Making a Memorial Donation is a wonderful way to honour the memory of a loved one and pass on the love of Muskoka to future generations.

This is a story submitted to the Muskoka Conservancy along side a generous donation to honour Don Young, a great man who loved Muskoka and instilled that same love and appreciation of Muskoka onto his family and friends.

What Muskoka meant to my Dad (Don Young)

Many years ago, my Grandpa and Grandma bought land on Lake Muskoka in Bala and three cottages were built on their property. One of the cottages was for my Dad and Mom and their children (then my two brothers and I - my younger brother came along when I was 12). My Dad passed away on May 20 of last year at the age of 93. He touched so many in his life and was often referred to as “the nicest man on earth”. Always positive, he lifted others when they were down with his great sense of humour and zest for life. Kindness and compassion spilled over to his love for animals. 

And Dad loved Muskoka. He loved the forests, wetlands, and windy roads that carved out the beauty of these lands. Dad enjoyed cottaging in Muskoka so very much where family and friends gathered and made wonderful memories of playing baseball, water skiing, swimming, boating, board games, Yahtzee, concerts, and bridge. A drive to Bracebridge on Hwy 118 would often involve a turn off onto a road that Dad hadn’t ventured down before – “to see more of the wonders of Muskoka”. When Dad got older and needed to get out and walk to work out his leg kinks, he would drive to Bala and stroll around the town for exercise and to say hi to the locals. 

Dad was thrilled to hear that Dave and I had retired to Bracebridge – we made our home at this wonderful town four years ago. I’m glad we did as Dad’s memory is everywhere. I feel close to him here in the forests and by the lakes. I hear his kind voice in the wind rustling through the trees and through the soft voices of the birds. I have made a donation to Muskoka Conservancy in Dad’s memory because he would be happy to know that the lands, waters, and animals of his favourite place were being cared for and would be here for future generations to enjoy. 

I am sharing a photo of Dad and I at Dave’s and my wedding 13 years ago. Where do you think the wedding was? That’s right! At the cottage in Muskoka. The best day ever.