Donald “Don” Bedford
October 4, 1942 – December 6, 2024
With much sadness, we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Bedford father of Randy Bedford (#617) on December 6th. He was 82. Don started with North York Fire in 1970 and served for twenty-five years.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Randy, his family, and friends from the Scarborough Retired Fire Fighters
Donald “Don” Bedford
October 4, 1942 – December 6, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Donald (Don) Bedford aged 82 on December 6th at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg with his family by his side. For over 51 years he was a devoted husband to his beloved late wife Donna. Loving father to Randy and sadly his predeceased daughter Cindy. Proud Papa to Kyle, Joey, Sarah, Torey and Great Papa to Haylie and Colton.
A printer by trade he later joined the North York Fire Department in 1970 where he served for 25 years. Don was known as a reliable, respected firefighter, a great friend and of being strong of both mind and body. He was an avid reader who also loved to work out. It was on the fire department where the greatest friendships of his life were formed. It was here where he was grateful to meet his two best friends Paul and Al.
Don was an excellent athlete as a boy excelling in baseball, football and hockey. He was written up in the paper for pitching a no hitter at a CNE tournament, he was quarterback on his high school football team and was a great hockey player. As an adult he loved watching football and hockey and was an avid fan of the Argos and Leafs. Just recently enjoyed watching the Argos win the Grey Cup. The Leafs…well at least he remembered 67.
One of Don’s greatest passions were his dogs. Dogfather to Sable, the late very special Sage and numerous other rescue dogs to which he gave a great life. It was his dogs who helped get him through the many tragedies he sadly dealt with in his life. He also loved a cat named Stormy and put up with a number of other cats, guinea pigs etc for the betterment of his marriage.
Don’s life was always about others; be it his family, his friends or his pets. In keeping with this he did not want a funeral. However if you would like to honour him I’m sure he would appreciate a donation to any local dog rescue in his memory.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Christopher Reeve