Youth Haven expresses condolences on the passing of former board chair

Youth Haven expresses our deepest condolences on the passing of former Chairman of the Youth Haven Board of Directors, Mr. Don Acheson.

Donald Russell Acheson, of Barrie, Ontario passed away on October 8, 2020 at the age of 81.

Born on September 16, 1939 in Proton Station, Ontario, Don was the first of five children. He grew up in the bosom of a loving Christian family in a tight-knit farming community, and developed an enduring love of music, sports and horses during those years.

In September of 1964, Don married Janet and embarked on what would be the adventure of a lifetime: raising eight children. A devoted family man, he served as PTA President at Goodfellow Public School in Alcona Beach, and was one of the founders of Innisfil’s youth softball and soccer leagues. He coached and umpired youth and women’s ball teams for many years and found great joy in helping others improve their skills in the sport he loved so much.

Don’s service to the community went beyond athletic fields, rinks and courts, however. A longtime member of Grace Communion International, he served as a deacon for many years, helped organize Barrie’s “March for Jesus,” and drove the elderly to appointments for the Red Cross. He shared his love for music as worship leader at Ferris Lane Community Church’s services for seniors. He was involved for many years with Telecare, answering calls of distress from the lonely or suicidal, and Out of the Cold, providing shelter for Barrie’s homeless.

Especially close to his heart was Youth Haven, where he served for ten years as Chairman of the Board. Providing shelter and counselling for teens with nowhere else to go, this organization helps its residents to finish school, learn life skills, and transition to independent living.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Janet of Barrie, eight children, twenty-five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and brother George Acheson of Flesherton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Youth Haven Barrie, using the donate button on our website, or by mailing a cheque to:

22 Wellington St E, Barrie, ON L4M 2B8.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…’” [Matthew 25:34-35.]

You must be logged in to post a comment.