It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad on February 18, 2025, in his 76th year. Dad was born July 7, 1948, in Spanish, Ontario, growing up in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Surrounded by his family at his bedside Donald began that forever journey to the spirit world out of pain and at peace.
Donald will be sadly missed by his children Donnie Basawa (Wendy) and Selena Stevenson (Jeremy). He was a proud grandpa to Brennen, Keegan, Kayla, Bryson and Reese.
Donald is survived by his brother Bill Basawa (Marvel) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Elizabeth Basawa and his brothers, Lloyd Basawa, Wayne Basawa and Micheal Basawa.
Our family is forever in debt to his closest friends Bubba and Hutch for all of their help in recent years. Dad will be deeply missed and his memory forever carried in their hearts.
Given the nickname Beeker. No one seems to know how it came about, and there were many variations. Dad had his favourite version but whatever the true one is only he knows.
For decades Dad has passionately been a Chicago Black Hawks (closet Maple Leafs) Toronto Blue Jays and Nascar fan like no other, never missing a single game or race.
Dad’s sense of humour and quick wit were always present, even to the end. You could only just shake your head with a smile on your face. This was his nature from a young age.
Dad started to work at an early age as a sheet metal worker. One of his notable accomplishments was the construction on the retractable roof on the sky dome in Toronto in 1989.
A special heartfelt thank you to the amazing nurses, PSWs and doctors at Sault Area Hospital for their outstanding care and kindness in his final days.
We will always carry your memory in our hearts. You will be missed beyond words by family and friends everywhere.
Breathe easy Dad.
Gekawabamin Meenawa
Love you ❤️
To honour Dad’s wishes, cremation will take place. Family and close friends can celebrate his life with a beer at Dad’s favourite watering hole, Service Grill (319 Korah Rd) on Friday February 28, 2025, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. Payable by cheque or online at www.sahfoundation.com/donate.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).