KELTERBORN, Donald-

Don died peacefully at WRHN-Midtown on Monday, September 28th, 2026. He led a remarkable life in his 81 years. At age 20, Don had an accident and sustained a brain injury which left him with a disability. Despite that, through extensive rehabilitation and recovery Don went on to live a full, rich, independent life. Throughout his life, Don never complained and never allowed his limitations to define him.

His first job was working at the Kelterborn Meat Market in Wellesley. After his accident and recovery, he worked for the March of Dimes and then spent the majority of his working life in Brantford at ARC industries as a job procurement officer and workshop supervisor. Don was a minimalist and master of making things last for a long time. Through hard work, sheer determination and frugality Don was eventually able to buy a home in Brantford and cottages in Jackson’s Point, Lake Simcoe. His greatest pleasure in life was to go to the cottage on weekends and spend time with family and friends around the campfire, having barbecues and enjoying the lake surroundings. These experiences brought him much joy and provided him with lasting memories.

In retirement he moved to Kitchener to be closer to family. He loved getting out into nature on his scooter with his beloved dog, Lucy where he met many people along the community trail. He was loved and cared for by neighbours, special friends Ray and Linda Duhaime, Brenda and Matthew Holvey, Kevin and Patty Bushell and many people in the neighbourhood. Don made an impression on everyone he met. His greatest pleasures in life were playing cribbage, eating good food, smoking cigarettes, and following the stock market and business trends. We will always think of him when we eat some of his favourite foods which included pigtails, schnitzel, sauerkraut, roast beef and gravy, liver and onions, good German summer sausage and Harvey’s hamburgers.

Don was predeceased by his beloved son Harry (S. Carolina), his sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Jim Doering, his brother and sister-in-law Ron and Wilma Kelterborn. Don is loved and dearly missed by his S. Carolina family Marilyn Henderson (daughter-in-law), Grandson Mark (Ashley) Kelterborn, Great-Grandchildren Hunter and Lauren. He is loved and cherished by his family members: Marg and Don Budd, Elaine and Clare Gingerich, Diane Kelterborn, Marion Kelterborn, Royal and Donna Kelterborn, God-son Craig Doering and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A private family service will take place at a later date. Thank you to Highland Place retirement home and also to the medical, social work and pastoral care staff at WRHN for their thoughtful, compassionate care. If desired, donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth Humane Society, WRHN Foundation or Parents for Community Living would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Futher-Franklin Funeral Home, Wellesley. www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com

The Lord is My Shepherd. Rest in Peace Don.

Follow these links to donate on-line:

Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth Humane Society

https://kwsphumane.ca/

Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation

https://wrhnf.ca/

Parents for Community Living

https://pclkw.org/