Obituary of Donald "Don" Albert W. Dodman

Donald (Don), age 61, was born in Halifax, NS, February 21, 1963, and grew up in Dartmouth and Meagher’s Grant. His family is heartbroken to share the news of his sudden passing on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Victoria General Hospital.

Don graduated from Acadia University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. He began his career as the Recreation Director for the Town and Municipality of Digby and then served from 1988 to 2023 as the proud and dedicated manager of the Michelin Social Club in Bridgewater.

Don was smart, resourceful, and meticulous and could find a solution to any problem or challenge. He also had a love for numbers and his household budget spreadsheet was masterfully designed and maintained. Above all, he was a funny, quick witted, loving, family man with a tender heart, a generous spirit and strong values that reflected in everything he did. He never missed an opportunity to give words of encouragement or do anything he could to make the lives of his family, friends, and neighbours and those around him better.

Don and his wife Sandy, married in 1988, were best friends and soul mates. They were the love of each other’s lives! He spoiled, protected, and teased her and they chatted endlessly about everything and anything. He always said that nobody could make her laugh or entertain her like he could, and that was the truth. They absolutely enjoyed spending time together gardening, biking, hiking, and travelling. Don was so incredibly proud of his two sons, Alex, and Jared, and loved them dearly. Our household unit also included our wonderful daughter-in-law Melanie (the daughter of his heart) and our grand doggy Winston. Don had a special connection with Winston and could often be seen taking him on long walks on the trails, sharing a treat, or cuddled-up together watching sports.  Our whole family enjoyed many shared interests and spent countless hours talking with Don about finances and sports including F1 Racing (he was a Ferrari fan), hockey, NBA, and March Madness basketball, keeping fit, disc golf, golf, cycling and more.

Don was a die-hard Maple Leaf’s fan and was passionate about the sport of hockey. He lost his father suddenly when he was twelve years old and was given the opportunity to play hockey due to the kindness and generosity of a local doctor who covered the cost of his gear. As an adult he paid this kindness forward as a hockey coach, official and mentor. He served as President of the South Shore Minor Hockey Association that brought about the amalgamation of the Bridgewater and Lunenburg associations. He was also a hockey official for 25+ years, served as a coach on his boys’ minor hockey teams and was part of the coaching team for Bantam AAA, the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League, and the Maritime Junior Hockey League.

Don was just settling into retirement and in the last week of his life, he golfed at Cabot Cliffs, went on a bike ride with his sweetheart, played disc golf, enjoyed a Father’s Day celebration with his family, took a walk with his buddy, Winston, and played gentlemen's hockey “with the guys”. His life was full, and he lived out the meaning of enjoying every moment.

Don is survived by his wife and soul mate, Sandy (Mair-Dodman);  sons, Alex (Melanie Halliday) and Jared, both of Bridgewater; brothers, Darren (Mimi), Stewiacke; David (Karen), Fredericton; sister, Daphne Sibley (David), Upper Musquodoboit;  mother-in-law, Ingeborg Mair (Hantsport); sisters-in-law, Wanda Dodman, Dartmouth; Diane Mair, Kentville; brother in-law, Mike Mair (May), Red Deer; cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Alfred Dodman and Vivian Mae Thorn; brothers, Derrick Dodman & Doug Dodman.

The family would like to thank the incredible team at the Cardiac Care Unit (6.4) of the QE11 Health Services Centre. The nurses and staff were compassionate, kind, and caring and did everything they could to take care of “our Don.” Thanks also to the bystanders, paramedics, and the ER staff at the SSRH.

Don was our family’s guiding light and our hero. In his death he was able to help others through Nova Scotia’s Legacy of Life, Organ & Tissue Donation Program.

Don told our family that if he went early, that he had a good life and would have no regrets. We are so thankful for every moment that we were able to share with him and will miss him profoundly, while remembering his warm spirit, his humour, and his exceptional character. We love you Don, you are our inspiration!

 Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m., Thursday. July 11 the Michelin Social Club, 221 Logan Road, Bridgewater. The family encourages everyone to wear cheerful colors that refelect Don's vibrant personality. All are welcome to join us as we share a few stories and special memories. A graveside service will be held in Riverbank Cemetery, Hantsport, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don can be made to the South Shore Minor Hockey Association to purchase equipment for kids in need.  (Donations can be e-transferred to payments@ssmha.ca with in memory of Don Dodman in the comments). Donations may also be made to the QE11 Foundation - Cardiac Unit (Call 1-902-334-1546 or on the website at www.qe2foundation.ca.

Click on Make a Donation) or the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore (Online at Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. Click on ways to give) or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com