12/06/2025
DONALD "DON" ROLAND STUBBERT
November 6, 1935 – December 3, 2025
It is with a deep sense of sadness and heartfelt loss that we share the news of our dear fathers passing. After a short but very difficult few months of illness, that Dad met with so much courage and grace, he now feels the sweet joy and blessed freedom of meeting his heavenly Father face to face.
Donald "Don" Roland Stubbert, of Cameron’s Beach, Port Howe, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at the North Cumberland Health Care Centre at the age of 90. Born on November 6, 1935, he was the son of the late Roland Wright Stubbert and Molly Elizabeth Stubbert.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lorna Beverly Stubbert (McLeod), and their three children: Marlene (Dan) MacDonald, Diane Budd, and Jeff (Kathryn) Stubbert. He was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Michael (Ellen) MacDonald, Ben (Bre) MacDonald, Allison (Joshua) Arsenault, Katelyn MacDonald, Rebekah (Jonathan) Cormier, Charlotte (Thomas) Tramley, Daniel (Jooyeon) Budd , Jared Budd, Mary Budd, Thomas (Janet) Budd, Emily (Nate) Thompson, Josh (Tatiana) Stubbert, and Julia Stubbert. He was blessed with nineteen great-grandchildren: Landen, Jessica, Anna, Jillian, Phoebe, Rhys, Turner, Xavier, Noah, Elliot, Jack, Lucy, Dean, Elizabeth, Ruby, Theodore, Mackenzie, Luke, and Izelyn.
Don is survived by siblings Carol (Reg) Austin and Allan (Bonnie) Stubbert, and was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Reg Austin.
In his early years, Don joined the cadets and developed interests that shaped much of his life, including socializing, driving cars, dancing, hockey and ice skating, and singing. Don’s early life was filled with music, family activities and tradition. He enjoyed playing cards with his parents and his sister Carol, singing with his sister, and offering his famous one-and-only Chopsticks tune on the piano. He also shared memorable sailing adventures with his sister Carol and his brother-in-law Reg aboard their boat, The Snipe. These outings produced many well-loved stories, including the occasion when Don fell overboard and Reg jokingly called out, "We’ll pick you up on the way back!"
In 1958, Don married the love of his life, Lorna Beverly, and they began their life together in Sackville, NB, where Don worked for Atlantic Wholesalers. They later moved to Truro, NS when he joined Maritime Co-op Services (later Co-op Atlantic), and soon after settled in New Brunswick. Within a few years, they purchased their first home in Gunningsville, where they raised their three children. During their years in Gunningsville, Don and Lorna became active members of the Gunningsville Baptist Church. Don served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. He also joined the Gideons, became a member of Promise Keepers, and supported the church’s youth ministry. Together, he and Lorna chaperoned the Gunningsville youth group on trips to Word of Life Camp in Schroon Lake, New York. A gifted tenor, Don sang in his church choir and in several barbershop quartets throughout his life, performing in Riverview, NB, Wolfville, NS, and during his winter stays in Florida.
In the early years of building a life for his young family, Don constructed an A-frame cottage at Cameron’s Beach, a gathering place that became central to family life for decades and, after his retirement, their full-time home. He and Lorna lovingly welcomed their children and extended family to the cottage each Thanksgiving for a family feast complete with the infamous "Turkey Bowl" football game, photo slideshows, laughter, and cherished time together. Don took great joy in the preparations and hospitality, warmly greeting each person who entered his home. He never missed the opportunity to offer the blessing before the meal, giving thanks to God for the family gathered around him.
As a father, Don was devoted to his children and took great pride in supporting them throughout their lives. As a committed hockey dad, he spent countless early mornings at the Riverview Arena for Jeff’s practices and traveled far and wide through every kind of weather, to attend hockey tournaments. He was Diane’s number-one fan and the most enthusiastic supporter of her "singing career," and one of Marlene’s fondest memories was the quiet, early morning one-on-one time spent with her dad listening to CBC’s weekend morning programs. Though Don was dedicated to his work, he always found ways to include his children , including Lorna’s younger sister Cathy, who was very much part of the family. This often, meant packing everyone up, hitching on the trailer, and setting off for a campground ,near a Coop store or even a Co-op parking lot in some rural community. Wherever they went, Don made it an adventure. During summer vacations, he especially loved spending time with his children at the beach—swimming, boating, and waterskiing. Don loved his children deeply and never missed an opportunity to tell them.
Don also supported Lorna in her folk-art craft business they called LorDon Crafts, where together they created beautifully painted woodworking pieces and many meaningful gifts for customers, friends, and family.
Don loved to socialize wherever he went , sometimes at the expense of losing Lorna at Walmart or his brother Al during one of Don’s favorite outings, the coveted Costco runs. He had a remarkable ability to remember names, families, and connections, and often asked who someone was related to or where they were from. He cared deeply for others and was known for offering comfort to those who had lost a loved one or were going through difficult time; always ready with a warm word, a listening ear, or a quiet prayer of encouragement.
Don enjoyed a long and respected career with Co-op Atlantic, beginning in the printing department and transitioning through various roles. After fifteen years, he was promoted to Manager of Retail Planning and Merchandising for Atlantic Canada, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He was admired for his leadership, dedication, and the lasting relationships he built with the people. Don often emphasized, that he and his team never missed a store opening deadline.
During their winter stays in Florida, Don continued singing in barbershop quartets and took up slow-pitch softball, a sport he grew to love and enjoyed as part of his active retirement. He continued to serve others, using his carpentry and painting skills, where Don and Lorna formed many friendships in Florida and cherished the fellowship and community they found there.
After leaving their home in Gunningsville, Don completed a significant renovation to their cottage allowing Lorna and Don to transition to full-time life at Cameron’s Beach and became active members of The Meeting Place fellowship in Pugwash. Don took part in a weekly community meal program, helping to greet and serve meals, a role that deepened his connection to the local community and reflected his heart for service. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, always there to offer a helping hand. He loved his chats with Shane about cottage renos, raved about Sandra’s homemade cookies and enjoyed the chance to relax and chat it up while fishing with Jeff and Terry.
After his faith, Don cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather the most. He loved being "Gramper," sharing his "sweets stash" with the special little ones, going on "ice cream runs" with whoever was interested, turning ordinary chores into fun, blowing bubbles, dancing about, and being wonderfully silly. He was most famous for his early-morning pancake breakfasts during his grand and great-grandchildren’s visits. His playful spirit and warm-heartedness shone brightly whenever his great grandchildren were near, bringing him immense happiness and revealing a joyful side of Don that his family will always remember with love.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Peter Blaikie, Martha Fergusson, and the Palliative Care Team at the North Cumberland Health Care Centre for the kind, compassionate, and exceptional care they provided to Don, and for the support they offered to his wife, children, and brother during such a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Don’s memory may consider a donation to The Meeting Place to support their community outreach themeetingplacepugwash@gmail.com, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of their choice.
Arrangements are under the care and supervision of A.H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, NS (902-597-2361). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., at The Meeting Place, Pugwash, with visitation from 1:00–2:30 p.m. A reception will follow from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Interment will take place at a later date.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the AH Brown Funeral Home page.
