Donald Keller Black

November 5, 1936 – June 3, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce that Don passed away peacefully at Scarborough General Hospital after being in Palliative care for one week.

Don was born in Newmarket, and lived in the hamlet of Zephyr untill the age of 16 when he came to Toronto.

He was the son of the late William and Marieda Black.

William died in a farming accident on Don’s fourth birthday when a tractor rolled over on him. Don was raised by his mother, his grandmother and his beloved Aunt Edna.

He is survived by his younger sister Lois Starfield of St. Catharines.

Don was married to his loving wife Ruth (nee Morrison) for 64 years and they resided in Scarborough.

Don was a devoted father of Gwen (Danny) and Craig (predeceased).

Cherished grandfather of Andrew (Sarah) and Lisa (Joseph).

Dear great-grandfather of Haleigh, Rory and Sadie.

He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

At age 16, Don served his apprenticeship as a linotype machinist at the Globe & Mail in Toronto thus beginning a lifelong passion.

When the newspaper went on strike in 1964, Don began servicing Letterpress equipment. Then in 1968, he started his own business out of the basement. This grew over time to 6,000 square feet of warehouse in Scarborough.

His son Craig became a partner upon graduation from high school. This enabled the company to grow and sell worldwide. Alongside Don and Craig, Ruth worked at the company business for many years. Gwen also worked there when needed. Andrew and Lisa worked with their grandfather and uncle at the shop during summer holidays and learned many valuable skills. It was a family business in the truest sense of the word.

The company had the largest inventory of hot metal type in Canada, possibly North America. Don became a legend who was featured in the National media.

Upon Craig’s passing, the company closed after 50 successful years.

Even though Don was retired, many Letterpress users continued to consult him and relied on his great expertise.

From the time Don was a child, he was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. He was a die-hard fan and enthusiast.

In the 80’s and 90’s, he had a keen interest in owning standard bred racehorses. He would go to the track where his horses were racing and have a great time with his son-in-law Danny and close friends Glenn and Ross.

From 1991-2018, Don and Ruth enjoyed their condo in Florida where Don played golf every day. During this time, he made many lasting friendships and also scored a Hole in One.

Please join Don’s family for visitation on Tuesday June 13, 2023 at Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Road, Scarborough from 1-2 p.m, followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. You are welcome to share your special memories of Don at the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Toronto Humane Society. Special thanks to the wonderful care that Don received from the doctors and nurses in Palliative care. We know that Don would want us to thank Netsanet, his Personal Support Worker who always brightened his day at home. To send expressions of sympathy please visit www.jerrettfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions in Donald's name can be made to the Toronto Humane Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jerrettfuneralhome.com for the Black family.