoyed the pleasure of sailing with Captain Don through the Gulf Islands. He was always active, biking, walking, and sailing, a disciplined spiritual person who meditated daily. Intelligent, generous, a thoughtful creator of beautiful poetry, his presence had a special quality we all appreciated.
Don’s commitment to peace work was a central part of his life. He would talk about how peace wasn’t just an emotional, social, or intellectual concept but was a fundamental feeling underlying everything we do, from taking a breath to helping others. Don was co-founder of the SSI Peace Class.
He will be deeply missed by his partner, Jessica Garceau, his brother David, sisters Wendy and Laurie, his nephews and nieces, Jessica, Emilie, Etienne, Jasper, Katherine, James and many friends.
As Don requested, his ashes will rest with his parents Don and Nancy Mellor, on Mount Royal, Montreal. A celebration of Don’s life will take place in Montreal in the spring, and on Salt Spring Island in November.
Celebration of life on November 16 All Saints by the Sea 3- 4 pm
Deeply sorry to hear about Donnie’s passing. He truly was a generous and kind person. The L’ORENDA was Donnie and Donnie was and always will be the L’ORENDA. Love you always, old friend.