In loving memory of
Donald "Don" Raymond Monson
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
It is with a deep sense of loss that the family of Donald “Don” Raymond Monson, 80, of Bedford, share the news of his passing on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Parkstone Enhanced Care in Halifax. Born in Toronto, he was a son of the late Arnold and Vivian (Martin) Monson.
Don grew up in the Toronto area and attended Downsview High School and later the University of Toronto where he earned his pharmacy degree. His career in pharmacy extended over four decades.
He moved to Vancouver in 1977 and enjoyed the west coast lifestyle with his family. Don was a very musical guy. He played piano and taught himself guitar and bass. His very deep walk of faith in Jesus brought him into many opportunities to play music in worship bands and sing in the choir.
When the internet showed up, he was the first guy on the block to get a computer. He loved all the “techy” stuff. He took to it like ducks take to water. Don had many hobbies over the years but because of his love of the outdoors he found something that was a perfect fit for his personality: Geocaching. If you don’t know about it just google it. It’s a worldwide hobby. He was one of the first guys in his area to find a cache and soon was making some to put out for others to find. This hobby involved the whole family for over 20 years. He found nearly 3000 caches worldwide! Oh, what fun we had including the young grandkids who went with grandpa to find “twesures in the forest”. So, you go out finding these hidden objects and go home and log it onto the website. Oh, how he loved this!
When Don became ill, he moved with Dena to Halifax to be near their daughter and her family. Still geocaching a bit, mind you!
The family wants to thank the staff at Parkstone Extended Care for the kindness and love they showed to both Don and the family as they took such beautiful care of him for his last year of life.
Don leaves behind his loving wife Dena, adored daughter, Jennifer (Joshua) Allen, Bedford, proud grandfather to Everleigh and Kai; sisters, Marion (Peter) Burritt, Brampton, Eleanor (David) Copping, Carleton Place, Ottawa; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of his life will be held at Grace Chapel, Halifax, on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Ross Macdonald officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.
For those wishing, donations in Don’s memory made to a charity close to you would be appreciated by his family.
PRINTABLE VERSION
SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Celebration of Life
Grace Chapel
October 22, 2026 2:00 pm
255 Ross Street Halifax, NS
Celebrant: Pastor Ross Macdonald
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FAVOURITE CAUSES
Charity of Your Choosing
The family asks that you make a donation to a charity that is important to you, if so desired.
PHOTOS
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The family have chosen this music to honour their loved one.
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Dear Dena and Family:
Please accept my condolences. I have so many fond memories with Don, and am so grateful to have known him. I won’t forget our many years of serving on worship team together. A special memory I treasure is when you guys treated Karen and I to join you for a Phil Keaggy concert. So fun.
I loved Don’s consistent humility, gentleness, sense of humour, and servant heart.
May he now be at peace, now free from sickness and trouble, present with the Lord Jesus. Grace and peace to all of you in this next season of grief and transition.
Sincerely,
Phil Vanderveen.
Dena,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that you’ve been missing him for a long while now. It’s a blessing to know that he’s peacefully in heaven, greeting his friends and family, and reading books! 📚
It’s a bittersweet loss though.
Be well my Friend,
Barbara & David Carmichael
& Rose