TREMAINE, Donald Graham

Following a protracted two year battle with foes too numerous to mention, our husband, patriarch, mentor and best friend passed way December 15, 2019 at the age of 91. Ever stoic and optimistic in the face of this final phase of discomfort and pain, Don left this life the way he lived it: with grace, dignity and surrounded by all of the people he loved so deeply. Born in Boston, Mass. June 27, 1928, Don moved to Halifax at the age of three, and settled in Rockingham with mother Marjorie, father Leonard and sister Marilyn (aka Bugs). Introduced to the nascent broadcasting industry as a teenager, he quickly discovered a passion and talent for "the game", and spent close to 40 years cultivating one of the most recognizable voices and reputatons in the country. Following a brief stint in the Marine Division of the RCMP, Don moved on to apprenticeships at and CHNS Halifax and CBC Radio Sydney, then to CBC Halifax where he left a very large footprint. He spent most of the 1960’s in television, and with teammates (some might say cell mates) Max Ferguson, Lloyd Maclnnis and Rube Hornstein, helped put CBC Halifax on the map. Hosting Don Messer’s Jubilee, Gazette, Country Time, and much later the IWK Telethon, and Tall Ships Parade of Sail represent just a few of his contributions to the broadcast culture in the Maritimes, and indeed Canada. Don shifted gears in 1972 when he assumed host duties for the iconic Information Morning on CBC Radio Halifax, a role he embraced with passion and unerring commitment. His relationship with microphone mate Don Connolly was especially tight during this era, as the two Dons made a formidable and compelling team. As Senior Staff Announcer, he embodied the template of broadcast standards until his retirement in 1987. Don’s compassion for those less fortunate shone through in the charity/volunteer work he pursued over the next couple of decades: assisting the IWK, reading for the sight challenged at Halifax School for the Blind, and lending his face and voice to just about any other organization needing a helping hand. Don also spent a number of years banging a gavel as a Citizenship Court Judge, and His Honor cut quite a dashing figure in those ceremonial robes. However, his defining moment in a lifetime of service and distinction occurred in 1996, when he was awarded the Order of Canada. Blessed with a ribald (some might suggest raunchy) sense of humour, Don’s booming baritone and infectious laugh could rattle concrete foundations all over the city. While he never sought the role of "life of the party", he could certainly ignite one that required a catalyst. Don was one of the earliest adoptors of the health and wellness movement, taking up jogging in 1968 at the age of 40, and by actual count (his), hit 54,000 km when he hung up his sneakers. Strumming his vintage Martin and warbling his favorite country tunes, reading voraciously, or rendering a gorgeous acrylic landscape on his easel, Don challenged mind, body and spirit at every opportunity. Time spent at the family "shack" in Toney River was sacred to him, as he and Jean decompressed there from May through October for more than 50 years. His strongest passion however, was for his family. He and Jean (Cameron) raised three children: Rob (Joan), Scott (Barb) and Janet (Jim), and their expansive brood now included six cherished grandchildren: Andrew (Miho), Kate (Ryan), Sarah, Caroline (Matt), Laura (Chace) and Mark. Five great-grandchildren have been welcomed into the clan as well. Sleep well Dad, and know that you are deeply loved and desperately missed. Always. Donations in Don’s name can be made to the IWK Auxillary, or Metro Care and Share. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.