Obituary of Donald Sheldon Disher

Don Disher March 7, 1940 – August 10, 2023 Surrounded by most of his family, Don passed away peacefully in his home in London, Ontario. Don was born in Welland Ontario and grew up on a farm in Wellandport where he experimented with a number of endeavours including beekeeping and muskrat trapping. He became a master ploughman, winning awards for straight furrows. He enjoyed baseball and pitched for a local team. He quickly demonstrated leadership abilities and led the Youth Ministry for the Christian Church Disciples in the area. After completing his BA at McMaster University, he attended the University of Windsor, undertaking studies towards an MA in Economics and completing a Masters in Social Work. This led to a varied career in the field, firstly in Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Windsor, then as Community Development/Family Support worker in Hamilton. An achievement he was particularly proud of was his work with the Mental Health Team for Norfolk Haldimand where he supported the development of Abel Enterprises which provided employment for persons with mental illnesses and developed a Children’s Mental Health Service. On a more personal level, Don loved to innovate, and, in this regard, he challenged himself with designing and building a geodesic dome home which was a source of pleasure and pride. He was a man of many talents and interests; he loved to sing, play the piano, listen to music and read on a wide variety of subjects including but not limited to philosophy, science, business, history and politics. He loved his garden and renovating his home. In retirement, Don was on the Board of Directors for the Grand Willow Corporation with Options for Homes and was greatly appreciated for the contribution he was able to make. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Helen Stoesz, his former wife, Sandra (Lidster) Disher and their son Brandon Disher, wife Jessica Riffel, and grandchildren Brooke, Grayson and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sisters Anne (Dave Sebben) and Joan (James Meade); brother-in-law Tony Brescia, and nephews and nieces – Vincent Meade (Shari Kudsia), Josette Meade, Cedric Meade (Elizabeth Queen), Leslie (Richard Higgs) Stacey (Joel DeSilva) and their children: He was predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Edith Disher and his youngest sister Lorraine Disher. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Movement Disorders Clinic at London Health Sciences Center and to St. Elizabeth Health Care. Online condolences may be made at Mount Pleasant Cemetery (London) Inc. www.mpcemetery.ca