Donald Craig Renwicke

Donald Craig Renwicke, born Oct. 14, 1948, died suddenly Oct. 5, 2025 in his 76th year in Barrie, ON. Raised in Scarborough by his parents Clifford and Marjorie Renwicke, Don was predeceased by them and his younger brother Douglas. Don leaves behind his three children; Ian Mitchell Patrick Renwicke, Colin Andrew Renwicke and Kathleen Hope Renwicke, his sister Jan Walker, brother-in-law Gord Walker, nieces Rachel, Leah, and nephew Gregory Walker, sister-in-law Julie Renwicke and nieces Lindsay and Stacey.

Don attended Woburn Collegiate in Scarborough, then graduated from Western University. He was a dedicated teacher at R.H. Thompson in Cookstown, Banting Memorial High School and finished his career at Bear Creek Secondary School.

A complex man, Don loved all things hockey, making friends with Punch Imlach’s son at university, who inspired him to choose the Buffalo Sabres as his lifelong hockey team. He played teacher hockey regularly each week with his colleagues and friends, meeting at the Alliston Legion for beers afterwards. An avid golfer, until his physical limitations prevented him from playing, he passed on his love for the game to both his sons, as well as a deep love of the New York Yankees.

A union man, Don volunteered his time with both the former Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation, (now ETFO, Elementary Teachers of Ontario), and later for the Ontario Secondary School Federation, (OSSTF). He served as the OSSTF local district branch president in Barrie as well. In his retirement, Don remained involved in teacher advocacy work, volunteering with the Active Retired Members, (ARM), branch of OSSTF. In later years, following the passing of his father, Don volunteered with the Alzheimer’s’ Association of Simcoe County on tag days and other events and would make yearly contributions to charity.

Each year, Don marked the seasons by taking part in a number of events, including the annual Orillia Perch Festival, Western Homecoming, Barrie Baycats and Colts games, and playing in the Tudhope Invitational Golf Tournament in Parry Sound for more than 30 years.

Always down for a meal out at one of his many favorite local restaurants, Don was known for his strong opinions, vast connections and the ability to make even the most serious laugh out loud. His stories were legendary and the joy he showed while telling them was easy to see.

Despite his long career, Don’s greatest pride was found in his three children, Ian, Colin and Kathleen. Though he left before seeing them reach many milestones, he left an indelible impression on them. Countless ‘Don-isms’ remain a part of their everyday conversations.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, November 23 at Adams Funeral Home in Barrie, Ontario, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.